Your fightstick should work on the PS5 if it’s licensed by Sony, has a PS5-compatible PCB, can accept a PS5-compatible PCB, or can accept a PS5-compatible adapter.
Best Case Scenario: Sony License
The best case scenario is if your fightstick is licensed by Sony. Even if your fightstick came out in the PS4 days but was licensed by Sony, there’s a good chance that it can work on the PS5. Of course, if your fightstick came out in the PS5 era and with a Sony license, then you’re guaranteed PS5 compatibility.
Second Best Case: PS5-Compatible PCB
There’s another case in which your fightstick isn’t licensed by Sony, but it still comes with a PCB that’s compatible with the PS5. This is also a good option.
Third Best Case: Installing a New PCB
If your fightstick doesn’t come with such a PS5-compatible PCB, then it would be great if your fightstick allows you to install a PS5-compatible PCB.
Fourth Best Case: EXT Port
What’s an EXT port?
Some—not all—fightsticks have what they call an EXT port. Another term that the fightstick industry may use to refer to an EXT port is simply a passthrough.
An EXT port is essentially a USB-A port that can accept an adapter, converter, or dongle—all of which basically mean the same thing.
For simplicity, let’s just stick to adapter as a term. That said, an adapter is like a flash drive that you can insert into your fightstick to make it compatible with consoles like the PS5.
Where can an EXT port be found?
Optimally, your fightstick would have an EXT port that’s somewhere near its USB port where the cable goes. If not, then there’s a chance that this EXT port is inside your fightstick.
What if an EXT port can’t be found?
Again, there’s a chance that your fightstick doesn’t even have an EXT port, but depending on your adapter’s design, you may still be able to:
- Take your fightstick’s USB cable.
- Plug it into the adapter’s female slot.
- Plug the adapter into the PS5.
(Oftentimes, your fightstick needs to run on a PCB or firmware that can even accept such an adapter.)
Summary
Generally, your fightstick should work on the PS5 if it satisfies one of these main criteria:
- Licensed by Sony
- Has a PS5-compatible PCB
- Can accept a PS5-compatible PCB
- Can accept a PS5-compatible adapter
Before You Go
For your convenience, you can simply check out our lists of the top PS5 fightsticks and top PS5 leverless controllers.