How to Use a PS3 Controller on PC with an Emulator
If you have a PlayStation 3 controller and want to use it on your PC, you might be wondering how to do it. Sure, you can plug it in and play some games that support gamepads, but what if you want to use the full features of the PS3 controller, such as the pressure-sensitive buttons, the motion controls, and the analog sticks? Or what if you want to play games that don't have native controller support, such as web games or emulators?
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The answer is to use a PS3 controller emulator, a software that allows you to emulate a keyboard and mouse input with your PS3 controller. This way, you can use your PS3 controller on any PC game or application, and customize it to your liking. In this article, we will show you how to use a PS3 controller on PC with three different emulators: DsHidMini, JoyToKey, and reWASD.
Introduction
What is a PS3 controller emulator and why use it?
A PS3 controller emulator is a software that allows you to use your PS3 controller as if it was a keyboard and mouse. It converts the buttons and sticks of your PS3 controller into keyboard strokes and mouse movements, so that the target application or game will work as if you were using a real keyboard and mouse.
There are several reasons why you might want to use a PS3 controller emulator on your PC:
You prefer the feel and layout of the PS3 controller over other controllers or the keyboard and mouse.
You want to play games that require features that are unique to the PS3 controller, such as pressure-sensitive buttons or motion controls.
You want to play games that don't have native controller support, such as web games or emulators.
You want to customize your PS3 controller settings, such as sensitivity, dead zones, vibration, macros, etc.
What are the benefits of using a PS3 controller on PC?
Using a PS3 controller on PC has many benefits, such as:
You can enjoy a more comfortable and ergonomic gaming experience.
You can play games that are designed for the PlayStation console, such as emulated PS2 or PS3 games.
You can have more control and precision over your gameplay, especially for genres that require fast and accurate inputs, such as shooters, racing, or fighting games.
You can have more fun and immersion with games that support motion controls or vibration feedback.
What are the requirements and options for using a PS3 controller on PC?
To use a PS3 controller on PC, you will need:
A DualShock 3 or SIXAXIS wireless controller. Note that most of the controllers sold online these days are fake and may not work properly with emulators. It's best to buy an original one from a trusted source or use one that you already have from your PS3 console.
A USB cable or a Bluetooth dongle to connect your PS3 controller to your PC. Note that not all Bluetooth dongles are compatible with PS3 controllers, so you may need to buy a specific one or use a USB cable instead.
A PS3 controller emulator software. There are many options available, but we will focus on three of the most popular and easy-to-use ones: DsHidMini, JoyToKey, and reWASD. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you can choose the one that suits your needs and preferences best.
How to use a PS3 controller on PC with DsHidMini
DsHidMini is a driver and configuration tool that allows you to use your PS3 controller on PC with full functionality and compatibility. It supports both USB and Bluetooth connections, and it offers various profiles and modes for different types of games and applications. It also has a built-in updater and troubleshooter that makes it easy to install and use.
Here are the steps to use a PS3 controller on PC with DsHidMini:
Step 1: Download and install DsHidMini
First, you need to download the latest version of DsHidMini from its official website. You can choose between the stable or the beta version, depending on your preference. The stable version is more reliable and tested, while the beta version may have more features and bug fixes, but also more potential issues.
How to use a PS3 controller on PC guide
reWASD: PS3 controller on PC software
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DsHidMini: DualShock 3 controller driver for Windows 10/11
ScpToolkit: Legacy PS3 controller driver for Windows 7/8
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Once you have downloaded the file, run it as an administrator and follow the instructions on the screen. You may need to restart your PC after the installation is complete.
Step 2: Connect your PS3 controller to your PC via USB or Bluetooth
Next, you need to connect your PS3 controller to your PC using either a USB cable or a Bluetooth dongle. If you are using a USB cable, simply plug it into your PC and your PS3 controller. If you are using a Bluetooth dongle, make sure it is compatible with PS3 controllers and follow these steps:
Plug the Bluetooth dongle into your PC and wait for it to be recognized.
Press and hold the PS button on your PS3 controller until the lights start flashing.
Go to the Bluetooth settings on your PC and look for "Wireless Controller" in the list of devices.
Select it and pair it with your PC using the default PIN code "0000".
Wait for the connection to be established and confirmed by a solid light on your PS3 controller.
Step 3: Configure your PS3 controller settings and profiles
Finally, you need to configure your PS3 controller settings and profiles using the DsHidMini Configuration Tool. You can access it by right-clicking on the DsHidMini icon in the system tray and selecting "Configuration".
The Configuration Tool has four tabs: General, Profiles, Settings, and Advanced. Here are some of the things you can do in each tab:
In the General tab, you can check the status of your PS3 controller, update the driver, troubleshoot any problems, or uninstall the driver.
In the Profiles tab, you can choose between different profiles for your PS3 controller, such as DualShock 4 Emulation, Xbox 360 Emulation, HID Gamepad Emulation, or Custom Profile. Each profile has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on what type of game or application you want to use. You can also create your own custom profile by clicking on "New Profile" and adjusting the settings as you wish.
In the Settings tab, you can customize various settings for your PS3 controller, such as sensitivity, dead zones, vibration, LED color, motion controls, macros, etc. You can also save and load different settings presets for different games or applications.
In the Advanced tab, you can access more advanced options for your PS3 controller, such as firmware updates, calibration, diagnostics, etc. You should only use this tab if you know what you are doing or if instructed by the developer or support team.
How to use a PS3 controller on PC with JoyToKey
JoyToKey is a software that allows you to use any gamepad or joystick as a keyboard and mouse. It supports up to 16 controllers at the same time, and it offers a lot of customization options for each button and stick. It also has a simple and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to configure your PS3 controller settings and profiles.
Here are the steps to use a PS3 controller on PC with JoyToKey:
Step 1: Download and install JoyToKey
First, you need to download the latest version of JoyToKey from its official website. You can choose between the free or the paid version, depending on your preference. The free version has some limitations, such as the number of profiles and buttons you can use, while the paid version has more features and supports the developer.
Once you have downloaded the file, run it and extract it to a folder of your choice. You don't need to install it, as it is a portable software that you can run from any location.
Step 2: Connect your PS3 controller to your PC via USB or Bluetooth
Next, you need to connect your PS3 controller to your PC using either a USB cable or a Bluetooth dongle. The steps are the same as in the previous section, so we won't repeat them here. Just make sure that your PS3 controller is recognized by your PC and that it has a solid light on.
Step 3: Create and customize your PS3 controller profile
Finally, you need to create and customize your PS3 controller profile using the JoyToKey interface. You can access it by double-clicking on the JoyToKey.exe file in the folder where you extracted it.
The JoyToKey interface has two main parts: the left side shows the list of profiles and buttons, and the right side shows the settings for each button. Here are some of the things you can do in each part:
In the left side, you can create a new profile by clicking on "Create" and naming it as you wish. You can also copy, rename, delete, or switch between different profiles by using the buttons below the list. You can also assign a specific profile to a specific application or game by clicking on "Associate profiles with applications".
In the right side, you can customize each button of your PS3 controller by selecting it from the list and choosing what keyboard or mouse input you want it to emulate. You can also adjust the sensitivity, turbo, auto-fire, or toggle options for each button by using the sliders and checkboxes below the list. You can also create complex macros or combinations of inputs by clicking on "Advanced settings for each button".
Once you are done with your PS3 controller profile, you can save it by clicking on "Save" or "Save As". You can also test it by clicking on "Test" or "Test All". To use your PS3 controller on PC with JoyToKey, you just need to run JoyToKey in the background and launch the game or application you want to play.
How to use a PS3 controller on PC with reWASD
reWASD is a software that allows you to remap any gamepad or joystick to any keyboard, mouse, or controller input. It supports various controllers, including PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, etc. It also has a lot of features and options for each button and stick, such as sensitivity, dead zones, vibration, macros, etc. It also has a modern and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use.
Here are the steps to use a PS3 controller on PC with reWASD:
Step 1: Download and install reWASD
First, you need to download the latest version of reWASD from its official website. You can choose between the trial or the full version, depending on your preference. The trial version has some limitations, such as the number of remaps and profiles you can use, while the full version has more features and supports the developer.
Once you have downloaded the file, run it as an administrator and follow the instructions on the screen. You may need to restart your PC after the installation is complete.
Step 2: Connect your PS3 controller to your PC via USB or Bluetooth
Next, you need to connect your PS3 controller to your PC using either a USB cable or a Bluetooth dongle. The steps are the same as in the previous sections, so we won't repeat them here. Just make sure that your PS3 controller is recognized by your PC and that it has a solid light on.
Step 3: Remap your PS3 controller buttons and sticks
Finally, you need to remap your PS3 controller buttons and sticks using the reWASD interface. You can access it by double-click ing on the reWASD icon in the system tray or on the desktop.
The reWASD interface has three main parts: the top bar shows the list of controllers and profiles, the middle part shows the buttons and sticks of your PS3 controller, and the bottom part shows the settings for each button and stick. Here are some of the things you can do in each part:
In the top bar, you can create a new profile by clicking on "New" and naming it as you wish. You can also copy, rename, delete, or switch between different profiles by using the buttons next to the list. You can also assign a specific profile to a specific application or game by clicking on "Autodetect" and selecting it from the list.
In the middle part, you can remap each button and stick of your PS3 controller by clicking on it and choosing what keyboard, mouse, or controller input you want it to emulate. You can also drag and drop inputs from the bottom part to the buttons and sticks. You can also use the "Shift" feature to assign a secondary input to each button and stick, which will be activated when you press another button or stick.
In the bottom part, you can customize various settings for each button and stick, such as sensitivity, dead zones, vibration, macros, etc. You can also access more advanced options by clicking on "Advanced" or "Combo". You can also save and load different settings presets for different games or applications.
Once you are done with your PS3 controller profile, you can save it by clicking on "Apply". You can also test it by clicking on "Test zone". To use your PS3 controller on PC with reWASD, you just need to run reWASD in the background and launch the game or application you want to play.
Conclusion
Using a PS3 controller on PC is not as hard as it may seem. With the help of a PS3 controller emulator software, you can use your PS3 controller on any PC game or application, and customize it to your liking. In this article, we showed you how to use a PS3 controller on PC with three different emulators: DsHidMini, JoyToKey, and reWASD. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you can choose the one that suits your needs and preferences best.
We hope that this article was helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy gaming!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a PS3 controller on PC without an emulator?
A: Yes, you can use a PS3 controller on PC without an emulator for some games that have native controller support. However, you may not be able to use all the features of the PS3 controller, such as pressure-sensitive buttons or motion controls. You may also encounter some compatibility or performance issues. Therefore, we recommend using an emulator for a better gaming experience.
Q: Can I use a PS4 controller on PC with these emulators?
A: Yes, you can use a PS4 controller on PC with these emulators. However, you may need to adjust some settings or download some additional drivers or software to make it work properly. For example, DsHidMini supports PS4 controllers natively, while JoyToKey and reWASD require you to install DS4Windows first.
Q: Can I use these emulators for other controllers or joysticks?
A: Yes, you can use these emulators for other controllers or joysticks that are compatible with Windows. However, you may need to adjust some settings or download some additional drivers or software to make them work properly. For example, JoyToKey supports up to 16 controllers at the same time, while reWASD supports various controllers such as Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, etc.
Q: How can I fix any problems or issues with these emulators?
A: If you encounter any problems or issues with these emulators, such as connection errors, input lag, button mapping errors, etc., you can try some of these solutions:
Make sure that your PS3 controller is original and not fake.
Make sure that your USB cable or Bluetooth dongle is compatible with PS3 controllers.
Make sure that your PC meets the minimum system requirements for these emulators.
Make sure that your drivers are up to date and that there are no conflicts with other devices or software.
Make sure that your settings are correct and that there are no interference from other controllers or emulators.
Make sure that you follow the instructions and guides for each emulator carefully and correctly.
Contact the developer or support team of each emulator for further assistance or feedback.
Q: How can I improve my gaming experience with these emulators?
A: If you want to improve your gaming experience with these emulators, you can try some of these tips:
Use a high-quality USB cable or Bluetooth dongle to ensure a stable and fast connection.
Use a gaming monitor or TV with a low input lag and a high refresh rate to reduce any delay or stuttering.
Use a pair of headphones or speakers with a good sound quality and surround sound to enhance the immersion and atmosphere.
Use a comfortable and ergonomic gaming chair and desk to avoid any strain or fatigue.
Use a cooling pad or fan to prevent your PC or laptop from overheating or slowing down.
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