Can You Use a PS4 or PS5 Controller on a PS3?

Original PlayStation 3 controllers are becoming harder to find in clean, reliable condition. Batteries weaken, analogue sticks wear out and counterfeit DualShock 3 controllers can look surprisingly convincing. If you already own a PS4 or PS5, using one of its controllers on your PS3 may seem like an easy solution.

The good news is that both the PS4’s DualShock 4 and the PS5’s DualSense can provide basic control on a PS3. They can be connected with a USB cable and can commonly be paired through the console’s Bluetooth settings.

However, neither controller behaves exactly like a DualShock 3. Several important features are unavailable, compatibility varies between games and the PS button generally cannot control the PS3 system. They are useful alternatives, but they are not complete replacements.

The quick answer

Yes, you can use a PS4 or PS5 controller on a PS3 for many games. The simplest method is a wired USB connection, although wireless Bluetooth pairing is also possible.

When connected directly, the PS3 usually treats the DualShock 4 or DualSense as a generic controller. Standard buttons, analogue sticks, directional controls and triggers may work, but you should expect the following limitations:

- The PS button does not provide normal PS3 system control.

- Vibration and DualSense haptic feedback do not work natively.

- SIXAXIS motion controls do not work normally.

- The touchpad, controller speaker, microphone and headphone socket are unsupported.

- Some PS3 games do not recognise every input correctly.

- Safe Mode and certain system functions still require a compatible PS3 controller.

For occasional use, local multiplayer or games confirmed to work correctly, a PS4 or PS5 controller can be a very convenient backup. For full compatibility across the console, an original DualShock 3 remains the safest choice.

PS3 controller compatibility at a glance

Feature	DualShock 3	DualShock 4 on PS3	DualSense on PS3
Wired USB connection	Yes	Yes, with limitations	Yes, with limitations
Wireless connection	Yes	Commonly works as a generic Bluetooth controller	Commonly works as a generic Bluetooth controller
Standard buttons and analogue sticks	Full support	Usually supported	Usually supported
PS button and PS3 system menu	Full support	Not normally supported	Not normally supported
Vibration	Supported	Not supported through a direct connection	Haptics and vibration not supported through a direct connection
Motion controls	Supported	Not normally supported	Not normally supported
Pressure-sensitive PS3 inputs	Supported	Not reproduced fully	Not reproduced fully
Touchpad	Not applicable	Not supported as a PS3 touchpad input	Not supported as a PS3 touchpad input
Controller audio features	Not applicable	Not supported	Not supported
PS3 Safe Mode	Supported	Not reliable	Not reliable
Compatibility with every PS3 game	Yes	No	No

Direct compatibility is not officially presented by Sony as full PS3 support for either newer controller. Results can vary according to the game, controller revision, connection method and PS3 system software.

How to use a PS4 controller on a PS3 with a USB cable

Connecting a DualShock 4 by cable is the easiest method and the best place to start.

You will need a USB-A to Micro-USB data cable. Some inexpensive cables provide power only, so a controller may light up or charge without sending any button inputs to the console.

To connect it:

1. Turn on the PS3 using its front power button.

2. Connect the Micro-USB end of the cable to the DualShock 4.

3. Connect the USB-A end to one of the PS3’s front USB ports.

4. Wait a few seconds, then test the directional buttons and Cross button on the XMB menu.

5. Open the game you want to play and check every control before relying on the controller.

In many games, the DualShock 4’s Options button acts as Start and the Share button acts as Select. The exact behaviour can vary, and the PS button generally will not open the PS3 menu.

If the controller charges but does not respond, try a different USB cable before assuming the controller or console is faulty. A charge-only cable is one of the most common causes of connection problems.

How to use a PS4 controller wirelessly on a PS3

The DualShock 4 can also be registered through the PS3’s Bluetooth menu. The console normally identifies it as Wireless Controller rather than recognising it as a fully featured PlayStation controller.

It is easiest to complete this process with a working DualShock 3 or another controller already connected to the PS3, because you need a way to select the DualShock 4 after the console detects it.

1. On the PS3, go to Settings.

2. Open Accessory Settings.

3. Select Manage Bluetooth Devices.

4. Choose Register New Device.

5. Select Start Scanning.

6. Make sure the DualShock 4 is switched off and disconnected from USB.

7. Hold the Share and PS buttons together until the light bar begins flashing rapidly.

8. Select Wireless Controller from the devices found by the PS3.

9. Complete registration and test the controller on the XMB and inside a game.

Sony’s PS3 Bluetooth device guide provides the general menu path for registering Bluetooth accessories.

After pairing the DualShock 4 with a PS3, you may need to reconnect it to your PS4 with a USB cable before it will control that console again.

How to use a PS5 controller on a PS3 with a USB cable

The PS5 DualSense can also provide basic wired control on a PS3. This time, you will need a USB-A to USB-C data cable.

1. Turn on the PS3 using the console’s power button.

2. Connect the USB-C end of the cable to the DualSense.

3. Connect the USB-A end to a front USB port on the PS3.

4. Allow the console a few seconds to detect the controller.

5. Test the directional buttons, analogue sticks and face buttons on the XMB.

6. Start your chosen game and test its controls individually.

The DualSense’s Options button will commonly act as Start, while Create may act as Select. As with the DualShock 4, this is generic controller behaviour and should not be assumed to work perfectly in every game.

Adaptive triggers and the advanced haptic feedback designed for PS5 games are not available on PS3. The controller behaves as a basic input device rather than providing the features it has on a PS5.

How to use a PS5 controller wirelessly on a PS3

A DualSense can commonly be paired through the same PS3 Bluetooth menu used for the DualShock 4.

1. Use a connected controller to open Settings on the PS3.

2. Select Accessory Settings.

3. Open Manage Bluetooth Devices.

4. Choose Register New Device, followed by Start Scanning.

5. Disconnect the DualSense from any USB cable and make sure its player indicator is off.

6. Hold the Create and PS buttons together until the light bar flashes.

7. Select Wireless Controller when it appears on the PS3.

8. Finish the registration process and test it in the game you intend to play.

The controller may need to be reconnected or switched back to its PS5 pairing afterwards, depending on its firmware and saved device pairings.

Why does the PS button not work properly?

The PS3 is not recognising the DualShock 4 or DualSense as a complete DualShock 3. It is receiving ordinary controller inputs through a generic USB or Bluetooth connection, but it does not receive every PS3-specific system command.

This is one of the biggest practical limitations. Without a working PS button, you may be unable to:

- Open the PS3 system menu during a game.

- Quit a game normally.

- Check the assigned controller number.

- Turn off the controller through the XMB.

- Turn off or control the console in the usual way.

- Continue through parts of the PS3 Safe Mode menu.

Keeping a DualShock 3 nearby solves most of these problems. You can use the newer controller during ordinary gameplay and pick up the DualShock 3 when system-level control is required.

Do vibration and motion controls work?

Not through a normal direct connection.

The original DualShock 3 was designed around PS3 features including vibration, SIXAXIS motion sensing and pressure-sensitive inputs. Some games use these features for specific actions rather than treating them as optional extras.

A directly connected DualShock 4 or DualSense generally provides no PS3 vibration, while motion input is not passed to games in the way they expect from a SIXAXIS or DualShock 3. The DualSense’s haptic motors and adaptive triggers were designed for PS5 software and do not become functional PS3 features simply because the controller is connected.

This can affect games that require the player to tilt or shake the controller. It can also cause problems in games that read pressure-sensitive face-button inputs. Even when ordinary movement and combat work, one particular mechanic may be unavailable.

Will every PS3 game work with a PS4 or PS5 controller?

No. Compatibility should be considered game by game.

Many titles use conventional controls and may be completely playable apart from the missing PS button and vibration. Others may fail to recognise certain buttons, behave incorrectly in menus or require motion and pressure-sensitive inputs that a generic connection cannot reproduce.

Compatibility may also differ between gameplay and menus. A controller might navigate the PS3 home screen but stop responding after a game starts. The reverse can also occur: most gameplay inputs may work, but a system-level command needed to quit or change controller settings does not.

Before beginning a long game, test:

- Both analogue sticks and their L3/R3 clicks.

- The directional pad and four face buttons.

- L1, L2, R1 and R2.

- Start and Select equivalents.

- Pause menus and save screens.

- Any motion-controlled sections.

- The method you will use to quit the game.

Do not assume that success in one game confirms compatibility across your entire collection.

Can you set up or repair a PS3 without a DualShock 3?

You may be able to complete ordinary menu navigation with a PS4 or PS5 controller, but relying on one as your only controller can cause problems.

The PS3 Safe Mode screen asks the user to connect a controller through USB and press the PS button. Because the PS button on a directly connected DualShock 4 or DualSense is not normally recognised as the required PS3 command, the recovery process may stop at that screen.

A genuine DualShock 3 is the safest option for initial setup, recovery tools, controller assignment and any task that requires complete PS3 system control. A properly compatible third-party PS3 controller may also work, but compatibility with Safe Mode should be confirmed before an emergency occurs.

Can a USB controller adaptor restore missing features?

A controller adaptor designed specifically for PS3 can make a DualShock 4 or DualSense behave more like a PS3 controller. Instead of allowing the PS3 to see a generic device, the adaptor translates newer controller inputs into commands the console understands.

Depending on the adaptor and its firmware, this may restore functions such as:

- The PS button.

- Vibration.

- More consistent Start and Select mapping.

- Improved game compatibility.

- Wireless use without pairing directly to the PS3.

- Custom button mapping.

The manufacturer of the Brook Wingman XE range, for example, lists DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers among the devices supported for use on PS3. This is only one example, and feature support can change with adaptor firmware.

Before buying any adaptor, check the manufacturer’s current compatibility list for the exact controller revision and function you need. Do not assume that every converter supports motion controls, Safe Mode, controller audio or pressure-sensitive inputs.

An adaptor makes the most sense if you strongly prefer a modern controller and intend to use it as your main PS3 pad. For occasional play, keeping a working DualShock 3 is usually simpler.

Is a DualShock 4 or DualSense better on PS3?

Neither has full native support, so the better choice is usually the controller you already own and find most comfortable.

The DualShock 4 is closer in age and layout to the DualShock 3. Its lighter body, symmetrical sticks and familiar face make it feel natural with PS3 games. It uses a Micro-USB cable, which is different from the Mini-USB cable used by the DualShock 3.

The DualSense is larger and heavier, with a more modern shape and USB-C connection. Its excellent haptics and adaptive triggers provide no advantage on PS3, but some players may still prefer its grip, sticks and triggers.

For direct compatibility, neither has a decisive advantage. Game support matters more than which generation is printed on the controller.

Should you buy a newer controller instead of a DualShock 3?

If you already own a DualShock 4 or DualSense, it costs nothing to test it with your games. It can be an excellent temporary controller, second-player option or backup while searching for a reliable PS3 controller.

If you are buying a controller specifically for a PS3, an original DualShock 3 remains the better all-round choice because it provides:

- Correct PS-button operation.

- Full XMB and in-game system control.

- Native vibration and motion input.

- Better compatibility across the PS3 library.

- Safe Mode support.

- The intended button behaviour for PS3 software.

Because counterfeit PS3 controllers are common, buy from a seller who clearly identifies whether a controller is genuine, shows photographs of the actual item and tests wireless connection, charging, analogue sticks, buttons and vibration.

Frequently asked questions

Can a PS4 controller turn on a PS3?

Not through the normal direct connection. The DualShock 4’s PS button does not function as a complete PS3 system button, so use the power button on the console or a properly compatible PS3 controller.

Can a PS5 controller turn on a PS3?

Not normally. A directly connected DualSense is treated as a generic controller and its PS button does not provide full PS3 system control.

Does a PS4 controller work wirelessly on PS3?

It can commonly be registered as a generic Wireless Controller through Settings > Accessory Settings > Manage Bluetooth Devices. It will still have missing features and may not work correctly with every game.

Does a PS5 controller work wirelessly on PS3?

It can commonly be paired through the PS3 Bluetooth menu by placing the DualSense into pairing mode with the Create and PS buttons. This is limited generic-controller support rather than full DualSense compatibility.

Does the DualShock 4 vibrate on PS3?

Not through a normal direct USB or Bluetooth connection. A compatible controller adaptor may provide vibration support.

Do DualSense adaptive triggers work on PS3?

No. PS3 games were not designed to communicate with the DualSense adaptive-trigger system.

Can you use a PS4 or PS5 controller in PS3 Safe Mode?

They are not reliable for Safe Mode because their PS buttons are not normally recognised as the required PS3 command. Keep a DualShock 3 or another controller confirmed to support PS3 Safe Mode.

Do you need an adaptor?

No adaptor is required for basic wired use or limited Bluetooth pairing. An adaptor is only needed if you want broader compatibility or functions that the PS3’s generic controller connection does not provide.

Final verdict

You can use both a PS4 DualShock 4 and a PS5 DualSense on a PS3, either through USB or by registering them as Bluetooth devices. For many games, the standard buttons and analogue sticks will be enough to play normally.

The important word is many, not all.

Neither newer controller becomes a fully supported DualShock 3. Missing PS-button control, vibration, motion sensing, pressure-sensitive input and guaranteed game compatibility prevent them from replacing the original controller across the entire system.

If you already own one, try it, it may work perfectly for the game you want to play. If you are buying a controller specifically for your PS3, a genuine and properly tested DualShock 3 remains the most dependable choice.

Looking for an original controller for your console? Browse our current range of cleaned and tested PlayStation 3 controllers at PS Collectables. Each item is individually photographed, so you can see the exact controller you will receive.