Which Sony Xperia devices support the PS3 DualShock controller, what Android games can you play and how do you set it up ?
Mobile gaming is booming at the moment - with more and more people playing games on their smartphone or tablet. Infact, many people are choosing to play games on their mobile device over dedicated gaming devices, such as Sony's PSP and Nintendo's 3DS.
Back in April Sony announced that they were bringing wireless DualShock 3 support to their Xperia smartphones and tablets. We feel they've underplayed it's significance because PS3 controller support makes a huge difference to the mobile gaming experience.
Sony Xperia devices which currently natively support the DualShock 3 controller (no rooting required) are:
Presumably, it'll also be added to all of Sony's new Xperia devices , including the Xperia Z1. Sony are yet to confirm whether any older devices will get DualShock support.
Connecting your controller to your Sony Xperia devices doesn't involve rooting your device or anything complex.
However, there are some things you'll need two things before you can begin:
Then follow the 4 simple steps below:
Step 1 - Connect the "charging cable" to your PS3 DualShock controller and plug the other end into the USB OTG adapter.
Step 2 - Plug the USB OTG cable into the micro-USB port on your Sony Xperia smartphone/tablet.
Step 3 - Open up "Settings" on your Xperia device and navigate to the "Xperia" menu (listed under the Device section)
Step 4 - Select the "DualShock Wireless Controller" app and follow the on-screen prompts.
Congratulations your controller is now wirelessly connected (over Bluetooth) to your Sony Xperia device. It can now be used to control the menus and play games . You can easily turn off the controller at any time inside the application (or by disabling Bluetooth).
Android games for Sony's Xperia devices can be downloaded from Google Play - or from the Playstation Store Mobile (PSM) directly. Not all games are supported, but an easy way to check is to read the games description to see if "Controller Support" is listed.
We've selected a few of our favourite games which work with Sony's Dualshock 3 controller.
GTA III : Vice City (£2.99 on Google Play)
GTA:III Vice City is fully optimised for use with the Dualshock controller - even the menus work perfectly. The controls are preset and can't be changed, but they are already setup perfectly. The game itself also runs smoothly on Android with excellent graphics and the gameplay you've come to love.
Dead Trigger (Free on Google Play)
Dead Trigger is a first person shooter (FPS) game in the mould of Call of Duty BlackOps Zombie mode. It's a twin stick shooter with excellent graphics fully controllable with the PS3 controller - which takes the game to new heights. It's a free game and those who love FPS games should definitely check it out !
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 episode II (£3.94 on Google Play)
Recent Sonic games may been underwhelming , but Sonic the Hedgehog 4 episode II brings that classic super-speed platforming action to mobile. It's fully optimised for Sony's Dualshock 3 controller and is a true joy to play - it could even keep the kids quiet for 10 minutes.
Switch Galaxy (£1.99 on Playstation Mobile Store)
Switch Galaxy is an on-the-rails racing game which tests your reactions to the maximum. It only works with the D-Pad, but that's by design - because it suits the games twitchy style perfectly. As you'd expect for a Sony Mobile game it's perfectly optimised for Xperia devices.
Other Standout Games:
Max Payne - The classic third-person shooter is fully optimised for Dualshock 3. (£1.99 on Google Play)
Expandable Rearmed - Arcade-style dual-stick shooter which works perfectly with PS3 controller. (£1.19 on Google Play)
Flashout 3D ZEEMOTE Edition - Wipeout inspired racer compatible with PS3 controller. (£1.95 on Google Play)
Virtua Tennis Challenge - Sega's brilliant sports game fully support Sony's PS3 controller. (£4.02 on Google Play)
Having trouble holding your smartphone and the controller at the same time ? Then you might interested in a Spiderpodium
Check back in with 3G for more mobile games news and guides !
