How to Enable and Use Second Controller on PS5 [And Why]

With the last major software update for the PlayStation 5 came a bunch of new and exciting features, like updated voice commands, Dolby Atmos support, and upgraded SSD compatibility. One such feature was the ability to use a second controller in the same game for assistance. Let’s talk about this in detail!

How to enable the 2nd DualSense controller

Step 1: Select ‘settings’ from the top-right corner of the Home screen

Step 2: Click on ‘Accessibility’ 

Step 3: Select “Controllers.”

Step 4: In this menu, select “Use Second Controller for Assistance.”

Step 5: Now turn on the toggle button for “Use Assist Controller.”

How Can This Feature Help You?

Well, here are three dead-simple use cases.

1. Help new players

There can be various scenarios in which the 2nd DualSense controller can help. For instance, in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, there are sections where the player must complete a series of parkour events to clear the level. Now imagine your friend, who is new to gaming, is playing. They would have an extremely difficult time getting some of the jumps and swings right. That’s where you can swoop in with the 2nd controller and help them cross the section safely!

2. Teach someone complex controls

This feature can also help when kids are tying to venture into more advanced titles. Are the perfect counters getting the best of them in God of War? Well, you can teach them how it’s done using the second controller, and also practice by passing character control back and forth, minus the hassle of having to actually pass a single controller around.

3. Take over contextual actions like QTEs

Yet another special use case could be in narrative-driven experiences which have random quick-time events. Titles like Until Dawn and The Quarry can be played by non-gamers too, as most of the gameplay is based on choices and dialogue-selections. But given the nature of the game, fumbling those random quick-time-events can mean the end of a beloved character. Trust me, it’s sheer panic when a high-intensity chase begins and your non-gamer friend just flings the controller at you in horror, hoping you would do the QTEs for them. The solution? The second controller! Just lay back and play your roles comfortably. The applications are endless!

Which controllers are compatible with this feature?

1. Official Sony Controllers

You can use this feature with the official DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers. But keep in mind that the second ‘assist’ controller will lack a lot of features that the primary one provides, like haptic feedback, controller speaker, and button remapping.

2. Officially Licensed 3rd Party Controllers

Sony has confirmed that 3rd party controllers are also compatible with this feature, but take it with a pinch of salt. Sony’s consoles have a history of being incompatible with other controllers, especially wireless ones. So it’s better to stick to the officially licensed ones like SCUF.

• Buy SCUF PS5 Controllers Here

And there it is! You can now use a second assist controller for all PlayStation 5 games. For more from the tech and gaming world, stay tuned to Nerds Chalk!