How to Use a PS3 Controller's Rumble Feature on a PC

The DualShock controller design is almost as old as the PlayStation brand.

Originally, the PS3 launched with a controller that did not have a rumble feature. However, due to fan demand, the Dualshock 3 (DS3) was released in 2007 with rumble and tilt sensing features of the original Sixaxis. Since the PS3's controller is wireless, it connects and charges through a standard USB Mini-B port, meaning that, theoretically, it could connect to and be used as a controller for PC games. Dedicated fans have developed drivers that allow the controller to be used on PC with the rumble feature included.

Things You'll Need

• DualShock 3 and USB Cable
• ds3drv_dx_1.02 - Up to date DS3 driver
• ForceFeedbackDriver

Instructions

1. Connect the DS3 to the PC, then open Device Manager (Start -> Devices And Printers.) Right-click on the PS3 Controller, then click the "Hardware" tab, then click "Properties," then the "Driver" tab.

2. Click "Update Driver," then "Browse for Driver." Navigate to "ds3drv_dx_1.02," then click OK. This makes the controller usable.

3. Navigate to where the "ForceFeedbackDriver" is located and right click it. Since it is an .inf file, it has an option to "Install" in the context menu. When a game is launched, the force feedback application shows in the tray, allowing you to control rumble settings for the device.

References

• Joystiq: Use DualShock 3 with rumble on PC thanks to new hack; Majed Athab; Jan 2009