Confused on Steam Play and Proton? Be sure to check out our guide.
PS3 DualShock 3 controller via Bluetooth
Linas Nov 4, 2020
Hello there. I got my hands on a DualShock 3 (Sixaxis) controller. I got it to work via Bluetooth just fine via sixad, but the problem is that it takes over the Bluetooth exclusively, so I cannot use anything else at the same time. According to some random sources, it should work as a normal Bluetooth controller without sixad, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Does anyone have experience with DualShock 3 via Bluetooth on Linux?
This topic has an answer marked - jump to answer.
damarrin Nov 4, 2020
Ubuntu 20.04, November 4, 2020, evening.

I take the Dualshock 3 out of a drawer. The sticks are oozing, I really haven't used it in a while. I wipe it off with my thumbs. Eurgh. I press some buttons, trying to find the combination that'll make it pair. I fail. I dig around the drawer, find the antique cable that fits it.

I connect the controller to the computer with the cable I just dug out. A question pops up. Do you want to connect the controller with your computer? I furrow my brow. I just did that. Does this mean I have to connect it... more? My hand wavers over the touchpad. I move the cursor, slowly, hesitantly towards the yes button. Suddenly, my mind made up, I make a final decisive swipe and tap vigorously. The quesion disappears.

Did I succeed? Did I fail? I don't know. The controller's light are dark. I move the sticks, unwillingly at first, then with more vigour. Nothing happens.

I press the PS button. The lights come on, a festival of pulsing glow, right into my left eyeball. The flashing stops. A single light remains on, the one whose label says one. A better prize than all the virgins I hope to meet in heaven. I know I've won.

I start Steam, fire up Skyrim and the controller is fully functional. The end.

Last edited by damarrin on 4 November 2020 at 8:48 pm UTC
damarrin Nov 4, 2020
Actually, that's not the end because that wasn't what you were asking about, right?

I connected some bluetooth headphones and yes, I had Skyrim's audio coming through them as I was playing with the controller. I don't think sixad is your friend in this case.
whizse Nov 4, 2020
Quoting: damarrinUbuntu 20.04, November 4, 2020, evening.

I take the Dualshock 3 out of a drawer. The sticks are oozing, I really haven't used it in a while. I wipe it off with my thumbs. Eurgh. I press some buttons, trying to find the combination that'll make it pair. I fail. I dig around the drawer, find the antique cable that fits it.

I connect the controller to the computer with the cable I just dug out. A question pops up. Do you want to connect the controller with your computer? I furrow my brow. I just did that. Does this mean I have to connect it... more? My hand wavers over the touchpad. I move the cursor, slowly, hesitantly towards the yes button. Suddenly, my mind made up, I make a final decisive swipe and tap vigorously. The quesion disappears.

Did I succeed? Did I fail? I don't know. The controller's light are dark. I move the sticks, unwillingly at first, then with more vigour. Nothing happens.

I press the PS button. The lights come on, a festival of pulsing glow, right into my left eyeball. The flashing stops. A single light remains on, the one whose label say one. A better prize than all the virgins I hope to meet in heaven. I know I've won.

I start Steam, fire up Skyrim and the controller is fully functional. The end.
Winner GamingOnLinux Best Short Fiction Award 2020.
Linas Nov 7, 2020
Thank you. I think connecting it wired first and accepting the prompt did the trick. After that it just connects by itself and works just like a normal Bluetooth device.
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
Login / Register


Or login with...
Sign in with Steam Sign in with Google
Social logins require cookies to stay logged in.