Since the dawn of time, you’ve been able to use the infinitely more comfortable DualShock 4 from the shiny new PlayStation with the same numerical suffix on the older console, but only if you happened to plug it in via USB. It was handy for a dash of multiplayer gaming if you happened to have two sets of each controller and wanted the most out of LittleBigPlanet or PlayStation All-Stars. There were, of course, caveats. Now, the cable is optional.
A new system update has enabled the PlayStation 3 and the Dualshock 4 to pair wirelessly. Here’s what you need to do:
- Connect DS4 with wire to PS3 then turn on.
- Go to Accessory settings.
- Select Manage Bluetooth Devices, and start scanning for device.
- Unplug DS4
- While scanning, hold the PS & Share buttons on the DS4.
- When the light flashes quickly on DS4, plug it back in and select Wireless Controller.
- Let registration complete and then unplug.
Of course, the same caveats apply; the touch pad won’t work, and neither do any of the Sixaxis motion control, PS button or vibration functions, but they’ll still be great for getting 4 player action in Sonic and All Stars racing, LittleBigPlanet or any of the other fun multiplayer games that you’d need a handful of controllers to play.
What I’d really love is the reverse; I’d love to be able to use my old PS3 controllers on the PS4; especially for a dash of Towerfall Ascension multiplayer craziness. That game is free today as part of your PlayStation Plus subscriptions, and it’s still some of the most multiplayer fun I’ve had this generation.
I’d also really love official support for the DS4 on PC, with Xinput intact. DStool works well enough, but official support would be most welcome.
Last Updated: July 2, 2014
Hammersteyn
July 2, 2014 at 07:46
Where there’s a will there’s a way
http://www.movinginteractive.com/sites/default/files/ignite_apollo4.jpg
Alien Emperor Trevor
July 2, 2014 at 08:04
Only need one tool for that, or any, job…
Hammersteyn
July 2, 2014 at 08:05
duct tape?
Alien Emperor Trevor
July 2, 2014 at 08:07
refresh for image 😉
Hammersteyn
July 2, 2014 at 08:26
Aaaaah the Jeremy Clarkson method
HvR - Still dislikes Random.or
July 2, 2014 at 08:34
Jip, was going to make a comment that if the square peg doesn’t fit the round hole the problem is that the hammer isn’t big enough.
oVg... what castle?
July 2, 2014 at 09:11
Said the creator for the BONE while the PS4 still managed a smaller die with an INTERNAL brick.
Lord Chaos
July 2, 2014 at 07:52
I still wonder, if you plug a PS4 into the HDMI in on the xbox1 will you be able to play with the xbox1 controller.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
July 2, 2014 at 07:53
No. Also, there’s an input lag inherent in the pass-through.
Lord Chaos
July 2, 2014 at 07:54
Well that’s a pity.
Alien Emperor Trevor
July 2, 2014 at 07:58
Nothing terrible should happen – you’re dividing by One, not zero.
HvR - Still dislikes Random.or
July 2, 2014 at 08:35
Well you are boning your PS4 so it might not covered under the warranty.
oVg... what castle?
July 2, 2014 at 10:47
No, but you can record 15 minutes of Infamous and save it to the usb to watch it on the Bone 😛 in lower res…
Guest
July 2, 2014 at 07:57
Personally I use Better DS3.
Kensei Seraph
July 2, 2014 at 08:00
I need more sleep.
Lord Chaos
July 2, 2014 at 08:09
Or Coffee.
Kensei Seraph
July 2, 2014 at 10:47
I don’t drink coffee.
oVg... what castle?
July 2, 2014 at 10:48
swallow it?
Milesh Bhana
July 2, 2014 at 08:26
Sixaxis PS3 controller was crap. Glad i’ll still be able to play my old PS3 games with a decent controller.
Skyblue
July 2, 2014 at 08:50
Now how about getting an X1 controller working on a PS4? I’d pay for that.
oVg... what castle?
July 2, 2014 at 09:09
Thats one pro about Playstation. The controllers always worked with each console. PS2 with PS1 thumb sticks was nice. The memory cards always worked. PS1 save files onto the PS2. PS1 games always worked up until the PS4, and when the HD was upscaled for the PS3 one just needed to clip a new one in.
Filme Noi
July 2, 2014 at 09:09
http://www.filme3d.net/
I need more sleep.