DualShock 3
The DualShock 3 is the standard controller for the PlayStation 3. It was originally intended to launch with the console, but a lawsuit by Immersion in 2002 meant they were unable to include the controller's namesake feature, force feedback, until the case was over. As a stopgap, Sony announced the Sixaxis instead, claiming at E3 2006 that force feedback would have interfered with the gyro sensors. With the eventual release of the DualShock 3 in 2008, due to Sony's loss in court and eventual deal for the patent, we now know that this was incorrect.
Aside from gyro support, the Sixaxis and DualShock 3 offer the following features over DualShock 2:
- A very good D-pad
- 10-bit precision analog sticks, and pressure sensitive buttons
- Wireless connectivity using Bluetooth
- Wired connectivity through a Mini B-type USB connector
Windows
Use DsHidMini. For wireless functionality, see BthPS3.
Sony's official driver for the controller, sixaxis.sys
, was only released for the PlayStation Now service. If you have it installed, you may need to follow this guide to remove it.
For Windows 7 and 8, see SCP Driver Package.
Linux
Modern Linux kernels and Distros include support for Dualshock 3 controllers without any need to download additional programs.