| Controller | Wired | Bluetooth | Sixaxis | Pressure Buttons | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | ✅ Perfect | ✅ Perfect | ✅ (With config) | ❌ (Natively lacks) | Most popular option. Touchpad works as Select/Start. | | DualSense (PS5) | ✅ Perfect | ✅ (Requires pairing) | ❌ | ❌ | Excellent ergonomics; rumble works. | | Xbox 360 | ✅ Perfect | ❌ (PC dongle needed) | ❌ | ❌ | Requires wired controller or wireless dongle w/ custom driver. | | Xbox One/Series | ✅ Perfect | ✅ (Bluetooth models) | ❌ | ❌ | Great for FPS games. | | Switch Pro | ✅ Perfect | ✅ (After pairing) | ❌ | ❌ | Works, but analog triggers are digital (on/off). | | Generic USB | ✅ (Most) | ❌ (Varies) | ❌ | ❌ | Works for basic games. |
You can also adjust dead zones, vibration intensity, and LED colors for DS4 controllers. Save the file as ps3xpad.cfg (plain UTF-8 text) in the plugins folder and reboot. Problem 1: Controller works in XMB but not in games Fix: This usually means the game has strict Sixaxis security. Enable “Controller Sleep” mode in webMAN MOD or use the ps3xpad_vsh.sprx version (only for XMB) and the regular one for games. Alternatively, hold L1 + L2 + R1 + R2 + Select + Start for 3 seconds to reinitialize the driver. Problem 2: DualShock 4 Bluetooth keeps disconnecting Fix: The PS3’s Bluetooth stack is old. Go to Settings → Network Settings and disable “Media Server Connection.” This frees up bandwidth. Also, remove all other Bluetooth devices from the PS3 memory. Problem 3: No rumble/vibration Fix: Not all controllers support force feedback via PS3XPAD. For DS4, ensure your ps3xpad.cfg has the line ENABLE_RUMBLE = 1 . Also, note that some USB cables do not carry the rumble signal—try a different cable. Problem 4: Xbox One controller lag via Bluetooth Fix: Xbox One controllers use a proprietary Bluetooth stack. Use a wired USB connection instead. For wireless, buy an official Xbox Wireless Adapter (Windows) and use a USB OTG cable—though this is complex. Wired USB is simpler. Is PS3XPAD Safe? Legal & Risk Analysis From a hardware perspective, PS3XPAD is a read-only plugin ; it does not flash your controller’s firmware or permanently alter the PS3’s flash memory (unlike installing CFW itself). It is safe for your console. ps3xpad
From a legal perspective: Using homebrew on the PS3 violates the DMCA’s anti-circumvention provisions in the US, but Sony has ceased active litigation against individual modders. You will not be sued. However, . If you sign into PSN while using it, there is a small risk of a temporary (or permanent) console ID ban. Always disable the plugin (reboot without webMAN) before going online. Alternative Solutions (How PS3XPAD Compares) | Solution | Cost | PC Required | Sixaxis | Complexity | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | PS3XPAD | Free | No (after install) | Partial | Medium | | Brook Wingman XE | $50 | No | Yes | Low (Plug & Play) | | CronusMax Plus | $70 | Yes (for setup) | No | High | | Mayflash MAGIC-S | $30 | No | No | Low | | Ferrox Controller Plugin | Free | No | No | Medium | | Controller | Wired | Bluetooth | Sixaxis