- PlayStation 4 controllers will work with a PlayStation 3 console, and when you use a wired connection, there is no setup involved.
- You can also pair a PS4 controller to a PS3 for a wireless connection, though the process of connecting the two devices is more involved.
- Not all functions of the PS4's DualShock 4 controller will work while it's paired to the older system — vibration and tilt control may not function, for example.
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If you have a PlayStation 3, you have a console that may be a generation old but that still has some excellent games well worth re-playing. And you can play those games using the DualShock 4 controller from the newer PS4 system.
To use a PlayStation 4 controller with a PlayStation 3 console, the easiest approach is to simply connect the controller using a USB cable. Once the cable is connecting the two pieces of hardware, you'll be able to play PS3 games with the controller right away.
To connect a DualShock 4 wireless PS4 controller to a PS3, you'll also need one of those cables, in fact. But there are more steps than just plugging it in.
Check out the products mentioned in this article:
DualShock 4 Wireless Controller (From $59.99 at Best Buy)
PlayStation 4 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)
Mediabridge USB Cable (From $5.39 at Amazon)
How to connect a PS4 controller to your PS3 for wireless use
1. Connect the controller and console with the USB cable and power both on.
2. Open the Settings menu, then go to "Accessory Settings."
3. Click on "Manage Bluetooth Devices."
4. Select "Register New Device" by pressing "X" on the controller.
5. Click on "Start Scanning," and then disconnect the cable from the PS4 controller.
6. Hold the "PS" and "Share" buttons on the controller, and when the lights on the controller start flashing, plug the cable back into it.
7. Highlight "Wireless Controller" on the screen and click on it.
You should now be able to use your PS4 controller wirelessly with your PS3.
Related coverage fromHow To Do Everything: Tech:
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'How much is PS4 online?': A cost and features breakdown of PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now
How to add friends on your PS4 in 6 simple steps
How to send and delete messages on your PS4, using the PlayStation Messages app
Steven John
Freelance Writer
Steven John is a freelance writer living near New York City by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, four in Boston, and the first 18 near DC. When not writing or spending time with his wife and kids, he can occasionally be found climbing mountains. His writing is spread across the web, and his books can be found at www.stevenjohnbooks.com.
Insider Inc. receives a commission when you buy through our links.
FAQs
Would a PS4 controller work on a PS3? ›
PlayStation 4 controllers will work with a PlayStation 3 console, and when you use a wired connection, there is no setup involved. You can also pair a PS4 controller to a PS3 for a wireless connection, though the process of connecting the two devices is more involved.
Can I use PS4 controller on PS3 without PS3 controller? ›Yes, you can also use a DualShock 4 wirelessly with a PS3.
Plug in DualShock 4 controller via USB. Go to Accessory Settings and Manage Bluetooth Devices. Scan for Bluetooth Device. Unplug the DualShock 4, press Share and PS Buttons.
PS3 uses a proprietary controller signal over bluetooth or USB. Only controllers designed for the PS3, or connected to adapters that make them PS3 compatible, would work.
Does PS3 Dualshock 3 have Bluetooth? ›Dualshock 3 wireless controller utilizes Bluetooth technology for wireless game play and the controller? s USB cable to seamlessly and automatically charge the controller through the PlayStation 3 system at anytime.
How do I pair a PS3 controller? ›Insert the USB Controller Adaptor into any available USB port on the PS3™ console. Press the “Connect” button on the USB Controller Adaptor. The LED light will begin flash rapidly. Press the “Home” button on the Pro Elite Wireless Controller.
Why is my PS3 controller not pairing? ›Confirm that the console is powered "ON," and make sure you have properly charged the wireless battery in the controller prior to use, or connect it to the USB Adapter using a USB cable. Confirm that the USB Adapter is properly connected to a USB port on your PS3 game console.
How do I put my PS4 controller in pairing mode? ›- Press and hold the PS button and SHARE button on the wireless controller at the same time.
- The light bar on the back of the wireless controller will start flashing once pairing mode is active.
...
The DualShock 3 has:
- Square.
- Triangle.
- Circle.
- Cross.
- Start.
- Select.
- Directionals.
- L1.
4. Press the PS3 Controller reset button; 4.1 After the phone restarts turn bluetooth ON and try pairing the controller using the 0000 pin.
How many controllers can PS3 connect? ›This figure is down from the PS3, which could officially support up to seven controllers wirelessly at the same time - though it would be difficult to find a game that would be able to make use of all of them. The PS4 is also not backwards compatible with PS3 controllers by default.
Where is Bluetooth on PS3? ›
Go to Home menu. Select Settings. Select Accessory Settings. Select Manage Bluetooth Devices.
What is the pin for PS3 Bluetooth? ›When prompted, enter the code 0000 and select Pair or Accept. Your PS3 controller is now connected and ready to use.
Can I use my phone as a PlayStation remote? ›Using the PS Remote Play app, you can control your PlayStation®5 console or PlayStation®4 console from a mobile phone or tablet. Check that your devices meet the requirements and then follow the steps below to set up PS Remote Play. For details about system requirements, go to Google Play™ or the App Store.
How do I pair my controller? ›While pressing and holding the SHARE button, press and hold the PS Button until the light bar flashes. Enable Bluetooth on your device, and then select the controller from the list of Bluetooth devices. When pairing is complete, the light bar blinks, and then the player indicator lights up.
How do I fix my PS4 controller that won't connect? ›- If your PS4 controller won't connect, try a different USB cable, in case the original one has failed.
- You can also reset the PS4 controller by pressing the button on the back of the controller.
- If your controller still won't connect to your PS4, you might need to get support from Sony.
PS3 Dualshock 3 Controller at Rs 599 | Video Game Controller in New Delhi | ID: 15109969612.
How do you fix controllers not connecting? ›Try pressing and holding the Xbox button on the controller to turn it back on. If that doesn't work, the problem might be due to a drained battery. If you're using a wireless controller, try changing the batteries or connecting its charging cable.
Can you use any PlayStation controller with any PlayStation? ›Yes, the PlayStation 5 supports PlayStation 4 controllers (DualShock 4 is the official controller name). However, you can only use PS4 controllers to play PS4 games. You cannot play PS5 titles with a PS4 controller. The only exception is if you use Remote Play to control your PS5 from another supported device.
Can you use any wired controller for PS3? ›Yes! The PS3 supports using a wire to directly connect the official controllers, and makes the connection via USB when doing so. 3rd Party controllers MUST use a USB port, and can not connect wirelessly the same way as the official controllers.
Can you control a PS3 with an Xbox controller? ›You can't. Not with the hardware that comes in the box. You'll have to get an adapter in order to connect the two. There are wired and wireless available out there.