Better DS3

Better DS3 is software that can enable the use of a PlayStation Dual-Shock controller with a PC game. It is an upgrade from the DS3 Tool that preceded it and has several improvements over the original.

A word about DS3 Tool first: this program allowed up to four controllers to connect to a PC via Bluetooth and USB, enabling players to use their games console controllers on their PCs, rather than trying to navigate and play with the PC keyboard and mouse. While great in principle, the programming is clunky and disorganised, the application is bursting with advertising banners and click-bait. Users were torn between being entirely satisfied with the DS3 Tool and wondering if it was actually malware or virused due to issues they experienced when trying to install and use it. Some users found the their USB drives no longer worked, that their Bluetooth was no longer operational and still others (just a few) found serious problems with their system registry that resulted in major headaches with their PC for ages after deleting the DS3 Tool.

Better DS3 is, as the name implies, a better option! This version of the tool is available offline, unlike DS3 Tool and the interface is refreshingly uncluttered and ad-free. As Microsoft is the producer of the Xbox, it is much easier to connect an Xbox controller to a PC, but with Better DS3 it is possible to connect a PlayStation Dual-Shock controller and enjoy the full gaming experience even on a PC.

The application still uses the MotioninJoy driver that powered the DS3Tool, but, once again, it is new and improved, with the capability to easily change the controllers' configuration. It also includes features like auto disconnect after a certain period of time and a little graphic displaying the battery status. The MotioninJoy driver needs to be downloaded separately from the Better DS3 software, but works seamlessly once it is in place.

Better DS3 is easy to use and the interface has been stripped down and simplified to make using it a less frustrating experience. It is also much easier to customise the buttons on the PlayStation controller than it was with the original application.

Pros

• Allows the use of games console controllers and joysticks on a PC game
• Much better than its predecessor, being available offline and not being plagued with advertising
• Automatic disconnect after a certain amount of time unplayed
• Viewable battery status graphic

Cons

• Players need to down the MotioninJoy driver as well as the Better DS3 package