PS5 update reportedly improves DualSense controller feedback for PS4 games

PS5 DualSense controller
(Image credit: Sony PlayStation)

The recent PS5 firmware update reportedly adjusts the PS5 DualSense controller's haptic feedback when playing PS4 games.

In a Reddit post titled 'the DualSense firmware update actually served a purpose," a user writes, "While all the focus for the past 2 days has been the new PS5 software update, it looks like Sony actually snuck in some tweaks to the controller with its firmware update as well. It’s changed the way the DualSense vibrates when playing PS4 games, something that was always significantly weak for some reason. The haptic feedback now more closely emulates the feeling of those DualShock 4 rumble motors." The post goes on to say the update makes a notable difference in games like Rocket League and God of War. Other PS5 players took to the comments to confirm the adjustment, reporting the controller is "very responsive." 

Two days ago, the PS5 update went live, enabling extended storage for the console and One-Touch Play, which turns your TV on when you turn the PS5 on. The update also gave players the ability to see their controller's battery percentage while charging, and 120 HZ support for "some" 1080p/120 Hz PC monitors, which allows for 120fps gameplay. Sony did not mention adjustments to DualSense haptic feedback in its PlayStation Blog post about the PS5 update, which is why Redditors are so confused. "It’s such a weird thing not to mention. I had to mess around with a few games to make sure I wasn’t crazy," reads one of the comments on the original post. 

If you're a PS5 owner, you may want to hop on and load up a PS4 game to see if the DualSense haptic feedback has improved. 

If you're still trying to get your hands on a PS5, keep an eye on our PS5 stock updates

Alyssa Mercante

Alyssa Mercante is an editor and features writer at GamesRadar based out of Brooklyn, NY. Prior to entering the industry, she got her Masters's degree in Modern and Contemporary Literature at Newcastle University with a dissertation focusing on contemporary indie games. She spends most of her time playing competitive shooters and in-depth RPGs and was recently on a PAX Panel about the best bars in video games. In her spare time Alyssa rescues cats, practices her Italian, and plays soccer.

Read more
A Ninja Gaiden 2 Black cover image with a DualSense controller swapped out for the main character's Katana
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black doesn't register Xbox controllers on PC Game Pass, but you can play with a DualSense
PS4 Controllers
The best PS4 controllers you can buy in 2025
DualSense Edge function buttons
The DualSense Edge is back to its Black Friday price, but that doesn't mean what you think it means
PS5 accessories on a table, including two DualSense controllers, a charging station and a headset
The best PS5 accessories in 2025: everything you need to upgrade your experience
The Last of Us 2
Naughty Dog has done it: it's remastered the PS5 controller with a Last of Us-themed DualSense announcement 24 hours after Neil Druckmann dashed our hopes for The Last of Us 3
Hori Wireless Fighting Commander OCTA Pro controller on an orange background
Hori's latest gamepad is up for pre-order, and it's nearly $100 cheaper than other pro controllers for PS5
Latest in Gaming Controllers
PDP Riffmaster hands-on image of the guitar's plastic body
The PS5 Riffmaster Guitar controller falls to its lowest-ever price, and I think I know why
Hori Wireless Fighting Commander OCTA Pro controller on an orange background
Hori's latest gamepad is up for pre-order, and it's nearly $100 cheaper than other pro controllers for PS5
The two colorwasys of the GameSir Super Nova
GameSir launches the Super Nova controller packed with a charging stand, 1,000Hz polling rate, and swappable faceplates
The two editions of the CRKD Les Paul Guitar Controller next to one another
CRKD's new Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller is up for pre-order, and it's coming for the Riffmaster's lunch
Hori Split Pad Pro assign and turbo buttons with LEDs on
This Joy-Con alternative is the accessory I'll miss most when Switch 2 comes around
The Logitech G RS Wheel Hub next to its track wheel
Logitech G RS Wheel Hub review: " Takes the excellent G Pro to an even greater place"
Latest in News
inZOI Character Studio screenshot showing a young woman with short black/pink hair, black cat-like ears, and a black blouse with a bowtie
The creator of upcoming life sim Inzoi says he was "recklessly brave to even think about creating a game of this scale"
Rise of the Ronin
A year after its PS5 launch, Rise of the Ronin debuts on PC to "Mixed" reviews and performance complaints: "Stuttering on a 4090 is just... no"
Rise of the Ronin's photo mode offers some wonderful shots
On the heels of Rise of the Ronin's PC launch, its director says there's a "significant" amount of Japanese Switch gamers: "I am closely watching how this will change with the release of Switch 2"
Stardew Valley Castle Village mod
Stardew Valley Expanded creator is building an "even more ambitious" mod with a whole new city and "dungeons inspired by The Legend of Zelda"
Dino Crisis 2 art showing a young woman and man back-to-back amid tall green grass, both with their weapons drawn
Dino Crisis gets a fresh trademark filing by Capcom, but it might not mean the 26-year-old survival horror franchise will get a new installment like fans expect
Cujo
Netflix is making a brand new adaptation of Cujo, the infamous Stephen King book about a killer dog