Despite the widespread use of consoles, many users continue to prefer using the PC to play your favorite video games. However, there are just as many who prefer to use the computer to play using a PlayStation controller.
In this regard, if you too are among those who are part of this large group and would like to understand how to connect PS3 joystick to PC, because you have one at home and would like to take advantage of it instead of letting it do the dust in the attic, I am happy to tell you that you have landed on the right guide, at the right time. With today's tutorial it is in fact my intention to provide you with all the appropriate explanations on how to succeed in this intent.
By following the instructions below, you will be able to use your favorite gamepad to play on both Windows PC and Mac, both via cable and wirelessly: I assure you that it's really simple. Happy reading and, above all, have fun!
Index
- Necessary
- How to connect PS3 joystick to PC: Windows 10
- How to connect PS3 joystick to Mac
- How to connect PS3 joystick to Mac via cable
- How to connect PS3 joystick to Mac via Bluetooth
Necessary
Before explaining to you how to connect the PlayStation 3 joystick to the PC, whether fixed or portable, I will tell you everything you need to successfully complete this very simple procedure.
You will need a controller PlayStation 3 (logically), a Mini-USB cable (attention: I said Mini-USB not Micro-USB, in fact they are two types of cable with similar but different connection) and, in case your computer does not have Bluetooth technology support and you want to play wirelessly, also an Bluetooth USB dongle.
See offer on Amazon See offer on Amazon See offer on Amazon
How to connect PS3 joystick to PC: Windows 10
Now you have everything you need for connect the PS3 joystick to a Windows PC. The procedure that I will show you is valid for Windows 10, but also previous and subsequent editions of the Microsoft operating system (eg Windows 11).
Once you're done, you can safely use the controller with all your favorite games. For example, you can connect PS3 joystick to PC for Fortnite. There will be no limit, since the PlayStation 3 controller will be seen by your PC as if it were the one of Xbox 360 (which is "digested" much better by PCs with Microsoft operating system). Interesting, right? Then read on and find out how to proceed.
How to connect PS3 joystick to PC via cable
Now is the time to download all the programs useful for the success of this procedure. First of all, you need some "basic" software necessary for the application to operate to manage the gamepad. Don't worry: these are all free solutions made by Microsoft and which, in some cases, may already be installed on your PC (as they are necessary for the operation of many other software).
First, download Microsoft. NET Framework 4.5, Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package, Microsoft Visual C++ 2013 Redistributable Package e Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer by connecting to the links I have just provided you and pressing the red button Download. When the download is complete, run the downloaded files, reply Yes the warning that appears on the screen and follow the instructions to complete the setup (the installation should take place completely automatically; if you are asked to download software related to Bing, uncheck the relevant box).
Now it's time to install the program that will make the PS3 controller work, that is ScpToolkit. Connect, therefore, to the GitHub page of the project and download the most recent version of the program in a stable version (the one with the writing NEU next to; those Pre-release are potentially unstable), by clicking on link che termina in .exe.
Once the program is downloaded, launch the executable file obtained: click on the button Run Driver Installer and respond affirmatively to any warnings. Then connect your controller to the PC via USB cable and press the green button, you will find yourself in the main screen of ScpToolkit, thanks to which you can install the drivers for the DualShock 3 controller.
Here put the check mark on Install DualShock 3 Driver. Now go to the sub-menu on the right and find PLAYSTATION (R) 3 Controller. Make sure you have kept the controller attached to the PC, otherwise the program will not be able to list it. In case you have not done so, close the program, connect the controller and restart the software; then press on install, to the right of the window. At the end of the installation procedure, which could take a few minutes, click on Exit.
Well done! You can now use your controller PlayStation 3 with all the video games on yours PC. Know that the PlayStation 3 controller will be recognized as an Xbox 360 controller, so you won't see Sony's classic controls in game, but Microsoft's typical pad letters.
Small clarification: this procedure is valid even if you have a controller of PlayStation 4, the only change will be to tick the box Install DualShock 4 Driver and in the menu on the right you will have to search PLAYSTATION (R) 4 Controller, but the steps are otherwise identical. In case you want to learn more, I leave you to my guide on how to connect the PS4 controller to the PC.
How to connect PS3 joystick to PC via Bluetooth
How do you say? Would you like an even better experience by being able to use the joypad without it being connected to the annoying cable? No problem, the Bluetooth! In order to play wirelessly you will need a Bluetooth USB dongle or this technology will need to be integrated into yours PC (most likely, if you do this from a laptop).
The procedure is identical to the one I described before, except that in addition to the controller you will also have to check Install Bluetooth Driver. As soon as you want to use it, connect the controller via USB and when it is recognized by the system, unplug it. Bluetooth will automatically recognize it.
For more details, I refer you to my tutorial on how to connect Bluetooth, in which I explained how to activate and use Bluetooth to connect a device to your computer.
How to connect PS3 joystick to Mac
Rather than connect the PS3 joystick to a Windows PC, you would like to be able to connect the controller of the famous Sony home console to yours Mac? No problem, you can do that too. How? I'll explain it to you right away.
How to connect PS3 joystick to Mac via cable
The procedure for connect PS3 joystick to Mac via cable it's very simple, since you just need to connect yours joypad per PlayStation 3 to any outlet USB of the Mac and this should be recognized without problems.
If you have a Mac with only USB-C ports, make sure you have a suitable USB-C to standard USB (USB-A) adapter or hub.
See offer on Amazon See offer on Amazon See offer on Amazon See offer on AmazonHow to connect PS3 joystick to Mac via Bluetooth
But you want all the comforts of this world and you don't want to use the controller PlayStation 3 on your Mac with the cable, but in a manner wireless, don't worry the procedure is just as simple and affordable for everyone.
To begin with, you need to make sure that the Bluetooth is active on your Mac. To do this, just click on themultifunction icon attached in the upper right part of the menu bar and check that the wording is present Bluetooth: Yes in the menu that is shown to you. Otherwise, click on the appropriate item to immediately activate its use. However, keep in mind that by default Bluetooth is always on.
Once this is done, proceed by going to connect the PS3 controller to a prey USB free of Mac via the USB charging cable. Keep the PS3 controller connected to the Mac for a few moments, then unplug the cable and hold down the button PS (the middle one) present on the controller for at least three seconds.
If everything went well, you will see also appear among the paired devices PLAYSTATION(R)3 Controller (if it doesn't appear, try performing the procedure just seen together again). At this point, all you have to do is start using the controller to play your favorite titles on Mac. If you ask yourself the same, keep in mind that the connection procedure must be carried out only the first time.
Finally, I would like to point out that although the PS3 gamepad is compatible with most games on Mac and is recognized automatically, the configuration of the keys is not always possible and can vary from game to game. If you want to be able to configure all individual buttons on the controller, you can turn to using the application Controlly what it costs 4,49 € with the in-app purchase, but which will give you the opportunity to use it for free for 7 days to test its goodness. Only works on macOS 11 Bug Sur and later.
