A small tweak to the DualSense could change how players jump between console, PC, and mobile play.
The latest PlayStation 5 system update delivers a major quality-of-life upgrade: DualSense controllers can now connect to multiple devices at the same time. Alongside this long-requested feature, Sony has also introduced a new Power Saver option for supported games, designed to reduce power consumption. The update begins rolling out globally on 17 September.
The changes were first revealed in a PlayStation Blog post on 23 July by Shuzo Kikuchi, VP of Product Management at Sony Interactive Entertainment, with the rollout date finally confirmed in a blog update on 16 September.
DualSense controller now works across multiple devices
Until now, pairing was required every time the DualSense or DualSense Edge switched platforms. With this update, up to four devices can be registered at once, removing the hassle of constant re-pairing.
Sony explained the thinking behind the change in the blog post: “Many PS5 peripherals, including the DualSense wireless controller, are designed to support a variety of devices beyond PS5 including PC, Mac, and mobile devices. We believe enabling compatibility of our peripherals across multiple platforms creates a more flexible and seamless gaming experience.”
Each connected device is assigned to a slot using a button combination:
- Slot 1: PS button + Triangle (one indicator light)
- Slot 2: PS button + Circle (two indicator lights)
- Slot 3: PS button + Cross (three indicator lights)
- Slot 4: PS button + Square (four indicator lights)
This setup means a PS5, PS5 Pro, Windows PC, and iPhone could all stay linked at once, with switching handled by pressing the PS button and its associated action button.
Power Saver mode arrives for PS5 games
The update also introduces Power Saver for games, a feature that reduces power consumption in supported titles by scaling back performance. Sony described it as “a new mode that enables supported PS5 games to run with lower power consumption and reduce environmental impact.”
It forms part of Sony’s wider sustainability initiative, the “Road to Zero” plan, which aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Future updates for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Demon’s Souls, and Ghost of Yōtei will support Power Saver, with more titles also on the way.
Updating the PS5 system
To install it, head to: Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings. Once installed, Power Saver can be activated via: Settings > System > Power Saving > Use Power Saver.
