The development company Dancing Pixel Studios has launched an application for smartphones equipped with the Android mobile operating system that allows the use of a wireless joystick to control games on the device as if it were a traditional console.
The application in question, called Sixaxis Controller , is compatible with two controller models for Playstation 3, Sixaxis and DualShock 3 , although in order to use the latter it is necessary to install a compatibility tool that adjusts the way the controller communicates with the phone.
Thanks to this program, you can connect up to four controllers to your Android mobile phone via Bluetooth , allowing you to play in local multiplayer mode or simply have multiple controllers configured. The application is available on the Android Market (now Google Play) for approximately $1,67 , although the price may vary slightly depending on the region.
To install the application, it is necessary to first install the Sixaxis Compatibility Checker program (also sometimes referred to as Sixaxis Compatibility Checkers ), which is responsible for checking if the mobile device is compatible with the resource to use the joystick to control the games and, in this way, avoid buying the main app if the terminal does not meet the requirements.
The company's website states that some HTC models and some of the newer Samsung models are not compatible with Sixaxis Controller due to differences in the Bluetooth protocol required to run the application. This is because the application only works correctly on Android devices that have been unlocked or rooted , as it needs advanced system access to load its own drivers.
What exactly is Sixaxis Controller on Android?
Sixaxis Controller is an Android application that allows you to use PlayStation 3 controllers (Sixaxis and DualShock 3) as if they were a native gamepad. With it, you can control almost any Android game, emulator, or even the interface, just as if you were playing on the console in front of your TV.
The great advantage is that the user gets precise physical control , with real buttons and analog sticks, something especially useful in fighting, racing, platforming or action games, where touch controls are less comfortable or less accurate.
The app also offers keyboard and mouse emulation , so it's possible to assign controller buttons to move a pointer or simulate screen taps, greatly expanding the possibilities of use beyond games compatible with standard gamepads.
Main functions and features
In addition to compatibility with PS3 controllers, the Sixaxis Controller integrates a series of advanced features that allow the gaming experience to be adapted to each user and device:
- Profile management: allows you to save and manage different configuration profiles for each game or emulator, avoiding having to remap the buttons each time.
- Sensitivity setting: The analog sticks They can be adjusted for sensitivity and dead zone, ideal for driving, shooting or platforming titles where extreme precision is needed.
- Sliding buttonsThe digital buttons can be configured to be controlled by glide instead of simple taps, improving the response in some games that require prolonged presses.
- Keyboard and mouse emulation: turns the controller into a generic input device, useful for games without official gamepad support, emulators, or even for navigating menus.
- Connect up to four controllersThanks to the management of multiple Bluetooth clients, it is possible to connect multiple controllers at the same time and play cooperatively or competitively on the same device.
In practice, this allows you to enjoy games like Street Fighter , Need for Speed , or other action and racing titles with a much more comfortable control, closer to a traditional console.
Prerequisites and compatibility
For the Sixaxis Controller to function properly, it is important to consider several technical requirements of the device:
- root accessThe app requires ROOT on most devices to be able to modify how Android manages Bluetooth and load the necessary drivers.
- Minimum Android versionIt is recommended to have at least a version of Android similar to or higher than Android 2.3 to ensure compatibility with the application's key functions.
- Bluetooth hardware compatibilityNot all phones implement the same Bluetooth protocol, and some brands, especially certain models of HTC y Samsung, present incompatibilities.
- Recommended original controllers: it is advisable to use original Sony controllerssince many clone controllers have connection problems, continuous flashing lights, or frequent disconnections.
To avoid surprises, the developer itself offers the Sixaxis Compatibility Checker app , which allows you to check if your phone or tablet is compatible before buying the full version, thus saving you money and time.
Some unofficial remotes, especially those made by companies like Gasia , may work, although there is no guarantee and the experience can vary greatly between units.
General setup and pairing process
Although the initial setup may seem somewhat complex, once the process is complete, the controller will connect quite quickly. In general terms, the user flow is as follows:
First, the Android device is rooted using the appropriate tools (for example, by combining a custom recovery like TWRP with a root management solution like Magisk). Afterward, the Sixaxis Controller app is installed on the device, and the SixaxisPairTool pairing utility is downloaded to a computer. This utility, along with a USB cable, is used to change the controller's Bluetooth address to match that of the phone.
Next, follow the instructions in the app's help menu , which guide you step-by-step through the process of pairing your PS3 controller, or even certain PS4 controller models (DualShock 4), with your Android device. Once paired, you can activate the service within the app, turn on the controller, and, if everything is working correctly, a message such as "Client connected: 1" will appear , indicating that the gamepad is ready to use.
Some devices may encounter errors related to SELinux (for example, messages stating that Bluetooth cannot be configured or problems opening ports). In such cases, it is usually necessary to change SELinux mode to permissive using specific tools or terminal commands, bearing in mind that this slightly reduces the system's security level.
Once this step is completed, Sixaxis Controller is able to detect the controller normally, listen to its inputs, and allow you to enjoy games, emulators, and even online titles without this in itself posing an additional risk of being banned, since the system interprets the actions as inputs from a standard controller.
This combination of precise physical control , compatibility with a large number of games, and flexibility in customizing profiles makes the app a very interesting solution for those who want to get the most out of their PS3 controllers on Android and give these controllers a second life on mobile phones, tablets, or even Android TV devices.