How can I tell if a PS3 controller may be fake?

I believe that the pictured controller is fake. There is a forum post on the PS community forums about this with a very long and detailed list of differences.

From the pictures you have posted the rear section with the screw, label and reset button are what make me suspect that this controller is not genuine.

The picture below is from the link above and is of a fake: Fake controller - back

This looks very similar to the one in your question, its hard to tell in you photo but one way to be certain is that there is no reset button, only a hole in the case.

Here is a picture of a real controller for comparison:

Real controller - back

The second thing that makes me suspect that it is a fake is the manual, below is a picture of the fake manual on the right and real manual on the left:

Left - Real Manual | Right - Fake Manual

There are many other subtle differences to look out for that are not clear from your photographs, my advice is don't buy if you have any doubts.


Turns out it was a fake. I have returned the controller.

Analog sticks were smaller and had only 8 directions.There was also no reset button as you predicted.