Download the Official Firmware Updater for DualSense and Dualshock 3 Controllers
- conwaypettiford872
- Aug 3, 2023
- 7 min read
How to Use Dualshock 3 on PC: A Complete Guide
If you are a fan of PlayStation games, you might want to use your PS3 controller on your PC. The Dualshock 3 is a wireless controller that offers a comfortable grip, pressure-sensitive buttons, motion sensors, and vibration feedback. It can enhance your gaming experience on PC, especially if you play emulated PS2 or PS3 games.
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However, using Dualshock 3 on PC is not as easy as plugging it in and playing. The PS3 controller is not natively supported by Windows, which means you need to install some drivers and software to make it work. You also need to connect it via a mini-USB cable or a Bluetooth dongle, depending on your preference.
In this article, we will show you how to use Dualshock 3 on PC step by step. We will also compare it with Dualshock 4, the PS4 controller, and help you decide which one is better for you. Let's get started!
How to Use Dualshock 3 on PC
What You Need
To use Dualshock 3 on PC, you need the following hardware and software:
A Dualshock 3 controller and a mini-USB cable
A Bluetooth dongle (optional, if you want to use it wirelessly)
DsHidMini, a free driver for Dualshock 3 on Windows 10 and Windows 11
BthPS3, a free driver for Bluetooth connection (optional)
ScpToolkit, an alternative driver for Windows 7 and Windows 8 (optional)
How to Install the Drivers and Software
The installation process may vary depending on your Windows version and whether you want to use Bluetooth or not. Here are the general steps:
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If your Dualshock 3 controller is paired with a PS3, unplug the PS3 from its power source to avoid syncing conflicts.
Plug the Dualshock 3 into your PC via a mini-USB cable. If your PC doesn't have built-in Bluetooth support, plug in your wireless Bluetooth dongle.
Download and run DsHidMini from . Follow the prompts to install the driver and software.
If you want Bluetooth support for your Dualshock 3, download and install BthPS3 from . Follow the prompts to install the driver.
If you are using Windows 7 or Windows 8, download and run ScpToolkit from . Follow the prompts to install the driver and software.
Run DSHMC.exe as Administrator and pair the controller with your PC via Bluetooth or USB.
How to Connect the Controller via USB or Bluetooth
Once you have installed the drivers and software, you can connect your Dualshock 3 controller to your PC via USB or Bluetooth. Here's how:
For USB connection, simply plug in the mini-USB cable to your controller and your PC. The controller should be recognized automatically.
For Bluetooth connection, press and hold the PlayStation button on your controller until it flashes rapidly. Then go to your PC's Bluetooth settings and look for "Wireless Controller". Select it and enter the PIN code "0000" to pair the controller. The controller should be recognized automatically.
How to Customize the Controller Settings
After you have connected your Dualshock 3 controller to your PC, you can customize its settings using DsHidMini or ScpToolkit. Here are some of the things you can do:
Change the controller mode: You can switch between different modes, such as Xbox 360, Dualshock 4, or native Dualshock 3. Each mode has different features and compatibility with games.
Change the LED color: You can change the color of the LED on your controller to match your preference or mood.
Change the vibration intensity: You can adjust the vibration strength of your controller to suit your liking.
Change the button mapping: You can remap the buttons on your controller to different functions or keys.
Change the sensitivity and deadzone: You can tweak the sensitivity and deadzone of the analog sticks and triggers to improve your accuracy and responsiveness.
Dualshock 3 vs Dualshock 4
Similarities and Differences
The Dualshock 3 and Dualshock 4 are both wireless controllers that offer a comfortable grip, pressure-sensitive buttons, motion sensors, and vibration feedback. They also have similar layouts, with a D-pad, four face buttons, two analog sticks, four shoulder buttons, a PlayStation button, and a Select/Share button.
However, there are also some notable differences between the two controllers. The Dualshock 4 has some additional features, such as:
A touchpad that can be used as a mouse or a gesture input
A speaker that can play sound effects or voice messages
A light bar that can change color according to the game or the player
A headphone jack that can be used for audio output or input
A micro-USB port that can be used for charging or data transfer
Pros and Cons
Both controllers have their own advantages and disadvantages when used on PC. Here are some of them:
Dualshock 3Dualshock 4
Pros:Pros:
- Better compatibility with PS2 and PS3 games- Better compatibility with PS4 and PC games
- Longer battery life (up to 30 hours)- More features and functions (touchpad, speaker, light bar, etc.)
- Cheaper price (around $20)- More ergonomic design (larger grips, smoother triggers, etc.)
Cons:Cons:
- Harder to set up on PC (requires third-party drivers and software)- Harder to find in stores (discontinued by Sony)
- Less features and functions (no touchpad, speaker, light bar, etc.)- Shorter battery life (up to 8 hours)
- Less ergonomic design (smaller grips, stiffer triggers, etc.)- More expensive price (around $60)
How to Choose the Best Controller for Your Needs
The best controller for you depends on your personal preference and gaming needs. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you decide:
What kind of games do you play? If you play mostly PS2 or PS3 games, you might prefer the Dualshock 3. If you play mostly PS4 or PC games, you might prefer the Dualshock 4.
What kind of features do you want? If you want more features and functions, such as a touchpad, a speaker, a light bar, etc., you might prefer the Dualshock 4. If you don't care about these features, you might prefer the Dualshock 3.
What kind of budget do you have? If you want to save money, you might prefer the Dualshock 3. If you don't mind spending more money, you might prefer the Dualshock 4.
What kind of comfort do you need? If you have smaller hands or like a lighter controller, you might prefer the Dualshock 3. If you have larger hands or like a heavier controller, you might prefer the Dualshock 4.
Conclusion
Using Dualshock 3 on PC can be a great way to enjoy your favorite PlayStation games on a bigger screen. However, it requires some extra steps and software to make it work properly. You also need to consider the pros and cons of using Dualshock 3 versus Dualshock 4, and choose the best controller for your needs.
We hope this article has helped you learn how to use Dualshock 3 on PC. Here are some tips and recommendations for using Dualshock 3 on PC:
Always keep your controller charged and updated to avoid connection issues or performance problems.
Always run DsHidMini or ScpToolkit as Administrator to ensure the drivers and software work correctly.
Always check the compatibility of your games with Dualshock 3 or Dualshock 4 before playing them. Some games may not support the controller or may require additional configuration.
Always backup your settings and profiles before making any changes to your controller. You can use DsHidMini or ScpToolkit to export and import your settings and profiles.
If you have any feedback or questions about using Dualshock 3 on PC, feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
FAQs
Q: Can I use Dualshock 3 on Steam?
A: Yes, you can use Dualshock 3 on Steam, but you need to enable Steam's controller support first. To do this, go to Steam's settings, click on Controller, then click on General Controller Settings. Check the box for PlayStation Configuration Support, then click on OK. You can then use your Dualshock 3 on Steam games that support controllers.
Q: Can I use Dualshock 3 on PS4?
A: No, you cannot use Dualshock 3 on PS4. The PS4 does not support the PS3 controller natively, and there is no official way to make it work. You may be able to use some third-party adapters or converters, but they may not work well or at all.
Q: Can I use Dualshock 4 on PS3?
A: Yes, you can use Dualshock 4 on PS3, but with some limitations. The PS3 does support the PS4 controller natively, but only for some games and features. You can connect your Dualshock 4 to your PS3 via a micro-USB cable or Bluetooth, but you may not be able to use the touchpad, the speaker, the light bar, or the vibration feedback. You may also need to register your Dualshock 4 as a generic Bluetooth device instead of a wireless controller.
Q: How can I fix Dualshock 3 not working on PC?
A: If your Dualshock 3 is not working on PC, you can try the following solutions:
Make sure your controller is fully charged and connected properly.
Make sure you have installed the correct drivers and software for your Windows version and Bluetooth support.
Make sure you have run DsHidMini or ScpToolkit as Administrator and paired your controller with your PC.
Make sure you have selected the right controller mode for your game or application.
Make sure you have updated your controller firmware and software to the latest version.
Make sure you have disabled any other programs or devices that may interfere with your controller.
Q: How can I contact DsHidMini or ScpToolkit developers for support?
A: If you need more help or support for using DsHidMini or ScpToolkit, you can contact their developers through their websites or GitHub pages. Here are their links:
DsHidMini:
ScpToolkit:
44f88ac181
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