RPCS3 for Android: Expanded Controller Support for PS3 Emulator

Key Takeaways

1. RPCS3-Android has entered its alpha stage as of March 2025, with regular updates since then.
2. The latest alpha update (version 6) adds support for Bluetooth controllers for better gaming experience.
3. The emulator features auto-mapping for connected controllers, though compatibility may vary with different gamepads.
4. Users cannot disable the gamepad overlay or remap buttons, which may cause issues for some controllers.
5. Future updates are expected to address current challenges, improve functionality, and include additional features like game folder support.

Defying what was first said by the RPCS3 team in December 2023, the RPCS3-Android has now stepped into its alpha stage as of early March 2025. Since that time, the PlayStation 3 emulator for Android has been getting regular updates, with the latest alpha versions 5.0 and 5.1 bringing some significant improvements.

New Bluetooth Controller Support

With the release of the alpha 6 update, the Android version of the PS3 emulator now supports Bluetooth controllers. This specific edition of RPCS3-Android was made available on March 24, and you can grab it from the official GitHub page of the project. Prior to this, the emulator had some compatibility with certain USB-C mobile gamepads, and some users have noted that PlayStation controllers worked as well.

Auto-Mapping Features

An interesting feature of the RPCS3-Android is its capability to automatically map buttons based on the controller that is connected. However, it’s important to note that this auto-mapping may not function with every gamepad out there (for example, the Razer Kishi V2 mobile gaming controller priced at $48.89 on Amazon).

While it’s indeed a positive development to see the Android PS3 emulator now supporting Bluetooth controllers, there appears to be no option to turn off the gamepad overlay. This means that even when you connect a physical gaming controller, the overlay continues to show up on the display. Additionally, it seems like there’s no way to remap the buttons, which can create some trouble for users trying to get certain gamepads to work smoothly with the emulation software.

Future Updates Ahead

Nonetheless, these challenges are likely to be addressed in the forthcoming alpha updates, which might come sooner than expected due to the current update pace. In addition to adding Bluetooth controller support, the recent update for RPCS3-Android also fixes various bugs, enhances the responsiveness of the virtual pad, and sets the groundwork for supporting game folders.

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