How do I use a ps3 Sixaxis controller with Ubuntu to control games

You are able to connect the controller to the pc via usb cable. This is supplied with a PS3 device (it is the primary way to charge the controller). I don't know how to connect the controller via bluetooth to your computer (if you even have a bluetooth receiver), so this answer focusses on usb connection. It might be that the controller already works if you do this (You can test this with jstest-gtk as listed below). I use another similar PnP controller, and it works without difficulty.

if it does not work automatically, this link might answer your question. In summary:

  • install xboxdrv from the Ubuntu Software Center or with sudo apt-get install xboxdrv
  • start xboxdrv with sudo xboxdrv --detach-kernel-driver
  • If you press the Playstation button, the computer will receive its input and simulate it as an Xbox 360 controller, which should work the same as the playstation controller.

You can test the functionality of your controller through Jstest-gtk (install: sudo apt-get install jstest-gtk)

Good luck, let me know if it works.


You should use sixad/QtSixA http://qtsixa.sourceforge.net/ . Just install from the repo and pair with sixpair while the sixaxis is connected with usb, and then connect with Bluetooth by pressing the PS button.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:falk-t-j/qtsixa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install qtsixa

Connect with USB

sixpair

Disconnect sixaxis from USB

sixad -s

press PS button to connect over bluetooth


Sorry to be that guy but compiling from source worked for me and the PPA has been pretty quiet for a while now (not weird at all considering the GitHub hasn't been updated in 4 years and the "final" version was released around the same time), so don't hold your breath for a xenial package.

The excellent guide I linked gives you a few commands to download all prereqs and compile but I will summarize here:

sudo apt-get update &&
  sudo apt-get install git dialog build-essential pyqt4-dev-tools libusb-dev libjack-dev libbluetooth-dev python-dbus checkinstall -y &&
  git clone https://github.com/falkTX/qtsixa.git && 
  cd qtsixa &&
  make &&
  sudo checkinstall

Tags:

Games

Ps3

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