does anyone know how to do this? before i go and buy one i want to know it will work. im reading that in order for the ps3 controller to work with pc you need to have an actual PS3, is this true? is it the same with xbox? and to use them does your pc have to have bluetooth or will the reciever that it comes with work? i want to use it mostly for emulators and for testing hacks of SMW and SM64. possibly for emulators on android too..
The PS3 controllers can be a bit tricky. All Sony Dualshock 3's and Sixaxis' have wired as an option and that usually works fine, but if you press the PS button and a PS3 is nearby it will probably kidnap your inputs and only use the USB as a way of charging the controller.
There's also no reason to buy a PS3 controller unless you actually own a PS3, as they are still ridiculously expensive and most gamepad games are optimized for the 360 gamepad anyway.
[EDIT] It's probably not interesting but pairing a Sixaxis or Dualshock 3 via bluetooth to a PC is supposedly possible but last time I heard of it you had to turn off your console completely because of how aggressive the PS3 is with pairing the controller (which is actually kinda nice unless you're trying to pair it with your PC).