PS3 pad loses DualShock name and vibration but picks up Wii-esque motion detection and wireless connectivity
by Dan Choi 
{ May 9th 2006 at 12:58AM }
In a shocking turn of events, the PS3 controller has gone from banamerang to wireless DualShock 3, except without the DualShock name and vibration.
If you take a good look at the back of the new control pad (see the close-up above), you'll notice that the DualShock 2 brand name imprinted on the old controller has now been supplanted by a row of LED lights to show which input has been set, either wirelessly or via the wired USB recharge port. Sony's now the only name in-line for PS3 controllers either on the pad or in the press releases (see "the new PS3 controller").
According to the Sony press release linked, dumping rumble support allowed the hardware manufacturer to incorporate a "six-axis sensing system" for "X-Y-Z, pitch, roll, yaw, and lateral motion detection" into its new controllers, as the vibration purportedly interfered with the new motion sensor. Adding Bluetooth wireless connectivity and rechargeable batteries charged by USB made up some, but not all, of the lost electronic innards, as the new control pad now weighs less than its PS2 predecessor.
We can't help but wonder whether even a smidgen of this loss of controller functionality was prompted by the ongoing force-feedback patent lawsuit from Immersion or not. Whatever the case may be (and however the court case turns out), we are fascinated with the old-school update to the standard bundled PS3 controller -- and how well the new interface adopts the best features of the Wii-mote and the 360 pad (including that branded Guide-like button smack in the middle of the thing). The L2 and R2 shoulder buttons resemble analog triggers even more now that they appear to jut out further from the hard controller casing. Could we have the beginnings of 360-style shoulder buttons here? Hopefully we'll have more to report on these possibilities and more before the end of the week.
[Via Joystiq]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
GuessI'llBeGettingA360AfterAll @ May 9th 2006 1:50AM
Sony really blew it this time around. I'd much rather have the rumble feature then the motion sensor thing...to remove rumble seems like a huge step backwards to me. And $600?? Who are they kidding? How many parents are going to buy this for their kid? Definitely not the mainstream audience that has gotten Sony where they are today. I think Nintendo and Microsoft have to be feeling pretty good after today's announcements.
jon @ May 9th 2006 2:04AM
Wow...what a let down. I was hoping they would move the left thumbstick to the upper position just like Xbox, 360 and Gamecube controllers have. The left thumbstick position is the main reason the sony controller has just sucked for 1st person shooters. They should have fixed this problem now. This controller design is old in the tooth.
1. No Rumble!!! WTF
2. No left thumbstick swap
3. Half Ass Triggers
No HDMI port in the $500 version
What happened to dual HDMI output???
No Rumble!!!
No real revelation of any Online features that are comparable to what Xbox Live offers! This worries me...if they don't have something to show related to Online at E3...than they must really be caught with their pants down in the Online department. Who cares if it's free if it's going to suck ass compared to Xbox Live features. Online play is huge and Sony's giving it a low priority yet again it seems.
No announcement of Launch titles!!! WTF!!! Looks like the 360 is going to clean Sony's clock with current and upcoming Titles this Christmas. Fortza motorsport sequel to be shown tommorrow night will probably make GT3.5 seem very outdated.
Did I mention no Rumble in the controllers!!!
One cool thing is that HDMI being left out of the PS3 and apparently 360 HD-DVD add on...means that I can keep my 1080i Sony with component inputs only for many years to come. It seems like the industry is not going to enforce resolution downconversion for sets that use Component inputs instead of HDMI. If so that would be awesome.
I think this years press conference was much more toned down as Sony was forced to show some more realistic game footage as opposed to entirely CGI tech demos that do not represent actual game play at all.
Expectations very high...delivery not so good.
Brian Whitney @ May 9th 2006 2:35AM
Hey, with that USB port in the top of the thing, you think they might be thinking of letting us use it to play PSP games?
I'd cary the controller around to be able to play SOCOM with true 3D controls anywhere I happen to be...
Dan Choi @ May 9th 2006 2:36AM
Ah, found the press release for the new controller off Sony's corporate site in Japan. Some measure of analog shoulder triggers was confirmed, as well as a few other precision tweaks. [Thanks, wcleme!] The full text of the release follows the original link for the PDF announcement below:
http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/060509be.pdf
SCE ANNOUNCES NEW CONTROLLER FOR PLAYSTATION 3
Equipped with High-Precision, Highly Sensitive Six-Axis Sensing System
Los Angeles, May 8, 2006 -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today announced the new controller for PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3), which will become available as standard with the system. The new controller can be experienced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) held from May 10 through 12, 2006, in Los Angeles, California.
The controller for PS3 has been created by refining and improving the world's most popular PlayStation controller that has shipped more than several hundred million units worldwide, while inheriting its basic concept and design. The controller for PS3 employs breakthrough technology of high-precision, highly sensitive six-axis sensing system that does not require any devices other than the controller itself for seamless interactive operation, thus eliminating additional settings to TVs. With this technology, ways to enjoy PS3 will be further enhanced by accessing PS3 through the network, while retaining the six-axis sensing capability.
In addition to the "3-posture-axis" of roll, pitch and yaw, "3-dimension acceleration information (X, Y, and Z)" can be detected in high-precision and in real-time. In addition to standard key input available in existing controllers, more natural and more intuitive play will become possible as if the controller has become part of your body.
Pursuant to the introduction of this new six-axis sensing system, the vibration feature that is currently available on DUALSHOCK and DUALSHOCK 2 controllers for PlayStation and PlayStation 2, will be removed from the new PS3 controller as vibration itself interferes with information detected by the sensor.
The shape of L2/R2 buttons located on the top of the controller has also been enlarged with increased depth in stroke for more subtle control in games. At the same time, the tilting angle of the analog joy sticks has been slightly broadened to enable more delicate and more dynamic manipulation. Along with these improvements, precision of above information detection (L2/R2, analog joy stick) has been increased from 8 bit to 10 bit.
All input information will be immediately transferred to the PS3 system through the Bluetooth wireless technology. By using a USB cable, the PS3 controller can be swapped seamlessly from wireless to wired, and can be charged automatically. The cable can be attached and detached at anytime.
By integrating all these features into one standard PlayStation controller, SCEI, together with content creators, expects to further expand and accelerate the world of next generation computer entertainment.
About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system and the upcoming, much-anticipated PLAYSTATION 3 system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a new handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PLAYSTATION 3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.
# # #
PlayStation, PLAYSTATION and DUALSHOCK are registered trademarks and PSP is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Jonathan Holmquist @ May 9th 2006 8:08AM
Anyone else but me who only sees up o number 4 on the controller? Dont know how to explain it, but it looks like, and problary is the way to see what number your controller is. Was the PS3 not supposed to support up to 7 controllers?
By the way I think that 599 is a real rip-off. I am sure a lot of people will buy it. But with the 360 at a lower price and more titles and the Nintendo at even lower price, I think the Playstation has a tough period ahead. Of course I will buy it, but I actually think that the Wii is more aore attractive, specially in the Asian market, where the DS is HUGE. There's no reason speculating, I just hope alla consoles will turn up great.
For me this is not a war. It is love...
Galley @ May 9th 2006 8:14AM
Thank God, they did something about the L2/R2 buttons. At first I was pissed that the new controller didn't have triggers like the Xbox controllers.
jon @ May 9th 2006 11:34AM
Don't you get it...if I an other can't afford it matters very much to those who can.
Sony's 3rd party support relies on the simple fact that they have sold so many units in the past. They have allot of clout. If this unit is overpriced for the market...then it may very well be that 360 or Wii get a majority of the market...in which case they will have allot of clout with 3rd party developers.
Which means PS3 could loose allot games or loose Exclusivity. Which then would lead people to purchase the cheapest console which will deliver the same games.
Very bad for Sony to be overpriced. It's even worse in Europe...where according to Engadget blog will cost equivalent of almost $700 dollars. The 360 is doing very well in Europe. Sony is pricing itself out of the market place.
Cage @ May 9th 2006 12:12PM
Ha..Ha...this is hilarious. This truth finally comes out and what do you know? Sony fanboys are let down again. $499 for 20GB memory? Ha...
Sonyguy @ May 9th 2006 12:23PM
bignerd:
What about the people who DONT want or need wireless, card slots or extra HD space? Sony has been going around grandstanding about HD this and HD that and then doesnt even include the HDMI port in the base model WTF? let alone the dual screen support they talked about
Black Guy @ May 9th 2006 2:20PM
iSaw this coming a yr away. There was no way in hell Sony was going to deliver all those promises @ a good price. Diehard fans will snatch it up, but after the initial launch frenzy is over, iDon't think too many ppl r going to b forking over 6 bills for this; that is a lot of money for the majority.
Ppl continue to buy into Sony's blatant and obvious BS only to be disappointed time after time. iWonder if the $600 version comes w/ 4D capabilities.
Fan @ May 9th 2006 4:57PM
Console looks sweet. 600$ is a high price but ive had cell phones that cost that much.
BUT the new controller is UGLY, the boomerang controller looks so much better! BRING BACK THE BOOMERANG, with motion sensors!
B1gC72 @ May 9th 2006 5:01PM
i was wondering about if that Logo thing in the middle was a Home button or just a decal but with these better pictures, it seems to be a Home button, like id hoped.
B1gC72 @ May 9th 2006 5:09PM
oh yeah and those are definately those gay ass analog triggers. damn i hate those. guess ill have to get used to it then *sigh*. and im sure that since it only has 4 LEDs (indicating 4 controllers), that the other 3 promised connection spots will be used for bluetooth headsets for online play. just assuming.....
Dahk @ May 9th 2006 7:00PM
Bah, I think this style of controller is AWESOME. I AM sad about the no dualshock thing though. I thought that design was brilliant =(. I also don't find the roll, pitch, and yaw thing that much more attractive, because frankly most games that make you do wierd stuff make you look like a wierdo ahah. So I AM disappointed about that. And the 4 LED lights as opposed to 7. Maybe they should make like an LCD screen on it or something. And maybe make it a tad more elegant. I have no idea.
However, the trigger style R/L buttons, and the tilt of the analog sticks make a big improvement to the already well-designed controller. Sure, it might not have the analog like the xbox controller, but for MANY ps games, its actually a lot better having it there. Unless you've played A LOT of ps titles, you might not understand why arrow buttons are still THAT useful =). It can be agreed that it might be harder to play FPS games, but you know what, its easy to get used to. Its well designed, and its been proved OVER and OVER again by the soaring sales of ps1 and ps2.
In any case, for those who were commenting about the gameless launch titles and crap. If you've been reading ps3fanboy, there have been A LOT of titles coming around. The most obvious, and the most anticipated being Metal Gear Solid 4 of course. If you haven't done so, watch the real-time video with the guys talking in japanese - read the subtitles, and you'll understand why PS3 is well worth its price in what it can do and handle compared to other consoles.
dizzle @ May 9th 2006 8:06PM
Haha the controller looks crap and is crap. no rumble!??!? wtf are they DOOOING? almost $700 in europe!? WHAT ARE THEY DOOOING?
also 360 owned at e3!!
360 for the win!
Fear @ May 9th 2006 8:09PM
Dahk, are you kidding me? The MSG4 video looked nothing special, compared to Gears of War, and especially Crysis, the most realistic looking game ever.
Also, the controller looks like its gonna flop, no rumble!?
ozymandias @ May 9th 2006 10:25PM
boots
Im not going to flame im just going to point out how i was right less than a week ago.
1.bluetooth
2.PShub "live" button
3.motion sensing "Wii" functionality
You said "If Sony copies the "LIVE" button and gyroscopic features, that will be hilarious." I thought so too... at the time. now it just seems sad.
alienclay @ May 9th 2006 11:24PM
shoulda fixed that immersion problem.
while i'm dissipointed that
1. they made basicly NO changes to make the look more modern
2. the launch systems will only be in black (i prefer silver)
and
3. the loss of dual shock, (i find appaling, we techies know the runble interferance explanation was an excuse)
i see potential. don't look at this motion sensing in the way you do on the Wii. (i don't like the idea of waving my arms around wildly like i know i will be on the Wii anyway.) i.e. using the analogs to move katimari style in fps while you use motion sensing to aim/look
or make juking in the next madden more intuitive by jerking left, or tilting forward to straight arm, etc...
a little last minute but there are real possiblities here.
bignerd @ May 10th 2006 12:04AM
SonyGuy:
You don't have to buy the system when it first comes out. Wait until the price goes down. People like me are going to purchase the system no matter the cost and drive down the price for people like you who will really be affected by the cost. Yes, 600 bucks is a lot of money, but people whinning about the price isn't going to bring it down.
For goodness sakes, the thing has a blu-ray player in it. Show me a blu-ray player for 600 bucks, a sony blu-ray player!!! With players in the $1000 range, people will buy this as a player alone. Does the Wii or 360 have HD anything?
I remember when the PS2 came out, everyone was like "300 bucks, that thing will never sell! Parents won't buy their kids a $300 system"....LMFAO
BTW, I know this is PS3Fanboy, but that Wii(even though the name is gay) looks frakin awesome! I bet it has some great launch titles too! Looks like I'll have to spend over a grand for X-mas!!!
PS3 is a COMPLETE let down. @ May 10th 2006 1:04PM
I was gonna buy a PS3 but after seeing how dismall it is. I will buy a 360 now. At least I know what games are coming out and it has rumble. Not to mention cheaper, way cheaper.
Why Sony, why??!! This is the worst console of the 3 now. What a let down.
Fire your marketing. They lost the battle for you before it began.
MS pulled a netscape manouver on Sony.
SonyGuy @ May 10th 2006 4:54PM
Bignerd:
I dont care about having a Blu-ray player! I just want to play games, it is a GAMING system. The xbox and PS2 played DVDs but most people I know still have a stand alone DVD player because they are much higher quality. When they have to cram all the other technology into the PS3 to play games you cant hardly expect that it will play movies with the same quality as a standalone unit??? Not to mention anyone who buys the cheaper unit will be screwed with any bluray movies that come out with the copy protection enabled. They will be watching at 720p if that!
B1gC72 @ May 11th 2006 12:32AM
you know im not even upset about the loss of the rumble feature for a few reasons...
1) with this lawsuit, i knew something drastic was gonna change on the vibration, so i guess i was kinda prepared for that.
2) i play with a third party Pelican wireless control anyway (Afterglow Wireless, i love that control with its offset R2/L2 buttons and small form factor. i highly recomend to anyone BTW.) that doesnt have vibration so im used to not having vibration that much anymore since ive been using this control for a year or two now.
but i am kinda weirded out by the motion sensing thing. i dont think its that i dont like the idea, i just think im just in shock cause i didnt see it coming at all. i seriously didnt think Sony would do anything like that with the ripoff accusations that would follow. i really think that that kind of play should stay over at Nintendo. im just praying that there will be an option to turn the motion sensing off if i dont like it, it would be perfectly fine with me following that.
Aamir123 @ May 13th 2006 5:06AM
what was wrong with the sleek rumble featured boomarang ps3 controller i was looking forward to that and because of this shit which sounds like the same technoligy of a n64 controller. i lost intrest of the ps3
K MAN @ May 14th 2006 4:17AM
When I play monopoly with my little sister(12 years old) she never know when to quit even when she's obviously lost.
Why is it that all fanboys for any system never acknowledges a loss?
PS3 controller is such a loss. And for all you on engadget's controller duel saying that It's the lawsuit and not the technical reason for Dual Shock's absence, please stop.
If Sony lost the law suit, that means they ARE the losers in that lawsuit, therefore they f***ed up.
it runs crappy, but hey that's a beta - people...
that's right. it's a beta, and Wii is a beta too. but Wii's controller works better. that's a loss. therefore they f***ed up.
Even the developers didn't know about the Motion Sensing technology until a couple of weeks ago. They f***ed up.
besides the analog sticks, the design is essentially the same as playstation 1. This to me means the design team at sony is getting paid too much or not enough. They f***ed up.
While even the original XBOX controller have had pressure sensitive triggers(for gas and break in driving games, i mean this is a nice feature. no argument) and PS2 didn't until the PS3? that was a loss. they had f***ed up.
More people rushing to Wii's E3 booth than PS3? and XBOX360's booth came in second in attendence with PS3 in last place? That is a loss. They f***ed up.
while XBOX has enjoyed a well received LIVE following and PS3 is now starting up in online space? They're late to the party. They f***ed up.
I have a PS2(love it with all its faults) and an XBOX360. Although I do enjoy my XBOX360 more now days, I recognize it's faults. I don't defend hog wash.
XBOX360 freezes sometimes. Yes. You guessed it. They f***ed up.
XBOX360 can't download and play games at the same time. Yes. I know that. They f***ed up.
While Microsoft has put out Sidewinder Motion(with Motion Sensing Technology) in 1999, they didn't include this feature in XBOX360. They f***ing didn't see it coming.
XBOX360 overheats. I know this. They f***ed up.
acknowledge what's true.
The controller to most people who've reviewed them didn't approve. And if majority rules, then that means the controller sucks.
They f***ed up period.
gta1227 @ May 14th 2006 2:24PM
I think that they should have made vibration on the joystick.In madden when you get hit, you wont fell any vibration.To me that will fell weird.they have 6 months and some weeks,to make vibration on the joystick.make it happen please for the fans.
bignerd @ May 16th 2006 2:28AM
Sony Guy:
If you don't want anything the PS3 has to offer(i.e. blu-ray, wifi, and card slots, why don't you just get a xbox360...They are basically the same system minus the sony editions. Don't get mad, just buy something else. When you can afford a PS3, then buy one if you want it. I know you cannot afford would because you would not be bashing the system so harshly.
I want a damn mercedes, but I can't afford it, but why would I bash the company for pricing the car so high. So what, the PS3 is freakin expensive... DON'T BUY IT! But I promise you that the system sells in high volume... Sure the wii may outsell it(especially if they are only 200 bucks), but the PS3 will sell!!
I mean I just don't understand the complaining. If the one doesn't work for you, buy the other
boots (former bd) @ May 16th 2006 1:17PM
"boots
Im not going to flame im just going to point out how i was right less than a week ago.
1.bluetooth"
Bluetooth was something we knew already.
"2.PShub "live" button"
3.motion sensing "Wii" functionality
You said "If Sony copies the "LIVE" button and gyroscopic features, that will be hilarious." I thought so too... at the time. now it just seems sad."
Yeah, I thought it would be hilarious. I thought the stakes of it were high, but didn't know how right I was. I don't think it's sad... it's good to have some competition. That forces Microsoft and Nintendo to keep innovating and so on, and viceversa. It's not like Sony is the only "copier" or "liar" here... Microsoft is worse in that aspect.
What I hate is that people fail to realize sony's innovations, either in general (such as HDTV, 3.5 disks, CDs, Blu-ray tech, among other things)or for videogaming, such as the beginning of augmented reality in games, the first DVD playing console, "full backwards compatibility", double shoulder buttons, double analogue sticks, and rechargeability through the console, if I don't forget other things.
alienclay @ Jun 11th 2006 4:18AM
i just realised something.
i can't put a ps3 in my car. (or at least play all games that will come out for the system flawlessly)
think about this, i have a g-tech preformance meter in my car. it uses basic algebra/physics the known weight of my car and a THREE AXIS ACCELEROMETER to calculate power and quarter mile times. the same forces at work may also interfear with a ps3 controller.
imagine playing madden in the back seat in an auto installed video entertainment system with the car stoppped at a red light. just as you are about to finish the winning touchdown of the game the light turns green, the driver accelerates forward and the controller thinks your lunging forward to do a dive, and you do, 2 yards from the end zone.
just a thought. a little thing to make you go "Huuuuuummmmm"