Finding one USB Type C port among the other three Type-A ports on PS5 may confuse you. It may make you question whether the Type C port serves a special purpose as compared to the rest of the USB ports on PS5.
However, the answer to the question “what is the USB C port on the PS5 for?” may not be as exciting as it may seem. Basically, the USB Type C port on PS5 works the same way as the Type A ports on USB EXCEPT for ONE unique aspect:
The Type C Port can have a DisplayPort Alternative mode.
While SONY does NOT allow you to connect a DisplayPort video output adapter for connecting a monitor to this port (yet), it DOES use it for the PS VR 2 Headset.
So it can be used to connect any USB device in general and PS VR 2 in particular.
In the following text, I will explain the purpose of the USB Type C port on PS5 further.
USB Ports on PS5
For starters, PS5 offers 4 x USB ports and they are NOT all the same in terms of transfer speed and form factor.
Their locations and versions are as follows:
- 1 x USB Type-C (SuperSpeed) port on the front (10 Gbps)
- 1 x USB Type-A (Hi-Speed) port on the front (0.48 Gbps)
- 2 x USB Type-A (SuperSpeed) ports on the rear (10 Gbps)
So the Type C port on PS5 has the same transfer technology (SuperSpeed) as the 2 x Type A ports on the back. The Type A port on the front is inferior and cannot be used for demanding devices like camera, external hard drive, etc.
The only differentiating factor between the Type C port on the front and the Type A ports on the back is the shape or the form factor of the port itself and the fact that the Type C port offers a DisplayPort Alt mode for PSVR2.
Other than that, they work essentially the same way.
So Why Have the USB Type C Port?
Why have the USB Type C Port when you can simply have Type A ports when they work the same way?
Well, there are some benefits to this:
1. DP Alt Mode
One of the biggest purposes of the USB Type C port is its ability to work in DisplayPort mode.
While you cannot connect a monitor to this (Sony does not allow it), it is a prerequisite for their new PS VR2 headset.
As such, it is the only form of video output communication for the PS VR2 headset. PS VR2 DOES NOT connect to the HDMI port for video signals.
2. Uses Less Space
Type C ports are small and do not occupy a large space. This is critical for devices trying to minimize their footprint to as small as possible.
3. Convenience: Reversible Connector
One of the characteristics the Type C ports introduced was that of convenience. Type C is a reversible connector which means that you can plug the cable any way you want. With Type A, only one side of the connector can go into the port.
4. Type C is Future Proof – Newer Devices Use Type C Port
Given the space and convenience factor mentioned above, many newer devices, and external hard drives, for instance, use Type C as their default port of choice.
USB Type C to Type A Adapter Work Just Fine
Since the applications for native USB Type C port support are limited at the moment, you can easily use a relatively cheap USB Type C to Type A adapter for connecting any average USB Type-A device to this port including, but not limited to:
- Controllers
- Camera
- VR Headset
- External Hard Drive
- Audio device
Type C is Excellent for Port Hub
The Type C ports are excellent for the Port Hubs.
A vast majority of the Port Hubs that multiply into many USB or SD card ports, can easily interface with this port.
Just remember the limitations.
If a Port Hub has an HDMI, DisplayPort, or Ethernet Port, they will SIMPLY NOT WORK.
If a Port Hub has an SD card slot, it WILL work, but only one external storage drive can interface with PS5 at a time. Hence, if you have an existing external drive connected to another USB port, you’ll need to disconnect it.
So What is the USB C Port on The PS5 For?
So TL;DR, one of the most special purposes the Type C port on PS5 supports is the PS VR2 headset. Other than that, it works like any other USB port.
