How Many Controllers Come with PS5?

The excitement of unboxing a new PlayStation 5 is a one-of-a-kind feeling. From the smell of the fresh electronics, and peeling off the plastic covering to the anticipation of new games and gadgets to try out, it is a feeling every gamer wishes to experience.

However, before you get lost in the life-like gaming experience delivered by the Teraflop beast the PS5 is, you may ask yourself first “How many controllers come with PS5?”

Without boring you with a very long article, the simple answer to the question is one. PS5 comes with a single controller as a package.

The PlayStation 5 Bundle

To avoid any surprises, it is prudent to understand what comes inside the overall PS5 package.

So when you open up your PS5, you will find the following items/gadgets.

• The PS5 console of course
• A single DualSense Controller
• HDMI 2.1 cable
• Power Cord
• A USB-C to USB-A cable
• Warranty and Manual

So How Many Controllers Come with PS5?

The PlayStation 5 comes bundled with a single, state-of-the-art DualSense controller. Compared to the older DualShock controllers, it is beefier, has a revamped shape, has advanced haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and a built-in microphone.

But alas, much like that one delicious slice of pizza left in the box, there’s only one DualSense controller included with your PS5. This isn’t something new though. The same was the case with the older PS4 console.

Acquiring More Controllers

So, what’s a gamer to do when they want to share their gaming experience with friends and family? Well, you will need to purchase a new controller separately.

Of course, acquiring new controllers isn’t cheap. One DualSense controller has an MSRP of $69.99.

Do You Really Need More than One Controller?

You have to ask yourself, is acquiring more controllers even worth it? Unless you are someone who plays sports games like Fifa,  or arcade fighting games like Street Fighter, it is highly unlikely that you’d need more than one controller.

FPS, RPG, and Action Adventure games are one just played by a single player at a time. Split-screen gaming isn’t as viable as it used to be for PS3. With the ever-competitive gaming scene, every gamer wants to have their own screen.

But then again, some very popular local co-op games as listed below can benefit from having an additional controller:

List of Split-Screen / Co-op Games on PS5

DualShock 4 To the Rescue

For those of you who DO NOT have the budget to spend on an additional and expensive DualSense controller, there is some good news for you. You can use your older PS4 DualShock 4 controllers with PS5 IF YOU WANT TO PLAY PS4 Games.

While you will not get the advanced features like haptic feedback or adaptive triggers, they can work just fine. And for the season PlayStation gamers who feel a bit odd using the new shape of the DualSense controller, the DualShock 4 can feel at home.

Again, using DualShock 4 controllers is ONLY limited to playing PS4 games. In other words, the PS4 controller will NOT work with PS5 games.

Potential Reasons for Not Including Additional Controllers

There are two critical reasons why PS5 does not offer additional gaming controllers in its package.

1. Most Gamers Don’t Need More than a Single Controller

I discussed this point earlier above. The majority of the players do not need more than a single controller.

Many do not like to game on Split-screen and others like to play their Co-op games online instead of locally.

2. Cutting the Cost for Gamers

All gaming consoles aim to be as accessible to their gaming community as possible, hence the fair price tag of $500 (MSRP).

If you were to add an additional controller to this, it will naturally add to the cost and thus increase the MSRP of the console. The higher the price, the less accessible it would be to the masses.

Plus it would be a shame to have another controller catching dust when you don’t have any friends to share it with 🙁

Also Read: Does PS5 Have DisplayPort?

Final Words

In short, the PlayStation 5 comes with a single DualSense controller. However, if you’re looking to share the joy with friends and family for local co-op or split-screen gameplay, then you’ll need to purchase an additional controller separately.

OR you can make use of your trusty DualShock 4 controller for your PS4 games on PS5.

Also Read: How Many Controllers Can Connect to PS5?