Playstation controller dead on my PC? Replacement?

[fuzzybabybunny]

I've got a standard PS3 DualShock 3 controller that I've used in the past with MotionInJoy and BetterDS3.

Now, when I plug it into my computer via USB the only thing that happens is the 4 red lights start flashing.

Windows does not detect that anything has been plugged into the USB ports. I've tried different ports and different cables as well. Same thing.

When I plug the controller into a USB charger it doesn't charge (or at least no lights come on), but I think this is to be expected.

I've pressed the little reset button on the back with a paperclip.

Did the controller just randomly die somehow? If this is the case, can someone recommend a solid (and ideally compact for traveling) controller as a replacement? I wasn't very fond of having to hack together things like MotionInJoy just to get the controller to work. I'd like it to work just like any other native Windows USB device.

 

[cronos]

Xbox 360 (branded or third-party compatible) wired controller. Just plug it in. No tweaks or special software is needed.

 

[mnewsham]

Dualshock 4, its the best controller currently out. The new Xbox one elite controller will probably be a bit better, but at $150 F that.

The DS4 feels better in my hands than a 360 controller and I already have a PS4 so having extra DS4s around works out anyway, especially since they work for PC gaming as well.

All the DS4 requires to work is Inputmapper. Plug and play, or if you have a blue tooth module on your computer you can pair it wirelessly without much issue (I usually just use wired though) I used to use a DS3 as well and hated motionjoy being finicky and never seeming to work right, inputmapper makes motionjoy look like crap, for the past 6 months I haven't had to change any settings, just plug in the controller whenever I need it, computer instantly recognizes the controller even when plugged in mid-game.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Dualshock 4, its the best controller currently out. The new Xbox one elite controller will probably be a bit better, but at $150 F that.

The DS4 feels better in my hands than a 360 controller and I already have a PS4 so having extra DS4s around works out anyway, especially since they work for PC gaming as well.

All the DS4 requires to work is Inputmapper. Plug and play, or if you have a blue tooth module on your computer you can pair it wirelessly without much issue (I usually just use wired though) I used to use a DS3 as well and hated motionjoy being finicky and never seeming to work right, inputmapper makes motionjoy look like crap, for the past 6 months I haven't had to change any settings, just plug in the controller whenever I need it, computer instantly recognizes the controller even when plugged in mid-game.

With the DS4 do I need to disable Driver Signature Verification with x64 Windows? Because it seems that to do that with WinX I have to restart Windows each time.

 

[mnewsham]

With the DS4 do I need to disable Driver Signature Verification with x64 Windows? Because it seems that to do that with WinX I have to restart Windows each time.

Having used it on windows 8.1 x64 and now windows 10 x64 it has no issues ever. Just install inputmapper (maybe setup a controller profile, though that might not even be needed I think it defaults to xbox360 emulation) and plug in the controller via USB. Every game I use it for automatically detects it when I plug it in. I mainly use it for Rocket League or GTA 5 when I am flying something (mouse and keyboard flying in that game is just plain awful)

 

[nitromullet]

All the DS4 requires to work is Inputmapper. Plug and play

That's not really the definition of "plug and play".

I'd like it to work just like any other native Windows USB device.

Get a 360 controller.

 

[mnewsham]

That's not really the definition of "plug and play".



Get a 360 controller.

Inputmapper is literally the same thing windows does except it's 3rd party instead of microsoft software. Either way you're installing something and either way once it's installed the controller is plug and play.


Not to mention moving from a DS3 to 360 might not be what he wants to do. Moving from a DS3 to a DS4 is easy because of how similar they are.

 

[cronos]

Inputmapper is literally the same thing windows does except it's 3rd party instead of microsoft software. Either way you're installing something and either way once it's installed the controller is plug and play.

It's not 'either way'. With the 360 controller I mentioned above, he doesn't have to install anything at all.

Not to mention moving from a DS3 to 360 might not be what he wants to do. Moving from a DS3 to a DS4 is easy because of how similar they are.

No argument about this.

 

[mnewsham]

he doesn't have to install anything at all.

Not true, windows just auto detects and installs it for you, its still installing something, windows 10 might have it preinstalled so it literally is plug and play, but in any case it's trivial to anyone who can install a simple program which I know for a fact fuzzy can.

 

[shortylickens]

http://www.amazon.com/Zhidong-Vibration-Controller-PlayStation-Architecture/dp/B00OAYHIRA

Also:

http://www.amazon.com/Buffalo-Classic-USB-Gamepad-PC/dp/B002B9XB0E/

http://www.amazon.com/Classic-USB-NES-Controller-PC/dp/B002YVD3KM

http://www.amazon.com/Classic-Retro-N64-Bit-Wired-Controller/dp/B00KBAE52S

http://www.amazon.com/Retro-GameCube-Style-Wired-Controller-Pc/dp/B00HS7LJ2G


So, keep in mind theres more than one way to do this.

 

[cronos]

Not true, windows just auto detects and installs it for you, its still installing something, windows 10 might have it preinstalled so it literally is plug and play, but in any case it's trivial to anyone who can install a simple program which I know for a fact fuzzy can.

Of course it's trivial, but why disagreed with me, stated that what I said was untrue, but then turn around and made my argument for me?

You claimed that 'either way he needs to install something', I said 'no, he doesn't have to install anything with the 360 controller'. You replied and said that what I'm saying is not true, but then you explained that the difference is that with the 360 controller it's windows that detects and install it for the user and with the DS4 the user has to install the software manually. Which is exactly what I said!

We could also go into the difference between a native device driver and a third-party application, but I'm sure you don't need an explanation.

I mean, come on. This is an absolutely silly argument to be wasting our time for, but I know that you know that what you were saying was inaccurate.

 

[lord_emperor]

It's not 'either way'. With the 360 controller I mentioned above, he doesn't have to install anything at all.

No argument about this.

On Windows 7 and earlier it's necessary to install Microsoft's Xbox drivers. They're included in Windows 8+ but the fact that M$ pre-installed the necessary software is really splitting hairs.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Thanks. I'll give the DS4 a shot if I really truly can't get this DS3 working again. I much much much prefer the feel of a DS controller over Xbox. But I've never owned a console so don't know how the controllers work and pair, etc. I got burned in the past having to mess around with motioninjoy and not having it work because apparently it requires an internet connection... Wtf? It's those kinds of hoops that I seriously don't want to deal with ever again.

 

[alcoholbob]

Dualshock 4, its the best controller currently out. The new Xbox one elite controller will probably be a bit better, but at $150 F that.

The DS4 feels better in my hands than a 360 controller and I already have a PS4 so having extra DS4s around works out anyway, especially since they work for PC gaming as well.

All the DS4 requires to work is Inputmapper. Plug and play, or if you have a blue tooth module on your computer you can pair it wirelessly without much issue (I usually just use wired though) I used to use a DS3 as well and hated motionjoy being finicky and never seeming to work right, inputmapper makes motionjoy look like crap, for the past 6 months I haven't had to change any settings, just plug in the controller whenever I need it, computer instantly recognizes the controller even when plugged in mid-game.

Inputmapper is kinda messed up on Windows 10 though. 3rd party apps can't get exclusive mode anymore. In some games the buttons are completely messed up, either no response or double/triple clicking. I gave up DS4Windows/Input Mapper and went with a Xbox One controller in the end.

But yes, the PS4 controller is way better. The wider controller is better suited for adults so your shoulders aren't scrunched up when holding the controller and means better posture during gaming so less back pain.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Inputmapper is kinda messed up on Windows 10 though. 3rd party apps can't get exclusive mode anymore. In some games the buttons are completely messed up, either no response or double/triple clicking. I gave up DS4Windows/Input Mapper and went with a Xbox One controller in the end.

But yes, the PS4 controller is way better. The wider controller is better suited for adults so your shoulders aren't scrunched up when holding the controller and means better posture during gaming so less back pain.

Damn. Does this mean I should NOT get the DS4 since I have Win10?

 

[cronos]

On Windows 7 and earlier it's necessary to install Microsoft's Xbox drivers. They're included in Windows 8+ but the fact that M$ pre-installed the necessary software is really splitting hairs.

It's really is silly to keep talking about this, but the term 'plug and play' has a specific meaning, and having to install a third party program to enable a device to work is definitely not plug and play. Also, I'm still on Windows 7 and I never had to install 'Microsoft Xbox drivers' manually. I just simply plugged my controller in and it works right away, i.e. plug and play.

 

[sweenish]

It's hilarious how many people don't understand what plug and play means.

It's also hilarious the notion that a DS4 promotes better posture. Because your hands are two inches further out at the most, your entire posture will be adjusted for the better? Please. By your logic, the Wiimote + nunchuck is the best controller for "adults." And it should instantly give me perfect posture since my hands can be a regular distance apart!

If you like the DS4 so much, it's really a TON easier to simply buy a DX-input compatible controller that is a DS4 clone.

 

[poofyhairguy]

I vote for the Xbox 360 controller or the Xbox One controller. The 360 controller has become the defacto standard for controller PC games so when the in-game menu tells you to press a button it will almost certainly be a picture of a 360 button and not one of the PS geometric shapes.

The Xbox One has the same buttons so that reinforces the standard. The Steam controller also has the same buttons ensuring that will continue to be the standard going forward.

It is a minor thing, but the kind of extra little accidental polish that chips away the difference between a console and a modern PC. I would hate to be in the middle of action and the game tells me to hit "A" and I have to translate that into square or whatever mentally.

 

[TeknoBug]

Been using DS4 on my PC (with SCP tool) but with Win 10 it doesn't really work.

It's hilarious how many people don't understand what plug and play means.

It's also hilarious the notion that a DS4 promotes better posture. Because your hands are two inches further out at the most, your entire posture will be adjusted for the better? Please. By your logic, the Wiimote + nunchuck is the best controller for "adults." And it should instantly give me perfect posture since my hands can be a regular distance apart!

If you like the DS4 so much, it's really a TON easier to simply buy a DX-input compatible controller that is a DS4 clone.

what? DS4 is one of the most comfortable controllers I've used in decades, what's this mumble jumble about hands posture? You have tiny hands I see.

The Logitech F710, is one of the worst controllers I've used, sticks are way too stiff, it feels thick in the hands and triggers just don't feel right (and also too stiff).

 

[nitromullet]

Damn. Does this mean I should NOT get the DS4 since I have Win10?

I"m not sure how much more you prefer the DS3/4 to the Xbox 360/One controllers, but it sounds like the authors of the third party programs and end users are having to create workarounds to get their Sony controllers working.

https://steamcommunity.com/app/211420/discussions/0/541907867759019395/

https://www.reddit.com/r/pcgaming/comments/3dwur7/psa_windows_10_cant_use_dual_shock_4_controller/

http://ds4windows.com/

On the other hand, MS recently announced an upcoming USB wireless receiver for the Xbox One controller for the PC http://www.engadget.com/2015/06/09/xbox-one-wireless-adapter-for-pc/ It's a pretty safe bet that they will continue to support their controllers on PC for the foreseeable future.

IMO, I could see how an owner of a Playstation console might bother mucking around with third party software to get their controller working on a PC, but if you're going out and buying a controller specifically for the PC I don't see why you'd get one that didn't have first party support from either the manufacturer or the OS.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Get an Xbox One controller, it has many refinements over the 360 controller and you just plug it in via micro USB cable. No worries about potential 3rd party software not working right on Windows 10. I prefer the DS4 from a comfort standpoint but the Xbox One controller can just plug in and go and supports everything the 360 controller does natively on Windows. As mentioned above there is a wireless receiver for the Xbox One controller coming later this year that will let you use XB1 controllers wirelessly on windows.

For what it's worth it's pretty simple stuff to get a DS4 working on Windows 10 but you have to turn off some functionality of Windows for it to work. Not ideal.

 

[preslove]

Buy the xbox 360 controller for Windows. It's put out by windows and allows you connect up to 3 more regular wireless 360 controllers. It's put out by microsoft so there will be no driver issues. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0HR2EYQJEA9ECAEG1RRZ

 

[cmdrdredd]

After using the Xbox One controller for a couple years and then trying to go back to the 360 controller, the 360 controller feels like crap to me lol. I still say go with the Xbox One controller.

 

[nitromullet]

Buy the xbox 360 controller for Windows. It's put out by windows and allows you connect up to 3 more regular wireless 360 controllers. It's put out by microsoft so there will be no driver issues. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0HR2EYQJEA9ECAEG1RRZ

If you do opt for the 360 wireless PC controller, get the legit MS bundle with the controller/receiver from a reputable store.

Google JR9-00011 and pick a reputable retailer.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109243
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/microso...lack/2589153.p?id=1218503724374&skuId=2589153

There are lots of counterfeit receivers out there on ebay and Amazon Marketplace.

 

[mnewsham]

Inputmapper is kinda messed up on Windows 10 though. 3rd party apps can't get exclusive mode anymore. In some games the buttons are completely messed up, either no response or double/triple clicking. I gave up DS4Windows/Input Mapper and went with a Xbox One controller in the end.

But yes, the PS4 controller is way better. The wider controller is better suited for adults so your shoulders aren't scrunched up when holding the controller and means better posture during gaming so less back pain.

Been using input mapper on windows 10 pro x64 since launch day and haven't had a single issue on GTA 5 or Rocket league.

All my other games are mouse and keyboard.