Allowing a previous console generation's accessories to be compatible with a new generation of hardware can be a double-edged sword.  On the one hand, it's great for players if those nice arcade sticks, steering wheels, and cameras bought last generation work with the next one because there's no need to replace perfectly functional equipment.  On the other hand, forcing a clean break with accessories allows the console manufacturer to better control their messaging and draw a line in the sand regarding what does and does not work with the new hardware.  I'm reminded of when Nintendo made their Wii controllers compatible with the Wii U which sounded like a great idea at the time but ultimately confused customers in just what accessory worked with what piece of hardware.  Now with Sony preparing to launch its new PlayStation 5, players are wondering if anything from the PS4 era will carry forward.  This morning the company clarified that information. 

Which existing PS4 peripherals/accessories will work on PS5?

• Specialty peripherals, such as officially licensed racing wheels, arcade sticks, and flight sticks, will work with PS5 games and supported PS4 games.
• The Platinum and Gold Wireless Headsets, as well as third-party headsets that connect via USB port or audio jack, will work on PS5 (the headset companion app is not compatible with PS5).
• The DualShock 4 wireless controller and PlayStation officially licensed third-party gamepad controllers will work with supported PS4 games. 
• Both the PS Move Motion Controllers and the PlayStation VR Aim Controller will work with supported PS VR games on PS5.

Please note, not all PlayStation officially licensed or third-party peripherals/accessories may work on PS5. We recommend checking with the manufacturer to confirm whether a product will work on PS5 and specific titles. 

Will DualShock 4 work with PS5 games?

No, 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.

Is the PlayStation Camera for PS4 compatible with PS5?

Yes, PlayStation Camera will work with PS5 for playing supported PS VR games. It will require a PlayStation Camera adaptor that will be provided at no additional cost to PS VR users. More details on how to get the adaptor will be announced at a later date.

I'm very glad that most of my PS4 gear will work with the PS5, particularly the PS VR equipment.  It's also above and beyond for Sony to send out free adaptors for the PS Camera, so that is greatly appreciated.  As for the DualShock 4 controller, I understand why that will not work with PS5 games.  Sony is showcasing new technology in the DualSense controller that comes with the PS5 and players may be unable to properly play those new games with a controller not built to support them.  Just imagine playing a PS4 game with a DualShock 3 controller from the PlayStation 3 era.  Sure, you'd have your basic buttons, but add-ons like the touch pad, light bar, and audio jack would be missing, and regardless of how you feel about those features, some PS4 games require them and will assume you have them on the controller.  Sony is not going to allow players to use older controllers that will negatively impact the experience of their new console, particularly in the launch window when people will show off their new purchases to friends and family.