For those seeking more comfortable and advanced gaming sessions on their PS3, using a PS4 controller is an excellent option. With the DualShock 4, you can play through your favorite PS3 titles again with improved precision and comfort.
In this article, I’ll explain the steps to sync your PS4 controller with your PS3 console. Let’s bridge the gap between two generations!
Does the PS4 Controller Work with PS3?
If you find yourself in a situation where your PS3 controller has stopped working, but you have a perfectly working PS4 controller, there’s no need to rush out and purchase a new Dualshock 3. Thanks to Sony’s superb engineering, you can connect your PS4 controller to the PS3 console.
In case you are still wondering whether PS4 controllers are genuinely compatible with the older PS3 system. Well, you don’t have to anymore because Sony officially announced that the PS4 controller is indeed compatible with the PS3 after the release of the PS4.
Not only does this save you the hassle of purchasing a new controller, but it also ensures that your gaming experience remains smooth and comfortable.
How to Connect PS4 Controller to PS3
To connect a PS4 controller to a PS3, simply utilize USB cables. Get a USB 2.0 A to USB Micro B cable ready. Next, connect one end of the cable to the PS4 controller and the other end to the PS3 console. Now, the PS4 controller will automatically pair with the PS3 console.
You can also connect your DualShock 4 to the PS3 wirelessly via Bluetooth. Below I’ve explained both ways.
Here are the methods to connect a PS4 controller to the PS3:
1. Connect PS4 Controller to PS3 Console via USB Cable
Connecting your PS4 controller to your PS3 console through a USB cable is as simple as attaching a mouse or keyboard to your computer through a USB cable.
Follow the steps below to get started:
- Prepare a USB cable that connects to the PS4 controller and the PS3 console simultaneously. I’d recommend using a USB 2.0 A to USB Micro B cable.
- Plug one end of the USB cable into the PS4 controller and the other end into the PS3 console.
The controller and the console will automatically pair once they are connected. To verify the pairing, play games with the PS4 controller on your PS3 console.
2. Connect PS4 Controller to PS3 Console Wirelessly via Bluetooth
Before you begin, make sure that your PS3 is running on 4.6 or higher versions. To check the version, navigate to Settings > System Settings, and choose System Software. If the console is running on a lower version, go ahead and upgrade it.
For the convenience of wireless gaming, follow these steps to connect your PS4 controller to your PS3 console using Bluetooth:
- Press and hold the PS and the Share button at the same time on the PS4 controller.
- Release the buttons when the controller light starts blinking. It is now in Pairing Mode and can be discovered on your PS3 console.
- Use your PS3 controller to navigate through the menu because the DualShock 4 is currently pairing.
- Go to Accessory Settings.
- Select Manage Bluetooth Devices.
- Choose Register New Device.
- Select Start Scanning.
- Choose Wireless Controller when the scanning completes. That’s the PS4 controller.
- Pick the latest registered device from the Bluetooth devices list.
Now the PS4 controller will exert a constant blue light, indicating that you’ve successfully connected it to your PS3 and are ready to play games using it.
Why Should You Use the PS4 Controller With PS3 Console?
Using a newer gen PS4 controller with an older PlayStation 3 is an innovative way to enhance your gaming experience. This unconventional combination of controller and console presents some unique benefits regarding ergonomics, familiarity, and functionality.
Here’s why you should use the PS4 controller with the PS3 console:
Improved Ergonomics
Compared to its predecessor, the PS4 controller boasts superior comfort and design. The enhanced analog sticks, triggers, and buttons reduce hand fatigue during extended gaming sessions, providing a more enjoyable experience.
Enhanced Familiarity
If you are transitioning from a PS3 to a PS4, the DualShock 4’s layout has become second nature. Integrating the PS4 controller into your PS3 setup will feel natural to you. This familiarity can significantly improve gameplay, allowing you to breeze through quick-time events.
Touchpad Functionality
Although the touchpad on DualShock 4 might not support all games on PS3, it serves as an additional button for the most part. Consider it an additional button at your disposal to be used in games.
Why Won’t Your PS4 Controller Connect to Your PS3?
When the PS4 was released, its controller wasn’t compatible with the older-gen console. But the PS3 software update version 4.60 solved this issue, enabling users to pair their PS3 consoles with the PS4 controller. For that, just upgrade the console software, and it’ll fix any pairing issues.
However, if your system is already up to date and you still get pairing problems, reset the PS4 controller manually. The reset button is on the controller’s lower side beside the left trigger. Press the button with a thin & pointy object to reset the controller and attempt the pairing process again.
Another issue you may face is the DualShock 4 might already be paired with another device. This controller is versatile and can be used not only with PS3 and PS4 but also with PCs and mobile phones.
So, ensure the controller isn’t currently connected to any other device.
Once the PS3 is running on system software version 4.60 or higher, using the PS4 controller should be seamless without any compatibility issues.
But on rare occasions, users have faced difficulties achieving a wireless connection even with a fully updated system. In such cases, simply resort to a wired connection.
Which Games are Compatible with the DualShock 4 on PlayStation 3?
Most PS3 games, such as the Assassins’ Creed series, excluding the first one, show perfect compatibility with the DualShock 4 on PS3. Similarly, the entire Arkham game series presents no issues and works flawlessly with the controller.
You can enjoy all 3 Bioshock games without any compatibility hiccups as well. Re-released PlayStation 1 and 2 games for the PS3 also have compatibility with the PS4 controller.
Despite these support abilities, some games exhibit abnormal behavior when paired with the DualShock 4.
For instance, driving segments in LA Noire is a nightmare due to controller limitations. Saints Row IV is another title where only the analog sticks work.
Unfortunately, the Jak and Daxter Collection recognizes only the start button and analog sticks. Moreover, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Remastered Trilogy faces compatibility issues due to the lack of vibration support on the DualShock 4, which is essential for missions where you need to pick locks.
Several games, such as Burnout Paradise, GTA V, Gran Turismo 6, and Fallout 3, are among those that do not function at all with the PS4 controller on the PS3 console.
Issues You Need to Consider When Connecting PS4 Controller to PS3
Incorporating a PS4 controller into a PS3 console has its benefits in terms of ergonomics and functionality. But with this combination, you might face challenges regarding syncing and pairing. Also, you won’t be able to use all the PS4 controller functions when connected to the PS3.
Here are the issues you need to consider when connecting a PS4 controller with the PS3:
- Limited Functionality: Some features of the PS4 controller, such as the touchpad and headphone jack, do not work fully or at all on the PlayStation 3.
- Syncing Problems: The PS3 console may sometimes identify the DualShock 4 as a general controller, leading to potential syncing issues.
- Need to Re-Pair: once you’ve paired your PS4 controller with the PS3, you won’t be able to connect the controller to your PS4 console unless you pair it again with the console.
FAQs
What controllers work with PS3?
The PS3 supports the DualShock 3, DualShock 4, DualSense 5, and PS Move. On the other hand, the PS4 is exclusively compatible with the DualShock 4 and the PS VR controllers. You cannot connect the PS5 controller to the PS4.
Do PS4 or PS5 controllers work on PS3?
Yes, both the PS4 and PS5 controllers work on PS3. You can connect them to the console using a USB cable or pair the controllers wirelessly via Bluetooth.
Do all USB controllers work on PS3?
The PlayStation 3 supports broad compatibility with most commercial USB controllers because it supports standard USB human interface devices. This feature allows players to easily connect various USB controllers to the console, offering more flexibility in choosing their gaming input.
Final Thoughts
Connecting a PS4 controller to a PS3 is a simple and convenient process that allows you to enhance your gaming experience on an older console.
By following the steps described in this article, you can easily pair your PS4 controller to the PS3 using a USB cable or pair the controller via Bluetooth.
Comment below if you have further questions, and we’ll get back to you.
