DualShock 4 works with PS5, but not PS5 games
While you'll be able to connect a DualShock 4 controller to the PS5, it won't be compatible with next-gen games.
The news comes from an official FAQ post published on the PlayStation blog. In a section tied to the compatibility of existing PS4 peripherals and accessories with PS5, it says:
"The DualShock 4 wireless controller and PlayStation officially licensed third-party gamepad controllers will work with supported PS4 games."
"Please note, not all PlayStation officially licensed or third-party peripherals/accessories may work on PS5," it continues. "We recommend checking with the manufacturer to confirm whether a product will work on PS5 and specific titles."
So while you'll be able to connect your DualShock 4 to your PS5, it will only allow you to play certain supported PS4 games.
"We believe that PS5 games should take advantage of the new capabilities and features we’re bringing to the platform, including the features of DualSense wireless controller," reads the blog post.
The FAQ also notes that specialty peripherals, such as racing wheels and flights sticks for vehicular sims, will function just fine with PS5 games and will operate as normal with existing PS4 ones. Meanwhile Platinum and Gold wireless headsets will remain compatible with the new hardware, as will any third-party headsets that connect to the controller via USB or audio jack.
However, the existing headset companion app will no longer work with PS5.
PSVR hardware will also support PS5 games. All you'll need is an adapter, which will be provided to all PS5 owners with a PSVR setup at no additional cost.
In related news, a recent source code leak appears to indicate that PS5 pre-orders will go live relatively soon. Among other possible features is the potential for a cloud-based backwards compatibility system, which Sony recently filed a patent for. It's not set in stone and patents often fall by the wayside, but the fact that the PS5 will at least support the top 100 PS4 games at launch is promising.