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I have just bought a used PS3 to use as a streaming media player. I've also bought a PS3 Blu-Ray remote (the one that looks like a TV remote) to use with it.

The PS3 I bought didn't come with a PS3 controller.

I've just powered the PS3 on, and got the setup screen asking me to plug a controller in via USB:

PS3 setup screen

Is there any way to get past this screen without a PS3 controller?

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  • It's been many years since I've done this, but I believe the reason it wants you to plug in the controller is that new controllers need to sync with new systems. Are there any instructions with the remote that say how to sync it?
    – Broots Waymb
    Commented Feb 18, 2016 at 15:38
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    Also, I've heard about some people having success with using a USB keyboard on that screen. Either way, you'll need something to do the setup... You might just want to buy the cheapest used controller you can get your hands on (or borrow one).
    – Broots Waymb
    Commented Feb 18, 2016 at 15:39
  • I'm not sure about the PS3 media controller but as far as I remember the PS2 one functioned as a controller and you could actually use it in games however dumb it was to do that. So just try that maybe?
    – Probst
    Commented Feb 18, 2016 at 15:44
  • @DangerZone have added picture of screen. The BD remote instructions talk about going to the PS3's XMB menu to pair the remote, which would presumably need me to get past this setup screen. I've got a USB keyboard and tried plugging in and pressing every key - the keyboard is recognised (e.g. Caps lock light goes on and off) but nothing seems to emulate the "P" key that the PS3 wants...
    – awidgery
    Commented Feb 18, 2016 at 15:46
  • In that case, your best bet might be to pick up a used one on eBay/Amazon/craigslist. I'd be surprised if you couldn't get one under $15-20 at this point. And besides, you can get some pretty sweet games for cheap on the PS3 and a controller will come in handy ;)
    – Broots Waymb
    Commented Feb 18, 2016 at 15:51

3 Answers 3

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After many helpful suggestions it doesn't look like there's any way you can do this.

I tried:

  1. HDMI-CEC: This isn't enabled on the PS3 by default (confirmed in the menu system when I finally did get in) and no key on my TV remote had any impact on the PS3
  2. USB keyboard: No keys had any effect, except the Windows key, and all this did was show a "no entry" symbol
  3. Using the Bluray remote itself: Doesn't work as it uses Bluetooth to communicate with the PS3 and can't be paired with the PS3 until you're in the PS3's menu system (the BD remote has no mini USB port like a Dualshock controller does which presumably allows the Dualshock to communicate with the PS3 before the Bluetooth pairing happens).

In the end I borrowed a controller from a friend for all of 1 minute - all it took to complete setup, get into the PS3 menu, and pair the BD remote.

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Try doing an HDMI-CEC control, that might be able to get you far enough to be able to pair the remote. I don't know what the PS button would be, but it might be worth a try

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  • Tried every key on the TV remote for the Sony TV the PS3 is plugged into. None of them seem to have any effect...
    – awidgery
    Commented Feb 20, 2016 at 15:40
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I plugged in a wireless mouse to the usb port and used it to navigate the screen. Got the controller programmed in a few minutes. Worked great.

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    Can the OP get past the screen he posted an image of using a wireless mouse?
    – Joachim
    Commented Nov 17, 2019 at 20:58

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