PSP / PS2 / PS3 accessories: PS3 Wireless Controller Response Problems

One of the convenient accessories of the PlayStation 3 gaming system, unavailable with previous versions of the console, is the wireless Dualshock 3 controller, which allows you to control your PS3 from anywhere in the same room. Excessively slow response when you press the controller's buttons can make it difficult to play games or control system features, however. To improve your device's performance, it's important to understand what causes this problem.

      Charge

          * When you use the Dualshock 3 wireless controller for PS3 , the response time may slow down drastically if the battery does not have any charge left or its charge is severely low. This is more likely to happen if you are using the controller in wireless mode. Sony says that even when the wireless controller is not being used, it loses charge over time, so you need to charge it frequently. If you have to press the buttons hard in order for them to work, connect the controller to your gaming system using the USB cable and check the charge level from the gaming console's XrossMediaBar menu.

      Sync

          * Before the controller can work, you must sync, or pair, it with your PS3 gaming console. In addition, your gaming system usually assigns a number to the controller. When several people are playing a game, this feature allows each user to identify the controller he is using during game play. If a controller's number has been cleared or the controller is simply behaving erratically, it may run into response problems. Connecting the controller to your gaming system using the USB cable may solve the problem. If one of the port indicators on the controller isn't solid red, pressing the "PS" button will automatically assign a new number to the controller.

      Tips
          * According to Sony, response speed to controller actions may be slow on an LCD display or PC display. This isn't a malfunction. If the response time is severely slow, try resetting the controller by pressing the "Reset" button on the back with a pointed object such as a pen. Keep in mind that resetting your controller restores it to the default factory settings. Once reset, pairing information is cleared, and you will have to pair it again with the PS3 system. In addition, the system will have to assign a new number to the controller.

      Warnings

          * Be careful not to spill food and drinks on your controller. Food particles can get stuck within the buttons and cause response problems. If your controller is still not performing optimally, contact PlayStation support for additional troubleshooting. In some cases, the controller may need servicing, or if it can't be repaired, you may need to purchase a replacement. Opening the controller and attempting to fix it yourself may damage it even further, so avoid doing this as much as possible. Keep in mind that opening the controller will violate a valid warranty.