How To Use a PlayStation 3 Controller As A PC Gamepad

The legendary Steam Summer Sale is coming soon. Prepare yourself by setting up your favorite PS3 controller as a PC gamepad by following these quick and easy steps!

[dc1]

This is how I play my PC games through Steam.
Highly recommend it!!

[killcycle]

i've been doing this for 4 years.
How is this news!?

[dc1]

So have I.
However, as you may know; There are always newcomers. In fact, Motionjoy was around a year or two before I jumped on.

Miller lite and Budweiser still advertise ... because if they didn't there respective products would fade.

This is a good thing.

[ThanatosDMC]

Yup, really old. The only thing people need to fix is to switch the shoulder buttons. I played Fallout New Vegas and some other games with MotionJoy years ago.

[Hatmantc]

I'm thankful that this was posted so I don't have to go out and search for this info.. Wanted to play dcuo on my laptop since my PS3 ylod on me

[ItsMeAgain]

Don't be mean, mate. You know there are ppl who aren't everyday experimenting like you and me. Maybe this could give them a hint or hopefully just do the job for them.

[llMurcielagoll]

It may not be news to you... But it is to me, I had a feeling that its doable, however never thought of investigating the matter lol. Gonna read this article and find out how.

[gedapeleda]

Me to but motion joy was a real joy when I found it, basicaly because you can turn xbox 360 emulation, so no need for setting up controlls for games.

[Vettur]

It's not. It's an article ;)

[Montrealien]

I just plug in my wired xbox controller, no need to config and most games are already mapped for it. That being said, if all you have is a PS3, this is a great guide.

[NiKK_419]

Yep. I've been using it for emulators for years now. I haven't played many PC games with it, though. The only ones I can think of are Skyrim, Arkham Asylum/City, and Lego Batman with my girlfriend.

[topgun33]

Have you tried using your ps3 controller for SWTOR? I have the game, but I tried with the mouse and keyboard but have failed miserably. I am not used to playing computer games. I am also hoping that one day they will make this ftp.

[Snookies12]

Oh yeah, Motionjoy... I use this all the time for emulators and PC games. Works like a charm!

[SuperLupe]

i remember trying motionjoy a couple of times, never worked.

[TXIDarkAvenger]

I tried it with left 4 Dead, one of the joysticks didn't work. However the Xbox controller works right away like a charm.

[iXenon]

I was actually using MotionJoy this morning. It's a little tricky, but it works perfectly fine

[Solid_Snake37]

make sure to set it to Xbox 360 controller emulator

[Autodidactdystopia]

Motionjoy is not recommended for Retards or for those under the age of 5.

side effects may include: non functional software, uncontrollable games, confusion.

motionjoy works fine. lol :)

edit: meaning... if you're retarded,- you will have problems.

[tee_bag242]

Lol - I been using this an Emulating Wii. Its pretty funny playing 2 Player New Super Mario Bros with a xbox 360 and PS3 pad. Ain't no one gonna call me fan boy!

[Kurylo3d]

i just plug up a 360 controller via usb.. just works automatically.

[jsslifelike]

The wireless USB dongle is soooo much nicer. I just love it together with a kickass HTPC on a 47" monitor. Yummy.

[trancefreak]

I have the new PC usb usb dongle black xbox controller. Works great for non fps games for me.

[Snookies12]

Yeah, but to those who don't have a 360 controller, this is an awesome solution. I could have gone out and bought one, but this saved me around 35 bucks when I discovered I could just use my PS3 controller.

[allyc4t]

How to use a USB Xbox 360 gamepad on a PC: Just plug it in.

[MetalProxy]

Wow thats amazing!!!! To bad I dont like the 360 gamepad. So I will follow some quick and easy steps to use the gamepad I prefer.

[allyc4t]

I have to agree with you. It's pretty awesome. Although I'd never use a gamepad over the good old keyboard and mouse unless I was playing a racing game.

[BISHOP-BRASIL]

@allyc4t

That's not what he said, but nice spin, goes well with your avatar.

[WitWolfy]

OR download and use Xpadder. Also a excellent program.

[Smashbro29]

And put up with THAT dpad? Hell no.

Use motioninjoy in 360 mode. Best of both worlds!

[Hellsvacancy]

I tried using this to play Half Life 2, but i could figure out how to use the analog sticks, such a noob i know, but if someone helps me, i wont be

Would a PS3 controller work with StarCraft 2?

Edit: I knew i was gonna get that, i plug my laptop into my awesome tv to play SC2, i then use a wireless mouse (it isnt the greatest)

I cant be bothered to buy a keyboard just to play one game, you dont even need a keyboard to play SC2 its the only game i play on my pc (laptop)

[Mythicninja]

You can't be serious- using an analog stick to play an RTS? You'll be crushed. Mouse + keyboard is the only way for that genre

[MAJ0R]

Gamepad + StarCraft 2?

Yikes.

[STONEY4]

"you dont even need a keyboard to play SC2"

lolwut

Anyways, in Motionjoy/DS3 Tool, you have to set it to "Xbox 360 controller emulator" for the analogue sticks to work. The "Playstation 3" mode, by default, has analogue sticks turned off. Although you can change that, it's better to stick with 360 mode since it has better compatibility with games.

I also suggest you calibrate the analogue sticks and triggers by first enabling the driver, going to Devices and Printers, right click Playstation 3 Controller and click Game Controller Settings.

[Bloodraid]

Well, technically you don't, you'll just be stuck in cardboard league for the rest of your days.

[Mythicninja]

Here's how:
1) throw away the playstation controller
2) plug in a 360 controller into the USB port. The drivers will be downloaded automatically within a minute or two

[admiralthrawn87]

so much better to just plug in the 360 controller. its a better controller anyways. But you better not say anything about that on this site or you'll get your bubbles taken away. I commented negatively on the direction of Uncharted 3 once and both my bubbles disappeared. Wasn't even trolling.

to the disagree - you are saying its not true i got my bubbles taken from suggesting uncharted 3 was going too over the top? this site needs more regulations so that fanboys can't have any control over others on here

i don't comment much so i didn't take the time to make a new account.

[Mythicninja]

And if they take my bubbles because I favor a microsoft product in this particular case over a sony one I'll.......*gasp* make a new account?

[ShAkKa]

@admiralthrawn87 You sound bitter, let me give you a bubble point so you can stop crying.

[oNIXo]

I disagreed because I don't think the 360 controller is better. The d-pad sucks, and I don't use a controller to play new games, just older games via emulation. In that regard the 360 controller is horrible when used to play older games.

[MrDead]

So you’re saying buy a new controller instead of downloading a free easy to use program??

[AgreeFairy]

Why would I use an inferior 360 controller when I can use the superior PS3 controller? Dualshock has always been the best and it still is which is why the hardly change it.

[vallencer]

In all fairness they hardly change the xbox controller as well.

[WrAiTh Sp3cTr3]

AgreeFairy, you're joking right? Because you got me laughing...

[Vettur]

Sorry, but in this case I have to disagree. I have a ps3 myself, but I must admit that the xbox 360 controller is much better. ps3 controllers get's broken way too easy as well.

[TheLeapist]

You forgot the most problematic step that takes place between one and two.

1.5) Now go out and waste $30+ bucks on a controller for a console you don't even own because apparently you're too goddamn lazy or stupid to follow a few easy steps to get your dualshock working with your PC.

Try and curb your fanboyism before posting next time. You might actually prevent yourself from looking like an idiot.

[Caffo01]

i couldn't resist to login at work just to bubble you up lol

[Ken22]

Bub+ :D.
http://youtu.be/8DYje57V_BY

[TheLeapist]

@Caffo01
Haha. Well thank you sir.

[dredgewalker]

Lol, yeah it's free and I've used it for my emulators. Bubbles for a good and non fanboyish answer.

[BraveToaster]

Yes, and then one of your joysticks will get stuck slightly in on spot all the time. I love when I put the controller down and my character starts to slowly move to the left.
Xbox 360 controllers are terrible quality.

[MrDead]

I use DS3 Tool for San Andreas. I've allocated the buttons to match the PS2 version.

[iXenon]

Funny that you mention that. I'm looking up PS2 controls for the game right now so I can match them :3

[neogeo]

I got to agree the 360 pad works better.

[dc1]

@neogeo
How do you know? Just want to know your thoughts on this.

I have both and my preference is the PS3 Blue Tooth pad for wireless connectivity.

The signal is seamless and has less dead spots (none at all).

[Silly gameAr]

But, some people don't have a 360 controller. Good for you though.

[PirateThom]

I don't have a USB 360 controller, I do have a PS3 controller and USB cable...

Do you see why this makes more sense since it's free?

[shossofe]

Well, not free since you did buy the PS3 controller and USB cable...maybe. *No additional costs*

[PirateThom]

Well, it came with my PS3, but yeah, no additional costs.

[Mythicninja]

I can definitely see, and in your position, I'd do the same thing. I came strictly from PC gaming, but certain games are just more fun on gamepad....so I bought the 360 controller on amazon since I had no consoles to cannibalize the part from.

[nukeitall]

One thing that isn't accounted for sometimes is the fact that MotionJoy isn't always compatible with your games.

The Xbox 360 controller is far more likely to be compatible. So your mileage may vary.

[ZoyosJD]

?

MotionJoy has the capability take PS3 inputs and emulate a 360 gamepad, so if 360 controller works so does motionJoy.

About mileage...the PS3's is wireless. LMAO.

[nukeitall]

@ZoyosJD:

Keyword is emulating which is far from the same.

What does PS3's controller being wireless has to do with anything? So is the Xbox 360's controller?

[STONEY4]

The 360 controller "emulation" is more like making games detect the PS3 controller as a 360 controller rather than emulating anything. Which means, if a 360 gamepad works, so would MotionJoy. I've used my PS3 controller in countless games and never ran into any incompatibility problems.

[jack_burt0n]

Dont know any serious pc gamers that own a 360.... so this is the best option by far to get the best pad controller for pc.

[kevnb]

You can buy the 360 pad with wireless dongle for the same price as a ps3 controller. But options are always good.

[CoLD FiRE]

What you said doesn't make any sense!I'm a "serious" PC gamer and own 2 Xbox 360s. I have one in the living room and one sitting next to my PC and connected to a 23" monitor.

In terms of compatibility and ease of use(plug n' play), the best pad for PC is the Xbox 360 controller.

Whether you prefer the 360's controller or the dual shock is completely subjective.

[kevnb]

This program doesn't seem to work without internet...

[jsslifelike]

Yep. I found that out REALLY quickly.

[MetalProxy]

Humm didnt you use the internet to make a comment on this site? How many people with computers dont have internet? Dang I must be lost :(

[jsslifelike]

Well, no kiddin', but I don't have a hardwired connection in my home theater, so when I tried to use it before buying a wifi card, it did me no good.

[Cosmit]

Actually it does work without internet. I figured out how when I had no internet for like 2 months a while back. Had a blast playing Just Cause 2, FIFA, RE5(split screen with my brother) on PC when i had no internet access.

If you guys are still interested in finding out how, then PM me or reply. I can get back to you once I'm home on my computer.

[Bangkay]

IIRC, you can actually download some files or 'offline' files for MotionInJoy so you can use it without an internet connection available.

[chukamachine]

Motionjoy

All you do is plug in your PS3 Controller and select 360. enable.

As most games support it, works great.

[dc1]

yep!

That's a very easy option for most (it requires zero mapping).

Of course most...(some) PC games have mods to change the button picture mapping on the game

[TheMrFraz]

Sorry to anyone who can't connect. We've been having major server problems and are trying to get everything solved as soon as possible!

[IQUITN4G]

Once a very big fan of the PS pad but it feels feels quite unfitting in the hands and fairly horrible in comparison to the 360 pad. People are better off just plugging in a 360 pad these days and they generally do anyway

[TheObserver]

You're doing it wrong. The Dualshock is designed to sit on top of your hands by the pinky and ring finger. Not completely fill your palms. By that virtue, no matter how small or large your hands are, there is always room for 2 fingers on each hand. It is intuitive, even a kid can do it. I can't say the same for the 360. If you try to completely grip the DS, of course that's your issue.

Also, I never get sweaty hands on a DS because it doesn't make 100% complete contact with the palm. While on the Xbox, I notice that I get sweaty palms a lot.

[Infernostew]

I use my ps3 controller for emulators and stuff but i don't even use motionjoy. If your computer has bluetooth support, you can just plug it in with a usb adaptor (comes with ps3) and your computer should pick it up. What I'm finding is that some steam games (super meat boy mostly) is not entirely compatible and you can't remap buttons, for osx at least. Although I prefer the ps3 controller, I may have to purchase an xbox controller for some games.

[coolasj]

nvm

[guitar_nerd_23]

I discovered an app to use a Dualshock with an Android phone the other day, it's really smart and you can even map buttons to where virtual buttons will be so it works with just about everything that would be better suited to a controller.

http://www.dancingpixelstud...

Makes Max Payne: Mobile like the best £2.50 to spend on the whole market.

[KrimsonKody]

Duh
So old,
Been playing games on my PC via PS3 controller since it was only a sixaxis...
Not news, moving along.

[Jasman]

Motionjoy was one of the most invasive pieces of software I have ever installed on my laptop. It started screwing around with my USB drivers and prevented me from using a bunch of external devices.

I had to spend over 3 hours rooting through my registry in order to completely get rid of it.

[-Gespenst-]

While I didn't experience problems like yours, it doesn't surprise me. it's a really buggy driver. I'm not sure people should rush into downloading it without researching it a bit.

It's not a virus or something, but it's not exactly very stable. For some reason it's a little bit difficult to make a ps3 controller work despite the fact that it's just usb... annoying.

[RyuDrinksTheDew]

little late to the party haha.

i do highly recommend this to people though, its free.

[0pie]

real pc gamers play with a keyboard and a mouse... Noob play with a gamepad.
Real recognize real.

[dktxx2]

Real PC gamers play with whatever the hell they want and don't let d-bags tell them what's "real."

[0pie]

there is nothing like playing a shooter with a keyboard and a mouse.
But for some game like sandbox/racing/fighting game i can understand why ppl use gamepad

otherwise... Keyboard + mouse.

[r21]

cant seem to open the website? traffic i suppose.

[FrightfulActions]

Have to love the amount of fanboys that take the time to reply in this. They turn a guide article into a "keyboard+mouse is so much better noobs" and "xbox controller is so much better noobs" argument. It isn't even an opinion piece is it? I can't say since the website is down at the time of posting. It seems to me that it's just a bit of a how-to guide for getting your PS3 controller compatible with PC for gaming.

Way to turn a tutorial into a fanboy flamewar.

[nevin1]

I cant seem to acesss the site either. Can somebody list the steps?

[-Gespenst-]

Known about this for what must nearly be two years.

It's a little bit buggy though truth be told. I think you'd probably be better off buying a 360 controller.

It's great for playing emulated games actually, particularly ps1 obviously, but it works well with most. I wouldn't bother for most PC games though, ie fps / rts

[TheMrFraz]

Can't apologize enough for the server problems tonight...

For everyone interested, here's the link to the software:

http://www.motioninjoy.com/...

[Commander-Koslun]

Definitely gonna try PC games this fall, if I can use my PS3 controller? I'm game.

[Hassassin]

Be sure to select your PS3 controller, in motionjoy, as an XBOX pad emulator
-cheers

[Commander-Koslun]

Gotcha, thanks

[fantomy]

MotionJoy is great but the program was not updated for several years. After some time it just stopped working for me.

[yeahokchief]

Figure this out for when Dark Souls arrives later this year.

[Gamerita]

i have been doing this for couple of years now & i can honestly say that the accuracy in playing games has improved over using the xbox360 wireless controller for windows a great deal. the ds3 is the best pc controller.

i really hope motion joy is going to be supported in windows 8.

[AuToFiRE]

Already have 2. in fact my computer can run multiple instances of emulators each on their own screen, so it gets pretty badass

[joinsideke]

anyone have advice/knowledge on how to get a ps3 controller to map with a mac?

[Veni Vidi Vici]

The website doesn't work for me. It's been like that for 2 days now.

[HaVoK308]

Meh, I just use a 360 Controller. Most modern PC games have built-in support for it. Plug and play. No need for third party programs or configuring keys.

[jacobie74]

ps3 controllers suck salty nutts make a new controller sony one that fits a grown man hands

[jacobie74]

ps3 controllers suck salty nutts make a new controller sony, one that fits a grown man hands,

[metalgod88]

The site is down =( How did it say to do it?

[Koneesha]

Can anyone get this working for onlive? I can't seem to get it?

[jacksons98]

I wish I would've known this. It would of saved me $40. Bought a MS controller for my PC.

[MidWest_MoFo]

This is far from being news... lol

[8amoreno]

Great article indeed

[8amoreno]

Great article indeed. Website is back up!