Welcome to PS3 Controller Test — Gamepad Tester
Free Online Tool

PS3 Controller Test — Free DualShock 3 Tester

PS3 DualShock 3 Controller Tester Online Free — Test All Buttons, Analog Sticks, Triggers and D-Pad on Your PS3 Controller, No Download Required, Works on Windows, Mac and Linux

Test every button and input on your PS3 DualShock 3 or SIXAXIS controller directly in your browser. Detect dead buttons, analog stick drift, trigger issues, and D-pad problems in seconds. The DualShock 3 requires a driver on PC — once installed and detected, this tester reads all 19 inputs live via the Gamepad API.

Live Input DualShock 3 SIXAXIS DsHidMini Driver SCP Toolkit Windows 10/11 USB Mini-B Bluetooth
Live PS3 Controller Test
Simulating
L2 0%
R2 0%
Install DsHidMini or SCP Toolkit driver first
About the PS3 DualShock 3

What Is the DualShock 3

The DualShock 3 is Sony's official controller for the PlayStation 3, released in 2007. It features 19 inputs including four pressure-sensitive analog face buttons (Cross, Circle, Square, Triangle), four pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons (L1, L2, R1, R2), two analog thumbsticks, a D-pad, Select, Start, L3, R3, and the PS button. The SIXAXIS was the earlier version without rumble motors.

Why a Driver Is Required on PC

Unlike the PS4 DualShock 4 and PS5 DualSense which are plug-and-play on PC, the DualShock 3 uses an older HID protocol that Windows does not natively support. A third-party driver — DsHidMini (recommended for Windows 10 and 11) or the older SCP Toolkit — is required to translate the DualShock 3 input into a format the browser Gamepad API can read. Once installed, the controller works with this tester immediately.

What This Tester Checks

Once your DualShock 3 is connected with the correct driver, this tester reads all available button states and axis values via the Gamepad API. It tests all face buttons, shoulder buttons and triggers, both analog sticks on X and Y axes, the full D-pad, Select, Start, L3, R3, and the PS button — displaying a live value from 0.00 to 1.00 for every single input at up to 60 polls per second.

Live PS3 Controller Test Tool
PS3 DualShock 3 Tester — Interactive Demo
Auto Simulation
All Buttons — Full DualShock 3 Layout
Analog Triggers L2 and R2
L2 Left Trigger0%
R2 Right Trigger0%
Analog Stick Axes
Controller Info
ControllerNot Connected
DriverDsHidMini or SCP needed
ConnectionUSB Mini-B or BT
Buttons19 inputs
Axes4 axes
API Mappingstandard
Total Presses0
Driver Required
The PS3 DualShock 3 needs DsHidMini (Windows 10/11, recommended) or SCP Toolkit (older systems) before the browser can detect it. Install the driver first, then connect via USB and press any button.
Input Log
Live Events
Waiting for PS3 controller...
Install DsHidMini or SCP Toolkit, connect via USB Mini-B cable, and press any button to switch from simulation to live PS3 input
How to Connect PS3 Controller to PC

Drivers for PS3 Controller on Windows 10 and 11

The DualShock 3 requires a driver to work on PC. Two options exist for Windows 10 and 11, and both make the controller visible to this tester.

Recommended for Windows 10/11

DsHidMini Driver

DsHidMini is the current recommended driver for using a PS3 DualShock 3 on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It was created by the developer of ScpToolkit as a modern replacement specifically built for current Windows versions. DsHidMini presents the DualShock 3 as either an XInput controller or a standard HID device depending on the mode selected, giving the browser Gamepad API clean access to all inputs. Connect via USB Mini-B cable first to pair the driver. Bluetooth is supported with a compatible dongle after initial USB setup.

Windows 10 / 11USB and BluetoothXInput modeOpen sourceFree
Legacy — Older Windows

SCP Toolkit

SCP Toolkit (also known as ScpToolkit) was the original go-to driver for DualShock 3 on PC. It emulates an Xbox 360 controller so Windows and games see the PS3 pad as a standard XInput device. SCP Toolkit is no longer actively developed (last updated 2016) and may cause driver conflicts on Windows 10 and 11. It is still widely used and functional for many users. If you have previously installed SCP Toolkit, remove any leftover files before installing DsHidMini to avoid driver conflicts.

Windows 7/8/10USB and BluetoothXbox 360 emulationNo longer maintained
How to Test PS3 Controller

How to Use the PS3 Controller Tester

Testing a PS3 DualShock 3 on PC requires a driver step first. Once set up, the full test takes under three minutes.

1

Install the Driver

Download and install DsHidMini from its GitHub releases page for Windows 10 and 11. If you are on an older Windows version, use SCP Toolkit. Connect your DualShock 3 via the Mini-USB cable (the same cable used to charge the controller on the PS3). Do not press the PS button yet. Let the driver installer complete and reboot if prompted. If you previously used SCP Toolkit or PlayStation Now, remove their leftover files first to prevent driver conflicts.

DsHidMini from GitHubMini-USB cable requiredReboot after installRemove old SCP files first
2

Wake the Controller

With the driver installed and the USB cable connected, press the PS button in the centre of the controller. Light 1 on the front LED strip should illuminate and stay solid. Open this PS3 Controller Tester in Chrome or Edge and press any face button. The demo switches from Auto Simulation to Live Controller mode immediately. The controller info panel populates with your device name and input count.

Press PS buttonLED 1 should go solidChrome or EdgePress any button to wake API
3

Test All Face Buttons

Press each face button: Cross, Circle, Square, Triangle. Each should light up red in the grid and return to grey on release. The DualShock 3's face buttons are pressure-sensitive on PS3 but through the PC driver they typically register as digital on/off values. If a button shows 0.00 when pressed it is dead. A button staying lit after release is stuck. Also test L1, R1, L2, R2, Select, Start, L3, R3, and the PS button.

Cross Circle Square TriangleL1 R1 L2 R2Select Start PSL3 R3 stick click
4

Test Analog Sticks and D-Pad

Move both analog sticks through their full range and confirm the axis bars move smoothly from -1.00 to +1.00, returning near 0.00 at rest. Values drifting above 0.05 at rest indicate stick drift. Press each D-pad direction individually. The DualShock 3 D-pad registers as buttons B12 through B15. Slowly squeeze L2 and R2 — the trigger bars should fill smoothly from 0% to 100% with no skipping.

Full stick rotationRest near 0.00D-pad 4 directionsL2 R2 0 to 100%
Why Choose Gamepad Tester

Why Use Gamepad Tester for PS3 Controller Testing

Accurate, private, and works with any driver — no additional software beyond DsHidMini or SCP Toolkit required.

Works with DsHidMini and SCP

Once your DualShock 3 driver is installed, this tester reads it immediately through the Gamepad API. No extra configuration needed. Works with both DsHidMini and SCP Toolkit in their default modes.

100% Private

All PS3 controller input is processed locally in your browser. No button press, axis value, or controller data is ever transmitted to any server. Your input data never leaves your computer.

Real-Time at 60fps

The polling loop runs at up to 60 reads per second. Every button press and axis change appears the instant it happens, giving you the same input resolution as actual gameplay on PS3 or emulators like RPCS3.

Timestamped Input Log

Every button press is logged with a precise timestamp. Useful for catching double registrations, ghost inputs, and intermittent contacts — the most common failure modes on aged DualShock 3 hardware.

All 19 DualShock 3 Inputs

All face buttons, shoulder buttons, analog triggers, analog sticks, D-pad, Select, Start, PS, L3, and R3 are individually shown with live 0.00 to 1.00 values and visual LED indicators. Nothing is grouped or hidden.

Useful for RPCS3 and PCSX2

The DualShock 3 is the ideal controller for PS3 emulation in RPCS3 and PS2 emulation in PCSX2. Use this tester to confirm every input works correctly before configuring your emulator input bindings.

PS3 Controller PC Compatibility
Controller Windows 10/11 macOS Linux Driver Needed Connection Notes
DualShock 3✓ With driver~ Limited✓ ds3drvDsHidMini or SCPUSB Mini-B or BTDsHidMini recommended
SIXAXIS✓ With driver~ Limited✓ ds3drvDsHidMini or SCPUSB Mini-B or BTNo rumble motors
DualShock 3 via DsHidMini✓ Full✗ N/A✗ N/ADsHidMiniUSB + BT after pairingBest option for Win10/11
DualShock 3 via SCP Toolkit~ Legacy✗ N/A✗ N/ASCP ToolkitUSB + BTXbox 360 emulation mode
DualShock 3 in Steam✓ Full✗ N/A~ PartialSteam InputUSB Mini-BSteam games only
DualShock 3 on macOSN/A~ PartialN/ANone / USB onlyUSB Mini-BPartial Gamepad API support
DualShock 3 on LinuxN/AN/A✓ ds3drvds3drv moduleUSB Mini-B / BTKernel support available
Frequently Asked Questions

PS3 Controller Test FAQs

How do I test my PS3 controller on PC?
Testing a PS3 DualShock 3 on PC requires a driver because Windows does not natively support the DualShock 3 HID protocol. Download and install DsHidMini from its GitHub page (recommended for Windows 10 and 11). Connect your DualShock 3 via the Mini-USB cable and press the PS button. LED 1 should illuminate solid. Open this PS3 Controller Tester in Chrome or Edge and press any button. The tester will detect your controller and begin displaying all button states and axis values in real time. Test all 19 inputs by pressing each one individually and confirming they light up and release cleanly.
Why is my PS3 controller not being detected on PC?
The most common reason is that no driver is installed. Windows does not natively support the DualShock 3, so without DsHidMini or SCP Toolkit, the controller will not be visible to any application including the browser. After installing the driver, the controller should appear. If it still does not show up, check that you are using a data-capable Mini-USB cable and not a charge-only cable. Leftover files from a previous SCP Toolkit installation or from PlayStation Now can also block DsHidMini from working — remove them using the troubleshooting guide on the DsHidMini GitHub page. Also ensure no other app like RPCS3 has exclusive access to the controller before opening the browser.
What is DsHidMini and how do I install it?
DsHidMini is an open-source Windows driver for the PS3 DualShock 3 and SIXAXIS controllers, created specifically for Windows 10 and 11. It is the modern successor to SCP Toolkit. To install it, visit the DsHidMini GitHub releases page and download the latest installer package. Run the installer and follow the on-screen steps. Connect your DualShock 3 via USB Mini-B cable during installation. Once complete, press the PS button and the controller should be recognised as an HID or XInput device depending on the mode configured. DsHidMini also supports Bluetooth connection after the initial USB pairing step. Installation takes about five minutes and no reboot is required in most cases.
Can I use a PS3 controller on PC without SCP Toolkit?
Yes. DsHidMini is the recommended alternative to SCP Toolkit for Windows 10 and 11. It is actively maintained (unlike SCP Toolkit which has not been updated since 2016) and is specifically built for modern Windows versions. Steam also has built-in support for the DualShock 3 over USB without any additional driver — open Steam, connect the controller via USB, and go to Settings, then Controller, then Desktop Configuration. This works for Steam games but will not make the controller visible to non-Steam applications or to this browser-based tester without a full driver like DsHidMini.
Can I connect a PS3 controller via Bluetooth on PC?
Yes, but Bluetooth support for the DualShock 3 on PC requires either DsHidMini or SCP Toolkit and a compatible Bluetooth adapter. The DualShock 3 uses an older Bluetooth protocol that is not compatible with standard Windows Bluetooth pairing — you cannot use the Windows Bluetooth settings menu to pair it the way you would pair a modern controller. With DsHidMini installed, connect via USB first to pair the controller to the driver. Once paired, disconnect the USB cable and press the PS button. The controller will then connect wirelessly over Bluetooth. SCP Toolkit also supports Bluetooth but requires a Broadcom-based dongle for the best compatibility.
What cable does the PS3 controller use?
The PS3 DualShock 3 and SIXAXIS use a Mini-USB Type B cable, also called Mini-USB. This is an older and larger connector than the Micro-USB used by the PS4 DualShock 4 and most Android phones, and different from the USB-C used by the PS5 DualSense. Mini-USB cables are still widely available online for under a few dollars. Make sure to use a data-capable cable and not a charge-only cable — charge-only Mini-USB cables have the data wires removed and will charge the controller but Windows will not detect it for driver installation. The cable needs to carry both power and USB data signals for the driver installation to work correctly.
Does the PS3 controller work with RPCS3 emulator?
Yes. The DualShock 3 is highly recommended for use with RPCS3, the PS3 emulator, because it is the only controller that supports pressure-sensitive face buttons and shoulder buttons — a feature the DualShock 3 has that no other modern controller replicates. Games like Metal Gear Solid 3 on RPCS3 specifically benefit from this. Connect your DualShock 3 with DsHidMini installed, then configure it in RPCS3 under Pads settings. Use this tester first to confirm all buttons register correctly before setting up your RPCS3 bindings. The PCSX2 PS2 emulator similarly benefits from DualShock 3 pressure sensitivity for PS2 games that used this feature.
What is the difference between DualShock 3 and SIXAXIS?
The SIXAXIS was the original PS3 controller released alongside the PlayStation 3 in 2006. It features the same button layout and motion sensing as the DualShock 3 but has no vibration motors, making it significantly lighter. Sony removed rumble to avoid a patent dispute at the time. The DualShock 3 was released in 2007 and added two rumble motors back into the design, otherwise being identical to the SIXAXIS in terms of buttons, analog sticks, and connectivity. Both controllers use Mini-USB and Bluetooth, both require the same driver (DsHidMini or SCP Toolkit) on PC, and both are fully supported by this tester once the driver is installed.
Can I test a PS3 controller on Mac?
Partial support exists. On macOS, the DualShock 3 can be connected via USB Mini-B and may be detected by Chrome without any additional driver, as macOS uses its own HID framework that can sometimes recognise the DualShock 3. However, button mapping may be incomplete or incorrect. Bluetooth pairing on macOS requires a workaround since the DualShock 3 Bluetooth protocol is not standard. If your DualShock 3 does appear in the tester on Mac, press each input to confirm which browser button index it maps to. For the most complete PS3 controller testing experience, Windows with DsHidMini installed gives the most reliable and complete Gamepad API data.
Is the PS3 controller tester free?
Yes, this PS3 controller tester is completely free with no account, no registration, no email address, and no usage limits. All input processing happens locally in your browser using the W3C Gamepad API. No button press data, axis readings, or controller information is ever transmitted to any server. You can test your DualShock 3 as many times as needed, on any operating system where the driver is properly installed, with no restrictions.

Gamepad Tester — free browser-based PS3 DualShock 3 controller test. Requires DsHidMini or SCP Toolkit driver on Windows. Tests all 19 inputs including face buttons, shoulder buttons, analog triggers L2/R2, analog sticks, D-pad, Select, Start, PS, L3, and R3. Data processed locally. Compatible with Chrome 58+, Edge 79+, Firefox 55+.