But if you want to fiddle anyway, no strings attached, now you can. All told, wonderful as the DualShock 4 gamepad is (it’s my personal favorite on any platform at the moment), I’m not sure it’s worth the trouble. The other piece to bear in mind is that the DualShock 4 can only sync with one device at a time, so if you pair with your PS3, you’ll have to re-pair with your PS4 and vice versa if you frequent both. Trouble is, that designation - “Wireless Controller” - means the PS3 still sees the DualShock 4 as a generic controller, thus neither SIXAXIS nor haptic feedback nor its DualShock 4-specific features (like the touchpad) are going to work properly, meaning you’re liable to run into compatibility problems with certain games.

The controller should appear in the PS3’s list as a “Wireless Controller.”

Simultaneously press and hold the DualShock 4’s “Share” and “PS” buttons until the controller’s light bar starts blinking.

Select “Register New Device.” The PS3 will begin Bluetooth scanning. PS3 Controller Wireless Double Shock Gamepad for Playstation 3 Remote, 6-axis Wireless PS3 Controller with Charging Cable.

Under “Accessory Settings” on your PS3, locate and select “Manage Bluetooth Devices.”.

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