Connecting a PlayStation 3 Dualshock 3 controller to an Android phone can greatly enhance your gaming experience. Whether you’re playing games on an emulator or using a game streaming service, being able to use a physical controller can make gameplay more enjoyable and immersive. In this blog post, we will explore several methods to connect a PS3 Dualshock 3 controller to an Android phone, allowing you to take your gaming to the next level.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Connecting a PS3 Dualshock 3 Controller to an Android Phone
Connecting a PS3 Dualshock 3 controller to an Android phone is not as straightforward as connecting it to a PlayStation 3 console. While Android devices support Bluetooth connections for gaming controllers, the Dualshock 3 controller uses a proprietary wireless technology called “Bluetooth HID” that is not natively supported by Android. As a result, additional steps and software may be required to establish a successful connection.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before attempting to connect your PS3 Dualshock 3 controller to your Android phone, there are a few things you should prepare:
1. A rooted Android phone: Rooting your Android phone will provide you with administrative privileges, allowing you to make system-level changes required for connecting the Dualshock 3 controller. Keep in mind that rooting voids your warranty and could potentially cause other issues if not done correctly.
2. A USB OTG (On-The-Go) cable: This cable allows you to connect USB devices, such as the Dualshock 3 controller, to your Android phone. Make sure you have a compatible USB OTG cable.
3. A compatible app or software: To map the buttons on the Dualshock 3 controller and establish a connection, you will need either a dedicated app or software compatible with your Android device.
Method 1: Using Sixaxis Controller App
1. Download and install the Sixaxis Controller app from the Google Play Store.
2. Connect your Dualshock 3 controller to your Android phone using the USB OTG cable.
3. Open the Sixaxis Controller app and tap the “Pair Controller” button.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.
5. Once the controller is paired, you can disconnect it from the USB cable and use it wirelessly.
Pros:
– Convenient and easy to use.
– Supports custom button mapping.
– Works with a wide range of Android devices.
Cons:
– Requires a rooted Android phone.
– Not a free app (the app costs a small fee).
Method 2: Using the Game Controller Settings
1. Enable the “Developer options” on your Android phone by going to the Settings menu, tapping on “About phone,” and repeatedly tapping on the “Build number” until you see a message indicating that developer options have been enabled.
2. Open the Developer options menu in the Settings and enable “USB debugging.”
3. Connect your Dualshock 3 controller to your Android phone using the USB OTG cable.
4. Go back to the Developer options menu and scroll down to the “Input” section.
5. Tap on “Gamepads” and select the connected Dualshock 3 controller.
6. Tap on “Pair” to establish a Bluetooth connection between your Android phone and the controller.
Pros:
– Doesn’t require a rooted Android phone.
– No additional apps or software needed.
– Offers native support for the Dualshock 3 controller.
Cons:
– Some Android devices may not have the “Gamepads” option in Developer options.
– Limited button mapping options.
Method 3: Using the Bluetooth Auto Connect App
1. Download and install the Bluetooth Auto Connect app from the Google Play Store.
2. Connect your Dualshock 3 controller to your Android phone using the USB OTG cable.
3. Open the Bluetooth Auto Connect app and tap on your controller’s entry.
4. Tap on “Connect.”
5. Disconnect the controller from the USB cable and try using it wirelessly.
Pros:
– Easy to use.
– Automatically connects the controller when in range.
– Works with various Bluetooth devices.
Cons:
– Requires a rooted Android phone.
– May not work with all Android devices.
Method 4: Via third-party Emulator Apps
Connecting your Dualshock 3 controller to an Android phone via third-party emulator apps is another option. Popular emulator apps like RetroArch, ePSXe, and PPSSPP offer built-in controller support and allow you to map the buttons on your Dualshock 3 controller within the app settings. Simply download and install the emulator app of your choice from the Google Play Store, connect your controller using the USB OTG cable, and configure the controller settings within the app.
Pros:
– Wide compatibility with various emulator apps.
– Access to a vast library of games.
– Allows for precise button mapping.
Cons:
– May require additional steps for configuration.
– Performance may vary depending on the emulator app and game.
Why Can’t I Connect My PS3 Dualshock 3 Controller?
There can be several reasons why you are unable to connect your PS3 Dualshock 3 controller to your Android phone. Here are a few common ones and their fixes:
1. Lack of compatibility: Not all Android devices support the connection of a PS3 Dualshock 3 controller. Ensure that your device has native support or use one of the methods mentioned above.
2. Non-rooted phone: Most methods require a rooted Android phone to establish the connection. Consider rooting your device if you haven’t already done so.
3. Improper setup: Make sure you have followed the instructions correctly and have installed the necessary apps or software to enable the connection.
4. Outdated firmware: Update the firmware on your Dualshock 3 controller to the latest version to ensure compatibility with your Android phone.
Additional Tips
1. Use a reputable USB OTG cable to ensure a stable connection between the Dualshock 3 controller and your Android phone.
2. Keep your controller charged to avoid any disruptions during gameplay.
3. Check for firmware updates for the Dualshock 3 controller to improve compatibility and performance.
5 FAQs about Connecting a PS3 Dualshock 3 Controller to an Android Phone
Q1: Can I connect a PS4 Dualshock 4 controller to an Android phone using the same methods?
A: Yes, the methods mentioned in this blog post can also be used to connect a PS4 Dualshock 4 controller to an Android phone.
Q2: Do all Android games support the use of a Dualshock 3 controller?
A: No, not all Android games have native support for the Dualshock 3 controller. However, you can use joystick mapping apps or third-party emulation apps to enable controller support for unsupported games.
Q3: Can I connect multiple Dualshock 3 controllers to my Android phone simultaneously?
A: It depends on the Android device and its Bluetooth capabilities. Some devices support multiple Bluetooth connections, while others may only allow a single connection at a time.
Q4: Will connecting a Dualshock 3 controller to my Android phone cause any input lag?
A: Input lag can vary depending on the device, app, and connection method. While some users may experience minimal input lag, others may notice a more significant delay.
Q5: Is it possible to use a Dualshock 3 controller wirelessly without any additional apps or software?
A: Without the use of additional apps or software, connecting a Dualshock 3 controller wirelessly to an Android phone is not possible due to the controller’s proprietary wireless technology.
In Conclusion
Connecting a PS3 Dualshock 3 controller to an Android phone opens up a world of possibilities in mobile gaming. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can enjoy a more immersive gaming experience with better control over your gameplay. Whether it’s using the Sixaxis Controller app, enabling game controller settings, using Bluetooth Auto Connect, or connecting via third-party emulator apps, there is a method that suits your needs and preferences. Keep in mind the preparation steps, troubleshoot any connection issues, and explore the additional tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience on your Android phone.