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Yes. The PlayStation 3’s DUALSHOCK 3 and SIXAXIS controllers use Bluetooth for wireless play. To pair one with a PS3, connect it to the console with a USB cable and press the PS button; after pairing, you can unplug the cable for wireless play or leave it connected for wired use.
How a PS3 controller connects
Bluetooth is the controller’s wireless connection, but the documented first-time setup uses USB. PlayStation’s DUALSHOCK 3 support instructions describe the paired controller as usable wirelessly over Bluetooth or wired over USB.
Pairing registers the controller with the console and assigns it a controller number. PlayStation’s PS3 Safety and Support / Quick Reference Manual says a wireless controller must first be registered, or “paired,” with the PS3 system and assigned a number.
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Pair a DUALSHOCK 3 or SIXAXIS with a PS3
- Turn on the PS3.
- Connect the controller to the console with a USB cable.
- Press the PS button. The console completes pairing and assigns the controller a number.
- For wireless play, disconnect the USB cable after pairing. The controller can then communicate with the PS3 over Bluetooth.
The cable is used for the documented initial pairing and can also keep the controller connected for wired play; it is not a Bluetooth adapter.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Compatible with Sony Playstation 3 and PC Windows 7/8/10】Controller wireless for Sony PlayStation 3/PS3. Plug and Play. No installation is required. To use it on a PC, a USB cable is required (included).
- 【Double Shock 3 & Motion Sensor Supported】The controller wireless for Sony PS3 supports the double shock 3 function. The grips vibrate with each explosion, shocking, firing in supported games, giving you more fun and a more immersive gaming experience. 6-axis motion sensing function is also supported for the remote controller for PS3 so that you can control the games freely with the moving of your hands.
- 【Long Battery Life & Long Bluetooth Connection Distance】Remote for PS3 with a large battery capacity of 600mAh, providing 5~8h long playtime (auto-sleep function is provided for saving power).
- 【Sensitive Buttons Passed 10,000,000 Strokes Test】The high-quality controllers 2 pack for PS3 are upgraded to be close to the original. It has a zero-delay quick response. The control for PS3 uses first-class material and is of first-class craftsmanship. It has passed a strict durability test of 10,000,000 times of strokes. The two 360 degree analog joysticks of the controller wireless for PS3 enable you to control the games effortlessly and precisely. No dead zone.
- 【Package Content & Lifetime Carefree After-sales Service】The delivery package includes 2 Controllers Wireless for PS3, 2 USB Charging Cables (2.5 feet), 1 User Manual; The wireless controllers for Sony PlayStation 3 offer a lifetime unconditional return and refund service.
If the controller does not respond
- Check pairing and controller number: reconnect the controller by USB and press the PS button so it can register with the console.
- Check its charge: the PS3 system manual notes that battery duration decreases gradually with repeated use and age. A low or worn battery can therefore affect wireless use. See the PS3 system manual, CECH-2101A/CECH-2101B.
- Reset the controller: if the preceding checks do not help, the PS3 support manual recommends using the small reset button on the controller’s rear, then reconnecting it to the console and pairing again.
Does Bluetooth mean it works with any device?
No universal compatibility claim follows from the fact that the controller uses Bluetooth. PlayStation’s instructions document pairing and use with a PS3 and, on its support page, PS Vita TV. They do not establish that every computer, phone, or other Bluetooth host supports a DUALSHOCK 3 or SIXAXIS controller. Check the specific device’s compatibility instructions before relying on wireless pairing.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 🎮【Compatible with Playstation3 】The wireless controller is fully compatible with PS3/Slim.
- 🎮【Double Vibration and Shock& Motion Sensor Supported】 Feel every hit, crash, and explosion with PS3 controller dual vibration response. Truly intuitive game play through the 6-axis motion sensing technology
- 🎮【Long Battery Life & Long Bluetooth Connection Distance】The controller is design with perfect sensitive buttons and product shape, more comfortable playing feeling to press the buttons with suitable hand-held size and with a large battery capacity,allowing you to have great fun in games for longer time.
- 🎮【Upgraded Version】The buttons are with high sensitivity and provide an accurate gaming experience. The layout of controller buttons is optimized with excellent dual analog gamepad design.
- 🎮【Package Content /What You Get】wireless controller * 2, USB charging cable * 2, User Manual * 1 (NOTE: Please activate device with USB charging cable for the first match connection).
Rank #3
- Made in United States
Rank #2
- 【Design for PS-3】Diswoe wireless controller gamepad with upgraded precise joysticks, double shock, motion sensing compatible with Play_station 3.
- 【Bluetooth Wireless Connection】With wireless transmission technology, you will not suffer from data loss and signal interference. Direct Bluetooth connection eliminates any lag and delay. 10 meter wireless connection, give you more freedom. Bluetooth connection is more stable than 2.4GHz connection.
- 【Dual Vibration Feedback】New PS-3 wireless controller motors contribute to intense vibration feedback. Highly sensitive motion control system makes every hit, crash and explosion more realistic, you will feel the sound in the palm of your hand.
- 【6-Axis Support】Diswoe PS-3 wireless controller has intuitive 6-axis motion sensor; The highly responsive motion control system detects your every move and characters and in-game objects will move and react as you tilt, push and shake the controller. Truly intuitive gameplay through 6-Axis motion detection technology.
- 【What You Get】Diswoe wireless controller compatible with PS-3, a charging cable and user manual. 12 months of unconditional return&refund service is provided for the controller wireless for Diswoe Play-station 3.
Bluetooth wireless versus USB wired
| Use | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth wireless | Pair with the PS3 over USB first, then disconnect the cable. Wireless operation depends on the controller battery. |
| USB wired | Keep the controller connected to the PS3 by USB. PlayStation identifies USB as a wired-use option. |
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