Connect a DualShock 4 to your computer over USB or Bluetooth, then choose RPCS3’s dedicated DualShock 4 handler in Gamepad Configuration. Windows needs no extra setup according to the RPCS3 Wiki; Linux may need udev permissions, while the documented FreeBSD setup covers USB through devd.
Connect a DualShock 4 on Windows
- Connect the controller to your PC with a USB cable, or pair it with Windows over Bluetooth.
- Open RPCS3 and go to Configuration > Pads (Gamepad Configuration).
- Set the handler to DualShock 4, then check that button input is detected.
The RPCS3 Wiki documents DualShock 4 support through HIDAPI over USB and Bluetooth on Windows, with no additional setup required. If RPCS3 does not receive input, close or disable controller utilities such as ScpToolkit or DS4Windows; they may interfere with detection. RPCS3 Wiki: Help:Controller Configuration.
Set up a DualShock 4 on Linux
RPCS3 uses HIDAPI for the DualShock 4 over USB and Bluetooth on Linux. The controller also needs operating-system access through udev rules. The RPCS3 Wiki lists rules covering the original controller, the Slim, and the wireless adapter; use the current rules from that guide rather than copying device IDs from an outdated post.
- Create
/etc/udev/rules.d/99-ds4-controllers.rulesand add the DualShock 4 rules shown in the RPCS3 Wiki controller configuration guide. - Reload the rules with
sudo udevadm control --reload-rules, then unplug and reconnect the controller. Alternatively, restart the computer. - Open RPCS3’s Gamepad Configuration and select the DualShock 4 handler.
If the controller is still not detected, check that the rules file is in the specified location, the rules were reloaded, and the device was replugged. Also check whether another controller utility is claiming the device.
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- Precision Control: The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the DualShock 4’s analog sticks and trigger buttons have been enhanced to offer players absolute control for all games on PlayStation 4.
- Sharing at your Fingertips: The addition of the Share button makes sharing your greatest gaming moments as easy as a push of a button. Upload gameplay videos and screenshots directly from your system or live-stream your gameplay, all without disturbing the game in progress.
- New ways to Play: Revolutionary features like the touch pad, integrated light bar, and built-in speaker offer exciting new ways to experience and interact with your games and its 3.5mm audio jack offers a practical personal audio solution for gamers who want to listen to their games in private.
- Charge Efficiently: The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller can easily be recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when on standby, or with any standard charger with a micro-USB port.
Set up a DualShock 4 on FreeBSD
The RPCS3 Wiki documents a USB setup using devd rules for the DualShock 4, its wireless adapter, and the Slim controller. It does not document a Bluetooth procedure in its FreeBSD DualShock 4 section.
- Create
/usr/local/etc/devd/ds4.confwith the USB device rules provided by the RPCS3 Wiki. - Restart FreeBSD, then connect the controller over USB.
- In RPCS3’s Gamepad Configuration, choose the DualShock 4 handler and check for input.
Why choose the DualShock 4?
The RPCS3 Wiki describes the DualShock 4 as a good choice because it is easy to set up and supports motion controls. It also notes that generic XInput controllers may be broadly supported, but do not provide motion controls or PlayStation button labels. If you already own a DualShock 4, you do not need to buy another controller just for this setup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Wireless Connectivity: The DualShock 4 controller uses Bluetooth technology for wireless gameplay.
- PlayStation Compatibility: This controller is specifically designed for use with the PlayStation 4 console.
- Vibration Feedback: The controller's built-in rumble feature provides tactile feedback during gameplay.
- Adjustable Controls: The controller has customizable button layouts and analog sticks to suit your preferences.
- Long Battery Life: The controller is battery-powered and can provide up to 10 hours of gameplay on a single charge.
Rank #4
- The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the dual analog sticks and trigger buttons have been improved to provide a greater sense of control, no matter what you play
Rank #3
- 🎮【2 Packing】Two controllers are packaged in one box, which is less costly than buying two controllers separately. You can get two different custom designed controllers at the same time, which is very cost-effective.This will bring you a better game experience when you play with your friends, lover, family.
- 🎮【Wide Compatibility】AceGamer wireless controller compatible with PS4/Pro/Slim/Windows PC. ❗*Attention*❗: Only when connecting for the first time, you must activate the device with the USB cable for the first pairing and connection. After that, the normal wireless connection of Bluetooth can be made, and USB data cable is no longer needed. ❗*Note*❗: Connecting to PC(without Bluetooth) needs to install receiver, not included.
- 🎮【Function Highlights】360° Refined analog sticks, the new touch pad on the face of the game controller offer players precise control. Controller which built-in 6-axis gyro sensor has dual motor vibration, excellent dual shock effect design makes the tactile sense more sensitive. The optimized buttons and triggers, ergonomic design non-slip grips, which offer you fantastic gaming experience.
- 🎮【Turbo Setting】You can customize any key as a turbo key. First, hold down the 'share' key, then click the turbo key you want to set up successfully. Secondly, you can adjust the turbo frequency. First, hold down the 'share' key, then touch the joystick on the right up and down. There are three gears to adjust in total.
- 🎮【To Be AceGamer】You can get: 2x AceGamer for ps4 controllers wireless; 1x Charging Cable; 1x User Manual; Professional after-sales service. We focus on the design, production and sales of custom controllers. If you have any questions, please contact us in any time!
Rank #2
- The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the dual analog sticks and trigger buttons have been improved to provide a greater sense of control, no matter what you play.Motion sensors - Rock and roll as a highly sensitive built-in accelerometer and gyroscope detect the motion, tilt and rotation of your DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllerDualShock 4 Wireless Controller PS4 and PC compatible. Item PS5 compatible only when playing PS4 games.
- The new multi touch and clickable touch pad on the face of the DualShock 4 Wireless Controller opens up worlds of new gameplay possibilities for both newcomers and veteran gamers
- The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller features a built in speaker and stereo headset jack, putting several new audio options in the player's hands
- The Dualshock 4 wireless controller can be easily recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when in rest mode, or with any standard charger using a USB cable (type A to micro B sold separately)
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