How to Use Wireless Controllers for Playstation 3

PlayStation 3 is a revolutionary gaming system that offers many features that are significantly different than those of its predecessor, PlayStation 2. One of the largest technological leaps between the two systems is the fact that PlayStation 3 utilizes completely wireless, Bluetooth controllers, whereas PlayStation 2 used standard, wired controllers. For some users, however, this leap in technology is a bit confusing. Having trouble figuring out how to use the wireless controller that came with your PlayStation 3? This will help.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• PlayStation 3
• Wireless controller for PlayStation 3
• Wireless controller power cord

1. Make sure that your PlayStation 3 is properly set up and connected to your television, and that it's functioning properly. If you can't get your PlayStation 3 to start and display its start-up graphics, something isn't hooked up right. You'll need to fix it before you can use your wireless controller.

2. Plug the power cord for the PS3 wireless controller into one of the USB ports on the front of the PlayStation 3.

3. Plug the other end of the power cord into the access port on the top of your wireless controller.

4. Allow the wireless controller to charge, leaving it plugged into the PlayStation 3 undisturbed for several hours to gain a full charge.

5. Disconnect the PS3 wireless controller from the power cord. Press the PS button to start up the PlayStation 3. The PS button is located in the middle of the controller. It is clear and displays the PlayStation logo of a letter P and a letter S molded together into one shape.

6. Use the wireless controller to control the PlayStation 3, exactly as you would have with a corded controller for earlier PlayStations.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn how to use the SixAxis elements of your wireless controller effectively by practicing. This is a totally new element of control that Sony has added, and it may be a bit difficult to figure out at first. Just keep at it, and you'll learn through practice.
• If the red LED light on the PS3 wireless controller is flashing, this means that it's low on battery charge. When this occurs, save your game, and then hook the controller up to charge.
• Remember to charge your controllers after each use. It's very frustrating to be in the middle of a difficult part of a game and suddenly have your controller's battery run out of juice, leaving you with no ability to control the system or the game until you've hooked the controller up to its power cord.

[auraphx]

on 2/17/2009 Good article, but one important thing to note is the difference between tapping the PS button and holding it down. Tapping the PS button during a game will bring up the usual OS menu. Holding the PS button will bring up a special menu where you can select to quit a game, turn off the controller, or turn off the system.