Recommended Free Tools
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Yes. PlayStation 3 DUALSHOCK 3 and SIXAXIS wireless controllers use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly after pairing. The first pairing with a PS3 uses a USB cable; after that, disconnect the cable for wireless play or leave it connected to play wired.
How a PS3 controller connects
Bluetooth is the wireless connection, while USB handles the documented initial pairing and can also carry a wired connection. PlayStation’s DUALSHOCK 3 support instructions describe both options for a paired controller.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The PS3 manual explains that a wireless controller must first be registered, or paired, with the console and assigned a controller number. Connecting it to the powered-on PS3 with USB and pressing the PS button completes that setup.
DriversCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?PerformanceWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadDriversOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Pair a DUALSHOCK 3 with a PS3
- Turn on the PS3.
- Connect the controller to the console with a USB cable.
- Press the PS button. The console pairs the controller and assigns it a number.
- For wireless play, disconnect the cable after pairing. The controller then communicates with the PS3 over Bluetooth.
These steps follow Sony’s PlayStation 3 Safety and Support / Quick Reference Manual and its DUALSHOCK 3 support page.
#1 Best Overall
Playstation 3 Dualshock 3 Wireless Controller (Black) (Renewed)
- Made in United States
Bluetooth does not guarantee compatibility with every device
The official instructions cover pairing with a PS3 and, on the support page, PS Vita TV. They do not establish that every computer, phone, or other Bluetooth host can pair with or use a PS3 controller. Compatibility depends on the other device and its software; Bluetooth support alone is not proof that the controller will work.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Best Value
Sale
MOVONE wireless Controller for ps3 Rechargeable Game Wireless Controller 2Pack with2 Charging Cables, Compatible with Playstation3
- 🎮【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).
Rank #4
OKHAHA Controller 2 Pack for PS3 Wireless Controller for Sony Playstation 3, Double Shock 3, Bluetooth, Rechargeable, Motion Sensor, Remote for PS3 (With Stripes(Blue + Red))
- 【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.
Rank #3
Diswoe Controller for PS-3, Wireless Bluetooth Controller Gamepad Joystick, Double Vibrating Controller for Play_station 3 with Charger Cable Cord Thump Grips
- 【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.
Rank #2
Yinjie 2 Pack Wireless Controller for PS3, Compatible with Playstation 3
- The 2 pack wireless controller is fully compatible with PS3/Slim.
- Feel every hit, crash, and explosion with controller dual vibration response. Truly intuitive game play through the 6-axis motion sensing technology.
- Our controller has undergone a comprehensive upgrade to close to the original version. It has refined thumbsticks, precise triggers, responsive action buttons and a 4-way directional pad.
- The controller uses high-quality materials and exquisite craftsmanship, and passed 12,000,000 durability tests.
- 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).
USB and Bluetooth compared
| Connection | Setup | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth wireless | First pair with the PS3 using USB and the PS button; disconnect the cable afterward. | Wireless play with the paired console; controller battery charge is needed. |
| USB wired | Connect the controller to the PS3 with a USB cable. | Play with the cable connected. Sony also documents USB as a wired-use option for a paired DUALSHOCK 3. |
If the controller will not connect or respond
- Check pairing: Connect it to the powered-on PS3 by USB and press the PS button to register it.
- Check controller charge: A depleted battery can prevent wireless use. Sony notes that battery duration gradually decreases with repeated use and age in its PS3 system manual.
- Check controller assignment: Pressing the PS button during pairing assigns a controller number.
- Reset if needed: The PS3 quick reference manual recommends using the small reset button on the back of the controller as a troubleshooting step.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
