Hello, can I use a PS3 controller on my PC to play Skyrim? The controls and menus are so geared toward consoles that I might as well use a console controller. My goal is to avoid wearing out my keyboard (especially the W key) and mouse.

Of course, I don't have a PS3 controller, so I have to buy one, which is why I'm asking about it here before doing that. Thanks.

Well there is support for the Xbox controller, I don't know if there is any support for the PS3 controller.
http://gaming.stackexchange.com/questions/37013/how-do-you-use-a-pc-ps3-controller-when-playing-skyrim-on-a-pc
According to what I read in that link it seems to work.

You'd have to use software to program the PS3 controller to work but since you have to buy a controller anyway, it would be easiest to get an Xbox controller which will work as soon as you plug it in.

Why would you want a PS3 controller? They cramp your hands.

I use my ps3 controller all the time on the pc, i use this free software called DS3 tool to make it work, MotioninJoy drives your Playstation 3 controller (Sixaxis or Dualshock 3) on windows. By this way your;Sixaxis or Dualshock 3 as a general game controller with motion sensor and emulate Xbox 360 controller. http://www.motioninjoy.com/download Go try it out, have fun

Huh? Playstation controller is an improved version of one of the best controllers ever, the Super Nintendo one. Though i do like Gamecube controller more, it fits in hand even better than the PS one I've never held any XBox controller, so i don't have an opinion on those.

And yes, i use what the person above mentioned too, and it makes the PS3 controller work in any game that supports an Xbox controller, but if you don't have one already you might as well get an XBox controller. Never tried Skyrim with it though, for first person perspective games mouse and keyboard are unbeatable.

And whatever you do, don't try to use mouse for Skyrim's menus! They are keyboard only territory.

the gamecube controller was slippery on the joysticks and weak.

and, built for small hands.

i can't wait to get my pc later this year, re-buy all the tes/fallouts and other games, hook up the xbox controller and play.

oh, and, dominate the mouse/key crowd in fps games, as well.

If I were playing on a PC, I wouldn't want to use a controller. The power at your fingertips with the keyboard and mouse combo is unbeatable (I loved it with Oblivion). But, between the Xbox controller and the PS3 controller, I prefer the Xbox one. My hands aren't huge, but for some reason I feel like I have to cramp them when I use the PS3 controller. The Xbox controller for me fits like a glove, even to the point i don't even realize I'm holding one any longer.

i started with the pc way back when, lol.

i remember dominating with about 15 keys for my descent play. i could control everything.

when i get my pc later i will use an xbox controller.

the disconnect, for me, is too great and the ridiculousness of pointing a mouse at anything while playing a game is borderline fault-worthy.

throw in the fact that i can dominate with an xbox controller...

Ignoring the part where I can't believe anyone would want to give up the freedom of mouse&keyboard for a controller......


Having used a PS controller for three consoles now, the design of the xbox controller just bugs the heck out of me.... not having the two sticks symmetrical, for instance. I've also never had any size problems with the PS controller.
(I do prefer the PS2 to the PS3, though.... the very-long-throw anolog R2/L2 "trigger" buttons on the back of the dualshock3 are much less comfortable to use then the L2/R2 on the dualshock2.)

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am completely unable to play first-person & similar games with a controller. Wish I could use M+K on my PS3, so that I could actually have a chance to try Killzone, Resistance, Uncharted..... ah, well.

I've got a Sony Vaio and I just plug in the PS3 controller, automatically downloads software and away I go. Does have the added bonus of being able to use the laptop keyboard on my PS3 too. Bit of an expensive option to buy a Vaio if you haven't got one though.

i'll give up the 'freedom' of the mouse every day.

that 'freedom' is getting to the point of being in your mind.

i already beat fps players regularly, and, the mouse/key takes lack of immersion to another level.

like i said, i used a 15key control system for descent.

i'll take the xbox reality over 'accuracy' and 'freedom' every single day.

Some of us are born unable to use a keyboard effectively, a fact I learned way back in high school when I got a C in a typing class. Thank goodness they invented computers with spell checkers!

Er.........connect a ps3 controller to a pc? thats possible?

I've also used ps for all 3 ps consoles and i don't see why it "cramps" your hands i feel better but yes i agree with ps2 controller is better to ps3

i'll tell you why: size. i'm large...

handed and large...

fingered.

the sony controllers have always been small.

cramping occurs for us large folk.

Yes. Use the MotionInJoy drivers aforementioned.

Thanks for all the input. My main goal is to avoid wearing out my cassic IBM model M keyboard. Sounds like my best option is to use a second keyboard just for games.

Thanks for clarifying the PS3 and XBox compatility issues. I just assumed PS3 was best because it's not Microsoft. But I'd rather not use translation software, so I may get the Xbox one.


Haha, I did this too! In Descent with a keyboard, I could fly forward while turning, diving, rolling and shooting all at once. It's amazing the DIN connector on my P166 could handle that much input all at once. I've been using keyboards for gaming since 1992, so why stop now.

Uncharted is 3rd-person. Not 1st-person. Unless you mean shooters in general, which is a shame, because the Uncharted series is incredible.

edit: the domination i had with the descent gamesand all at thattime are nothing compared to an xbox controller.

Use motioninjoy at your own risk.

It's rather shoddy Chinese software with drivers that are nearly impossible to uninstall. The support is finicky at best.

I seriously suggest buying an XBox360 controller before you consider using any 3rd party emulation software.

This is what I use as well. Works like a charm!

Works flawlessly for me and has for months now.

I no longer play games on PC much but if I did I would use my 360 controller. I don't like using a mouse unless it's a sim or RTS. With games like Skyrim it makes things like archery and magic far too easy for me. I prefer a bit of challenge.

Yeah. Tried the demos. But it's zoom-in aiming (and need for really accurate aim, unlike - say - Ratchet & Clank's semi-lock-on bullet-hose style) is pretty similar to 1st person. I got slaughtered in the Uncharted demo. Repeatedly. While spending way too long trying to shift the aim point back and forth with a thumbstick, and constantly overshooting the target. Desperately need a mouse for that game.