Use a PS3 Controller Wirelessly on Android with Sixaxis Controller

Unlike the XBOX 360 controller, the Dualshock 3 PS3 controller can be connected to your Android device via bluetooth with a rooted app called Sixaxis Controller. It’s a paid app, and they’ve got a free app that lets you test whether or not your device is compatible using a PS3 controller. You’ll also need your PC and a mini USB cable for the controller to connect to the PC for pairing. For devices with USB2.0 ports or some forms of adapters, you won’t need to use a PC for testing compatibility and pairing.

Steps

Checking for Compatibility

1. Download the Sixaxis Compatibility Checker. Open the Google Play Store and search for the Sixaxis Compatibility Checker. Choose the one made by Dancing Pixel Studios.
   • Download the app by tapping on the Install button.
2. Launch the app. After installation, tap on "Open," if you didn’t leave the app’s Google Play page.
   • If you’ve left Google Play, tap on the app’s icon on your home screen or app drawer to launch it.
3. Tap on "Start." This will run a series of operations trying to confirm compatibility. If compatibility is achieved, it should notify you. If compatibility is shown, proceed to the next steps. Take note of whatever address is shown in the notification.
   • You will need to have Root-an-Android-Phone-with-UnlockRoot-Software for your device in order to successfully pair your controller.

Downloading the Pair Tool

1. Visit the Dancing Pixel Studios website. Enter dancingpixelstudios.com in your computer's web browser.
2. Click on the Sixaxis Controller tab in the header.
3. Click on "SixaxisPairTool." This should be on the left-hand side.
4. Click on the download link for your operating system. This will download the tool to your PC.
5. Install the tool. Go to the installer you’ve just downloaded and double-click on it to begin the installation process. Follow the instructions on the screen until installation is complete.

Pairing Your Device

1. Run the Pairing Tool on your PC. A window should appear displaying Current Master: Searching.... This indicates that the program is looking for your controller
2. Plug in your PS3 controller to your computer. Ideally, you should use the USB ports on your motherboard instead of USB hubs or extensions.
   • The “searching” text should change into a set of characters separated into pairs by ":". This is the Bluetooth address of the controller’s old master (usually your PS3).
3. Change the master address. Click on the address and change it to the one stated in the main screen of the Compatibility app. Click Update when finished.
4. Tap "Pair Controller" on the Compatibility app. Confirm that the master address matches both on your device and the controller, then tap "Pair."
5. Unplug the controller from your computer.
6. Press the PlayStation button to turn the controller on. You should see the LED turn on in the Player 1 spot.
7. Press "Start" in the Compatibility app. It should say “Client Connected: 1.”
8. Test your controller. Try pressing some buttons on your controller. If the connection is successful, the app should respond to the keys you are pressing. Now you can download the main app!

Downloading the Main App

1. Download the paid "Sixaxis Controller" app. Launch Google Play and search for the Sixaxis Controller app. Purchase and install it on your device.
2. Start "Sixaxis Controller". The app will initiate your device's Bluetooth.
3. Launch the app. A prompt should appear telling you to enable the Sixaxis Controller in the Keyboard and Input Method.
4. Tap "Change IME". Select "Sixaxis Controller" from the list of available inputs.
5. Tap "Start." The device will look for the controller. If connection is successful, the console should say “Client 1 Connected [Battery status: Full].”
6. Configure the various settings to your satisfaction. Tap on the top-right icon.
   • Configure Touch Emulation enables you to use the PS3 controller with touch-based games.
   • There you have it, you should be able to set your preferences with the main app settings for any game you want. Enjoy your Bluetooth controller on your Android games and emulators!

Sources and Citations

• http://www.dancingpixelstudios.com/sixaxiscontroller/about.html

See also

• Jailbreak a PS3
• Add a Credit Card to the PlayStation Store
• Reset a PS3
• Use a PS3 Controller on a PC
• Sync a PS3 Controller
• Add Money to Your PSN Account
• Add an External Hard Drive to a PlayStation 3
• Play PS2 Games on a PS3
• Disassemble a PS3 Fat to Clean
• Charge a PS3 Controller

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