PlayStation 3 clone controller guide

This guide was created to highlight features of the genuine Sixaxis controller, as well to instruct the reader on how to spot a clone controller.
MotioninJoy software generally does not recognize clone PS3 controllers due to hardware differences.

The officially liscensed Sony Sixaxis or DualShock 3 controller features:

• A USB mini-B receptical that provides connection, battery charging, and controller operation through a USB cable.
• Connection and controller operation through Bluetooth.
• “SONY” marking on the face of the controller, located above Select and Start buttons.
• “DualShock 3” and “SIXAXIS” printed labels on the top face of the controller, next to the LEDs and USB mini-B receptical. (Sixaxis controllers lack the “DualShock 3” marking)
• A PlayStation logo that is visible within the PS button.

If controller is missing any of these features, it may be a clone.

DualShock 3 Controller images:


DualShock 3 controller in box:

Common features of clone PS3 controllers may include, but aren't limited to:

• Use of a proprietary dongle to connect wirelessly, rather than Bluetooth.
• Absence of a USB mini-B recepticle on the top of the controller.
• Use of AA or AAA type batteries rather than the internal proprietary 3.7 V Li-ion battery of the official SIXAXIS controllers.
• Dull or less lusterous finish when compared to official SIXAXIS controllers.
• Absence of “SONY” markings from the controller. Branding may be that of an unrelated company, or missing completely.
• Strange or additional markings on bottom of controller, such as listing “2.4 RF wireless” or misspellings.
• PS button may have a different font or text.

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 images:

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 are missing.
Back sticker says “300mA” and “DUALSHOCH III”.

MiJ does support a few select clone controllers. If you have one that works, please post the model, photos, and any driver version(s) it works with to the forums.