The PS3 controller isn’t supported by every PC game and many games require a keyboard and mouse to function properly. So, how do you play PC games using a PS3 controller on a PC? There are a few different methods to do this, but the best way is to use a PS3 USB controller adapter.
The official PlayStation 3 (PS3) controller is an amazing piece of technology, but sometimes you need to use it on things other than your PS3. For example, you might want to use it on your PC. But how do you go about doing it?
You can use a PlayStation 3 controller on a PC, and you don’t even have to download a driver. However, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to make the setup work. We’ll explain how to connect a PS3 controller to a Windows 10 PC, which includes a few additional steps to make sure everything runs smoothly.
The PS4 has taken the spotlight away from the PS3, and everyone is now enthralled with the upcoming PS5. That isn’t enough of a cause to get rid of your PS3 or your consoles just yet. For gamers who want to play on their PC, PS3 controllers may still be helpful.
If you’ve become sick and weary of your old keyboard and mouse setup, the best option is to dust up your old controller. An old PlayStation DualShock 3 controller is precisely what you’re looking for, and it’ll also serve as a fantastic upcycling project.
On the PC, the DualShock3 controller for PlayStation is not simple to use. Why bother when something newer is so much more user-friendly? In a few ways, the PlayStation 3 controller is unique.
Even the finest PC consoles lack the Dualshock 3’s pressure-sensitive analog face buttons. As a result, there is no better controller than the Dualshock 3, particularly if you want to use it with the PS emulator to play PS2 games.
If you prefer the feel of older controllers over the upgraded DualShock4, this is the controller for you.
Before you begin, make sure you have the mini-USB cord necessary to charge the controller. If you can’t locate one, a regular mini-USB cable may be purchased online for a very low price, or through your local electronic shop.
Before continuing, make sure your PlayStation 3 is turned off, since this may interfere with the installation process.
Take your controller and follow along with me as I take you through the steps.
What You’ll Need as Prerequisites:
- DualShock 3 controller from the PlayStation 3.
- For the controller, a mini-USB cable is required (aka default PS3 charging cable)
- If you want to connect wirelessly (which is an option), have your Bluetooth dongle available.
- Before continuing, make sure your PS3 is switched off, since hitting the PS button will turn it on, preventing you from connecting it to your PC.
- You’ll need to connect your PC to your PS3 controller using the mini-USB cable in order to install the first set of PS3 controller drivers. After you’ve completed most of your setup, you’ll need to download the following files (which are needed for the SCP program to work):
Software is required.
- .NET Framework 4.5 (Microsoft)
- Runtime for Microsoft DirectX
- Redistributable Package for Microsoft Visual C++ 2010
- Runtime for Microsoft Visual C++ 2013
- Driver for the Xbox 360 controller (Needs to be only installed on Windows7)
Note: Even though the majority of you have already loaded these drivers, it’s always a good idea to double-check to avoid problems down the road, particularly if you’re not sure whether you installed them correctly in the first place. If you already have them installed, you will be notified throughout the installation process.
Using the SCP Driver Package to connect a PS3 controller to a PC
ScPToolkit installation instructions
- Install the four Microsoft packages first (link mentioned below). If you’re using Windows 7, you’ll also need to install the Xbox 360 controller driver. Windows 8 and 10 come with it pre-installed!
- Using a mini-USB cable, connect your Dualshock 3 to your computer.
Note on Bluetooth setup: If you wish to use the controller wirelessly, make sure you have a Bluetooth dongle plugged in or that your motherboard supports Bluetooth. According to ScpToolkit, you’ll need a Bluetooth 2.0 or higher dongle that fully supports Enhanced Data Rate (EDR).
Drivers
The SCP DS Driver must be downloaded in its most current and updated version. If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to download and install a file archiver program for Windows, such as WinRAR, since the folder will be in 7-zip format.
The zipped files containing the most current version and updates should be extracted.
Navigating
Open the unzipped latest update folder and go to ScpServerbin, where all of the files must be copied.
replacing and pasting
Now, navigate to ScpServerbin inside the unzipped latest version folder, and paste all of the files you copied into the folder. Replace the files in the target folder if you receive a warning.
Getting rid of the original files
Now that we’ve completed the required steps, you may remove the original folder as well as the compressed directories. The unzipped copies of the latest update folder may also be deleted. We’ll use the most recent version folder from now on.
ScpServer is now open.
ScpServer’s bin folder is stored in the latest version folder, so copy it.
Changing the folder’s name
Make your way to C: Program Files, where you’ll make a Scarlet folder, then a Crush Productions folder within it (they’re the ones who made the program in the first place), and then paste the bin folder inside.
Obtaining Administrator privileges
When prompted for Administrator privileges, click the proceed option.
Run as an administrator
From the command prompt, open the copied bin folder, right-click the ScpDriver program, and choose Run as Administrator.
Setting up and installing
Before you click the Install button, double-check that the checks next to Bluetooth Driver and Configure services are both unchecked.
If you’re using Windows 7 or an earlier version of Windows, you may use the Force Install option. This method should be able to install the pre-installed drivers on Windows 8 and 10.
The controller is being detected.
When the installation is complete, click Exit and then open the ScpMonitor program, which should identify your controller by default since you’ve had it connected from the beginning. If the game supports console controllers, you may also play Steam games with your PS3 controller.
Unplug and reconnect your controller if it isn’t detected. The controller has been identified and is working if “Charging” shows instead of “Reserved.” Restart your computer if your controller is still not recognized.
If the Host Address in the SCP DS3 Monitor program still shows disconnected after following all of the previous procedures, the Bluetooth isn’t supported.
To connect your PS3 controller to your PC (Windows 7 or Windows 10) through Bluetooth, you’ll need a Bluetooth dongle. You’ll also need to turn on Bluetooth.
Locating your file
Go to the Zadig folder in C:Program FilesScarlet, then to the Crush Productionsbin folder to launch the Zadig program.
Load a device that has been pre-programmed.
Open or double-click Bluetooth.cfg by going to Device > Load Preset Device.
Look for the dongle.
To begin, go to Options-List All Devices and pick the USB dongle from the drop-down box. Open Bluetooth and other device settings, then click on the device and printers option under the relevant setting area to locate the USB dongle that you need to connect to the PS3 controller.
The driver should be replaced.
You may then click Replace Driver after selecting the USB dongle you want to use as your dedicated PS3 Bluetooth.
Identifying the host address
Confirm that the SCP Monitor has found a Host Address.
Remove the controller from the cable, and your PS3 controller should automatically connect over Bluetooth to your Windows 10 PC. NOTE: If the controller does not identify it on the first attempt, just plug it back in and unplug it again; it should recognize it after a few seconds.
If BTH appears in PAD 1 instead of USB, it’s connected; whether it isn’t, go to the part below titled Calibrating and Ensuring it’s Connected to manually verify if it’s connected.
Connecting and calibrating.
SCP Toolkit is required to connect the PS3 controller to the PC.
By clicking the green Download button, you may download the ScpToolkit.
Files should be opened
You should open and install the ScpToolkit Setup program you have downloaded.
Toolkit for Running
Click the Run Driver Installer option once the installation is complete.
Installing Drivers
Begin by selecting the appropriate drivers for your console, such as “Install DualShock3 driver.” To choose your PS3 DualShock3 PC dongle wirelessly, just click the Install Bluetooth drivers button, then select the device from the drop-down box.
Installation
Click Install once you’ve verified the devices you’ll be using. Keep in mind that pop-ups and audio prompts may occur after the installation.
Changes to be confirmed
Use the SCP Monitor to double-check your modifications once they’ve been installed. You may now use your DualShock 3 controller either tethered or wirelessly.
Calibrating It and Making Sure It’s Connected
If you’re using Windows 10, you’ll need to hit the Bluetooth and Other Devices settings again before clicking the Device and Printer option within the relevant section setting.
On your Windows 7 PC, go to the start menu, then Control Panel, then Devices and Printers to verify the connection. Because the drivers we downloaded earlier fool Windows into believing the PS3 controller is an Xbox 360 controller, your PS3 controller will now be replaced with an Xbox 360 controller for Windows, which is fantastic.
Select Game Controller Settings and Properties from the context menu when you right-click it. If the buttons you touch in the Properties Window are reflected in real-time, everything should be OK.
If this matches the buttons you pressed on the controller, congrats! You may now use your PS3 controller to play games that need a console controller!
Conclusion
Whether you want to play with a controller or not is entirely up to you. And it’s obvious that you’re not the only one who feels this way. Rather to using a keyboard and mouse, many competitive players choose to utilize a console controller.
In any event, I hope you learned how to utilize a PS3 controller with a computer in this tutorial. And if it didn’t, please let us know in the comments.
Things like this may be difficult to do on your own, particularly if you’re not accustomed to doing so. If you need any further help, please leave a remark below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use my PS3 controller on my PC?
You will need to use a USB adapter.
How do I use a PS3 controller on Windows 10?
You will need to install the driver for your PS3 controller on Windows 10. This can be done by following these steps:
1) Download the latest version of the driver from Sonys website
2) Install the driver on your computer
3) Once installed, plug in your controller and it should work
How do I connect my PS3 controller to my PC 2020?
You will need a micro USB cable to connect your controller to your PC.
