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]

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]

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.

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.

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]

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]

First, all that motion sensing can co-exist with rumble. Who'd have thought? Oh, right, everyone but Sony.

We seriously can't make heads of tails of this French/English translation below, but we think there shouldn't be much difference in the construction of the controller. It doesn't seem like it will consume more battery than the old controller even if there's rumble? And you'll be able to use rumble on PS2 games once the firmware's updated. Seriously, you try and read this thing.

- the gyroscopic functions can cohabit with the vibrations. The explanation? The speed to which a player can move the lever is quite lower at the speed of the vibrations. - the engine of vibration could be inclu in the lever without having to modify the form of it. There is enough place for the new engine, and this one, concus by Immersion, are lighter for an obstruction equivalent. - One indeed has to expect a reduction in the autonomy of Sixaxis. Nevertheless, the new engine of vibration does not consume more than the old models (Dualshock) in spite of the fact that it is more powerful. - the new engine is less expensive to build, and a possible rise in price of the pad should be only very light. - With an update of the firmware, we will be able to have the vibrations for plays PS2

Maxconsole [via Gamerush]

On the whole, standard PS2 controllers worked fine for us in games like Final Fantasy and Shadow of the Colossus, but for some reason one of our really old Dualshock controllers was super-sensitive when in the adapter. Using a new controller fixed the problems. The big "but" in this setup? No rumble.

Even with rumble-enabled games and a rumble-enabled controller, there's no rumble to be found. Darn.

Pelican also claims that this works with both Guitar Hero 1 and Guitar Hero 2, but we only own Guitar Hero 1 (the second we have for Xbox 360), so we could only test there. The result? Fantastic. It was just like on the PS2. Hammer-ons and pull-offs worked (yeah, we can actually do these—hold your applause) and so did the whammy. When playing Guitar Hero 2, you have to use convoluted strumming and button presses in order to advance in the menus, plus, hammer-ons and pulloffs don't work. Whammy does work, however.

The adapter itself has two modes, a regular mode for standard controllers and the Guitar Hero 1 guitar, and a Guitar Hero 2 mode for Guitar Hero 2. When playing GH1 on GH2 mode, everything went to hell, but fixed itself when we set it on the correct "normal" mode.

There's even a "PS Home" button on the adapter that you need to press whenever you load up a PS2 game in order to sync the controller. It's already a pain in the ass when you have to do this with the SIXAXIS, but having to walk up to the console and press the button every time you go in and out of a PS2 game is horrible. We blame Sony for this one, since Pelican did the best they could. Luckily, hitting the analog button will bring you the PS Home menu when you're inside a game.

All in all, $14 is a cheap price to pay to get GH1 and Dance Dance Revolution to play on your PS2. But if you're looking for better Guitar Hero 2 support or rumble support, you probably want to wait for the next revision. – Jason Chen

Update: Turns out it's actually Sony's restrictions that doesn't allow this to use rumble. Ouch, Sony. Ouch. As for Guitar Hero 2, the adapter does work for the game, but you have to go through a small setup process. We'll try and get a copy to test for ourselves.

Update 2: Hammerons and pulloffs don't work with Guitar Hero 2, but whammy does.

Product Page [Gamestop]

All you need is some wood, USB cables, cutting blades and the ability to not hack your fingers off while you're working. On second thought, you'd probably be better off waiting for a pre-made one. – Jason Chen

Instruction Page [Instructables]

It may not look like much but there was a good deal of finangling to get everything to fit and work correctly, especially the right analog stick.

Hit the jump to see the process.

– Mark Wilson

Hack Page [via gearfuse]

One thing I'm not certain of is that third parties are super-excited about that motion control—or at least they're not showing it with the games that are hitting the shelves yet. We're yet to see a really good game on Wii that really says 'OK that control kicked ass'.

I think the jury's way out on that. I don't know if it's really that meaningful or not. So I think the jury's out on whether everybody really wants [motion control] so we'll wait and see.

Microsoft Doesn't See Point of Motion Controls... Yet [Kotaku]

God of War 3 Confirmed, With Vibration! [gwn]

Immersion originally sued Sony for $97.2 million for patent infringement, which Sony quickly appealed. To continue selling PS2 accessories, Sony paid Immersion $30.6 million, but left the vibrating feature out of the PS3 controller claiming that the rumble feature would not work with a motion sensing controller, which may or may not be true (but sounds like a lot of BS to me). So what happens if they do re-release the Sixaxis? Will the people who already purchased controllers be SOL? –Travis Hudson

Sony, vibration tech maker end patent dispute [News.com]

SplitFish Could Make Sony's SIXAXIS Rumble [1UP.com via PS3Blog.net]

In other news, the range on it is pretty good—probably similar to the 360's. I took it to the furthest corners of my apartment and I was still able to get reception/control the SIXAXIS. – Jason Chen

Further Reading: Gizmodo's 72-Hour Wii/PS3 Binge: We're Still Going [Gizmodo]

Our guess is that Sony, or perhaps third party companies, will sell these batteries and you will be able to replace them yourself with 15 minutes and some screwing. – Jason Chen

SIXAXIS Autopsy [Gizmodo]

The Latest PS3 Commercial [PS3 Tube]

Kiddo first hates the SIXAXIS, then settles in to liking it. In the end, he still loves thumbsticks more. Give it time, kiddo, give it time.

"Mommy, does daddy love the PS3 more than me?"
"Of course he does honey, of course he does." – Mark Wilson

My Son Master the SIXAXIS [kotaku]

While vibration wasn't the most important feature ever to grace a controller, we'd rather have it than not. What do all you readers think? Hit the jump for more photos of the carnage. – Mark Wilson

SIXAXIS Taken Apart (slow site)[via kotaku]

A Sony developer Crecente talked to said the controller would probably last one to two years, depending on usage. We would actually prefer it if the PS3 controller featured a detachable battery pack like the Xbox 360's, but if Apple still isn't making iPod batteries "easily" replaceable, it's doubtful Sony will either. – Jason Chen

Sony to replace PS3 controllers [GamesIndustry via Kotaku]

Sony finally confirmed all the accessories that will be available for the PS3 in the US, and even fessed up to how much you will have to fork over for them. Here's how it all adds up:

That's before you add in power consumption of course.

The games are expected to retail for under $60 each. Worth it? –Noah Robischon

The newly-designed lower L and R shoulder triggers feel more like they belong on a prototype. Tather than being simple shoulder-mounted buttons, the triggers are now hinged horizontally along the controller, like triggers. Invariably we found our digits slipping off with the triggers snapping back to their default position. Bah.

But on the contrary, only a few months ago, IGN USA said...

this:

Just imagine a lighter, silver version of your current PS2 peripheral. The strange thing is that even though the controller wasn't as hefty, it completely avoids feeling cheap. The shoulder buttons and analogue sticks have a bit more spring to them.

We guess they made some changes, or IGN's interns are doing the testing, again. I think that Sony had the controller right with the PS2, so I doubt they could go this wrong and mess up a simple revision in the industrial design. But if you look at the photo, the lower bumpers do look...grotesque. I'm still just grateful they ditched the boomerang. –Brian Lam

PS3 Controller, We Love It [IGN via Kotaku]
PS3 Controller, We Hate it [IGN]

What did we think of the controller? We loved its motion sensing, but only for certain games.

Motion sensing may seem pretty darn cool at first—being able to tilt the controller to make game move—but in actuality it only works well with certain types of games. These games? Racing and flight simulators. And since I get vertigo just standing on my coffee table, it was just down to racing.

In Gran Turismo, the controller worked great. Tilting to the right or left, if you use your imagination hard enough, felt just like a steering wheel—albeit a pretty sensitive one. There were no problems with calibration since it just worked right out of the box. After a few minutes of getting used to the concept, the controls were good enough to get me a first place in the races I tried in this game and in the cell-shaded Auto Modellista (not to brag or anything).

What didn't work were games like Katamari Damacy and Shadow of the Colossus, where you had to combine moving your character in one direction with moving the camera in the other, and pressing buttons for actions simultaneously. It was especially weird for Katamari when you have to tilt the controller and use the right analog too. Of course, your arms do get tired faster when you're playing this way, and that's the main complaint people will have.

If this is the way the PS3 is going to work, we'll see many people turning off the motion sensing in most games, seeing as you have to keep it absolutely parallel to the floor if you want to stop moving.

But, we can see this as being pretty fun for racing and plane games if you spend a few hours getting used to it. Available for $39. – Jason Chen

Product Page [eDimensional]