PS3 DualShock 3 controller tester
On Linux a wired DualShock 3 usually appears right away. Windows needs a driver first. Then press the PS button.
Input map
Registered / 17- Cross
- Circle
- Square
- Triangle
- L1
- R1
- L2
- R2
- Create
- Options
- L3
- R3
- Up
- Down
- Left
- Right
- PS
Raw input
Axes
0
1
2
3
Input history
- Waiting for input
Getting a DualShock 3 recognised
The DualShock 3 predates modern PC controller standards, so how it shows up depends on your system:
- Linux includes a driver for it, so a wired DualShock 3 normally appears as soon as you plug it in and press the PS button.
- Windows needs a driver. The maintained option is DsHidMini from Nefarius, which supports the DualShock 3 and Sixaxis over USB and, together with BthPS3, over Bluetooth. Our driver guide explains how it fits with HidHide and why ViGEmBus is retired.
Once the controller appears, press the PS button so the browser exposes it.
What to check on an old controller
- Pressure sensitive buttons. The DualShock 3 face buttons report how hard they are pressed. Depending on the DsHidMini mode, those values may appear in the raw input list as analog button values.
- Sticks. At this age most DualShock 3 sticks rest slightly off center. The stick drift test tells you how much.
- Rumble. The original Sixaxis has no vibration motors at all; the DualShock 3 does. If the vibration test does nothing, check which one you have.
Questions about this test
- Why does my PS3 controller not show up on Windows?
- Windows has no built in driver that exposes it as a game controller. Install DsHidMini, then reconnect the controller and press the PS button.
- Is the DualShock 3 the same as the Sixaxis?
- They look almost identical, but the Sixaxis has no rumble. The DualShock 3 added vibration motors.
- Can I use a PS3 controller over Bluetooth on PC?
- Yes, on Windows with DsHidMini and the BthPS3 Bluetooth driver. Pairing works differently from modern controllers, so follow the project documentation.