How to Play with Two People Using One Xbox Controller and One PS4 Controller on a Single PC

Curious about how to set up your PC gaming setup to accommodate two players with a mix of Xbox and PS4 controllers? Great news: It's definitely possible, and here’s how you can do it.

Connecting the Controllers

First, let's talk about the hardware setup. You will need to connect one Xbox controller and one PS4 controller to your PC. There are two main methods to connect these controllers: USB and Bluetooth.

Xbox Controller Connection

To connect your Xbox controller, you can use either a USB cable or Bluetooth. For USB, simply plug the controller into one of the USB ports on your PC. If you choose to use Bluetooth, you'll need to have the controller in pairing mode, which varies slightly depending on the controller. Typically, you press and hold the Xbox Guide Button until the LED indicator starts flashing.

PS4 Controller Connection

For the PS4 controller, you have the same options. Connect it via USB or Bluetooth. If you choose Bluetooth, hold the PS Button and the Share Button simultaneously until the light bar begins to flash. This starts the pairing process.

Installing Drivers (if necessary)

Since modern versions of Windows often recognize both controllers automatically, you might not need any additional drivers. However, if your PC doesn't recognize the controllers, you might need to install specific drivers. For the PS4 controller, tools like DS4Windows can help manage and remap the controller inputs, ensuring seamless performance.

Adjusting Game Settings

Once your controllers are connected and recognized by your PC, it's time to set up the game. Many games come with settings that allow you to configure which controller does what. You can usually find these settings in the game’s main menu or via the game's preferences.

Some key points to consider:

USB Game Controller Support: When connected via USB, both controllers are generally recognized by the Windows control panel as a single "multi-button controller." Detection Issues: While the Windows control panel will recognize the controllers as generic USB game controllers, most games will recognize them as Xbox controllers due to the standardized input signals and button layouts. The main difference lies in the signal protocol used by the PS4 controller, which is fully compatible with Windows systems.

Game Play

When both controllers are correctly connected and recognized by your game, you should be able to hit the play button and enjoy your gaming experience with a team of two. Just remember to map the buttons according to the game's requirements. For example, while the on-screen instructions might say "Press A to continue," if you're using the PS4 controller, you need to press the Cross (X) button.

For a smoother gameplay experience, especially with games that support controller inputs, ensure the game's compatibility with both controller types. Some games may have limited support or require additional settings to fully utilize the mixed controllers. Always check the game's compatibility and settings before starting your multiplayer session.

By following these steps, you can successfully set up your PC to support both Xbox and PS4 controllers, making it a versatile and fun gaming environment for you and your gaming buddies.