How to Mod PS3 Controller (4 Methods for You)

PS3 is a popular gaming console and many PS3 gamers are playing this console for decades. Playing the same console for a long time may be found boring for many gamers and modifying the controller is the best way to make the console more attractive.

If you want to make your PS3 controller good as new but don’t know how to mod the PS3 controller, then this article is just for you.

There are different kinds of mods available for a PS3 controller. We are going to show you all the possible mods for a PS3 controller in this article.

So, grab your PS3 controller and read this article by the end to mod it.

What Types of Mods You Can Do With Your PS3 Controllers?

Mods for PS3 generally depend on the choice of a gamer. However, there are different kinds of mods available for PS3 controllers. You can either make your own mod or buy attachments for your PS3 controller.

Here are the mods for the PS3 controller that we are going to discuss in this article:

1. LED Swap mod
2. 3D printing mod
3. Buttons mod kits
4. Custom design mod

Let’s discuss how you can mod your PS3 controller now.

How to Mod PS3 Controller

Here are all 4 ways to mod your PS3 controller is given. You can choose any of them whatever you want.

Method 1: PS3 Controller Modification Tutorial for LED swap

You can easily change the Led of your PS3 controller. It will enhance the look of the controller. Here are the things that you need to swap LEDs from your PS3 controller:

1. 4 x 0603 or 0805 SMD LEDs.
2. Small Phillips Screwdriver.
3. Soldering Iron.
4. Solder.
5. Tweezer.
6. Magnifying Glass.

Now, let’s straight to the point. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Open the Controller

To open the controller, unscrew the five screws from the back of your controller. Then open the case of the controller and take out the circuit board it.

Before removing the circuit board, pull the battery plug from the socket and unstick the motor. Don’t break any wires of the motors; so, do it carefully.

Now, locate the LED lights on the circuit board. Here is the picture to help you locate the 4 LEDs.

Step 2: Remove the LEDs

To remove the LEDs from the circuit, simply heat the iron and melt the solder behind the LEDs. Once the solder is melted, take out the LEDs.

Caution: Do not force the soldering iron or push hard on the circuit board.

Once the LEDs are removed, the board is ready for new LEDs.

Step 3: Installing the New LEDs

Carefully observe the back of the LED lights. There is a green arrow printed there. It is an indication of the placement of the LED lights on the board.

Place the LED light correctly on the socket of the board using a tweezer and solder it using the soldering iron.

Step 4: Put Everything Back Together

Once you’ve attached the new LEDs to the board, place the board back into the casing and close the casing. Then, screw back all five screws on the case and plug the controller back into your console.

Finally, check if all the LEDs are blinking or not. If not, then repeat the same process and replace the damaged LED.

Method 2: 3D Printing Mods for PS3 Controller

You can print customized parts of your PS3 controller using a 3D printer and equip them on your controller. This mod is the result of your creativity and this makes your controller unique.

Just print a 3D model, place the model on your controller and fix it with the controller using the glue and bolts that are required.

Method 3: Button Mod Kits for PS3 Controller

If you want to mod your PS3 controller without giving any extra effort or wasting much money on it, then button mod is the best for you.

There is a variety of buttons available on both local and online markets. You just need to search the button for the model of your PS3 controller, select the design and color of the buttons and place the buttons over the buttons of your controller.

The buttons normally come in a 10-piece set. You can also add a custom joystick controller or trigger on your PS3 controller.

Just buy one and replace the buttons with your PS3 controller.

Method 4: Custom Controller Mods for PS3

There are many custom designs available for PS3 controllers on the market. You can find many built-in designs such as Freestyle, Camouflage, Chrome colors, YouTube editions, limited editions, Blood Splatter, Rasta, etc.

However, if you don’t like the built-in design and want to bring uniqueness to your controller, then you can order a custom design for your controller.

You just need to buy the case and replace them with your old case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Remap the Buttons of My PS3 Controller?

Press the Start and PS button to enter the Settings Mode. Now holding the Select button, press the button that you want to remap. Finally save the changes by pressing the PS button.

Can I Paint a PS3 Controller?

Yes, you can. Just take the necessary precautions to not damage your PS3 controller. 

How Can I Spray Paint My PS3 Controller?

Take everything apart and spray-paint the controller outer shell. Repeat if necessary. Reassemble everything only after it’s been dried up properly. 

How to Use Mod on PS3 Controller In-Game?

For using he AKIMBO mod, press and hold the Mod Switch, then press the D-Pad Left to turn it on.

Conclusion

We hope, you can now mod your PS3 controller after reading this article. There are not only 4 mods available for your PS3 controller but also thousands of mod ideas can be found on the internet. We have discussed the most popular modes for your PS3 controller in this article and we hope you like them. If you have got any better ideas in your mind, then feel free to share them with us in the comment section below.