How to Get the PS3 Joysticks to Work on the PC

The PS3's SixAxis or DualShock 3 controllers can be used with PCs.

The PlayStation 3 (PS3) SixAxis and DualShock 3 controllers have a variety of features that are attractive to PC gamers, including a rumble function, dual analog sticks and wireless Bluetooth. In 2009, a set of hardware drivers was released; the drivers supported PS3 controllers on PCs, albeit with limited functionality. Thankfully, a newer driver package has been released since then: the MotioninJoy PS3 controller driver, which supports either wired USB or wireless Bluetooth connectivity.

Things You'll Need

• Mini-USB to USB PS3 controller cable
• Bluetooth adapter, Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) (optional)

Instructions

Driver Installation

1. Download and unpack the latest PlayStation 3 controller driver files from the MotioninJoy website. Download the 64-bit version if you have a 64-bit processor.

2. Launch the unpacked installer.

3. Click "Next" and then select an install location or leave it set to the default location. Click "Next" again to begin the installation.

4. Click "Restart" if prompted to reboot the computer.

Controller Connection

1. Connect the mini-USB plug to the controller and connect the USB plug into the computer. The Windows plug-and-play feature will scan the controller and install a basic input driver.

2. Click the "Start" menu button, click "All Programs," click "MotioninJoy" and then click "PS3 Tool." The MotioninJoy configuration tool will appear.

3. Click "Driver Manager" and then click "Yes" when prompted to run the program as a system administrator.

4. Click "Load driver."

5. Click the "Home" button to revert back to the main configuration screen and then click "Profiles."

6. Click the "Game Controller Panel" button, click "Properties" and then click the "Settings" tab.

7. Calibrate your controller to your preferences and then click "OK" to complete the setup. Continue to the next section if you are using a Bluetooth adapter with your controller.

Controller Connection (If Using Bluetooth)

1. Connect the Bluetooth adapter to the computer.

2. Click the "BluetoothPair" button.

3. Click the "Pair Now" button. The "Have Paired to:" entry under the controller selection menu will display the Bluetooth adapter's MAC address.

4. Disconnect the USB cable from the controller.

References

• CNET: Fancy Using Your PS3 Controller for PC Gaming?
• MotioninJoy: System Requirements
• MotioninJoy: Installating MotioninJoy Drivers