Tutorials

How to Use a PS3 Controller on PC

Now that PS4 and PS5 are in the market and being more popular than its precedent PS3, you must have your PS3 and its DualShock 3 controller gathering dust. Do not worry as your PS3 could still have a use. In fact, if you are wishing to play new and old titles on your PC, your PS3 controller could be of great use. In fact, it could provide you a better gaming experience. If you do not know how to do this, do not worry, as it is easy to do. All you have to do is read further and learn how to use your PS3 controller on your PC.

PlayStation 3 controller comes with a built-in accelerometer which has the ability to detect motion. It could also handle pressure on it buttons and has three directional and rotational axes. They are sensitive which makes it easier to use.

How to Use PS3 Controller on PC

Requirements

For you to be able to sync your controller to your PC, you will have to download and install Microsoft DirectX runtime, Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package, Microsoft.NET Framework 4.5, Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 runtime and Xbox 360 controller driver.

Plug the smaller end of your USB cable at the back of your PlayStation 3 controller. Connect the other end to the USB port of your PC. This will automatically trigger driver downloads.

Install ScpToolkit

Connect DualShock 3 controller to your PC through the use of your mini USB.
Turn on your PS controller by pressing the button found at the center of your controller.
Download the latest version of ScpToolkit. This is an open source software.
From ScToolkit_Setup.exe installer, install the ScpToolkit.
Choose the location file that you prefer.
Tick off ScpToolkit Bluetooth Pair Utility under Legacy Component
When prompted to install prerequisites, follow instructions provided
Click Install
Run Driver Installer will appear. click on the green play icon
Tick off install bluetooth driver
Install DualShock 3 driver
Untick Install DualShock 4 driver
Click Choose Bluetooth dongles to install
Select your device
Under choose DualShock 3 controller to install, select the one marked PLAYSTSTION(R)3 Controller (VIDL xxxx, PID: xxxx), x
Select Install on the right hand side
Alerts will pop-up on the right hand of your screen. Run them to ensure that all installations is done properly
Once done, select Exit

Success and Bluetooth

Now that your PlayStation 3 controller has been installed, your system tray should now include the ScpToolkit icon and should be working now. It should automatically boot up every time you turn on your PC. You could also unplug your controller and use it wireless. All you have to do is sync it through Bluetooth and wait for a few seconds to confirm. Take in mind that whenever you restart your PC, you will have to connect your controller through USB. This will allow the ScpToolkit to work. Then, if you wish to unplug it and use it wirelessly, you may do so when the light on the controller turns on.

Tinkering Options

Another amazing thing about ScpToolkit is that it allows its users to tinker with the options. In other words, it allows you to customize your PlayStation 3 controller. To access these options all you have to do is follow the steps below:

On the Windows start, search ScpToolkit Settings Manager and select on it
customize controls and assign specific buttons
If that does not work, search for ScpToolkit profile manager from the windows start menu.
Create custom mapping profiles and assign specific functions to your preferred buttons.

Troubleshooting

Click on Settings on the Windows Start menu
In the settings, go to update and security
Click on Recovery
Click Restart now
Once your PC has restarted, access Startup Settings
Press F7 on your keyboard
Press enter to reboot your Windows
Follow the steps above to install your drivers and sync up the PlayStation 3 controller.