PS3 Controller on the Mac...

[acearchie]

How do you get it to work!

I have downloaded the driver from http://tattiebogle.net/index.php/ProjectRoot/Ps3Controller

How do I get it to recognise my controller? I have also purchased GamePad Companion and although it registers in there it won't actually function when I press start.

I just want to be able to use the Controller as a mouse and for games.

Can someone guide me through this for snow leopard?

Thanks

[edddeduck]

How do you get it to work!

I have downloaded the driver from http://tattiebogle.net/index.php/ProjectRoot/Ps3Controller

How do I get it to recognise my controller? I have also purchased GamePad Companion and although it registers in there it won't actually function when I press start.

I just want to be able to use the Controller as a mouse and for games.

Can someone guide me through this for snow leopard?

Thanks


I don't think any of the PS3 and 360 drivers have been tested on SL. I am looking at getting the PS3 driver support working in our games and when I do I will see if I can give you some more hints. Just getting the 360 pads working first.

Cheers,

Edwin

[acearchie]

I don't think any of the PS3 and 360 drivers have been tested on SL. I am looking at getting the PS3 driver support working in our games and when I do I will see if I can give you some more hints. Just getting the 360 pads working first.

Cheers,

Edwin

A contrasting report actually says that the controller now works over bluetooth! (http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8300945231/m/116004031041)

I just don't have an idea of how to get it to be picked up.

If anyone has any success do say!

[edddeduck]

A contrasting report actually says that the controller now works over bluetooth! (http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8300945231/m/116004031041)

I just don't have an idea of how to get it to be picked up.

If anyone has any success do say!

I also think Gamepad companion might not work well with another gamepad driver at the same time. DId you try it with just the PS3 pad driver enabled?

Edwin

[acearchie]

I also think Gamepad companion might not work well with another gamepad driver at the same time. DId you try it with just the PS3 pad driver enabled?

Edwin

I did but I was unsure how to show that it would work. It was not picked up in games or anything!

[edddeduck]

I did but I was unsure how to show that it would work. It was not picked up in games or anything!

Depends on the game really. If I get it running at some point at home with a game I will let you know what I did :)

Edwin

[ttopp]

i got it working it shows up in the bluetooth menu tay, but i used with sixty force and had it cabled into ma macbook.. i got the drivers of the net. google search. it didnt seem to work but sorted after a restart on SL

good luck

[Cycom]

I would love to able to use a PS3 dualshock to control games in MAME.

[LoreVTEC]

I have tried the link in the first post and it does work on MAME OSX! But: Only wired and not on bluetooth, and I can't find where to assign buttons... I need to press select to shoot :(

[acearchie]

Anyone had any luck as of lately?

[goemb]

I use this and it works.

http://netkas.org/?p=76

I don't know if rumble and the tilt stuff is supported though. I don't need it for Genesis =).

[michalko.j]

I was messing around with this today and think I got some consistant results for the snow leopard Bluetooth pairing. First flip the power switch off to your PS3. Then connect the controller via USB to your mac and press the PS button. Next unplug and press the PS button again and it should automatically appear to be paired. This can be done without the drivers installed for USB support. I have never actually seen the controller show up in a Bluetooth search. It just pairs automatically. To use the controller with the PS3 again you will have to connect it via USB just as if you went to a friends house with your controller.

[rich5377]

I have a 27 inch iMac - trying to connect my PS3 controller to it - i connect it via usb then hit the PS3 button. 4 lights on the controller blink constantly and it does show up on my iMac in the bluetooth preferences as connected but cannot use the control - i have OS Lion 10.7.1

[Stike]

I tried it recently with a friends 27" iMac.

We connected the Dualshock 3 with a USB cable, kept the bluetooth menu open to see if it pops up, and kept hammering the PS-Button for a minute or two, and suddenly it really showed up in the OS X bluetooth menu. Then it was paired and works.

We managed to play some games with it natively, other need a separate app that maps the controller buttons for the game, wait, what was the name... YEAP, Controllermate it was! :)

Should work this way, have fun! :)

[cerote]

I use Gamepad companion for the maps for unsupported games. Works great, easy setup. Downside is it is a paid app in the Appstore.

[holdincourt]

I was messing around with this today and think I got some consistant results for the snow leopard Bluetooth pairing. First flip the power switch off to your PS3. Then connect the controller via USB to your mac and press the PS button. Next unplug and press the PS button again and it should automatically appear to be paired. This can be done without the drivers installed for USB support. I have never actually seen the controller show up in a Bluetooth search. It just pairs automatically. To use the controller with the PS3 again you will have to connect it via USB just as if you went to a friends house with your controller.

This is exactly how I got it to work for me on my MBP 17"....at least for Borderlands GOTY.

[edddeduck]

I am looking at getting the PS3 driver support working in our games and when I do I will see if I can give you some more hints. Just getting the 360 pads working first.

For the PS3 avoid the open source driver and just use the built in OS support. Once synced it behaves like a standard pad and you can get the axis info etc using the HID Calibrator and HID Explorer sample applications on the Apple dev site.

Good Luck!

Edwin

[ronniarne]

Hi all!

Can anyone please confirm if they got this to work on the LION???

I´ve tried many times but no luck

[edddeduck]

Hi all!

Can anyone please confirm if they got this to work on the LION???

I´ve tried many times but no luck

Yes I can confirm it works fine on the two Mac's I have tested it on so far.

Edwin

[Stike]

Hi all!

Can anyone please confirm if they got this to work on the LION???

I´ve tried many times but no luck

The computer in the story I wrote earlier was running Lion, so, yes.

[ronniarne]

maybe it wont pair since I´ve installed the driver from http://tattiebogle.net/index.php/Pro.../Ps3Controller
on the lion. I should have read before......

Anyone knows how to remove it, I can´t seem to find it anywhere. I only find the .dmg in my downloads.

[edddeduck]

maybe it wont pair since I´ve installed the driver from http://tattiebogle.net/index.php/Pro.../Ps3Controller
on the lion. I should have read before......

Anyone knows how to remove it, I can´t seem to find it anywhere. I only find the .dmg in my downloads.

Yeah uninstalling that is tricky it hides stuff deep all over your OS. With 10.6 or 10.7 it will work with no drivers.

You can run the installer again while running an application called fseventer and see what files it installs so you can remove them.

Be warned you will be messing with things deep in system folders so be very very careful!

Edwin

[Mirai 11]

I install the driver shown in this thread, pair it on bluetooth, and now it just works, and on Lion.
Use it with Dolphin, MAME, KegaFusion, and it's flawless, completed Metal Gear Solid: Twin Snakes by using it, really good fun :)

[ronniarne]

guess I try and restore instead.... Thanks anyway mate for quick help.

[VulcanicThunder]

Idk what exactly your trying to do but if you want to just connect your ps3 controller via bluetooth i know of a way but im not quite sure what games its compatible with. If you want to try, plug in your ps3 with the charger cable and push the ps button. Make sure your ps3 is unplugged 1st, then take off your cable wait a couple seconds then push your ps button it should connect to your computer, ive been able to play games on my pcxs emulator with this, i'm sure you could use it for other things.

I hope this helped:)

[4nd]

HI, I was able to get my friends Sony PS3 Controller paired and working on my iMac, has anyone tried doing this with cheaper, 3rd party controllers? I would like to get a controller for MAME and don't want to spend £35 on one. Has anyone tried the Madcatz one?

[itsbenawhile]

can some one pm me or explain how to do this? i wanna use to to play modern combat. its like 99 cents on the app store. i went and bought a ps3 controller and gamepad. if not I'm gonna return everything. please get back to me

[itsbenawhile]

in the game the o button doesn't work when it asked me to press it so every things messed up. i can get it to work really ****** with bad controls. can someone help me set it up with bluetooth and get all my buttons to work right? that would be awesome

[edddeduck]

in the game the o button doesn't work when it asked me to press it so every things messed up. i can get it to work really ****** with bad controls. can someone help me set it up with bluetooth and get all my buttons to work right? that would be awesome

If you drop the developer of the game an email they will be the best people to help you out. They should have the support address in the AppStore or on their website. I don't own the game so I cannot help myself.

Edwin

[SuperMacKiDDPr0]

After installing the PS3 driver, I used an app called controller mate and the ps3 controller works just fine.

[Jay5412]

i played Dirt 2 with no driver or anything needed just Pair it with the cord and your done idk about other games though

[flapperjak]

Aaargh... This is SO frustrating. Pairing a PS3 controller with my MBP 15" unibody used to work. It's been a while, and I tried it again, and no joy. Tried all the guides, combinations of button presses and plugging/unplugging. It will connect every time, but it will not pair. Tried resetting the controller, deleting the com.apple***bluetooth file from library/preferences, etc.. It's the same no matter what I do. No pairing, no control. Still using Snow Leopard.

Anyone have any idea what else I can try?

[marrzie]

On my pc it pairs and the number 1 led stays solid.
On my mac it doesn't pair the same way in that it has 4 flashing led the entire time. When I disconnect the cursor snaps to the top left of the screen. Just some bug but it does work fine even though the lamps keep flashing.
Is yours not connecting at all?

----------

The only way I found to keep the cursor from snapping to the top left the whole time after disconnecting is by disconnecting the plugging in the usb cable, connecting to the ps3 controller, then clicking the six axis button again, then finally disconnecting via bluetooth again which allows it to charge while not being connected via bluetooth and draining the battery.
Or I just restart the computer and its back to normal. Real pain.

[flapperjak]

Mine doesn't do anything but show that the Playstation 3 Controller is connected on the bluetooth icon. I can disconnect it from the dropdown and press the PS3 button to reconnect it (making it show up in the menu again), but it never pairs, and never moves the cursor at all.

[kopite19]

connected mine via cable and all lights flashed, removed cable and was still connected via bt but no lights on back. tested in sixtyforce and worked fine. braid not so good as buttons were mapped incorrectly. worked though.

[sheadacus]

OK so I have the driver installed even though I have LION and my ps3 controllers are connected through bluetooth to my iMac. They say connected but not paired. Lights blink as normal with mac. Tried Controller Mate and it showed the ps3 buttons responding and working fine. Now when I go into sixty force I check the ps3 controller to be used but it won't control anything. Ive tried many games with no response. Any ideas?

[edddeduck]

OK so I have the driver installed even though I have LION and my ps3 controllers are connected through bluetooth to my iMac. They say connected but not paired. Lights blink as normal with mac. Tried Controller Mate and it showed the ps3 buttons responding and working fine. Now when I go into sixty force I check the ps3 controller to be used but it won't control anything. Ive tried many games with no response. Any ideas?

I don't know but I never use any of those drivers as I find they tend to make things worse not better in my experience. When I have mine working is appears in my bluetooth devices list in bold as connected. The pads red lights will blink constantly.

Edwin

[docdar]

So i've tried almost everything people are saying i just dont have it working yet. Im trying to get it to work for Portal on steam

[edddeduck]

So i've tried almost everything people are saying i just dont have it working yet. Im trying to get it to work for Portal on steam

Does portal support gamepads at all on the Mac?

[Anthropogenesis]

Really frustrating. I am running Lion, and I plug the controller in. I unplug it, hit the PS button. A bluetooth box pops up asking me to input an 8 digit code. The problem is, it won't let me enter it. It just shows those numbers without anywhere to type it. When I just try to type I get the error feedback sound played. The PS controller shows up in the list of bluetooth devices but disappears after about 20 seconds. Anyone know what could be causing this?

[labrille12]

Hello, i am French. Sorry for my english.

To pair PS3 controller (on Lion) :
- enable Blutooth
- Plug controller in via USB
- Press PS button 3 times (quickly - find the good speed - This is the key of the problem) (and not 2 seconds 3 times than i have see in lots of forum)
- unplug USB on mac and on the controller

Now their is no passcode, and your ps3 controller is pairing in bluetooth
ENJOY :)

[aruseman]

Really frustrating. I am running Lion, and I plug the controller in. I unplug it, hit the PS button. A bluetooth box pops up asking me to input an 8 digit code. The problem is, it won't let me enter it. It just shows those numbers without anywhere to type it. When I just try to type I get the error feedback sound played. The PS controller shows up in the list of bluetooth devices but disappears after about 20 seconds. Anyone know what could be causing this?

http://att.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=14305623&postcount=80

[Ratatapa]

Sorry but i also have problem

I have an Intec Turbo Shock III Controller (PlayStation 3) (USB only)

That i'm trying to plug on my mac

So plugged the controller but lights flashing, tried to install the driver and no go.

Tried to press the home button three times and no good.

I'm thinking of emulation motion joy lol

[edddeduck]

Sorry but i also have problem

I have an Intec Turbo Shock III Controller (PlayStation 3) (USB only)

That i'm trying to plug on my mac

So plugged the controller but lights flashing, tried to install the driver and no go.

Tried to press the home button three times and no good.

I'm thinking of emulation motion joy lol

Third party PS3 pads are even more tricky. Might work might not.

Edwin

[Ratatapa]

damn :(

[PatrickOKeeffe]

I've done the same thing that most people have described here, but am prompted to input a password that I'll need to use to validate the device. Obviously, I don't have a way to type a password in on the PS3 controller. Does anyone know how to circumvent this? There doesn't seem to be an option to turn this off in the bluetooth settings.

[EDIT] This thread had a solution that worked for me. Post #24. http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1202616

[cerote]

Most bluetooth passwords are 0000.

[edddeduck]

At Feral when testing games some of our machines just sync a PS3 pad without issue, some will ask for a password. If asked for a password try 0000 or 1234 one of those two will usually work fine.

Good luck,

Edwin

[Sylon]

Reading thru this thread helped out a lot of people:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1202616


It didn't however, help out me. I managed to get my PS3 controller to work by just keeping it connected to the Mac via USB. Now, this was a brand new PS3 DS3 controller, never paired with my PS3. I couldn't get an old PS3 controller (previously paired with my PS3) to work even with the USB cable always connected. I guess my MBP is a picky SOB.

[iBoris!]

i am totally unable to get it to work on my computer :O :(
i have a mbp 15" late 2011 (quadcore i7) (it came with lion preinstalled)

i tried all the tricks mentioned on the forum... :(
i don't even see my controller in bluetooth

i also tried what i think is the mac version of "sixpair" with no results

i think it doesn't work because my laptop never had snow leopard

anyine has an idea? :)
i'd really like to be able to use my dualshock 3 with my mac

thank you
iBoris!

[NMF]

I can't even get something to pop up. I've tried just pressing the PS button, USB cable, tap 3 times, etc etc... NOTHING shows up on my Mac. How are you guys getting stuff to show up? Bluetooth is enabled and discoverable, OSX 10.7.3.

[iBoris!]

I can't even get something to pop up. I've tried just pressing the PS button, USB cable, tap 3 times, etc etc... NOTHING shows up on my Mac. How are you guys getting stuff to show up? Bluetooth is enabled and discoverable, OSX 10.7.3.

As i said in the title, did your mac came with lion preinstalled, or did it had snow-leopard in the past?

i'm asking this question because my mac (a mbp late 2011, had lion preinstalled) and i have the same issue as you. i also read other stories similar to mine on the web (about mac with lion preinstalled that have troubles with the dualshock 3)

i didn't found a solution yet :(
i hope someone can help

[NMF]

As i said in the title, did your mac came with lion preinstalled, or did it had snow-leopard in the past?

i'm asking this question because my mac (a mbp late 2011, had lion preinstalled) and i have the same issue as you. i also read other stories similar to mine on the web (about mac with lion preinstalled that have troubles with the dualshock 3)

i didn't found a solution yet :(
i hope someone can help

Lion preinstalled. :(

[edddeduck]

I can't even get something to pop up. I've tried just pressing the PS button, USB cable, tap 3 times, etc etc... NOTHING shows up on my Mac. How are you guys getting stuff to show up? Bluetooth is enabled and discoverable, OSX 10.7.3.

These instructions and video are from Snow Leopard but should show you the steps required.

First thing to do is make sure you have the following items and software ready before you begin.

10.6 or better
No PS3 Gamepad driver software installed (UNINSTALL ALL DRIVERS THEY BREAK THE SUPPORT)
PS3 Gamepad
USB charging cable for PS3 gamepad
Bluetooth enabled on your Mac
Once you are ready please download and watch the video below it will take you thorugh all the steps you need to take to connect your PS3 Gamepad to your Macintosh computer.

Walkthrough Video (http://www.feralinteractive.com/downloads/support/PS3_Gamepad_MacOSX.mov)

[iBoris!]

These instructions and video are from Snow Leopard but should show you the steps required.

First thing to do is make sure you have the following items and software ready before you begin.

10.6 or better
No PS3 Gamepad driver software installed (UNINSTALL ALL DRIVERS THEY BREAK THE SUPPORT)
PS3 Gamepad
USB charging cable for PS3 gamepad
Bluetooth enabled on your Mac
Once you are ready please download and watch the video below it will take you thorugh all the steps you need to take to connect your PS3 Gamepad to your Macintosh computer.

Walkthrough Video (http://www.feralinteractive.com/downloads/support/PS3_Gamepad_MacOSX.mov)

it does not work for me... :(

[edddeduck]

it does not work for me... :(

Just to confirm you do not have any PS3 drivers installed? Also is the PS3 pad fully charged?

Edwin

[iBoris!]

Just to confirm you do not have any PS3 drivers installed? Also is the PS3 pad fully charged?

Edwin

i do not have any drivers installed...
how can i know if the pad is fully charge?

[edddeduck]

i do not have any drivers installed...
how can i know if the pad is fully charge?

You can check when it is synced to your PS3.

When you are trying to connect it to your Mac you do have your PS3 turned off?

Are the red lights flashing or is one of them solid red and the others turned off?

Edwin

[iBoris!]

You can check when it is synced to your PS3.

When you are trying to connect it to your Mac you do have your PS3 turned off?

Are the red lights flashing or is one of them solid red and the others turned off?

Edwin

I don't have a ps3 xD I know it can sound weird but I juste have the dualshock 3 and the usb cable

all the red lights are flashing when I press the ps button

[edddeduck]

I don't have a ps3 xD I know it can sound weird but I juste have the dualshock 3 and the usb cable

all the red lights are flashing when I press the ps button

Sorry I have ran out of ideas, usually the bluetooth on your Mac will find the gamepad. Are you sure the bluetooth is working?

Edwin

[iBoris!]

Sorry I have ran out of ideas, usually the bluetooth on your Mac will find the gamepad. Are you sure the bluetooth is working?

Edwin

i suspect that new macs (ones with lion preinstalled) don't recognize the dualshock 3, i'm thinking about going into an Apple Store just to check with their macs they have in demo to test my theory :)

thank you for all your time :D i very appreciate it

[edddeduck]

i suspect that new macs (ones with lion preinstalled) don't recognize the dualshock 3, i'm thinking about going into an Apple Store just to check with their macs they have in demo to test my theory :)

thank you for all your time :D i very appreciate it

It's not the new Macs we have a big pile of Mac's here new and old and we have used the PS3 pad on most of them. I am posting from a current model 15" MacBookPro which I have just been playing Borderlands with a PS3 gamepad.

Good Luck!

Edwin

[Backintosh]

Hi everyone,

I followed most advices I found all around, with no luck. Here's my situation, with an iMac (late 2009) running Lion (10.7.3) and a DualShock 3. I do not have a PS3.

The PS3 controller does appear in my bluetooth devices list, but as a keyboard, so in order to pair with it the mac says "ending pairing" and asks for a 8 digit code to be entered from said keyboard. But since the controller ain't a keyboard, I can't do much.

From the bluetooth menu, I have tried to add the controller to favorites, then update services, to turn bluetooth on/off after/before un/plugging the cable, with no success. The controller just disappears from the list after a few seconds.

Thanks in advance for any help!