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PS3 Controller Troubleshooting

The PlayStation 3 uses wireless controllers know as Sixaxis and DualShock 3, with the difference being that the DualShock 3 controller features vibration. Issues with these controllers are both solved by the same means, so gamers can follow the same steps regardless of their controller model. Common problems associated with the PlayStation 3 controllers include an incorrectly assigned controller port, registering a controller and charging the internal battery.

Assigning Ports
- Because the PlayStation 3 controllers are wireless, there are no ports to connect the controllers. Instead, a light indicator at the top of each controller will display one of four lights indicating which player the controller is assigned to. Most single player PlayStation 3 games will not make a distinction between controller ports, but PlayStation 1 and 2 games will sometimes not register a controller unless it is assigned to player one. If you find that your controller is not registering for a particular game, change the assigned controller port. Press the "PS" button on the center of the controller. On the menu that appears onscreen, select "Controller Settings" and then select "Reassign the Controller." You can then choose which controller port the controller has been assigned to. Select "1A" as your port and save the settings. When you return to the game, your controller should be able to play without issue.
Resetting the Controller
- If you are having continued issues with the controller not being recognized by the PlayStation 3, you can reset the controller back to its initial settings. Turn the controller so you are looking at the back of it. On the right side of the rear of the controller will be a small "Reset" button near the "L2" button. The reset button needs to be pressed with a small object, such as the head of a needle or a paper clip. Once you have pressed this button, the controller will no longer be associated with your console. Plug the controller into a USB slot of your PlayStation 3 while it is powered on. Press the center "PS" button on the controller and it will re-sync with the system.
Battery Charging
- If your controller won't charge, make sure that the PlayStation 3 is powered on when your controller is connected to a USB port. The PlayStation 3 will not charge a controller when it is powered off, so either keep the controller connected while playing games or leave the console running to recharge your controller. If you do not want to leave the system powered on, some computers will charge the PlayStation 3 controller while in sleep mode. Plug your PS3 controller into a USB port on your computer. If the four red lights on the top of the controller begin to flash, your controller is charging. Because the PlayStation 3 controller has an internal battery, if your battery is not holding a charge or won't charge even when the system is on, you may need to purchase a replacement controller.
Enable Vibration
- If you own a DualShock 3 controller, you will need to enable the vibration feature for it to work with compatible games. Press the "PS" button the controller and access the menu for "Controller Settings." Once on this menu, make sure the "Vibration Function" option is turned to "On." If it is in the off position, your controller will not vibrate even if you're playing a game that supports this feature.

PlayStation 3