DualShock controllers
Contents
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.
External links
DualShock 4
The DualShock 4 is the standard PlayStation 4 controller.
Unlike its predecessor, which driver developers have described as "broken", Sony made the DualShock 4 better conformant to the Bluetooth spec, to the point where it can expose itself as a standard controller to any Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR receiver by entering its own pairing mode (hold down the PS Button + Share until the lightbar flashes white twice in succession). This mode does not expose the 3.5mm headphone jack and touchpad functionality over wireless, and functionality is still limited to software that natively supports the controller, but the core buttons and triggers work fine.
Windows
The official driver for the DualShock 4 only supports DirectInput. External programs are still needed to expose the controller through XInput.
| Name | Touchpad | Lightbar | USB | Bluetooth | Vibration | Sixaxis | Active | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS4Windows | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steam Input | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Official Wireless Adaptor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗[N 1] | ✗ |
| SCP Driver Package | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| InputMapper (DSDCS) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| DS4 to XInput | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
- ↑ Currently out of stock.
Comparison
- DS4Windows
- Forked from DS4Tool. A modified version of DS4-to-XInput that also allows for rudimentary Sixaxis mapping to XInput or keyboard keys. It also has a lot more mapping options, like setting up macros. The DualShock Exclusive Mode Tool might be necessary if your setup becomes unusable after updating to the Anniversary Update on Windows 10.
- SCP Driver Package
- Supports basic DS4 features, but reports of latency issues and dropped inputs due to the linked zadig tool. Official thread.
- Steam Input
- Has supported the DualShock 4 since December 2016, and uses the same technology they developed for their own Steam controller to translate controller inputs to XInput. The only downside is that one would have to add the emulators as non-Steam games, configure them from Big Picture mode, and launch them from Steam every time.
- InputMapper
- Formerly named "DSDCS", a fork of DS4Windows promising a clean, user-friendly GUI with plenty of options (mostly copied from J2K's DS4Windows), but is adware/donationware. Official thread.
- DS4-to-XInput
- The original wrapper for XInput that can also use the touchpad. However, it's no longer being maintained.
Issues
Bluetooth connection problems
Some Windows users have experienced problems with their DS4 controllers disconnecting from Bluetooth during the pairing process. This does not affect all users, but those who experience this issue can resolve it using these steps. (Perform these steps quickly or the controller will disconnect.)
- Initiate the pairing process by holding the Share button and the PS button until the light bar begins to flash white.
- Go through the usual steps to add a device through your Bluetooth settings, as simple as right-clicking the tray icon and selecting "Add a Device".
- When asked to select the device, right-click on the Wireless Controller and click Properties.
- In Bluetooth Services, check "Drivers for keyboard, mice, etc (HID)" and press Apply.
- Allow the drivers to install and complete the pairing process as normal.
Your controller should now remain connected via Bluetooth, allowing you to use wireless input where supported with the driver solutions listed above.
External links
- DualShock 4 on PCGamingWiki
