You knew it: Controller redesign next week
by David Hinkle 
{ May 5th 2006 at 5:30PM }
Coming straight from the "You knew it was coming" file here at PS3 Fanboy, UK-based site T3 is stating that the final controller for Sony's next-gen system will be revealed at their pre-E3 conference on Monday. The current controller, which has been compared to super heroes and fruit, was received with plenty a 'GASP!' and 'What the?!' when revealed last year. Considering that the PS2 has, arguably, the greatest controller in console gaming, hopefully Sony will adopt a "don't fix what ain't broke" strategy.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Eric @ May 5th 2006 6:37PM
"arguably, the greatest controller in console gaming"
I disagree wholeheartedly with that assertion. I find it difficult to use the ps2 controller because it has the joysticks on the same level. I much prefer the Xbox, (and now 360) style of having skewed joysticks, feels much more natural. Plus I think the general consensus in the industry at the moment is that the 360's controller is just about the greatest controller in console gaming...
..arguably indeed...
Eric
Tehkan @ May 5th 2006 6:46PM
If it doesn't meet my requirements then it's still broke, if not broke, aged.
o Wireless - without lag
o At least two analogue triggers
o Left analogue stick in the correct position
o Connection for a headset
o Light, robust and snug fitting
SuicideNinja @ May 5th 2006 6:56PM
"Considering that the PS2 has, arguably, the greatest controller in console gaming, "
Eric beat me to it, and said some of what I was going to say.
The PS2 controller seems great...if you didn't play much Xbox or Gamecube. At first, I had bought a PS2 to GC/XBox controller adapter because I was afraid. The adapter didn't work out that well, so I had to adjust.
However, after playing several games on the Xbox and GC, going back to the PS2 dualshock design sucked. The analog sticks have horrible response, and their location is no longer suited for most of the new games that come out.
I'm crossing my fingers that they at least move the left analog stick. Personally, I never really cared about the "boomerang" aspect. I was more pissed about the same-old analog stick placement.
You have to admit though, that the PS1 and PS2 controllers have the best d-pad. Ever.
SuicideNinja @ May 5th 2006 6:58PM
Tehkan,
You won't need a connection for a headset in the controller. You know that 7 "controller" support via Bluetooth for the PS3? one of those could be a Bluetooth headset you know.
If you ask me, that's more important than the "other" "blu"e feature of the console...
Fear @ May 5th 2006 7:37PM
Well of course they're going to say the PS2's controller was the best in gaming history, the site is called PS3 fanboy, what do you
expect
-
I disagree completley. The Xbox's (redesigned, S-type
controller) is the best. Analog sticks on the same level = euueuck!
And no triggers? This adds much more to shooter games, the shoulder buttons felt dull.
bobeotm @ May 5th 2006 8:17PM
I agree with the statement, the PS2 is the best design so far. The problem with the gamcube controller is that the handles on each side are oddly shaped, and the triggers are huge and have way too much play in them (nor can they be pushed all that quickly). Dont even get me started on the analog sticks on that thing, and buttons being different sizes and shapes. The original xbox controller had unconfortable face buttons, being small and rounded instead of a flat surface made for an unconfortable playing experience. Putting dents in you thumb because you were pressing bean shaped buttons is not fun. Not to mention the size and the less than stellar d-pad.
The PS2 controller is the most confortable in my hand, although it could the analog sticks could stand to be placed wider apart, and have a flatter or concave surface, to allow for greater control. My brother owns a 360 and the controller is good, but has its own issues. The analog sticks dont provide enough resistance to me, which means you have to be even more gentle to do precise stuff. Also is a bit chunky.
ozymandias @ May 5th 2006 8:51PM
I like the ps3 controller. It looks much more comfortable than the current ps2 one. but if it is redesigned, you can expect a few things form it
1.wireless blue tooth
2.the ablitly to turn on the console from the controller (the 360 and the wii controllers can do this)
3. a button to bring up the PS hub(like the 360) as well as some motion sensing functionality (like the wii)
because we all know and love sony for the ablity to use the compitions good ideas and give them a fancy names.
MR.X @ May 5th 2006 9:40PM
Yea the xbox controller (s-Only) was a good controller for fps games and such, but good lord have any of you tried playing a fighting game(note you have to be good in a fighting game not just, "yea i can do a Hadoken in street fighter!") it's like getting a$$ raped by sandpaper coated SHOryuken! the triggers are crap, and then i got my 360 and tried playing some games with it but the D-pad is pure crap on the 360, i love the button setup of the ps controller but i love the analog setup on the xbox, i hope they just combine them both kind of like what MS did with the dreamcast controller, and please don't tell me you didn't notice the xbox controller is a rip of the DC controller. Hey anywho i like me the D-pad and fighting games rag all you want
Fan @ May 5th 2006 10:28PM
"because we all know and love sony for the ablity to use the compitions good ideas and give them a fancy names."
Hilarious. But how do you expect ideas to be improved if competitors try to invent the wheel over and over again?
Anyway. If the ps3 controller should contain motionsensors technology everyone would think it was an blatant rip off based on hype. The Wii controler has not been proven to work well yet. Im sure it will but copying such untested tech is usually a bad idea. Thats the advantage the inovators get, a head start.
So I highly doubdt that the ps3 controller will mimic the Wii. It will most probobly be a cosmetical and ergonomical make-over, loosing the banana shape and improving the button placement. Its a good thing they took the hint.
B1gC72 @ May 5th 2006 11:29PM
im a Playstation fanboy til the end but even i have 2 admit that the 360 controller is great. the ergonomics are almost perfect the way it fits into ur hands (it is a little on the clunky side though). but i still love the good old dualshock as well. im not a big fan of the offset analog sticks it feels very comfortable 2 me when they are even and i dont really like trigger buttons (maybe cause i dont play FPS's that much).
i didnt really have 2 big a problem with the batarang controller design except that it looked like it would b kind of small in my hands and maybe being "as natural as holding a steering wheel" wasnt the best idea either (i prefer the gangsta lean myself, no 10 an 2 for me. lol)
im not really expecting it 2 be changed 2 terribly much now cause if they change it 2 much and people still dont like it then it might b 2 late 2 change it again. maybe just change the shape a little to get away from the boomerang look and add some functionality but thats about it. i think people, 4 the most part, had already accepted the batarang the way it was.
Edge of Blade @ May 5th 2006 11:40PM
Before I say anything, let me preface it with "I'm a Sony Hateboy." Now maybe you will understand how serious I am about this.
I think the batarang controller could have worked just fine. I played with the Xbox "Wideye" controller. Slightly bigger like the "Duke", but ergonomic like they are suggesting with the old PS3 design. It was quite comfortable (and it had wireless, no lag, AND Xbox Live headset, something that was hard to come by in those days). I think Sony shouldn't have been so allergic to bad feedback. Once you put that surprisingly well designed controller in your hands, I'm sure many naysayers would have breathed a sigh of relief, as would their carpal tunnels. But it was enough against the status quo, something Sony has to symbolically stand for right now to remain competitive, that the feedback came the way it did.
microdot @ May 5th 2006 11:55PM
different strokes for different folks people. like a bunch of 3rd graders in here.
i personally hate the 360 controller. i have large fingers, and trying to kick the triggers was damn near impossible without mashing two at once. the original xbox controller was decent.... no problems with it. it was kind of large, but you got used to it. i still prefer the controller, and more specifically... the logitech wireless, for the ps2.
i havent held the ps3 controller, so i have no clue what the one shown would be like. it looks ok to me though. but, i wont know it til i pick it up for the first time... much like whatever is going to be released monday.
Nik @ May 6th 2006 1:27AM
well lets see, Nintendo invents analog control and rumble features with the N64 controller, and Sony releases the DualShock. Which (shockingly enough) includes analog control and (gasp) a rumble feature! GBA/GCN connectivity? I just stumbled upon a "new" technology in my BestBuy flyer called "SystemSync" or something like that. If the new controller doesn't include some sort of motion sensing I'll be completely shocked. Ripping of Nintendo has worked in the past, and it's about to work again. From Nintendo it's a gimic, thats why they tried so hard to tell everyone it's a revolution, so that it isn't Sony's revolution for once.
Hamilton @ May 6th 2006 3:29AM
I bet you that there new controller will be a total rip-off of the XBOX S-type or the XBOX 360 controller.
Eric @ May 6th 2006 4:16AM
I really have to say... I don't CARE where they get the ideas for the new controller design from. All I care about is the controller's capabilities and how it feels to use it. They could "rip off" anybody and as long as I get a quality controller out of it, I'm happy.
T-bone @ May 6th 2006 4:45AM
Ain't the Wii every Nintendo gamer's wet dream? With the WiiMote, Mario will actually JUMP HIGHER when you thrust your controller in the air!!!
Da'Cheez @ May 6th 2006 5:09AM
Saying that Sony "ripped off" Nintendo because they included technology similar to others that were already on the market has no merit whatsoever. If so, doesn't that mean that Nintendo was "ripping off" Atari when they invented a 'wired' controller for the NES or maybe Microsoft "ripped off" Sega when they allowed you to connect a microphone to your controller? Improving on an already existing product is just another form of inventing as long as you follow the proper rules and channels, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.
Almost every manufactorer has done so to keep up with the competition.
As far as my opinion on the past controllers go, I guess it depends on your flavor. I do find the Ps2 controller to be very comfortable. Each of the buttons have either a smooth, soft surface, or are ergonomically shaped. I can't remember getting a single blister while playing any game on my Ps2. I can always get to any button easly while playing. Even the Start and Select buttons. I even find it possible to sometimes play while eating/drinking. Only in certain situations like when I am unable to pause. Its also the best controller that I have used for racing games, fighting games, and rpg/adventure games. With FPS's though I would rather use the Xbox controller series, and I do think that is because of the analogue placement. As far as GC goes I love the systems but I think the controller isn't even the best for some first party games and exclusives (Super Smash Bros. comes to mind). Im really looking forward to what Sony has in store. Lets just hope they really do improve on the idea. Nothing too 'invative' or weird like Wii(mote), but one can never turn down a good upgrade.
dinnyHoon @ May 6th 2006 5:23AM
As a Sony fanboy, it's easy for me to say that the DualShock2 is one of the best controllers in existance.
- The xbox controller was HUGE!
- The Xbox-S controller as better, but still had SIX face buttons
- The gamecube controller... wtf...
But the 360 controller is THE best controller ever. All the attributes of the DualShock2 in terms of comfort, and I have fallen for the triggers. The position of the analog sticks does not bother me that much, but if I had to choose, I'd put the min a DualShock-style position.
Galley @ May 6th 2006 8:42AM
Sony, please give us shoulder-mounted analog throttle controls for racing games!
timmy @ May 6th 2006 8:43AM
I dont really like trigger buttons.
bobeotm @ May 6th 2006 11:25AM
Trigger buttons are only good for specific types of games, for everything else, they are awkward. They are only good for FPS's and Racing games. Everything else that would be better served with regular buttons (that have a faster response time) gets sort of shafted.
And as for sony copying nintendo, thats a moot point. It's not as if nintendo INVENTED ANALOG CONTROL! The Atari 2600 had ONLY ANALOG CONTROL AND ONE BUTTON! So is nintendo ripping of atari, no. Is sony ripping off nintendo for employing two analogs instead of one? No. Keep in mind that sony was the first to use a dual analog control scheme, something which every console made afterward (other than dreamcast) followed by example.
The skewed analog setup on the 360 controller seems nice until you realize how awkard some games would be. Katamari damacy would be horrible using the 360 controller, because of the lack of symmetry.
boots (former bd) @ May 6th 2006 12:16PM
Six face buttons are great if you position them well. No Xbox controller ever did that right.
Also, how is it that it is "a lot more comfortable" to not have analogue sticks on the same level? To me, all three feel the same, except the Xbox controller has horrible button positioning. I find the wavebird better than the PS2 controller, not because of the analogue stick positions, but because it has analogue buttons (and the size of PS2 controller). Its only flaw is it lacks one button.
If Sony copies the "LIVE" button and gyroscopic features, that will be hilarious.
T-bone @ May 6th 2006 1:11PM
I think Aurora or Scalextric used analog hand held controllers waaaaaaaay before Sony, Nintendo or Atari did... ;)
More slot car racing to the people!
PJ @ May 6th 2006 3:11PM
Personally I believe the 360 controller is the best I have ever used. It just feels great and intuitive - a really nice controller. As for the PS3 "boomerang", it actually looks kind of comfortable to me. I think they will redesign it though b/c of the negative reaction it has received.
Adam @ May 6th 2006 4:54PM
PS2 controller is the best controller today? Uh, no. Easily, the Xbox 360 controller and the Wavebird feel much better to hold. The PS2 controller feels like a third party controller = cheap
boots (former bd) @ May 7th 2006 1:30PM
"PS2 controller is the best controller today? Uh, no."
Uh, yes. Well, we can argue all day until you realize it is about opinion.
Anyway, the wavebird controller is great, but you can see it's an evolution from the dualshock. Also, why do you think 360 controller is so great? Do you not find any resemblance with the PS2 controller as opposed to the shittiest controllers in history (after the Dreamcast one)?
LongshotX @ May 7th 2006 6:50PM
To #26:
What resemblance is their between the 360 controller and the Dual Shock? Hardly any. First of all the Xbox 360 controller is the first controller to introduce L/R shoulder buttons (first appeared on SNES controller) plus the addition of L/R trigger buttons (first appeared on Sega Saturn Analog Thumb Pad)...Just read this:
Gamepad
The Xbox 360 gamepad design is similar to the Type-S gamepad from the original Xbox. Unlike the Type-S, the Xbox 360 gamepad features only two analog (pressure sensitive) buttons - the left and right triggers. Also the black and white buttons have been replaced with the right and left bumpers and an Xbox Guide button has been added to the center. Wired gamepads feature a nine foot (2.74 m) long cord with a break-away feature. They can be used with any USB and Windows equipped computer. Wireless gamepads have a range of about 30 feet (~9 m) and use either two AA batteries or a NiMH rechargeable battery pack. When a gamepad is plugged in, or - in the case of wireless gamepads - turned on, a quadrant of the LED "Ring of Light" around the power button is lit up, indicating connection and ordering (1st player corresponds to the upper-left quadrant, 2nd player to upper-right, etc.). The "Ring of Light" also adorns the Xbox Guide button; it will flash in case of a low battery warning on the wireless gamepad.
As a first for console controllers, the wired version can be used as a PC gamepad out of the box without the use of any converters. Regardless of the green XBox 360 packaging or the red PC packaging, it is the same controller either way. The downside is that the XBox Guide button is currently inoperable, but future driver updates are excepted to support it, and the wireless controller is said to be supported too by USB plugin, but there is no word on a release date for that accessory.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360
LongshotX @ May 7th 2006 7:10PM
I meant #25
SfGanjaman @ May 7th 2006 9:43PM
LongshotX- Great article on showing up the Ps3 fanboy. The 360 controller is by far my favorite controller. The dual shock analog sticks felt way to stiff, game cube controller - no comment. Boots(bd) sometimes its better to keep a comment to yourself rather than showing the public how ummm..dumb you are.
HD-Dvd>Blu Ray
OyoyoY123 @ May 7th 2006 10:48PM
if only they had two triggers on the current DS2 controllers. That would add sooooo much more to my GT4 gaming experience!!!!!!!!!!!!
i m a playstation fanboy myself, but i have to say the 360 controllers are working mighty fine~!!!
HOPE they come up with a good controller for the ps3 (actully, just ripping of the 360 controller would satisfy me)
BTW Xbox controller's design originated from the DC controller (that s a nice way to say "ripped off!"
kyuss @ May 8th 2006 4:29AM
xbox360 controller best ever, ps2 control second best.
Ali @ May 8th 2006 5:38AM
What i dont understand why Sony haters or MS fanboys always come to these Sony liking sites and try to disprove stuff and then later say Sony fanboys are worse weird stay at your sites and we will stay at ours its sad and demeaning when fanboys troll sites
daxter @ May 8th 2006 9:24AM
believe me, im a playstation fanboy to the end but i believe the xbox 360 controller is much better than the ps2s. everything is just better, if it was any smaller it would be too small and etc, skrewd analog stix are better and the guide button makes it unique. but i cant wait to see the redesigned ps3 controller!!
LongshotX @ May 8th 2006 10:58AM
I'm not hating on the PS3. And yes I am I guess what you'd call an "Xbox 360 fan boy", but the real fact of the matter was that I was only responding to Bd with evidence and logical reasoning. I also forgot to add that near the front of the Xbox 360 controller there is an input for a microphone.
boots @ May 8th 2006 1:16PM
360 controller resemblance to the PS2 Controller - Case study
While it's evident that resemblance doesn't mean exactitude of shapes, it's amusing how many tools out there interpret things the way they want.
The 360 controller is much smaller than the Xbox controllers; it has four face buttons. It has four triggers. But it wasn't going after the PS2 model? Ok, there's fanboyism, and then there's Xbox 360 fandom.
Learn to read between the lines next time before you throw in some "Longshots", morons.
And by the way Ganja, that "ganja" is making effects on your gray matter (or lack thereof). It would be very convenient for you if you didn't post your "...ummm...dumb" comments. Calling someone a "PS3 fanboy" on a website called "PS3 fanboy" is not retarded enough for you? How about visiting a PS3 fansite when you have no business there after being such a 360 cultist? And what about mentioning HD-DVD > Blu-ray after already been proven otherwise? Oh wait, you did all that already...
LongshotX @ May 8th 2006 2:36PM
The PS2 does not have 4 trigger buttons nor does the Xbox 360 have 4 trigger buttons. The PS2 has 4 shoulder buttons, two on each side. The Xbox 360 controller has 2 left and right "bumpers" shoulder buttons and the inclusion of two left and right triggers. Also the analog sticks are in separate locations. The D-Pad on the 360 controller is an actual D-pad not 4 buttons separated on the face and connected underneath.
Tehkan @ May 8th 2006 10:22PM
Well, they've fecked that up then!
boots (former bd) @ May 9th 2006 12:17AM
That's what I meant LongshotX: 4 buttons on the shoulders. I never said they are exactly the same controllers, but the topological resemblance is obvious.
otz @ May 10th 2006 1:03PM
Controller redsign? DAMNITT!!~~ And I got prosthetic lobster claws just so I could HOLD that damn thing!!! What the hell am I going to do with these now?