If you’re an avid gamer, you’re probably aware that playing games on a PC with a keyboard and mouse can sometimes be frustrating. Plus, it’s nice to be able to sit back on the couch and play your favorite game on a big screen TV. One way to achieve this is by using a PlayStation 3 controller on your PC. However, the process of making a PS3 controller work on a PC can be challenging. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make your PS3 controller work on PC.

To begin with, there is a need to understand the basic requirements for making your PS3 controller work on PC. One of the essential requirements is that you will need a mini USB cable to connect your controller to your computer. You will also need to download and install the appropriate software to ensure the controller is correctly detected by your PC. Once you have all of these, the process is relatively easy. In no time, you will be enjoying your favorite game on your PC using your PS3 controller. Let’s dive into the steps for making your PS3 controller work on PC.

In this section, we will discuss 10 methods that you can use to make your PS3 controller work on your PC. While some of these methods may seem complicated, we’ve broken them down into simple steps so that anyone can follow along.

Method 1: Install SCP toolkit

The first step in getting your PS3 controller to work on your PC is to download and install the SCP toolkit. This is a powerful tool that allows you to connect your PS3 controller to your PC and use it like a regular controller. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Go to the SCP toolkit website and download the latest version of the software.
2. Extract the files from the downloaded zip folder.
3. Run the ScpDriver.exe file (make sure you run it as an administrator).
4. Follow the prompts to install the software.
5. Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.

Once the SCP toolkit is installed, you should be able to use your PS3 controller on your PC.

Method 2: Use MotioninJoy

Another popular tool that you can use to connect your PS3 controller to your PC is MotioninJoy. This tool is easy to use and works well with most games. To get started, follow these steps:

1. Download and install MotioninJoy.
2. Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
3. Run MotioninJoy and select the PS3 controller from the list of devices.
4. Follow the prompts to install the driver.
5. Once the driver is installed, you should be able to use your PS3 controller on your PC.

Method 3: Use Better DS3

Better DS3 is another tool that you can use to connect your PS3 controller to your PC. This tool is similar to MotioninJoy but has a more user-friendly interface. To use Better DS3, follow these steps:

1. Download and install Better DS3.
2. Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
3. Run Better DS3 and select the PS3 controller from the list of devices.
4. Follow the prompts to install the driver.
5. Once the driver is installed, you should be able to use your PS3 controller on your PC.

Method 4: Use XInput Wrapper

Another tool that you can use to connect your PS3 controller to your PC is XInput Wrapper. This tool is a bit more complicated than the previous ones, but it works well and is compatible with most games. To use XInput Wrapper, follow these steps:

1. Download and install XInput Wrapper.
2. Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
3. Run XInput Wrapper and select the PS3 controller from the list of devices.
4. Follow the prompts to install the driver.
5. Once the driver is installed, you should be able to use your PS3 controller on your PC.

Method 5: Use DS4Windows

DS4Windows is a tool that allows you to use your PS4 controller on your PC. However, it also works with PS3 controllers and is a great option if you already have the tool installed. To use DS4Windows with your PS3 controller, follow these steps:

1. Download and install DS4Windows.
2. Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
3. Run DS4Windows and select the PS3 controller from the list of devices.
4. Follow the prompts to install the driver.
5. Once the driver is installed, you should be able to use your PS3 controller on your PC.

Method 6: Use Xbox 360 controller emulator

If you’re having trouble getting your PS3 controller to work with a specific game, you can try using an Xbox 360 controller emulator. This tool allows you to map your PS3 controller buttons to the corresponding Xbox 360 buttons. To use the Xbox 360 controller emulator, follow these steps:

1. Download and install the Xbox 360 controller emulator.
2. Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
3. Run the emulator and select the game you want to play.
4. Map your PS3 controller buttons to the corresponding Xbox 360 buttons.
5. Once the mapping is complete, you should be able to play the game using your PS3 controller.

Method 7: Use InputMapper

InputMapper is a powerful tool that allows you to use your PS3 controller on your PC. This tool is easy to use and works well with most games. To use InputMapper, follow these steps:

1. Download and install InputMapper.
2. Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
3. Run InputMapper and select the PS3 controller from the list of devices.
4. Follow the prompts to install the driver.
5. Once the driver is installed, you should be able to use your PS3 controller on your PC.

Method 8: Use JoyToKey

JoyToKey is a tool that allows you to map your PS3 controller buttons to keyboard keys. This tool is useful if you’re having trouble getting your PS3 controller to work with a specific game. To use JoyToKey, follow these steps:

1. Download and install JoyToKey.
2. Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
3. Run JoyToKey and map your PS3 controller buttons to keyboard keys.
4. Once the mapping is complete, launch the game you want to play and use your PS3 controller as a keyboard.

Method 9: Use RetroArch

RetroArch is a powerful emulator that allows you to play classic games on your PC. This tool also supports PS3 controllers and is a great way to play classic games with your PS3 controller. To use RetroArch with your PS3 controller, follow these steps:

1. Download and install RetroArch.
2. Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
3. Run RetroArch and select the PS3 controller from the list of devices.
4. Follow the prompts to configure your PS3 controller.
5. Once your PS3 controller is configured, you should be able to play classic games using your PS3 controller.

Method 10: Use Steam

Finally, if you’re a frequent Steam user, you can use your PS3 controller to play games on Steam. This tool is easy to use and works well with most games on Steam. To use your PS3 controller on Steam, follow these steps:

1. Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
2. Launch Steam and go to the Steam menu.
3. Select settings and then select controller.
4. Check the box that says “PS3/PS4 controller configuration support”.
5. Once the configuration is complete, launch the game you want to play and use your PS3 controller.

Methods of Making PS3 Controller work on PC

When it comes to gaming on PC, using a console controller, such as the PS3 controller, can provide a more comfortable and immersive experience. In this section, we will explore various methods of making your PS3 controller work on your PC.

Method 1: Using a USB Cable

The easiest way to connect your PS3 controller to your PC is by using a USB cable. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
Step 2: Your PC will automatically detect your controller and install the necessary drivers.
Step 3: Once the drivers are installed, you can start using your PS3 controller to play games on your PC.

Method 2: Using MotioninJoy

Another popular method of connecting your PS3 controller to your PC is by using MotioninJoy. Here is how you can use it:

Step 1: Download and install MotioninJoy on your PC.
Step 2: Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
Step 3: Launch MotioninJoy and click on the ‘Profile’ tab.
Step 4: Select the ‘PS3 Controller’ option and click on ‘Enable’.
Step 5: Once the controller is connected, you can start using it to play games on your PC.

Method 3: Using SCP Toolkit

SCP Toolkit is another popular software that allows you to connect your PS3 controller to your PC. Here’s how you can use it:

Step 1: Download and install SCP Toolkit on your PC.
Step 2: Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
Step 3: Launch SCP Toolkit and click on ‘Run Driver Installer’.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the necessary drivers.
Step 5: Once the drivers are installed, you can start using your PS3 controller to play games on your PC.

Method 4: Using XInput Wrapper

XInput Wrapper is a software that enables your PS3 controller to function like an Xbox 360 controller on your PC. Here’s how you can use it:

Step 1: Download and install XInput Wrapper on your PC.
Step 2: Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
Step 3: Launch XInput Wrapper and click on ‘Install/Uninstall’.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the necessary drivers.
Step 5: Once the drivers are installed, you can start using your PS3 controller to play games on your PC as you would with an Xbox 360 controller.

Method 5: Using Bluetooth

If you don’t like using a USB cable to connect your PS3 controller to your PC, you can also use Bluetooth. Here’s how you can connect your PS3 controller to your PC via Bluetooth:

Step 1: Make sure your PC has Bluetooth connectivity.
Step 2: Put your PS3 controller into pairing mode by pressing and holding the PS button and the Share button at the same time.
Step 3: On your PC, click on the Bluetooth icon in the system tray and select ‘Add a Bluetooth device’.
Step 4: Select ‘Wireless Controller’ from the list of available devices.
Step 5: Once your PS3 controller is connected, you can start using it to play games on your PC.

Method 6: Using InputMapper

InputMapper is another software that enables you to connect your PS3 controller to your PC. Here’s how you can use it:

Step 1: Download and install InputMapper on your PC.
Step 2: Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
Step 3: Launch InputMapper and click on ‘New Profile’.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your controller.
Step 5: Once your controller is set up, you can start using it to play games on your PC.

Method 7: Using Third-Party Adapters

If you prefer a hardware solution, you can use a third-party adapter to connect your PS3 controller to your PC. Here are two popular adapters that you can use:

Step 1: Buy a third-party adapter that is compatible with the PS3 controller.
Step 2: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up the adapter.
Step 3: Once the adapter is set up, you can start using your PS3 controller to play games on your PC.

Method 8: Using Remote Play

If you have a PlayStation 3 or PlayStation 4, you can use Remote Play to stream games from your console to your PC and use your PS3 controller to control the games. Here’s how you can use Remote Play:

Step 1: Download and install the Remote Play app on your PC.
Step 2: Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
Step 3: Connect your PlayStation 3 or PlayStation 4 to your home network.
Step 4: Launch the Remote Play app and log in to your PlayStation account.
Step 5: Once your console is connected, you can start using your PS3 controller to control the games on your PC.

Method 9: Using DS3 Tool

DS3 Tool is another software that allows you to connect your PS3 controller to your PC. Here’s how you can use it:

Step 1: Download and install DS3 Tool on your PC.
Step 2: Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
Step 3: Launch DS3 Tool and click on ‘Menu’.
Step 4: Click on ‘Driver Manager’ and install the necessary drivers.
Step 5: Once the drivers are installed, you can start using your PS3 controller to play games on your PC.

Method 10: Using Steam

If you’re a Steam user, you can also use your PS3 controller to play games on your PC. Here’s how you can use it:

Step 1: Launch Steam and click on ‘Settings’.
Step 2: Click on ‘Controller’ and select ‘General Controller Settings’.
Step 3: Make sure ‘PS3 Configuration Support’ is enabled.
Step 4: Connect your PS3 controller to your PC using a USB cable.
Step 5: Launch a game and start playing using your PS3 controller.

In conclusion, there are various methods of making your PS3 controller work on your PC, and each method has its own pros and cons. It’s up to you to choose the method that suits your preferences and gaming needs.

Wired Connection

If you have a wired PS3 controller, connecting it to your PC is a breeze. Follow these easy steps:

Steps to Connect Wired PS3 Controller to PC
Step 1: Plug in the controller to the USB port on your computer.
Step 2: Wait for your computer to recognize the controller and install the necessary drivers automatically. If it doesn’t work, download and install DS3 Tool or SCP Driver from the internet.
Step 3: Once the drivers are installed, launch the tool and configure the controller settings according to your preference.
Step 4: In most cases, the controller should work right away. However, if it still doesn’t work, try resetting the controller or restarting your PC.

That’s it, you’re ready to play your favorite PC games with your PS3 controller. However, if your PS3 controller is wireless or there is an issue with the wired connection method, you can try using Bluetooth to connect.

Bluetooth Connection

If you have a wireless PS3 controller, you’ll need to connect it via Bluetooth to use it on your PC. Here’s how:

Steps to Connect Wireless PS3 Controller to PC using Bluetooth
Step 1: Install SCP Tool from the internet and launch it.
Step 2: Connect your PS3 controller via USB and press the PlayStation button until the lights start flashing.
Step 3: Click the “Pair Now” button in SCP Tool and enter a name for your controller, then click “Pair Now” again.
Step 4: After a few seconds, the tool will recognize your controller and set up the necessary drivers.
Step 5: Disconnect the USB cable and click “Refresh” in the SCP Tool. Your controller should appear in the list.
Step 6: Click “Start” in SCP Tool to enable Bluetooth, and your controller should now be connected wirelessly to your PC.

If you encounter any issues while setting up the Bluetooth connection, try disconnecting and reconnecting your controller or restarting your PC. Once everything is set up correctly, you can start gaming with your PS3 controller on your PC.

Happy Gaming!

Now you know how to make your PS3 controller work on your PC, it’s time to enjoy gaming like never before! I hope this guide brought you closer to your gaming goals. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to drop a comment below. Remember to visit us again for more helpful tips and tricks. Thanks for reading!