The RPCS3-Android emulator just got a big update, adding Bluetooth controller support in the latest alpha 6 release on March 24, 2025. This feature lets you play PlayStation 3 games on your Android devices using various mobile and console controllers connected via Bluetooth.
Before this update, the emulator supported only a few USB-C gamepads and some PlayStation controllers, but now it significantly expands compatibility options. Tests show that controllers like the Xbox One S now work smoothly, with buttons automatically mapping correctly in games such as Afterburner Climax.
The update arrives roughly a month after the original release of RPCS3-Android, which impressively brought PS3 gaming to smartphones for the first time. Although still early in development, the project is progressing quickly. Alongside Bluetooth controller support, alpha 6 adds initial support for game folders and addresses various issues.
Previous updates introduced useful features like a user-friendly settings menu, allowing adjustments to rendering resolution, graphics renderer, and custom GPU drivers—enhancing performance especially on devices with Snapdragon processors.
Currently supported controllers include DualShock 3, DualShock 4, and DualShock 5. While features like button remapping and disabling the virtual gamepad overlay aren’t yet available, these limitations are expected given the emulator’s early stage.
You can download the RPCS3-Android emulator from the developer’s GitHub page if you’re interested in testing it yourself.
