How to Connect a PS3 Controller to a PC

PS3 controller is not only designed for console gaming but can also be used to enhance your gaming experience on a PC. Whether you prefer the comfort and familiarity of a controller or you want to play games that are better suited for console-style input, connecting a PS3 controller to your PC opens up a world of possibilities. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of connecting your PS3 controller to a PC, step by step.

If you’re holding your PS3 controller, it’s time to use it properly! You can now use a PS3 controller on a PC in just a few steps. As fun as it is to enjoy your favorite games on a computer, the joy and comfort that a joystick brings is on a whole different level. Genres like fighting and racing work better with a controller, and if you want to avoid the cost of a fight stick, we suggest you follow foolproof methods for connecting your PS3 controllers to a PC.

How to Connect a PS3 Controller to a PC: Step-by-Step Guide

Connecting a PS3 controller to a PC opens up a whole new world of gaming possibilities. Whether you prefer using a controller for certain games or you simply enjoy the comfort and familiarity it provides, the process of connecting a PS3 controller to your PC is relatively straightforward. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy an enhanced gaming experience on your PC with your trusted PS3 controller. So, grab your controller, connect it to your PC, and get ready to dive into an exciting gaming adventure!

Before we dive into the process, it’s important to ensure you have the necessary equipment and software ready:

PS3 Controller: Make sure you have a working PS3 controller with a fully charged battery.
USB Cable: You will need a USB cable to connect the controller to your PC. The cable should have a Mini-USB (Type-B) connector on one end and a regular USB (Type-A) connector on the other end.
MotioninJoy or SCP Toolkit: There are two popular software options for connecting a PS3 controller to a PC: MotioninJoy and SCP Toolkit. In this guide, we will cover both methods.

Method 1: Using MotioninJoy

Download and Install MotioninJoy

Visit the MotioninJoy website (motioninjoy.com) and download the latest version of the software.
Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install MotioninJoy on your PC.

Connect the PS3 Controller

Connect one end of the USB cable to the Mini-USB port on the PS3 controller.
Connect the other end of the USB cable to a USB port on your PC.

Configure the PS3 Controller

Launch MotioninJoy on your PC. You should see the program’s interface.
Click on the “Drivers” tab and check the box next to “Load driver.”
Click on the “Profiles” tab and select the appropriate profile for your controller (PS3 or Xbox 360).
Click on the “Vibration Testing” tab to test the controller’s vibration functionality.

Install the Driver

Click on the “Driver Manager” tab.
Check the box next to “Install All” and click on the “Load Driver” button.
Wait for the driver installation process to complete. You may need to restart your PC.

Configure the Controller for PC Games

Launch MotioninJoy again and go to the “Profiles” tab.
Click on the “Game Controller Panel” button.
In the new window, select your PS3 controller and click on the “Properties” button.
Test the controller by pressing buttons and moving the analog sticks. Make sure all inputs are working correctly.

Method 2: Using SCP Toolkit

Download and Install SCP Toolkit

Visit the SCP Toolkit GitHub repository (github.com/nefarius/ScpToolkit) and download the latest version of the software.
Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a location on your PC.

Connect the PS3 Controller

Connect one end of the USB cable to the Mini-USB port on the PS3 controller.
Connect the other end of the USB cable to a USB port on your PC.

Install SCP Toolkit

Navigate to the extracted SCP Toolkit folder and run the “ScpToolkit_Setup.exe” file.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install SCP Toolkit on your PC.

Configure the PS3 Controller

Launch the “ScpToolkit Driver Installer” application from the Start menu.
Check the boxes next to “Force Install” and “Bluetooth Driver.”
Click on the “Install” button to install the necessary drivers for the PS3 controller.

Configure the Controller for PC Games

Launch the “ScpToolkit Configuration Manager” application from the Start menu.
Connect your PS3 controller to your PC if it’s not already connected.
In the configuration manager, you can customize the controller settings and test the inputs.

Wireless PS3 controller setup for PC

To set up a wireless PS3 controller for use on a PC, you’ll need to follow a few steps. Please note that these instructions assume you have a Bluetooth-enabled PC running Windows 10.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up a wireless PS3 controller on a PC:

On your PC, go to the Settings menu by clicking on the Start button and selecting the gear-shaped icon.
In the Settings menu, select “Devices.”
In the Devices menu, click on “Bluetooth & other devices” in the left sidebar.
Turn on the Bluetooth toggle switch to enable Bluetooth on your PC. If it’s already on, you can skip this step.
Press and hold the PS button on your PS3 controller to put it in pairing mode. The PS button is the large circular button in the middle of the controller.
On your PC, click on the “Add Bluetooth or other device” button under the “Bluetooth & other devices” section.
In the Add a device window, select “Bluetooth” to start searching for available devices.
Your PC should detect the wireless PS3 controller as a “Wireless Controller.” Click on it to initiate the pairing process.
Your PS3 controller is now paired with your PC. However, it might not work properly with games and applications right away.
It’s recommended to use a third-party software called “ScpToolkit.” ScpToolkit provides drivers and support for PS3 controllers on Windows.
Visit the ScpToolkit GitHub page (https://github.com/nefarius/ScpToolkit) and download the latest version of the software.
Follow the installation instructions provided by ScpToolkit. It usually involves running an installer and following the on-screen prompts.
After installation, restart your PC.
Once your PC restarts, your PS3 controller should be fully recognized and functional with games and applications. You can test it by launching a compatible game or using a tool like “Game Controller Tester” to check button inputs.

That’s it! You’ve successfully set up your wireless PS3 controller for use on your PC.

Best software to connect PS3 controller to PC

One of the most popular software solutions for connecting a PlayStation 3 (PS3) controller to a PC is called “SCP Toolkit.” SCP Toolkit is a free and open-source driver package that allows you to use your PS3 controller as an Xbox 360 controller on your Windows PC. It provides compatibility with various games and applications that support Xbox controllers, giving you a seamless gaming experience.

How to use PS3 controller on PC via Bluetooth?

To use a PS3 controller on your PC via Bluetooth, you’ll need to follow these steps:

Check compatibility:

Ensure that your PC has built-in Bluetooth or a Bluetooth dongle connected to it. Additionally, make sure that your PS3 controller is the original Sony DualShock 3 controller, as third-party controllers may have limited compatibility.

Install drivers:

Windows operating systems usually don’t have built-in support for the PS3 controller, so you’ll need to install additional drivers to make it work. The most popular driver is called “ScpToolkit,” which provides support for DualShock 3 controllers on Windows.

Visit the ScpToolkit GitHub page (https://github.com/nefarius/ScpToolkit) and download the latest release.
Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a location on your PC.
Run the ScpToolkit Driver Installer executable and follow the on-screen instructions to install the necessary drivers.

Enable Bluetooth on your PC:

Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your PC. You can usually do this by going to the settings or control panel and searching for “Bluetooth.” Enable Bluetooth if it’s turned off.

Connect the PS3 controller via Bluetooth:

Press and hold the “PS” button on your PS3 controller to turn it on.
On your PC, open the “Settings” or “Control Panel” and navigate to the Bluetooth settings.
Look for an option to add a new Bluetooth device or search for devices. Click on it to start scanning for available devices.
On the PS3 controller, press and hold the “Share” button and the “PS” button simultaneously. The light on the back of the controller should start flashing.
Your PC should detect the PS3 controller as a Bluetooth device. Select it from the list of available devices.
Complete the pairing process by following any additional prompts that may appear on your PC.

Test the connection:

After successfully pairing the PS3 controller with your PC, you can test the connection to ensure it’s working correctly.

Open a game or a program that supports gamepad input on your PC.
The PS3 controller should now be recognized as an input device. Test the buttons and joysticks to confirm that they’re working properly.

Wired vs. wireless connection for PS3 controller on PC

When it comes to using a PlayStation 3 (PS3) controller on a PC, you have the option of connecting it either wired or wirelessly. Let’s take a closer look at the details of each method:

Wired Connection:

Connecting your PS3 controller to your PC using a wired connection involves using a USB cable. Here are the steps to set it up:

Connect the mini USB end of the cable to the controller and the regular USB end to an available USB port on your PC.
Windows should automatically recognize the controller and install the necessary drivers. In some cases, you may need to manually download and install the drivers from the official website of the controller’s manufacturer.
Once the drivers are installed, your PS3 controller should be recognized as an input device on your PC.
You can now use your PS3 controller to play games on your PC. Some games may require additional configuration or mapping of the controller’s buttons, which can be done through the game’s settings or using third-party software.
The wired connection ensures a stable and reliable connection, as there is no interference or latency issues. It also eliminates the need for battery power since the controller is powered directly through the USB connection.

Wireless Connection:

Using a wireless connection for your PS3 controller on a PC requires additional hardware and software. Here’s how you can set it up:

You will need a compatible Bluetooth adapter for your PC if it doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth functionality. Ensure that the adapter supports the required Bluetooth version for the PS3 controller.
Install the Bluetooth adapter’s drivers on your PC and ensure that it is working properly.
On your PS3 controller, press and hold the PlayStation button and the “PS” button simultaneously. This will put the controller in pairing mode.
On your PC, access the Bluetooth settings and search for available devices.
Locate your PS3 controller in the list of available devices and pair it with your PC.
Once paired, your PS3 controller should be recognized as an input device on your PC.
Similar to the wired connection, you may need to configure the controller’s buttons for specific games.

The wireless connection provides more freedom of movement since you’re not restricted by a cable. However, it may introduce some latency or interference issues depending on the Bluetooth adapter’s quality and distance from the controller.

PS3 controller emulator for PC

If you’re looking to use a PlayStation 3 (PS3) controller on your PC, you can do so by using a controller emulator software. One popular option is the “MotioninJoy” software, which allows you to connect your PS3 controller to your PC and use it as an Xbox 360 controller.

Alternatively, you can use the “SCP Toolkit” (ScpToolkit) to connect and emulate a PS3 controller on your PC. SCP Toolkit is a more reliable and frequently updated option that provides support for PS3 controllers on Windows. It allows you to use your PS3 controller as an Xbox 360 controller, making it compatible with most PC games.

To use either of these software options, you’ll need to follow the installation instructions provided by the respective software developers. Please make sure to download them from trusted sources and exercise caution while installing any third-party software. Additionally, it’s worth noting that some modern PC games natively support the use of PS3 controllers without the need for a separate emulator. So, before installing any additional software, check if the game you want to play supports PS3 controllers directly.

Connecting multiple PS3 controllers to PC

To connect multiple PS3 controllers to a PC, you can follow these steps:

Ensure that you have the necessary hardware: USB cables to connect each PS3 controller to your PC.
Download and install a controller emulator software such as “MotioninJoy” or “SCP Toolkit” (as mentioned in the previous response) to enable the use of PS3 controllers on your PC.
Connect the first PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable. The software should detect the controller and install the necessary drivers. Follow the instructions provided by the emulator software to set up the controller.
Once the first controller is set up, disconnect it from the USB cable.
Connect the second PS3 controller to another USB port on your PC using a different USB cable.
Launch the controller emulator software and follow the instructions to set up the second controller. The software should detect the second controller and install the required drivers.
Repeat steps 4-6 for each additional PS3 controller you want to connect to your PC.
Once all the controllers are set up, you should be able to use them simultaneously in games or applications that support multiple controllers.

It’s important to note that the specific steps and software required may vary depending on the emulator software you choose. Always refer to the instructions provided by the software developer for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.

PS3 controller not working on PC troubleshooting

If you’re experiencing issues with your PS3 controller not working on your PC, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the problem. Here are some common solutions:

Ensure Proper Connection:

- Make sure your PS3 controller is properly connected to your PC via a USB cable.
- Try using a different USB port on your computer to rule out any port-related issues.
- Use a different USB cable if possible, as a faulty cable can cause connection problems.

Install or Reinstall Drivers:

- For MotioninJoy: Open MotioninJoy, click on the “Driver Manager” tab, and reinstall the drivers for your PS3 controller.
- For SCP Toolkit: Launch the SCP Toolkit software and click on the “Driver” tab. Then, click on “Install” to reinstall the drivers.

Restart the Controller and PC:

- Disconnect the PS3 controller from the USB port and restart your PC.
- After the PC restarts, reconnect the controller to a USB port and check if it’s recognized.

Check Controller Compatibility:

- Ensure that the game you’re trying to play supports the use of PS3 controllers on PC. Some games may only have native support for Xbox controllers or require additional software.

Update Software and Drivers:

- Make sure you have the latest version of MotioninJoy or SCP Toolkit installed on your PC.
- Update your PC’s USB drivers and any other relevant drivers.

Disable Conflicting Software:

- Disable or exit any software or applications that may interfere with the PS3 controller input, such as other gamepad management programs, antivirus software, or input mapping tools.

Try Alternative Software:

- If you’re using MotioninJoy, you can try SCP Toolkit instead, or vice versa. Sometimes, one program may work better for your specific setup.

Test on Another PC or Console:

- If possible, try connecting your PS3 controller to another PC or a PlayStation console to see if it functions correctly. This can help determine if the issue is with the controller itself or the PC setup.

Using PS3 controller on PC for streaming games

To use a PlayStation 3 (PS3) controller on your PC for streaming games, you’ll need to follow a few steps to set it up properly.

Connect the controller:

Use a USB cable to connect your PS3 controller to your PC. The PC should recognize the controller and automatically install the necessary drivers. If it doesn’t, you may need to manually install the drivers.

Install SCP Toolkit (Windows):

SCP Toolkit is a third-party software that allows you to use a PS3 controller on your PC. You can download it from the official website (https://github.com/nefarius/ScpToolkit) and follow the installation instructions provided. Make sure to choose the appropriate version for your operating system.

Configure the controller:

Once you’ve installed SCP Toolkit, open the SCP Monitor application. It will detect your connected PS3 controller. Click on the “Pair” button to pair the controller with your PC. After pairing, you should see the controller listed as connected in the SCP Monitor window.

Test the controller:

To ensure that your PS3 controller is working correctly, you can open the Windows Gamepad Testing tool. Press the Windows key and type “Set up USB game controllers” in the search bar. Select the tool from the search results and click on the “Properties” button to test your controller’s buttons and joysticks. If everything is functioning properly, you can proceed to the next step.

Configure streaming software:

Depending on the streaming software you’re using, you may need to configure the controller settings within the software itself. For example, if you’re using OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), you can go to the “Settings” menu and navigate to the “Input” section. From there, you can set up the controller as a source and customize the button mappings according to your preferences.

Start streaming:

Once you’ve configured the controller settings in your streaming software, you should be ready to start streaming games. Launch the game you want to stream and make sure it recognizes your PS3 controller. You can then start your streaming software and begin streaming your gameplay while using the PS3 controller as your input device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I connect a PS3 controller to my PC?

A: Yes, it is possible to connect a PS3 controller to a PC.

Q: What do I need to connect a PS3 controller to my PC?

A: To connect a PS3 controller to a PC, you will need a USB cable and third-party software like SCP Toolkit or MotioninJoy.

Q: How do I connect a PS3 controller to my PC using a USB cable?

A: Simply connect the PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable. The PC should recognize the controller and install the necessary drivers automatically.

Q: What is SCP Toolkit?

A: SCP Toolkit is a popular third-party software that enables the use of PS3 controllers on a PC. It provides the required drivers and configuration tools.

Q: How do I install SCP Toolkit?

A: To install SCP Toolkit, download it from the official website (https://github.com/nefarius/ScpToolkit) and follow the installation instructions provided. Make sure to choose the appropriate version for your operating system.

Q: Are there other software options besides SCP Toolkit?

A: Yes, MotioninJoy is another third-party software that allows you to connect a PS3 controller to a PC. However, SCP Toolkit is often recommended due to its reliability and compatibility with a wide range of games.

Q: How do I test if my PS3 controller is working correctly on my PC?

A: You can test your PS3 controller’s functionality by using the Windows Gamepad Testing tool. Press the Windows key, type “Set up USB game controllers” in the search bar, select the tool from the results, and click on the “Properties” button to test your controller’s buttons and joysticks.

Q: Can I use a connected PS3 controller for game streaming on my PC?

A: Yes, once your PS3 controller is connected and working correctly on your PC, you can use it for game streaming. Configure the controller settings within your chosen streaming software to ensure proper functionality.

Q: Are there any risks involved in using third-party software to connect a PS3 controller to a PC?

A: While using third-party software like SCP Toolkit or MotioninJoy is generally safe, it’s important to download them from trusted sources to minimize any potential risks. Always exercise caution when downloading and installing software from the internet.

Q: Is the compatibility of a PS3 controller with PC games guaranteed?

A: The compatibility of a PS3 controller with PC games may vary depending on the game and the streaming software being used. It’s recommended to check game-specific compatibility or consult the documentation of the streaming software for more information.