How to Use Ps3 Controller on Ps4 Without Adapter?

So, if you’re trying to hook up a PS3 controller to your PS4 without an adapter, you’re in for a bit of a challenge. The straightforward answer is that it’s not officially supported, but there are ways to make it work, though they come with a few quirks.

Using the PS3 Controller via Bluetooth

Alright, first things first, make sure your PS3 controller is fully juiced up and has the latest firmware. Head over to your PS4’s Bluetooth settings and switch on the Bluetooth. Now, hold down the PS and SELECT buttons on your PS3 controller until the light bar starts to flicker. Then, on your PS4, pick ‘Add Device’ and pair the controller. Easy peasy. Well, sort of—some PS4 games might not play nice with the older controller.

Using the PS3 Controller via USB Cable

Grab a USB cable that fits both ends and turn off both your PS3 controller and PS4. Hook them up with the cable and power on your PS4. The PS4 should recognize the controller, and you’ll be good to go. But here’s the thing—this method isn’t foolproof and might not work with all games.

Using the PS3 Controller via Remote Play

Another trick is to use Remote Play. Download the PlayStation Remote Play app on your PC or mobile device, log in with your PSN account, and set up remote access. Connect your PS3 controller via USB to the device running the app, start up Remote Play, and stream your PS4 games. Just make sure you’ve got a solid internet connection to avoid any lag.

Using the PS3 Controller via PC Direct Connection

If you’ve got a decent PC, this could work too. Install the necessary drivers for your PS3 controller. Connect the controller to your PC with a USB cable, then launch a PS4 game through a compatible launcher. Set up the game to use the PS3 controller, and you’re set. However, this method is a bit of a hassle and might not support all PS4 games.

Using the PS3 Controller via Third-Party Software

You can also try your luck with third-party software that emulates a PS4 controller. Download the software, connect your PS3 controller to your PS4 via a USB cable, and follow the setup steps in the software. Just be aware that this isn’t a perfect solution and might require some extra tweaking.

Limitations of Using a PS3 Controller on PS4

Here’s the kicker: even if you get it working, the PS3 controller lacks some of the nifty features of the PS4 controller, like the touchpad and built-in speaker. So, you might miss out on certain aspects of your games. Plus, some games just won’t recognize the PS3 controller, and there might be a bit of input lag.

So, while it’s possible to use a PS3 controller on a PS4, it’s not exactly ideal. Honestly, if you want a silky-smooth gaming experience, you’re better off sticking with a DualShock 4 controller. But if you’re determined, pick the method that suits you best and go for it.

Here’s the deal: using a PS3 controller on a PS4 without some sort of adapter just isn’t gonna happen.

So why is it a no-go? Well, the PS4’s designed to work with a different controller than the PS3’s. The earlier DualShock 3 doesn’t play nice with the PS4, period. Try plugging it in, and all you’ll get is a shrug from the console—that’s a no-go sign upfront.

Sony’s not out to make your life easier when it comes to mixing and matching controllers from different generations. DualShock 4—PS4’s controller—comes with all these cool extras: a touchpad, a built-in speaker for sound effects, and the Share button for bragging rights online. These features just aren’t there for the DualShock 3.

But hey, all’s not lost. If you really want to push your PS3 controller into PS4 terrain, there are third-party adapters that might do the trick. Hook up one of these gizmos, like the Brook Game Controller Super Converter or CronusMax Plus, and you’re closer to business. Unfortunately, you might still miss some of those fancy features from the DualShock 4, and yep, you might catch some minor input lag in the mix.

Bottom line? Grabbing one of those third-party adapters is your only real shot if you’re determined to use a PS3 controller on your PS4. Without one, you’re out of luck—there’s just no shortcut to make it happen directly.

So, you’ve got a PS3 controller and a PS4, and you want them to work together without buying an adapter. Dive into the nitty-gritty, and here’s what you should know.

First off, there’s a bit of a roadblock with compatibility. The PS3 DualShock 3 doesn’t play nice with the PS4—Sony made sure of that by designing the PS4 to cozy up only to the DualShock 4. The PS3 controller doesn’t have the Bluetooth tricks and button lineup that the PS4 likes, and Sony never bothered with official support, leaving us to fend for ourselves.

Trying to get a PS3 controller to pair with a PS4 is like coaxing a toddler to eat broccoli—it’s not going to happen. You can try holding the PS button and Share button until it blinks, but good luck getting the PS4 to notice.

Alright, let’s get creative. One trick is to use Sony’s Remote Play. Here’s the lowdown:

• Grab the PS Remote Play app for your PC or mobile. Get your PS3 controller talking to your PC via USB or Bluetooth—you might need helpers like DS4Windows to talk Xbox or PS4 inputs.
• Fire up Remote Play and get it buddy-buddy with your PS4. You’ll need some software, maybe reWASD or JoyToKey, to turn your PS3 controller into a keyboard ninja.
• Now, you’re gaming by streaming the action to your device.

True, this setup isn’t super smooth; it’s a bit like racing with a donkey cart—fun but slow. Make sure your Wi-Fi doesn’t conk out mid-gameplay.

Then there’s the jailbreak route, but that’s tiptoeing into risky territory. A jailbroken PS4, if it’s using old firmware, can install tools to recognize PS3 controllers. Here’s the scoop:

• Get PS4-Xplorer or GoldHEN, install DS3Tool (that’s what the cool modders call it), and you might just crack it.

But, a word to the wise—wave goodbye to warranty and hello to bans if this goes south.

Lastly, you can always mess around with connecting your PS3 controller via USB to the PS4, though you’ll only get limited response, like navigating menus. Some classics from PlayStation Now might play ball with the PS3 controller too, just not all.

So why doesn’t Sony help us out with this mix and match? The DualShock 3 lacks goodies like touchpads and lightbars that PS4 games demand, and quite frankly, Sony wants to sell DualShock 4s galore.

If I were you, I’d stick to Remote Play for those games where lag isn’t a deal-breaker, and stay clear of jailbreaking unless you love a bit of tech adventure. And if adapters aren’t entirely off the table, consider picking up budget ones like Titan Two or Cronus Zen—though this bends the rules a bit.

Got questions or hit a snag along the way? Swing by haunted places like PSX-Place or Reddit’s r/PS4Homebrew. The community there can give you a hand with any roadblocks.

Alright, so you’re trying to get a PS3 controller going on a PS4 without using an adapter. Here’s what you gotta do:

First things first, make sure both your PS3 controller and PS4 are juiced up. You don’t want them dying on you halfway through, right? Once that’s sorted, start up your PS4 and hook up the PS3 controller using a mini-USB cable.

Now, to get the controller actually talking to your PS4, plug it in and press that PS button on the PS3 controller. This should wake it up.

Let’s get to the tricky bit: Bluetooth setup. You need to dig into the PS4 settings, head over to “Devices,” and then “Bluetooth Devices.” The system’s going to start searching for nearby Bluetooth stuff. While it’s doing its thing, pull the mini-USB cable from the PS3 controller.

When you spot the PS3 controller in the list, go ahead and pick it. If the PS4 asks for a passcode, just type in “0000.” Fingers crossed, your PS3 controller should now be paired and good to go for gaming on the PS4.

Keep in mind that you might miss out on some PS4-specific features, like that fancy touchpad. Plus, this whole trick isn’t foolproof—firmware updates might throw a spanner in the works. If it doesn’t play nice, maybe hit up forums or PlayStation support for some pro tips.

So there it is—a nifty way to use a PS3 controller on a PS4 without any extra gadgetry. If you want the full package of features, though, a PS4 controller is still your best bet.