Gizmodo: sixaxis

Rumor: Motion-Sensing PS3 Controller to Debut at E3

John Herrman — Fri, 01 May 2009 03:52:18 EDT

Variety is claiming that Sony will unveil a Wiimote-type motion-sensing controller at E3, piling another rumor on top of expectations for a UMD-less PSP. No matter what, Sony's in for an int-er-est-ing June.

Variety's sources claim to have used the device, which more-or-less conforms to the system outlined in this two-year-old patent. This is actually kind of disappointing, because that particular patent describes a camera-based tracking system, in which a few LEDs mounted on the controller are monitored by a small camera, EyeToy-style. But if we're going to trust the source's claim that this controller exists, we should also note that he says that it performs more precisely than the Wiimote, especially during Z-axis (forward and backward) movement.

Sony apparently refused to comment on the story, which comes just a month after separate reports that a new PS3 motion controller was "done", so you may as well brace yourself for the pending onslaught of novelty rhythm 'n' sports games. You know, just in case. [Variety via Kotaku]

Lightning Review: Datel Wildfire, PS3 Dual Shock Alternative

Mark Wilson — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:40:00 EDT

The Gadget: Datel Wildfire, the first third-party PlayStation 3 controller to support a combination of Bluetooth, rumble and tilt sensitivity.

The Price: $40

The Verdict: Even at $10 less than Sony's Dual Shock 3, the Datel Wildfire is a pass. The controller actually feels decent in your hand, with an interesting pistol-like contour and a useful rubber texture. And its build quality is decent—it doesn't feel cheaper than a Dual Shock or SIXAXIS.

But the rumble isn't fantastic, the buttons are all a bit stiff and the altered, trigger-like position of L2/R2 buttons makes it a leap for your fingers to reach L1/L2 (similar to the Xbox 360, but exaggerated for the worse). I didn't notice any inherent lag or inaccuracies in either the analog sticks or the tilt sensitivity, but I found it hard to pull off any maneuver with laser speed. And additional turbo functions can do little to combat buttons that are hard to press quickly.

Plus, even though it plugs in via mini USB like official PS3 controllers, the Wildfire runs on AA batteries. Sony's integrated rechargeable lithium ion alone probably makes the $10 premium worth it.

Comfortable to hold

Bluetooth pairing was super easy, no dongle required

Stiff Controls

Awkward trigger placement

Mediocre rumble

AA batteries required
[TotalConsole]

The Datel Wildfire Hopes to One-Up the Dual Shock

Mark Wilson — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:40:00 EDT

In case you've been disappointed by the SIXAXIS or Dual Shock 3, Datel has just released the Wildfire. Yeah, it's a generic controller, but it's wielding all the standard PS3 functions and then some.

On top of tilt sensitivity, vibration and Bluetooth (we believe the Wildfire is the first dongle-less third party PS3 controller), the Wildfire features variable turbo and a design that looks like it could cut you. The only downfall on the spec sheet is its requirement of 2 AA batteries...which is probably a dealbreaker unto itself.

Since feel is everything in a controller, we'll try to get our hands on one to test. Until then, the Wildfire is available for about $50 at various vendors. [Total Console]

PlayStation Skin Disorder Is a Real Disease

Jason Chen — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST

Rubbing your hands over a PlayStation controller for too long has now become a disease: PlayStation palmar hidradenitis.

The first instance comes from a 12-year-old Swiss girl who had sores on her hand from playing way too much. The doctor first thought she had "idiopathic eccrine hidradenitis", a condition that affects both the hands and feet. After 10 days of laying off the sticks, she was fine and her doctors got to name a new disease.

We expect the Wii will get its own disorder some time in late 2009 or early 2010. [BBC via Kotaku]

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Use Your PlayStation 3 DualShock/SixAxis Controllers On Your PC

Jason Chen — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:40:00 EST

Unlike Microsoft, Sony never bothered to make PC drivers for their PlayStation 3 controllers; but some Japanese programmer has bridged that fjord for you.

This Geocities page (wait, what?) has the download links, and this forum has English instructions on how to get it working. It works in XP/Vista, and theoretically should work on Windows 7 as well, but who the F knows. [Crave Asia via 3g iPhone Hacks via CNET]

If Only Sony Made Such a Clever PS3 Remote

Mark Wilson — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:15:00 EST

There's nothing wrong with Sony's Blu-ray remote for the PS3, but there's nothing especially right about it either. And as unwieldy as it may be, this generic 3-in-1 solution looks much better.

The 3-in-1 Wireless Keyboard is first and foremost a Blu-ray remote, but it also appears to be a slider of sorts, packing full QWERTY and—if our eyes are telling us correctly—dual analog sticks.

Especially for BD-Live content, the keyboard could make all of the text entry a lot more convenient than even Sony's own QWERTY option. And dual analogs? Really? The PSP doesn't even have that!

We really wish there were more to the product's description, but if you're willing to make a gamble with $28.52 of your hard earned cash, let us know how it goes. [Superufo via Kotaku]

PlayStation 3 Controllers Plug Into Walls Now

Mark Wilson — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:11:00 EDT

I know I'm not the only one who's left on my PS3, justified it through Folding@Home, but really just wanted to recharge the USB controllers. I know I'm not the only one because today Sony has announced their solution. They are releasing a two-port USB AC adapter that will allow gamers to recharge controllers from a wall socket. The plug will be available mid-December in Japan for about $30 (there's no US release date at this time). And yes, it's a complicated solution to a problem that shouldn't exist. [Engadget Japan via Engadget]

PSP Getting Dual Shock 3 Support Through 'PSP Plus'

Mark Wilson — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:40:00 EDT

We've seen the patents and the rumors that the Sony PlayStation Portable would begin accepting the Dual Shock 3 controller. Heck, we've even seen those too impatient to wait who've modded the experience on their own. But finally, Sony has announced a new feature called PSP Plus that will allow you to play PSP (2000 or 3000 models) with your Dual Shock 3 (or SIXAXIS?) controller. But there are a few catches...

First, the good news. PSP Plus will support controller vibration and add the use of the second analog stick. Yay!

Then the bad news. It's still unclear just how all of the hookups occur, but it will require you have a PS3. The first supported game, Resistance Retribution, will need the PSP Plus option to be activated through Resistance 2 (which is a PS3 game). This syncing sounds more invasive than a simple A/V out cord to your TV, which may or may not also be a required component of the hookup.

In other words, that dream of a Dual Shock that snaps onto the PSP is not happening. And by requiring a PS3/TV, Sony may have defeated the whole purpose of the PSP. But we'll let you know if/when we get a clearer picture of how the peripheral support works. [Kotaku]

Lightning Review: PlayStation 3 DualShock 3 Rumble Controller

Jason Chen — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:32:23 EDT

The Gadget: The DualShock 3, PlayStation 3's now de facto controller with both rumble and motion-sensing. It replaces the previous SIXAXIS controller without rumble, which is now discontinued.

The Price: $54.99

The Verdict: Fantastic. It's what the PlayStation 3 controller should have been at launch. You don't realize how much you're missing rumble until you actually get it back. We tested it with Folklore, Resistance, Super Stardust HD and Heavenly Sword and all of them behaved just like rumble should. It vibrated when you blew up ships in Stardust, when you shot and got shot in Resistance, and when you whipped out your little demons in Folklore.

We didn't have the time to play through the entire game(s) to see if there are tons of different varying levels of intensity—say, if some cut scene started with a gentle vibration that ramped up to something crazy—but we've been hearing online that it does.

The DualShock 3 is also heavier than the SIXAXIS—still slightly lighter than an Xbox 360 controller—but definitely heavier. It feels right, not like the feeling you got from the SIXAXIS that someone hollowed out your controller while you weren't looking.

It might not be worth your $54 if you already own a SIXAXIS and don't need another controller, but if you're a big gamer that really loves the PS3 (and is waiting for Metal Gear Solid 4), it's a good idea to invest in one. There's a list of games that currently support rumble, which will most likely be supported by just about all games released from now on. [Amazon]

PSP Flexible Grip Gives Dualshock-Like Controls

Jason Chen — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:00:05 EST

The PSP is nice enough to hold, especially compared to the boxy DS Lite, but wouldn't it be better if it were even nicer? Like, Dualshock/Sixaxis nice? Now you can get this Flexible Hand Grip Advance Pad and make that dream come true. Sure, the bulk added doesn't really justify the slight comfort improvement from the grips, but if you've got huge man hands that cramp up with a little portable, this is totally worth it. [visavis via Famitsu via Kotaku]

PlayStation 3's DualShock 3 Tech Exactly the Same as DualShock 2 Tech

Jason Chen — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:50:46 EDT

We asked you yesterday whether you were happy or annoyed that rumble is back on the DualShock 3 for the PS3, but this new revelation may change your answer. GameDaily BIZ confirmed with SCEA that the rumble technology in the DualShock 3 is exactly the same as the on in the DualShock 2, and doesn't take advantage of "Immersion's new next-generation vibration technology."

This is undoubtedly because Sony didn't want to license anything more than they had to from Immersion, who caused this whole rumble/no rumble mess in the first place with the lawsuit. After paying up to Immersion, Sony could put rumble back in to their DualShock 3s—which works just fine with the SIXAXIS sensing technology at the same time. As if anyone believed that rumble and motion sensing couldn't work together in the first place, which was Sony's first excuse. [GameDaily]

Are you Happy or Annoyed Rumble is Back on the PS3 Dual Shock?

Brian Lam — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 17:55:06 EDT

KSo last night, in Tokyo, Sony announced the long rumored PS3 controller with rumble. Considering the rechargeable batteries, wireless and rumble function, a pair of these is going to be about $100, you know? Is it better that they took it away and gave it back? Or should they have left it dead? Will someone make a PS2 DUALSHOCK adapter so we can recycle my rumbly PS2 joypads? Are you plunking down for these things?

Sony Playstation DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless Controller Officially Rumbly [UPDATED]

Brian Lam — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:07:24 EDT

Kaz Hirai just announced it at TGS, in the US and Europe Spring 08, Japan in November. Ten titles supported including the new Metal Gear, no price yet. UPDATED: Game list below. [Kotaku]

DUALSHOCK(R)3 Wireless Controller with Rumble Feature to be Introduced for Playstation(R)3
TOKYO, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI)
today announced that it would release DUALSHOCK(R)3 Wireless Controller, a new
controller for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(R)) incorporating a rumble feature, in
Japan in November as a separately sold accessory. It inherits the basic
design and functionality of the popular PlayStation(R) controller, while
keeping the high-precision, high response motion sensitive six-axis sensing
system. Introduction to North American and European markets is expected in
spring 2008.
The added rumble feature, combined with the highly realistic motion
sensitive six-axis sensing system, takes gamers deeper into the world of
interactivity, delivering a more intuitive, realistic and immersive game play
experience. The new controller will also benefit PS3 content creators, by
giving them the ability to further expand their creative imagination. PS3
titles that are already in the market may become compatible with the rumble
feature through software update.
With DUALSHOCK 3 and the attractive lineup of PS3 titles incorporating the
rumble feature, SCEI will introduce more new ways of enjoyment that can only
be found on PS3, and will further redefine the world of entertainment.

LIST OF PLAYSTATION(R)3 TITLES COMPATIBLE WITH DUALSHOCK(R)3 IN JAPAN
As of September 20th, 2007
(in alphabetical order of company name)

Title Name Developer/Publisher
Vampire Rain -Altered Species- AQ INTERACTIVE Inc.
BIOHAZARD(R) 5 CAPCOM CO.,LTD.
Devil May Cry(R) 4 CAPCOM CO.,LTD.
Dark Sector D3 PUBLISHER Inc.
Burnout Paradise ELECTRONIC ARTS K.K.
FIFA franchise (title name TBD) ELECTRONIC ARTS K.K.
BUMPY TROT2 IREM SOFTWARE ENGINEERING INC.
Dynasty Warriors 6 KOEI Co., Ltd.
Fatal Inertia KOEI Co., Ltd.
GI JOCKEY 4 2007 KOEI Co., Ltd.
METAL GEAR ONLINE Konami Digital
Entertainment Co., Ltd.
METAL GEAR SOLID 4 GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS Konami Digital
Entertainment Co., Ltd.
IMABIKISOU SEGA CORPORATION
Blast Factor (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
echochrome Sony Computer Entertainment
Folklore (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
Go! Sports Ski (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
Heavenly Sword (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
MotorStorm (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Sony Computer Entertainment
Destruction
Resistance: Fall of Men (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
Super Stardust HD (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
TOY HOME Sony Computer Entertainment
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Sony Computer Entertainment
Warhawk (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment

LIST OF PLAYSTATION(R)3 TITLES COMPATIBLE WITH DUALSHOCK(R)3 IN NORTH
AMERICA AND EUROPE *2
As of September 20th, 2007
(in alphabetical order of company name)
Title Name Developer/Publisher
The Darkness 2K Games
Enemy Territory: Quake Wars Activision
Soldier of Fortune Activision
BIOHAZARD(R) 5 CAPCOM
Devil May Cry(R) 4 CAPCOM
N-Cube Creat Studios
Warbit Creat Studios
Dark Sector D3 PUBLISHER
Turok Disney Interactive
Highlander Eidos
Kane & Lynch: Dead Men Eidos
Burnout Paradise ELECTRONIC ARTS
FIFA franchise (title name TBD) ELECTRONIC ARTS
Legendary: The Box Gamecock
To End All Wars Ghostlight
RAGE id Software
WarDevil - Unleash the Beast Ignition Entertainment
Within
Dynasty Warriors 6 KOEI
Fatal Inertia KOEI
METAL GEAR SOLID 4 GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS Konami
Blacksite: Area 51 Midway
TNA Wrestling Midway
Unreal Tournament 3 Midway
Wheelman Midway
Cops (codename, title name TBD) Pyro
Planet One (codename, title name TBD) Pyro
Heroes over Europe Red Mile Entertainment
Condemned 2 SEGA
Iron Man SEGA
The Club SEGA
The Crucible SEGA
The Incredible Hulk SEGA
Blast Factor (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
echochrome Sony Computer Entertainment
Elefunk Sony Computer Entertainment
Folklore (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
Go! Sports Ski (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
Heavenly Sword (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
High Velocity Bowling Sony Computer Entertainment
MLB 08: The Show Sony Computer Entertainment
MotorStorm (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
NBA 08 (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
PAIN Sony Computer Entertainment
Rat Race Sony Computer Entertainment
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Sony Computer Entertainment
Destruction
Resistance: Fall of Man (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
Snakeball Sony Computer Entertainment
SOCOM: Confrontation Sony Computer Entertainment
Super Stardust HD (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
TOY HOME Sony Computer Entertainment
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune Sony Computer Entertainment
Warhawk (*1) Sony Computer Entertainment
WipEout HD Sony Computer Entertainment
GirpShift(R) Sony Online Entertainment
NBA 2K8 Take Two Sports
Destroy All Humans 3 THQ
Stuntman Ignition THQ
Assassin's Creed UbiSoft
BEOWULF UbiSoft
HAZE UbiSoft
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced UbiSoft
Warfighter 2 (*1)
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas (*1) UbiSoft
Prototype Vivendi Games
The Chronicles of Riddick: Vivendi Games
Assault on Dark Athena
(*1) Users will be able to enjoy the rumble feature through software
update.
(*2) Actual titles to be released may vary among countries and regions.

EA Confirms PS3 Rumble Controller With Live Unit

Jason Chen — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:40:11 EDT

Confirming the previous "confirmation" about rumble coming to the PS3, EA has a Burnout Paradise demo booth set up at Tokyo Game Show complete with rumbling controllers. The controller itself looked exactly like a SIXAXIS, but had a sticker beneath it that said "RUMBLE." It was also much heavier, says IGN, than the standard SIXAXIS—which is to be expected. The rumble itself felt the same as the PS2's, which is unfortunate, because we were hoping for a 1989 Loma Prieta-level of shaking in this new one. [IGN via Kotaku - Thanks to Kotaku reader Peter]

Sony Sends SIXAXIS Prototype to Developers, Doesn't Have Rumble

Jason Chen — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:00:53 EDT

Sony's been passing out a slightly tweaked SIXAXIS controller to developers to work into their upcoming games. The good news is these SIXAXIS+ controllers have better motion sensing. The bad news is they don't have rumble. Sony says this is just the natural evolution of controller development. Everyone else says give them their goddamn rumble back. [Gamepro via Kotaku]

Sony PS2/PSP Patent, Portable Gaming Less on Portable, More on Gaming

Mark Wilson — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 11:00:45 EDT

A Sony patent has just been unearthed for a device that combines the PSP with a Dual Shock PS2 controller, allowing for better, more comfortable control when playing the PSP. The connection could be wired or wireless, the PSP could be tilted for viewing angle and an external processing unit could even add additional functionality. Obviously the idea is no longer coming to fruition since Sony has moved on in the product line, but the same thing could be done with a PSP Slim and SIXAXIS. Hit the jump for the abstract.

A control docking unit configured to accept a portable processing unit and provide alternate control operation of the portable processing unit. The control docking unit can be configured to position a display on the portable processing unit to facilitate use of one or more controls provided on the control docking unit. The control docking unit can position the display of the portable processing unit in a fixed or variable position. The controls from the docking unit can be coupled to the portable processing unit using an electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical interface. The electrical interface can be a wired or wireless communication link. The controls on the control docking unit can be configured to be substantially in the same configuration as a control unit for a similar fixed device. The portable processing unit can be configured to provide additional functions, features, or enhanced operation when coupled to the control docking unit.

If they released such an add-on, Sony could have a separate PSP SKU with a screen that fills the entire face, removing all controls. And that, my friends, would be wicked. [patent via kotaku]

That's Not a Sixaxis on the LucasArts Box

kevinhall2 — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:59:41 EDT

Sony is writing off the leaked Sixaxis we showed you as a "bad artist rendering." [Kotaku]

LucasArts Leaks New SIXAXIS?

Mark Wilson — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 12:08:12 EDT

On the LucasArts website promoting their new Star Wars game, publicity shots show images of an unseen controller with the Sony branding. In this redesign, the left analog stick has been swapped with the D-pad (in a similar fashion to the 360 and Gamecube controllers). So is it real?

At E3, Kotaku received confirmation on rumble returning to the PS3 controllers from an unnamed third-party publisher. We posted Sony responding to the rumor here. If Sony were to give rumble back to their customers, it would also seem like the only good time for a controller layout adjustment, since packaging the redesigns together would prevent a potentially hazardous third SKU on the market. So logically it could be real, but if this shot is actually a leak, we're calling it intentional. [kotaku]

Jack Tretton Talks About SIXAXIS Rumble Rumor

Mark Wilson — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 12:40:14 EDT

In this clip, SCEA President and CEO Jack Tretton tells us about the potential for the PS3's SIXAXIS to ever rumble again. [kotaku]

Nyko Blu-Wave IR Remote Control for Playstation 3 a Welcome Sight

kevinhall2 — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 15:59:10 EDT

Playstation 3 owners: Fiddle with that programmable monster remote no longer. Nyko is here to save you the hassle with the Blu-Wave IR remote control, a simple USB/remote solution that will let you control DVD playback in a more traditional way rather than with the Sixaxis, Sony's official Playstation 3 controller. The buttons on the remote mimic the same functionality the Sixaxis provides, and communicates via infrared to the USB adapter which plugs into any port and doesn't require additional setup. The best part of it all? The Blu-Wave is only $20.

As a DualShock veteran of DVD playback on the Playstation 2, controlling the menus with a Sixaxis isn't a big deal for me. However, this remote is perfect for people who have made attempts at Bluetooth workarounds to try to get the Playstation 3 to recognize a programmable remote and find it too much trouble. Just plug the adapter into any USB port on the Playstation 3, put two AAA batteries in the remote, and keep within 25 feet.

Product page [Nyko via CEPro]