PSP / PS2 / PS3 accessories: DualShock 3 Will Not Connect to the PS3

The DualShock 3 controllers were the second official PS3 controllers. They added a vibration feature to the already-standard controls available on the original Sixaxis gamepads. These controllers normally work well and are easy to maintain, but if you’re struggling to use your DualShock 3 controller with your PS3, you can usually resolve the issue by taking a couple of moments to “re-pair” the controller.

Re-Pair the Controller

* When a DualShock 3 controller won't connect to a PS3, the cause is almost always one of two problems. Either the controller is not "paired" with that PS3, or the battery is dead. Since pairing a controller requires the use of the USB charging cord, check on pairing and the battery level using the same process. First, insert a paperclip or a similar small object into the hole for the reset button on the bottom of the controller near the "L2" trigger button. This isn’t required, but since you’re re-pairing the controller anyway, you might as well reset the controller. Next, turn on the PS3 and then connect your controller to it using its USB cord. Press the "PS" button and wait for a moment. The LEDs on top of the controller will begin blinking, and then one of them will remain lit to show you the controller's number. If you want to check the battery level, press and hold the "PS" button for a couple of seconds, and the battery level will appear on the TV screen. As long as the battery isn't depleted, you can remove the USB cord whenever you want.

Bluetooth Information

* You have to pair your controller with a PS3 because it uses Bluetooth technology. All Bluetooth devices have to establish a wireless connection with each other so they can transmit data without the use of cords. Without some sort of setup process, any Bluetooth device would run the risk of accidentally connecting to a device it's not meant to interact with -- like your neighbor's video game console or computer. Some devices require you enter a specific code to set up the link, and others, like the DualShock 3 controllers, require that you connect the two first with a cord and then use them wirelessly.

Vibration Settings

* You have a few options available for configuring your DualShock 3 controller. These controllers have a vibration option, or "rumble pack," and you can enable or disable this feature anytime you want. Go to the "Settings" section of the XMB menu and select "Accessory Settings," then "Controller Vibration Function." If you're in the middle of playing a game, reach that option by pressing and holding the "PS" button until an onscreen menu appears, then select "Controller Settings.”

Controller Status

* When you pair your controller and continue using it, check its status in a couple of ways. Check its number simply by looking at the LEDs on the top of the controller. There are four LEDs to indicate controller numbers one through four, and two of them will light up if you’re assigned numbers five, six or seven. The lit LED or LEDs begin blinking if the battery is low and while the battery is recharging; they’ll stop blinking once the battery is fully charged. Reassign the controller number by pressing and holding the "PS" button during a game and selecting “Controller Settings,” or by navigating in the XMB menu to “Settings,” then “Accessory Settings,” then “Reassign Controllers.”