How to Use a PS3 Controller on a PC
UPDATE:
Since the introduction of Windows 7, the original set of instructions that appeared on this page no longer work. Never fear, though — nerd culture abhors a vacuum, and some enterprising coders have stepped in to provide a new solution. Follow along with the steps below to learn how to use a PS3 controller on PC.
1. Download MotioninJoy
Motion in Joy is a Chinese company that makes a relatively straightforward utility for using PS3 controllers with PC’s. Your first step is to download their client from GameFront’s fast, free servers.
MotioninJoy Windows Client
2. Unzip and Install the program
The expanded archive will create an .exe file with the same filename. Run it.
3. Run “DS3_tool” and plug in your PS3 controller
When the installation completes, there’ll be a check-box prompting you to run “DS3_tool,” the Motion in Joy client. Leave it checked when you exit the installer. When the program opens, you should see this screen:
When you plug in your PS3 controller to the USB port, Windows will recognize it, and begin installing drivers. This is misleading — even though the installation completes, and the controller shows up in the Device Manager, it will not work.
4. Load the driver
From the screen pictured above, click on “Load driver.” At this point, Windows security will ask you to verify that you want to allow the driver installation process to continue. Since the new versions of Motion in Joy include signed drivers, this step is easier than it used to be. Assent to the installation and you should see a rapid series of messages in the DS3_tool window, pictured below:
If you can’t find the “Load driver” button, or you accidentally end up in a different part of the DS3_tool utility, click on “Driver Manager” to return.
5. Configure the controller
With the driver loaded, your next step will be to configure the controller for use. Click on the “Profiles” tab, pictured below. In order to take full advantage of the DualShock 3′s twin analog sticks and many buttons, you’ll want to select “Playstation 3,” as shown in the picture. Once you’ve selected that setting, hit “Enable,” then “Vibration testing.” If you’ve followed these steps correctly, you should feel your controller vibrate. Motion in Joy also provides a convenient “Game Controller Panel” button, which whisks you directly you to the Windows controller calibration utility. You can use it to ensure that all of your controller’s buttons are functioning correctly.
6. Et voila! Enjoy gaming with your PC-connected PS3 Controller!
Some addition configuration and button-mapping may be required to get it working with your game of choice
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[Ed. Note: The below instructions do not work for Windows 7 machines]
One industrious modder out there has created a simple program so you can use your PS3′s SIXAXIS controller on a PC like a game pad. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
1. Download this archive and install the filter driver (libusb-win32-filter-bin-0.1.10.1.exe).
2. Unpack ps3sixaxis_en.exe
3. Plug the SIXAXIS into your PC.
4. Run ps3sixaxis_en.exe once.
5. Push the PS button on the SIXAXIS once if it doesn’t see it straight away.
Unfortunately, the motion sensing features aren’t possible on the PC (not yet as least). But still, this is pretty easy way to net yourself a free usable game pad.
Via Gamer’s Block
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575 Comments on How to Use a PS3 Controller on a PC
Frosted Butts
On August 27, 2007 at 7:52 pm
VERY NICE
Tom Sizzle
On August 27, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Nice job putting this out.
*Question – Wouldn’t this have been a selling point for Sony?
*Question2 – Can you connect your PS3 to your home network and transfer files (don’t own one)
JSL
On August 27, 2007 at 10:16 pm
The PS3 controller can plug into a PC? What is it, USB? I’ve never got to examine one, really.
Satanas
On August 28, 2007 at 8:53 am
Yeah, it has USB connectivity while charging on the PS3. The wire can be used to plug it into a PC as well of course.
Pretty cool. Useful for playing emulators with a game pad rather than keyboard with no analog.
Kingy
On August 30, 2007 at 5:10 am
does the computer need a wi-fi
da boss
On August 31, 2007 at 12:04 pm
@kingy,
No, as it uses USB to connect, not a WI-FI connection, anyway, the PS3 controller uses Blu-Ray technology to connect to the actual PS3, not WI-FI…
gashoneil
On September 1, 2007 at 5:58 pm
daboss… don’t you mean bluetooth? blu-ray is a format of disk capable of storing hi def content.
me
On September 3, 2007 at 2:19 pm
awesome, guys i think its awesome that you figured all this out- great job!
IceBerg
On September 6, 2007 at 3:26 pm
The controller does not use Blu-Ray. Since Blu-Ray is a media storage specification. It does however use bluetooth just like the wii. When connected via USB it enters charging mode and to expidite charging communication is transmited over USB and the wireless connection is turned off so less power is consumed and the unit charges faster.
I do not know of anyone getting the bluetooth side working yet but it should not be too hard.
Ricardo
On September 11, 2007 at 6:35 pm
For me it only works the josyticks, nothing else
vj
On September 12, 2007 at 7:12 am
it didnt work i followed what it said and it didnt work but i think its becuase im running vista. so is there any one that can help me becuase iv got a demo of fifa 08 and i wanted to use my ps controller to play it
pes
On October 13, 2007 at 2:32 pm
will it damage the control in any way and stop it being used on my ps3?
vlad
On October 20, 2007 at 6:49 am
haha i just read daboss’s comment ahaha blu ray to connect ahaha ahahah…..hahahaha….hahahah idiot…hahaha
vlad
On October 20, 2007 at 6:50 am
hahahahahAHAHAHAHAHA…..oh man that made my day, i love these peeps puting random breeze on forums to make em selves seem smart lol…..ahahahah blu ray connectivity…..ahahahaha
zman
On October 28, 2007 at 5:18 pm
lol froob i almost pissed my sen….
crap i need new under wear
zman
On October 28, 2007 at 5:19 pm
me2
On October 31, 2007 at 11:16 am
screw off vlad .someone less orientated with technology makes a technical mistake.big .lay off.i’m sure your smartass made lots of mistakes.
weclock
On October 31, 2007 at 11:40 am
nothing wrong with having a laugh, though
mr69
On November 1, 2007 at 7:40 am
Yabba Dabba do
mr69
On November 1, 2007 at 7:43 am
i’m new to this gaming world, i’ve just bought my-self a ps3 and i’m trying to connect it to my pc, could i possibly connect it via usb, as it shows a usb port on my broadband modem, though i’ve ordered a wireless router its gonna be 2 weeks before i recieve it.
harrysally
On November 1, 2007 at 11:25 pm
Does anyone know how to reassign the buttons to different numbers?… Considering FIFA 08 doesnt feel like reading all 19 buttons… it only reads 1-9 and its sort of inconvient passing w/ L3… thnx
Abeer
On November 6, 2007 at 4:40 am
You can edit the buttons from your windows control panel, worked for me.
thomas
On November 7, 2007 at 8:09 pm
i do not work on my site so i will not be going to give it to you
i jsut got a laptop and i want to play game on it but they do not have halo1 at ebgames and should i get a xbox360 or a ps3 controller for my laptop it has windon xp home but i am a mac guy
thomas
On November 7, 2007 at 8:10 pm
dose it work on a mac
moneymike56
On November 9, 2007 at 6:23 am
Does anybody know how to or if you can use your ps3 controllers for call of duty 4. I have my ps3 controller setup and calibrated, works there but it will not come up as an option for the game and I can’t seem to get it to work. Maybe someone knows what I’m doing wrong.
J.C
On November 14, 2007 at 7:45 pm
god damn people have just got a ps3 and there wanting to use the pad for a p.c why?? the ps3 is well better why would you waste your time with a p.c
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