Can you use an Xbox Controller on a PlayStation Console? What about the reverse scenario, where you want to use a PlayStation Controller on an Xbox Console?
Let’s get into the answers together. Fortunately for my PC gamers out there, platform-specific controllers and controller adapters aren’t really a concern on the PC platform, since Steam has built-in compatibility for literally hundreds of controllers and custom drivers can do the rest from there. It’s a bit more complicated for a console gamer, though, so let’s talk about that.
Table of Contents
Can You Use an Xbox Controller on a PlayStation Console?
Unfortunately, no- at least, not without an adapter.
You’ll need an Xbox Controller Adapter for your PlayStation console of choice. In my research and experience, these adapters should allow your Xbox controller to work on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Recommended Xbox Controller To PlayStation Controller Adapters
- Brook Wingman XE. Recommended pick. Works with Xbox controllers from the Xbox 360 era to current-generation Xbox Series controllers. Can be used with PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 consoles without issue. Also technically works with Switch Pro controllers and PS3 controllers, in case you’re wanting to use an older PS Pad with a newer PS console. Finally, the adapter also supports wireless functionality, but only for PlayStation and Switch controllers.
- Mayflash Magic-S Pro 2. Budget pick. Something of a swiss army knife. Works well with a wide variety of consoles (primarily meant for use with PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, as well as Nintendo Switch), but you do need to manually set which controller is being used on the device itself when making connections. Can be used for Xbox Controllers on PlayStation consoles.
Can You Use a PlayStation Controller on an Xbox Console?
Yes, but like with a PlayStation console, you’ll need a dedicated PlayStation Controller to Xbox Controller Adapter in order for it to work.
Recommended PlayStation Controller To Xbox Controller Adapters
- Brook Wingman XB. Recommended pick. Works with PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 controllers on every Xbox console, including the original and the current-gen Series consoles. Also supports every Xbox controller, so you can use a 360 controller with newer Xbox consoles or a newer Xbox controller with the original Xbox, should you desire to. Supports wireless functionality on all of those PlayStation controllers, as well as Switch controllers.
- Actually no budget pick. Can’t seem to find any other adapters with PS-to-Xbox support, for whatever reason. I guess Brook has this particular part of the market cornered.
Can You Use an Xbox Peripheral on a PlayStation Console or Vice Versa?
Aside from controllers, you may also be worried about how certain peripherals, like an arcade stick or a steering wheel, will work with your console of choice.
Following the same rules as above, you can make your peripherals work cross-platform with the appropriate adapter. Be sure to apply firmware updates to your adapter of choice, though, otherwise your peripheral may not be supported. You can also check the manufacturer’s website to make sure that your specific fight stick or steering wheel is supported with your adapter of choice!
Can You Use a Nintendo Switch Controller on a PlayStation or Xbox Console?
Yup! You’ll want to go with one of the adapters recommended for your console above, though.
Switch owners who want to use other controllers with their console are recommended the Mayflash Magic-S Pro 2 (linked above), or the Brook Wingman NS Converter for the best results.
Are Controller Adapters Tournament-Legal?
Surprisingly, most controller adapters are actually not tournament legal!
This ties directly into why Brook adapters are my recommended pick, even though Mayflash and some other vendors can provide similar features at a much lower price. The only officially-sanctioned controller adapters for offline competitive play at tournaments like EVO are Brook adapters.
While this seems a little arbitrary, the reason for this is that Brook adapters don’t support multi-button macros, which is severely frowned upon in a competitive environment. Turbo functionality is also frowned upon, but Brook adapters do still support the feature. I wouldn’t enable Turbo at any events you may attend, though, unless you wish to play with fire and risk getting yourself banned.