If you own a PS5, Xbox Series X, and a PS3, you can use a single controller across all three. Just pair it again or plug it in.
PS3XPAD is a lightweight, open-source plugin for custom firmware (CFW) and HEN on the PlayStation 3. In simple terms, it replaces Sony’s official controller driver with a universal one.
Once installed, your PS3 stops caring about the “Official PlayStation 3 Controller” handshake. Instead, it listens for standard HID (Human Interface Device) gamepads.
In the /dev_hdd0/ root, create a file named boot_plugins.txt. Add these lines:
/dev_hdd0/plugins/ps3xpad.sprx
/dev_hdd0/plugins/ps3xpad_bt.sprx
Save and reboot your PS3.
Before PS3Xpad, using a non-Sony controller meant sacrificing features. Now, you get:
The PS3 is a retro powerhouse, but its original controller is a bottleneck. PS3XPAD elegantly solves this by turning your PS3 into a modern controller hub. Whether you prefer the heft of an Xbox Series controller, the touchpad of a DualSense, or the clicky D-pad of a Switch Pro, PS3XPAD handles it.
Yes, the installation requires a modded console and a few minutes of file management. But the payoff—flawless, lag-free gameplay with your favorite gamepad—is absolutely worth it. Download PS3XPAD today, dust off your PS3, and finally play MGS4 with a controller that actually feels good in your hands.
Have a tip or a custom config you love? Share it in the PS3 homebrew forums. Happy gaming!
This guide outlines how to set up PS3Xpad, a plugin for jailbroken PlayStation 3 consoles (CFW or HEN) that enables compatibility for third-party controllers like Xbox 360, Xbox One, and DualShock 4 with full button mapping and rumble support. Prerequisites A PS3 running Custom Firmware (CFW) or PS3HEN. PS3XPAD plugin files (typically found on PSX-Place).
An FTP client (like WinSCP or FileZilla) or a FAT32-formatted USB drive. Step 1: Preparing Configuration Files
To ensure your controller is recognized, you may need to add its specific Hardware IDs.
Find Hardware IDs: On a Windows PC, open Device Manager, right-click your controller > Properties > Details > Hardware IDs. Note the VID and PID (e.g., 045e and 02d1). Edit xpad_devices.txt: Open xpad_devices.txt inside the PS3XPAD folder.
Add your controller using the format: VID, PID, NAME, XTYPE.
Example for an Xbox One controller: 0x045e, 0x02d1, Microsoft Xbox One Controller, XTYPE_XBOXONE. ps3xpad
Adjust Settings: Open xpad_settings.txt and set RESPONSE_TIME to 5 or 1 for minimal input lag. Step 2: Installation and Path Setup
Transfer Files: Copy the plugins folder (containing the ps3xpad subfolder) to the root of your PS3's internal hard drive: /dev_hdd0/. Edit Boot Plugins:
Locate boot_plugins.txt in the root of /dev_hdd0/. If it doesn't exist, create it.
Add the following line to the file: /dev_hdd0/plugins/ps3xpad/xpad_vsh.sprx. Note: If using MAMBA, the file is named mamba_plugins.txt.
Restart: Reboot your PS3. Upon startup, a notification saying "XPAD Loaded (VSH)" should appear. Step 3: Controller Connection Wired: Simply plug the controller into a USB port. Wireless (DualShock 4/Bluetooth):
Plug in the DS4 via USB and a compatible Bluetooth dongle in another port. Open the XPAD menu by pressing (SELECT + START + SQUARE). Select "Set DS4 internal BT address".
Disconnect the cable; the controller should now pair wirelessly to the dongle. Step 4: Using the In-Game Plugin
The VSH plugin handles the menu, but some games require the game-level plugin for rumble or specific features.
While a game is running, use webMAN MOD's PS3MAPI tab in a web browser (using your PS3's IP).
Find the game process and load /dev_hdd0/plugins/ps3xpad/xpad_game.sprx. Button Combo Open XPAD Menu SELECT + START + SQUARE Disconnect Wireless Controller START + BACK + DPAD DOWN PS3xPAD Plugin by OsirisX - GitHub
PS3XPad: A Linux Driver for PlayStation 3 Controllers
The PlayStation 3 (PS3) controller, also known as the DualShock 3, is a popular gaming controller used for playing games on the PS3 console. However, with the help of a Linux driver called PS3XPad, you can use your PS3 controller on your Linux system. In this article, we will explore the PS3XPad driver, its features, and how to use it on your Linux system.
What is PS3XPad?
PS3XPad is a Linux kernel module that provides support for the PS3 controller on Linux systems. It allows you to use your PS3 controller as a joystick, with support for all the controller's buttons, axes, and LEDs. The driver is open-source and freely available, making it a popular choice among Linux gamers. If you own a PS5, Xbox Series X,
Features of PS3XPad
The PS3XPad driver offers several features that make it a great choice for Linux gamers:
How to Install PS3XPad
Installing PS3XPad is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps:
How to Use PS3XPad
Once you have installed and loaded the PS3XPad driver, you can use your PS3 controller on your Linux system. Here are the steps:
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues with PS3XPad, here are some common troubleshooting steps:
Conclusion
PS3XPad is a powerful and flexible Linux driver that allows you to use your PS3 controller on your Linux system. With its support for all PS3 controller buttons and axes, LED support, rumble support, and Bluetooth connectivity, it's a great choice for Linux gamers. By following the installation and usage instructions outlined in this article, you can start using your PS3 controller on your Linux system today.
Additional Resources
PS3xPAD: The Ultimate Controller Compatibility Plugin for PS3
PS3xPAD is a powerful homebrew plugin for the PlayStation 3 that allows users to use virtually any USB or Bluetooth controller on a jailbroken console. Originally developed by OsirisX, this tool is a "game changer" for the PS3 community, as it bypasses the console's strict native controller limitations. Why Use PS3xPAD?
While the PS3 natively supports some third-party controllers, they often lack critical features like the PS button, rumble (vibration), or six-axis motion sensing. PS3xPAD solves these issues by: Save and reboot your PS3
Enabling the PS Button: Maps a button combination to trigger the PlayStation menu, which is usually missing on non-Sony controllers.
Rumble Support: Restores vibration functionality to controllers like the Xbox 360 or DualShock 4.
Custom Button Remapping: Allows users to change button layouts to fit their personal preferences.
Wireless Support: Enables wireless use for DualShock 4 (PS4) controllers via the internal Bluetooth or a dongle. How to Install and Configure PS3xPAD
To use this plugin, your console must be running Custom Firmware (CFW) or PS3HEN. 1. File Preparation
Download the PS3xPAD plugin and extract the folder to your PC.
Locate xpad_devices.txt. This file tells the plugin which controllers to recognize. 2. Identifying Your Controller (VID and PID)
Every controller has a unique Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID). You must add these to xpad_devices.txt for the console to see your controller: PS3XPAD - ConsoleMods Wiki
If you want, I can:
For nearly two decades, the PlayStation 3 has remained a beloved console, boasting a library of iconic exclusives like The Last of Us, Metal Gear Solid 4, and Demon’s Souls. However, one persistent frustration has haunted PS3 owners: the controller.
The official DualShock 3 (SIXAXIS) is no longer in production, used models are often plagued by faulty batteries and drifting analog sticks, and third-party knockoffs lack pressure-sensitive buttons and proper Sixaxis motion control.
Enter PS3XPAD—a powerful, homebrew software solution that liberates your PS3 from the shackles of proprietary hardware. This article dives deep into what PS3XPAD is, how it works, how to install it, and why it remains the gold standard for controller compatibility on the PS3.
As of 2025, developer aldostools has released PS3XPAD v1.4.5 beta, adding native support for the PS5 DualSense Edge controller (rear paddles mappable to L3/R3) and improved 8BitDo Ultimate 2.4G compatibility. A version for RPCS3 (PS3 emulator on PC) also exists, allowing you to use the same controller configs across real hardware and emulation.
The project remains open-source on GitHub (search ps3xpad-ng), with community contributions for new gamepads like the GuliKit KingKong 3 and GameSir T4 Kaleid.