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A genuine Sony SIXAXIS or DUALSHOCK 3 does not usually pair like a modern Bluetooth accessory. On Windows 10 or 11, the reliable route is to install the community-maintained BthPS3 and DsHidMini drivers, connect the controller with a data-capable Mini-USB cable, and use DsHidMini’s pairing workflow to assign the computer’s Bluetooth adapter. Then unplug USB and press the controller’s PS button to connect.
Why the PS3 controller is different
With many Bluetooth accessories, you put the device into discoverable mode and select it in the computer’s Bluetooth settings. A DUALSHOCK 3 or SIXAXIS uses a different pairing approach: the computer’s Bluetooth address is written to the controller over USB. After that, pressing the PS button makes the controller attempt to connect to that host. The PS button is not a dependable way to make a DS3 appear in a generic Bluetooth scan.
Sony’s DUALSHOCK 3 manual covers the controller as a PS3 accessory, not a modern computer Bluetooth pairing procedure. Instructions for newer controllers should not be assumed to apply: Sony’s Create-plus-PS pairing sequence, for example, is for DualSense, not DUALSHOCK 3.
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What you need
- A genuine Sony SIXAXIS or DUALSHOCK 3, or a third-party model confirmed to support this method. PS3-style controllers do not all use the same Bluetooth protocol.
- A Windows 10 or 11 PC with an enabled, compatible Bluetooth adapter. If you use an external USB adapter, check BthPS3’s host compatibility guidance; the Bluetooth version printed on the box alone does not establish compatibility.
- A working Mini-USB cable that supports data. A charge-only cable may light the controller but cannot let pairing software configure it.
- The current compatible releases of BthPS3 and DsHidMini. Follow their official documentation and release notes; current DsHidMini versions require a compatible BthPS3 2.x installation.
Windows 10/11 compatibility in these driver projects is separate from Microsoft’s operating-system support lifecycle: Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. For compatible radios, BthPS3 specifies host Bluetooth capabilities corresponding to Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR or newer, and notes that unsupported hardware can fail initialization. Its Releases page is the right place to find current downloads rather than relying on a version number that may become outdated.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Compatible with Sony Playstation 3 and PC Windows 7/8/10】Controller wireless for Sony PlayStation 3/PS3. Plug and Play. No installation is required. To use it on a PC, a USB cable is required (included).
- 【Double Shock 3 & Motion Sensor Supported】The controller wireless for Sony PS3 supports the double shock 3 function. The grips vibrate with each explosion, shocking, firing in supported games, giving you more fun and a more immersive gaming experience. 6-axis motion sensing function is also supported for the remote controller for PS3 so that you can control the games freely with the moving of your hands.
- 【Long Battery Life & Long Bluetooth Connection Distance】Remote for PS3 with a large battery capacity of 600mAh, providing 5~8h long playtime (auto-sleep function is provided for saving power).
- 【Sensitive Buttons Passed 10,000,000 Strokes Test】The high-quality controllers 2 pack for PS3 are upgraded to be close to the original. It has a zero-delay quick response. The control for PS3 uses first-class material and is of first-class craftsmanship. It has passed a strict durability test of 10,000,000 times of strokes. The two 360 degree analog joysticks of the controller wireless for PS3 enable you to control the games effortlessly and precisely. No dead zone.
- 【Package Content & Lifetime Carefree After-sales Service】The delivery package includes 2 Controllers Wireless for PS3, 2 USB Charging Cables (2.5 feet), 1 User Manual; The wireless controllers for Sony PlayStation 3 offer a lifetime unconditional return and refund service.
Connect the controller in Windows 10 or 11
Install the driver stack
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled and the adapter appears in Windows Device Manager. Close Steam and other controller-remapping software while setting up.
- Download and install BthPS3 from its official GitHub project. Restart Windows if the installer requests it.
- Install a DsHidMini release compatible with the BthPS3 version, following the project’s current instructions. Restart again if requested.
Use the projects’ official locations, not repackaged driver bundles or search-result download sites. BthPS3 warns against unofficial sources claiming to represent the project.
Pair over USB, then connect wirelessly
- Disconnect the controller from the PS3 or any other host, then connect it to the PC with the data-capable Mini-USB cable.
- Wait for Windows and DsHidMini to recognize the controller. If it is not detected, try another known-good data cable before proceeding.
- Open the DsHidMini configuration or pairing utility and use its Bluetooth pairing function to associate the controller with the PC’s Bluetooth adapter. Interface labels may vary by release; follow the current DsHidMini documentation rather than looking for a fixed button name.
- Wait for the utility to confirm pairing, then unplug USB and press the controller’s PS button.
- Check that the controller’s player-number LEDs settle and that DsHidMini or a game-input test recognizes it.
Do not use Windows’ ordinary Add Bluetooth device dialog as the pairing step for this BthPS3 setup. BthPS3 explicitly directs PS3-controller users to its companion-software workflow instead.
Reconnect and test the controller
After pairing, unplug USB and press PS when you want to reconnect. The controller should connect to the host whose Bluetooth address was assigned during setup. DsHidMini advertises Bluetooth auto-pairing and configurable idle-disconnect behavior; its project documentation also describes a quick-disconnect shortcut of L1 + R1 + PS held for more than one second. These are driver features, not universal behavior for every DS3 or clone.
Rank #2
- 【Design for PS-3】Diswoe wireless controller gamepad with upgraded precise joysticks, double shock, motion sensing compatible with Play_station 3.
- 【Bluetooth Wireless Connection】With wireless transmission technology, you will not suffer from data loss and signal interference. Direct Bluetooth connection eliminates any lag and delay. 10 meter wireless connection, give you more freedom. Bluetooth connection is more stable than 2.4GHz connection.
- 【Dual Vibration Feedback】New PS-3 wireless controller motors contribute to intense vibration feedback. Highly sensitive motion control system makes every hit, crash and explosion more realistic, you will feel the sound in the palm of your hand.
- 【6-Axis Support】Diswoe PS-3 wireless controller has intuitive 6-axis motion sensor; The highly responsive motion control system detects your every move and characters and in-game objects will move and react as you tilt, push and shake the controller. Truly intuitive gameplay through 6-Axis motion detection technology.
- 【What You Get】Diswoe wireless controller compatible with PS-3, a charging cable and user manual. 12 months of unconditional return&refund service is provided for the controller wireless for Diswoe Play-station 3.
Test each stage separately: first confirm that DsHidMini recognizes the controller, then check input in a Windows game-controller test panel or Steam, then check the game itself. Steam lists both PlayStation 3 Controllers and generic DirectInput gamepads among supported Steam Input categories, but individual games may need their own input settings.
Use a PS3 controller on Linux
The underlying pairing idea is the same: connect by USB, set the controller’s Bluetooth master/host address to the computer’s Bluetooth address with a suitable Sixaxis pairing utility, disconnect USB, and press PS. Linux distributions and BlueZ versions differ, so use the current instructions and package for your distribution rather than treating one command sequence as universal.
The classic Sixlinux technical document explains USB-based address pairing with sixpair. Its old daemon commands, including service bluetooth restart and hidd --server --nocheck -n, are legacy examples, not current instructions for every distribution. If a pairing prompt asks for a PIN, consult distribution-specific guidance instead of assuming a generic code such as 0000 or 1234. Button input working also does not guarantee that motion sensors or other advanced features work.
Rank #3
- Two Controllers, Ready to Play: Get two wireless PS3 controllers plus two USB charging cables in the box - everything two players need, at a low cost per controller. Designed for Sony PlayStation 3 and Windows PC (7/8/10); it does not support PS4, PS5, or Mac.
- Wireless on PS3, Wired PC: Connect once with the USB cable to pair, then play wirelessly on PS3 up to 33 feet via Bluetooth. On PC, use the USB cable for instant plug-and-play (wireless on PC needs built-in Bluetooth). The PS button powers on your console.
- Responsive Buttons and Sticks: Dual analog sticks and tactile buttons are built and tested for responsive, low-lag play, with anti-slip grips for control. Components are endurance-tested, and every controller is backed by our lifetime warranty if anything wears out.
- Familiar, Comfortable Design: A classic 3-inspired layout with dual vibration and 6-axis motion means no learning curve and a comfortable grip for long sessions. Lightweight by design as an affordable replacement; it is a solid budget controller, not an OEM clone.
- Rechargeable, Backed for Life: A 600mAh battery delivers about 5-8 hours per charge over the included USB cables, with an auto-sleep mode that conserves power when idle. If a controller ever fails to charge or wears out, our lifetime hassle-free return and refund has you covered.
macOS and other computers
The Windows BthPS3/DsHidMini driver stack does not apply to macOS, and a dependable current native Bluetooth procedure for DUALSHOCK 3 across macOS releases is not established here. If you specifically need a DS3 on a Mac, USB is the simpler fallback; otherwise, consider a controller with documented support for your macOS version. A pairing method documented for a newer PlayStation controller should not be substituted for DS3 instructions.
Troubleshoot common failures
It appears in Windows Bluetooth settings but will not connect
A failed attempt through the generic Windows pairing dialog is not evidence that the controller is defective. Remove the failed entry, restart, connect the controller over USB, and repeat pairing through DsHidMini. Also check that the installed BthPS3 and DsHidMini releases are compatible and that another Bluetooth utility is not controlling the adapter.
It works over USB but not wirelessly
This usually means the controller’s input path works, but Bluetooth pairing or transport does not. Re-run the USB pairing workflow and verify that the intended adapter is selected, especially if the PC has more than one Bluetooth radio. Check BthPS3 compatibility if initialization fails; a higher Bluetooth number on an adapter’s packaging does not guarantee that its chipset or firmware is supported. DsHidMini’s driver documentation distinguishes USB and Bluetooth transport support, with Bluetooth provided through BthPS3.
Rank #4
The controller or adapter is not detected
- Confirm Bluetooth is enabled and the adapter is present in Device Manager.
- Try another data-capable cable; charging alone is not a successful USB data connection.
- Confirm both driver installations completed and restart if requested.
- If other Bluetooth devices are also missing, Microsoft’s troubleshooting guide explains how to check discovery settings, including the Advanced setting under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices.
Windows’ Bluetooth device list is not the authoritative test for a DS3 configured through BthPS3. For general adapter and discovery checks, see Microsoft’s Bluetooth troubleshooting guide.
It connects and disconnects repeatedly
Check the controller charge, distance from the adapter, radio interference, driver conflicts, and adapter compatibility. Microsoft also identifies nearby unshielded USB 3.0 devices as a possible source of Bluetooth interference.
Steam sees it, but a game does not
Pairing, Windows input recognition, Steam Input, and a game’s own controller support are separate stages. Check the game’s per-title Steam Input setting and choose a DsHidMini mode the game accepts: older games may expect DirectInput, while games that accept only Xbox-style input may need an XInput-compatible mode or bridge. Avoid running multiple remappers at the same time.
Best Value
- 🎮【Compatible with Playstation3 】The wireless controller is fully compatible with PS3/Slim.
- 🎮【Double Vibration and Shock& Motion Sensor Supported】 Feel every hit, crash, and explosion with PS3 controller dual vibration response. Truly intuitive game play through the 6-axis motion sensing technology
- 🎮【Long Battery Life & Long Bluetooth Connection Distance】The controller is design with perfect sensitive buttons and product shape, more comfortable playing feeling to press the buttons with suitable hand-held size and with a large battery capacity,allowing you to have great fun in games for longer time.
- 🎮【Upgraded Version】The buttons are with high sensitivity and provide an accurate gaming experience. The layout of controller buttons is optimized with excellent dual analog gamepad design.
- 🎮【Package Content /What You Get】wireless controller * 2, USB charging cable * 2, User Manual * 1 (NOTE: Please activate device with USB charging cable for the first match connection).
Buttons work, but rumble or motion features do not
Basic input does not establish support for every feature. DsHidMini provides configurable HID modes and force-feedback support, but its documentation describes motion support as incomplete or unavailable in the relevant driver documentation. Game support also varies, so do not assume that rumble, pressure-sensitive buttons, Sixaxis motion, or headset functions will work in every setup.
When another setup makes more sense
If you only need a controller for PC gaming and do not need the original DS3 specifically, a modern controller with documented support for your operating system can avoid this driver-and-host-pairing workflow. If you want to keep using the PS3 controller, wired USB may be the simplest option. For an adapter purchase, verify the exact Bluetooth host’s compatibility guidance in BthPS3 before buying; the “Bluetooth 5.x” label alone is not a compatibility guarantee.
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