PlayStation 3 clone controller guide

This guide will tell you about the genuine PS3 controller, and the clone controllers out there, and how to spot a clone controller.
This guide was made since MotioninJoy 9 times out of 10 will not accept and use a PS3 clone controller, due to clone controller hardware differences.

The genuine Sony Sixaxis or DualShock 3 controller features:

• Connection over USB, charging battery over USB, and controller operation through USB.
• Connection through Bluetooth, and controller operation through Bluetooth.
• “SONY” marking on the top of the controller, above Select and Start.
• “DualShock 3” and “Sixaxis” marking on the side of the controller, next to the LEDs. (Sixaxis controllers only have the “Sixaxis” marking)
• PlayStation logo as the PS button.

If your controller is missing any of these features, you may have a well-made clone.

DualShock 3 Controller pics:


DS3 controller in box:

Common features of PS3 clone controllers include (but aren't limited to):

• Uses a proprietary dongle to connect wirelessly, instead of using Bluetooth.
• No USB connection.
• Uses AA or AAA type batteries.
• Not as shiny as genuine controllers.
• Does not mentions “SONY” anywhere on the controller but instead a different brand or even no brand at all.
• Some weird markings on bottom of controller that give it away as a fake, such as listing “2.4 RF wireless” or misspellings.

Some controllers, especially ones that look like the real thing may not include these features, but read on!

(Thanks to forum member Sandu_mig92 for submitting this clone's pics!)

This clone looks like the genuine DS3 controller, but “closer inspection” reveals that it has a few differences that distinguish it as a clone.

Here are some pics:

This shows the front of this clone. You can see that the “SONY” marking above the Select and Start buttons is missing, and the PS button does not feature the PlayStation logo, but instead “P 3”.


A side view of the controller shows that the “DualShock 3” and “Sixaxis” markings next to the USB port is missing.
Back sticker say : 300mA and also DUALSHOCH III

MiJ does support a few select clone controllers, if you have one that works please post its model, pics of it, and what driver version(s) it works with.

If you have a clone controller and would like to post its pics here, post it in the forums!