Frequently Asked Questions
XInput? DS3? DS4? What are you talking about?
Know the terms
- The controller shipped with the Sony PlayStation 3 π DualShock 3 (DS3)
- The controller shipped with the Sony PlayStation 4 π DualShock 4 (DS4)
- Xbox 360 controller π XInput (compatible) controller/device
What is DsHidMini?
Check out the repository README and the main project page.
I am already using ScpToolKit / MotionInJoy / Shibari / Whatever, should I move to DsHidMini?
That is entirely up to you of course π Do you wish to stick with abandoned, outdated, unmaintained, complex and potentially untrustworthy software that will work less and less the further Windows and Games advance or do you want to step into the light and use fresh, stable, thought-through open software that simple delivers what it promises? Your call π
How do I use it?
- Follow the How to Install guide
- Learn the about different DsHidMini HID Device Modes your controller can be, the characteristics each mode and how to change between them
After DsHidMini is active and the controller connected, you just need to change to the mode best suited to your use case. Keep in mind that if you want to use your controller as a XInput (Xbox 360) or DualShock 4 controller, there are a few extra steps left to be followed.
Does my fake PS3 controller work with DsHidMini?
Short answer: it depends. Long answer: it depends π This is community software with no ties to any hardware manufacturer, all we can provide is knowledge based on research and reverse engineering.
What are the HID Device Modes? Which one should I use?
Go back to the How do I use it? question.
What does my controllers' LED represent? How do I quickly disconnect the controller on Bluetooth?
Read the Features section of the main GitHub page of DsHidMini.
How do I use my controller as a Xbox 360 or DualShock 4?
Recommended method
Set the controller into DS4Windows Mode
and use it with Ryochan7's DS4Windows. For more detailed instructions and other information, follow the DS4Windows Mode User Guide and you'll be good to go.
Alternative methods
If, for whatever reason, you don't want to use DS4Windows and prefer to choose your own remapping tool, then you have the following options:
-
Using the Controller in
SXS Mode
+ Steam: Steam will detect the controller as an official PlayStation 3 controller as long asPlayStation configuration support
is enabled. XInput and DS4 emulation are then done automatically according to what Steam thinks the game supports. -
Using the controller in
SDF or GPJ Mode
+ another remapping software: inSDF/GPJ Mode
the controller is presented as a generic gamepad which can then be used with remapping tools like x360ce, UCR etc.
What is the best way to use my controller in games/emulators?
The answer is: it depends.
You need to verify which Input API
is supported in whatever you are using and if you want to use DS3 specific functions, like pressure buttons or motion controls. The following table should help you:
"I want to..." | How to use your DS3 (recommendation) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Play modern PC games | XInput or DualShock 4 |
Check the How do I use my controller as a Xbox 360 or DualShock 4? section. Not all modern games support DS4 controllers, and those that do support it sometimes don't support its rumble |
Use the DS3 as a common gamepad for most emulators | XInput or GPJ Mode |
The gamepad part of GPJ Mode should be compatible with emulators that support only DirectInput |
Use RetroArch | XInput |
Though RetroArch does support DirectInput , its rumble support is currently broken. XInput should be used instead to have working rumble |
Use RPCS3 | SXS Mode |
Check the How do I use DsHidMini with RPCS3? section |
Use the DS3 in PCSX2 with pressure buttons | SDF Mode |
Check the How do I set the controller's pressure buttons in PCSX2? section |
How do I use DsHidMini with RPCS3?
It's recommended that you use your DS3 controller in SXS Mode
and then choose on RPCS3's controller settings the DualShock 3
Handler. When doing so, RPCS3 should automatically pick and set your DS3, with full support to all its functions including LEDs, pressure buttons and motion.
How do I set the controller's pressure buttons in PCSX2?
The recommended method is the following:
- Set the controller into
SDF Mode
- Go to PCSX2 input settings
- Make sure
DirectInput
is activated at theGame Devices APIs
options (DO NOT CHECK theDualShock 3 native mode
box) - Open the DsHidMini Control Client and check the
Mute digital pressure buttons
checkbox - Back to PCSX2 input settings, on the
Pad X
tab, configure everything EXCEPT L3 / R3 / Start / Select / Analog / Mouse - Go into the DsHidMini Control Client and uncheck the
Mute digital pressure buttons
- Finish setting the L3 / R3 / Start / Select buttons. The
Analog
andMouse
buttons are not necessary - At the
Add Force Feedback Effect
select your DS3 controller - Only
Constant Force
is required/supported, don't select any other effect, it will not work - Finish by clicking on
OK
How do I use the motion sensors with emulators?
The only emulator that can use the DS3 motion sensors is the RPCS3 when using the DualShock 3 handler.
For now, it's impossible to use the controller's motion with other emulators, like CEMU, Yuzu, Dolphin etc. The reason for this is that the PS3 controller only has 1 gyroscope, while modern controllers have 3 gyros. While it's possible to "emulate" the missing gyros by using the sensors it does have, the whole process involves many maths that are not implemented at the moment and are at the very bottom of DsHidMini's To-Do list.
I did everything right and it just won't connect via Bluetooth!
Tripplecheck that you didn't attempt "conventional pairing" in the past, if you did so the controller will never ever successfully connect, no matter what you do. To check this, open the Bluetooth Settings page within Windows and check the list for entries similar to:
Select it and click the "Remove device" button. Then properly pair it once by plugging it into USB, unplug and press the PS button. Should all work now!
Another hint would be if you see an active connection in the notifications panel but the controller doesn't appear in DSHMC:
I'm having "X" problem when using DsHidMini, what should I do?
- Trouble when installing DsHidMini or connecting your controllers to the computer: check the How to Install Troubleshooting section
- Controller works normally most of the time but have random button presses or buttons fail to register: most likely a hardware fault, not related to DsHidMini
If you have a different situation than the ones above, feel free to reach us through the proper means.