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Instructions to Sync a DualShock PS3 Controller

In 2006, Sony released the PlayStation 3, which shipped with its first official gamepad, the wireless Sixaxis controller. Two years later, Sony released the new DualShock 3 controller, which has identical functionality to earlier Sixaxis controllers but also includes a vibration feature. Working through the synchronization process and maintaining your DualShock 3 controller is straightforward and requires little time or effort.

Synchronization
- Syncing up your controller is simple; all you need is the USB cord supplied with the controller or any other cord with a compatible mini-USB connector. Turn on the PS3 and then plug the cord into the console and into your controller. When you press the "PS" button on the controller, one of the LEDs will light up on the top to indicate its number and that the controller is synced, or "paired," with the PS3. You can then remove the cord if you want. To sync the controller to a different PS3, simply plug it in to that console.
Controller Status
- You can check on the controller number anytime by observing the LEDs on its top. For the first four connected controllers, the LEDs numbered 1 through 4 will light up to indicate the controller number. If you have more controllers connected, two LEDs will light up to indicate its number: numbers 1 and 4 for controller 5, numbers 2 and 4 for controller 6, and numbers 3 and 4 for controller 7. You can check the controller's battery status by pressing and holding the PS button for several seconds; the battery charge level will display on your TV. When the battery's charge is nearly depleted, the PS3 will display an on-screen alert and the controller LEDs will begin to blink; you then need to connect the controller to the PS3 with its USB cord to recharge it.
Controller Settings
- You can change the DualShock's settings to make it turn itself off after a certain amount of inactivity, and you can enable or disable the vibration feature, depending on your preferences. Disabling vibration doesn't affect game play but it can conserve battery life. To adjust the auto-off feature, navigate to the Settings section of the XMB menu and select "Power Save Settings"; then select "Controller Auto-Off." To enable or disable the vibration feature, go to the Settings section and select "Accessory Settings"; then select "Controller Vibration Function." You can also turn vibration on or off by pressing and holding the "PS" button until a list of options appears on the screen and you can select "Controller Settings."
Controller Troubleshooting
- You can often resolve issues with your controller by plugging it into the PS3. If the controller was not paired or if the battery is dead, this will correct the problem, although for the latter, of course, you'll need to leave the controller plugged in as it recharges. If connecting it to the PS3 doesn't help, you can reset the controller by disconnecting it from the PS3 and using a straightened paper clip to press the controller's reset button. This button is in a small hole on the underside of the controller, near the L2 trigger button.

PlayStation 3