How to Set Up a PS3 Controller for a PC Hands-On

A PC knockoff of a PS3 controller.

Most computer controllers are not as good as console controllers, even though many are engineered to look quite similar. Many people are comfortable using Sony's PlayStation 3 controller, so it's a good thing that a program has been developed to allow the PS3 controller to work on a PC.

Things You'll Need

• PlayStation 3 controller
• Computer

Instructions

1. Download the PS3 to PC archive online. Searching "PS3 controller to PC" in a search engine will provide multiple places to download the archive. Once you download the archive, open the exe archive file and dump the set of exe files onto your desktop. Install the libsub exe file to the computer. The installation will find the correct directory to install the archive to.

2. Install the PS3sixaxis.exe file to the recommended folder that pops up.

3. Plug the PS3 controller into the charge wire that comes with the PS3. Plug the open end of the wire into one of your computer's open USB ports.

4. Run the ps3sixaxis.exe file. The program should recognize the controller almost immediately. If it doesn't, push the PSN button in the middle of the controller once.

Tips & Warnings

• Installing the exe files may take a few minutes on slower computers.

• The motion controls of the Sixaxis do not work on the computer because PCs are not capable of recognizing the PS3's motion-sensor technology.

References

• Use a PS3 Controller on the PC

Resources

• More Help for the PS3 Controller to the PC