How to use a PS4 controller on PS3

There's still plenty of amazing games on last gen - head to our best PS3 games to find out exactly what they are - but the only thing that might stop you from switching HDMI inputs is the thought of having to use your old DualShock 3. There's a reason we've evolved to the DualShock 4 and that's because the previous generation is a bit like a medieval torture device for your fingers. It looks like it should be fine but very quickly your now (clearly sensitive) muscles just can't cope with unwieldy plastic of yore. You need your DS4 and you need it now. 

Well the good news is that it's possible to control the past with the future using oh-so-handy Bluetooth. Here's how to use your PS4 controller with your PS3. 

One quick note; you won't get rumble or SixAxis once it's set up as Bluetooth device but measure that up against happy hands playing Burnout Paradise and it's a fair price to pay. 

1. Make sure your PS3 has been updated since 2014.
2. Go to 'Manage Bluetooth devices' in the 'Accessory settings' in the PS3 settings menu.
3. Opt for 'Register new Device' which will set the PS3 hunting for available devices.
4. Now hold down the Share and PS buttons simultaneously on your DualShock 4 until the light bar flashes. This pops it into Bluetooth pairing mode.
5. The PS3 should recognise the controller as the catchy 'Wireless Controller' which you can select.
6. Voila! Your PS4 controller works on your PS3 with the majority of games. 

One thing to remember is that you'll have to re-pair your DS4 with your PS4 when you go back to current generation hardware. You'll also probably want a PS3 controller on hand to use the PS button to get back to the XMB as the PS4 controller's version doesn't work. 

For more PS4 help, here are the essential PS4 tips and tricks you need to know.

Louise Blain

Louise Blain is a journalist and broadcaster specialising in gaming, technology, and entertainment. She is the presenter of BBC Radio 3’s monthly Sound of Gaming show and has a weekly consumer tech slot on BBC Radio Scotland. She can also be found on BBC Radio 4, BBC Five Live, Netflix UK's YouTube Channel, and on The Evolution of Horror podcast. As well as her work on GamesRadar, Louise writes for NME, T3, and TechRadar. When she’s not working, you can probably find her watching horror movies or playing an Assassin’s Creed game and getting distracted by Photo Mode. 

Latest in Gaming Controllers
Xbox Adaptive Joystick controller with a gray and green background
Microsoft launches its new Adaptive Joystick with 3D printable accessories
The front of the Asus ROG Tessen mobile controller
This foldable mobile controller is now cheaper than the Backbone One, and it has one thing no one else does
A reviewer turning the modules of the Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot
Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot review: “Its novel concept of a spinning, modular design is hamstrung by its lack of options”
The marketing reveal image for the Limited Edition Last of Us DualSense controller with a GamesRadar+ pre-order badge on top
Where to pre-order the Limited Edition Last of Us DualSense controller today
PDP Riffmaster hands-on image of the guitar's plastic body
The PS5 Riffmaster Guitar controller falls to its lowest-ever price, and I think I know why
Hori Wireless Fighting Commander OCTA Pro controller on an orange background
Hori's latest gamepad is up for pre-order, and it's nearly $100 cheaper than other pro controllers for PS5
Latest in Features
Assassin's Creed Shadows screenshot of an enemy falling backwards through the air away from Yasuke who's just performed a War Kick
Forget the hidden blade: if you're not yeeting enemies in Assassin's Creed Shadows, you're missing out
Assassin's Creed Shadows gameplay taken for review
Assassin's Creed Shadows claims to offer two protagonists, but the choice between Yasuke and Naoe seems pretty rigged
Asssassin's Creed Shadows kusarigama
My favorite weapon in Assassin's Creed Shadows is also the most misunderstood
Imai Sokyu leads the tea ceremony in Assassin's Creed Shadows
Assassin's Creed Shadows' tea ceremony quest is one of the game's best moments, but I wish Ubisoft would give us even higher stakes
Bloodborne
10 years on, Bloodborne remains an unmatchable feat of atmosphere thanks to the mind-boggling oppressive scale of Yharnam
Cropped key art for Revenge of the Savage Planet showing two player characters running away from lots of green goo, flanked by various googly-eyed wildlife
Revenge of the Savage Planet is a refreshingly colorful and light-hearted co-op throwback to the carefree action platformers of the noughties