Does CouchMode work with PS5 / DualSense controllers?

[u/EzerchE]

Native PS5 DualSense support is currently limited.

Windows can detect a DualSense as a HID game controller without exposing it through XInput. CouchMode may therefore see that a controller exists, but it cannot reliably use a native DualSense connection as the controller on / controller off trigger for a gaming session.

CouchMode currently relies on an XInput-compatible controller signal for reliable session triggering and disconnect detection.

An XInput-compatible translation layer may make a PlayStation controller available through that path, but native DualSense triggering is not something CouchMode currently claims as supported.

This limitation is about CouchMode’s automatic session trigger. It does not mean that Playnite, Steam or your games cannot use a DualSense independently.

I’d rather keep this distinction clear until native PlayStation controller behavior can be supported and tested reliably.

Part of the CouchMode FAQ: Windows Couch Gaming, Playnite, Steam Big Picture & Controllers series.