Rumor: Wii-like PS3 controller used in focus test

by Andrew Yoon { Jun 2nd 2008 at 2:00PM }

PlayStation LifeStyle is claiming that a Wii-like PS3 controller was the subject of a secret PSU focus test. An e-mail sent back in January invited a few members of Sony's invite-only group to join them for a paid focus test in ****** ****, California. (We're assuming it's Foster City, home of SCEA.)

The PS3 controllers were motion-sensitive and required use of a "mini-tripod that stood about 12 inches high." Mini-games, such as fencing, paintball and tennis were supposedly demonstrated. The devices were said to be "incredibly responsive and accurate."

While Sony does regularly conduct paid focus tests throughout the country, there simply isn't enough tangible evidence to verify the authenticity of this rumor. If true, we wonder if PS3 fans really want more motion control in their lives ... or does the SIXAXIS suffice?

[Via Joystiq]

Tags: ps3, rumor, wii

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

maskedrose @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:06PM

K so... this is weird.

If I wanted a goddamn Wii, I would have bought a goddamn wii.

No. I do not want a wii.

Sniper Wolf @ Jun 2nd 2008 3:01PM

So.... don't buy the controller?

J @ Jun 2nd 2008 9:29PM

@ mask

I understand how you feel. But if the ps3 gets motion control, then it would be like the wii, BUT... with WAY BETTER graphics, better ai, better physics, and better online. It would be a significant achievement.

In my opinion, however, it HAS to be AS GOOD if not better than the wii motion control to be worthy of purchasing. This way, ps3 customers can get the best of both worlds.

If this proves successful and FUN, i would love to see the look on Fernando's face, figuratively speaking.

Then again, i don't give a shit about motion control anway!

ChodalBerryWagon @ Jun 3rd 2008 1:40AM

Just to say, did anybody else notice that on the link - at the end of the article it has an email address that is 'blanked out'. If you right click it, you can copy the address. It's: mwang@q-insights.com

Do you think that's Sony...?

linton @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:09PM

I've a feeling this aimed at Women/girls or people who aren't dexterous enough to use a pad for some games, sounds li9ke a damn good idea too!

Nathanical @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:14PM

if this is true, sony are just asking for a law suit. id never use it.
and tbh, the kind of ppl that would really use it probably already have their wii's. Sony will NEVER capture nintendo's playerbase this way.

Kenology @ Jun 2nd 2008 6:05PM

True. And not only that, but any claims of the PS3 and Wii being in "different" markets bites the dust if this turns out to be true, as Sony would clearly be trying to "encroach" on (what it believes is) the Wii's claim to fame.

But I hope this turns out to be false, because as Malstrom pointed out in his eloquent article, this would be a prime example of a birdman Sony taping feathers to it's arms in an attempt to fly without understanding the aerodynamics of flight itself. (see: http://malstrom.50webs.com/birdman.html)

Microsoft would be stupid enough to do this, but no Sony. I hope.

Nathanical @ Jun 2nd 2008 8:39PM

but tbh, any attempts to cash in on the Wiis thunder will fail. the type of ppl who generally go for something like the wii, probably wont want to spend £300 on a PS3. If this PS3mote rumour does turn out to be true, and it does come out and operate in the same kind of way as the wiimote it will fail. Lets face it, the Wiimote is the Wiis primary controller, and therefore the games are built around it. This is not so with the PS3. If its released, there will probably be 2 or 3 simple games that will come out for it on the PSN, and then itll fade into obscurity. Itll NEVER command the success of the wiimote.

i think its all BS anyway, as Sony already have motion sensative controllers and this move is far too blatent. In the past Sony have always been about innovation, and thats what they need to do if they really want to capture the wii crowd, and even then, its not really all that necessary as id imagine a large quantity of wii's install base is as a second console. Sony ought to be smart enough to realise this.

Rowdehaj @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:15PM

Already have a Wii, sorry.

I'd be interested in a resurrection of the Boomerang though, it looked more comfortable than my SIXAXIS, even though I still love it.

Chris Rah Osiris @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:22PM

I believe this is what evolved into the rumored transforming controller that is in the works

Game_playa @ Jun 2nd 2008 3:31PM

Haha, noob you read that in EGM.

Chris Rah Osiris @ Jun 2nd 2008 4:47PM

I never said that I came up with the idea of the transforming controller, merely stating a possibility.

The Sound @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:23PM

I like the idea actually. It won't capture a fanbase, but would be a neat little item to have, and to throw into a LittleBigPlanet bundle for christmas time.

All this really would be is SIXAXIS with refined motion controlling and an IR sensor, or something similar.

RagingStormX @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:24PM

Talk about un-original....they could have atleast make the thing look different...not cool.

matthew_neitzer @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:26PM

That isn't an actual picture. We don't know for sure what it would look like.

Nathanical @ Jun 2nd 2008 3:08PM

thats a blatent photoshop job.

Terrence @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:26PM

Why would anyone be stupid enough to believe that? Look at the freaking controller. Someone Photoshopped a Wii remote, for Christ's sake. They painted it black, changed the D-pad to look like a Playstation controller's D-pad, changed the 1 and 2 buttons to Triangle and X buttons, the "Home" button to a Square button, painted the - and + buttons a solid black, and changed the A button to a Circle button. Please realize that this is a rumor.

Compare: http://sev1512.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/ps3mote.jpg

http://www.wiiprojects.org/Bluetooth/WiiMote.jpg

Please don't be stupid, everyone.

matthew_neitzer @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:27PM

>< That isn't supposed to be an actual picture. Can we put a disclaimer in the story.

theb1rdm4n @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:32PM

NOTE: The picture at the beginning of the story is not the real “PS3mote”, it is also not what was shown at this focus group. The picture is a concept by Emil G. Ryderup back in September 2005

There. Directly off the source website article.

talktosaintetienne @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:27PM

ok, read this over at joystiq too and it seems people have an inability to recognise that this device is different to other controllers so far? that pic is just flamebait

Terrence @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:34PM

Of course it's flamebait. I don't think Sony themselves would release concept art that looked like a rival product. But even so, I just don't see this rumor coming to fruition at all. Sixaxis basically failed in most people's eyes, but Sony has plenty going for them with the Playstation Eye. Why would they even think of something remotely similar to the Wii for this current console generation?

Xoonaka @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:36PM

I like to see better / more widespread Sixaxis support rather then a new motion controller. I think it worked beautifully in Folklore, so I'd like to see more things such as that.

Popfrogs @ Jun 2nd 2008 3:37PM

Yeah, the Sixaxis hasn't been used properly by most games yet. Wait until Super Bass Fisherman Pro VI comes out and you'll get to use the cool Folklore-yank again, with rumble.

SDVDEV @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:39PM

I personally think its a great idea. The idea of the wii control is cool but the games are horrible and the good ones arent even that appealing to many adults. Now if sony and ms could take the general wii controller idea and make it work better and use it to appeal to the older crowd or us hardcore gamers then why not. Remember, not every game system had analog control at first but they all copied that idea.

johnnyknockers @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:43PM

I agree. If everyone else was as intelligent as us they would really think this is a good idea. The concept of the wii control is good but the execution is horrible and the system is pretty bad quality when it comes to all the junk that is released for it.

Julien @ Jun 2nd 2008 3:09PM

And you, a owner of a PS3, talks about bad games?
The PS3 can't even be called a gaming machine.

Popfrogs @ Jun 2nd 2008 3:27PM

@Julien: A Wii fanboy can't even be called a gamer. More like minigamer. ;p

Nerdkiller @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:45PM

I just don't want anymore of this to happen. First the 360 owners flamed on us for the games thing, now the Wii owners will be flaming on us for stealing the Wiimote design. I like the idea on how it can be used for shooters for better and more accurate control, but Sony should just have an update on using the keyboard and mouse for this (I know UT3 already has this), despite the steep learing curve of the keyboard.

bs6268d @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:48PM

e3 will be great

Neon @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:52PM

I too think this could be a great idea. PS3 could really be the nexus of the crossroads between the X360 and the Wii. If all the games can be cross coded (because of game mechanics in regards to the controllers) I think it's a win situation. PS3 will get ports/releases from the X360 developers AND the Wii developers.

Simon Revell @ Jun 2nd 2008 2:52PM

Old news
it was well known that Sony had in development, early in the ps2 life cycle, various motion sensing equipment.
the sixaxis is a great example of that technology.

for me this is not surprising at all, and somewhat expected. they spent all those years developing it, makes sense to reap some money from those projects.

(can't remember links, but several podcasts mentioned it around the time that the 360 device was "announced". the one that springs to mind is the 1up podcast.)

skipboris @ Jun 2nd 2008 3:02PM

Hmmm, this reminds me of the previous generation(s) with the analog sticks and analog buttons. While Nintendo did do those things first, I think Sony did them better. Will that happen again here?

MacPanda @ Jun 2nd 2008 3:36PM

Actually Atari and Vectrex I think used them first than the D-Pad became popular until sony brought the analog back in 95. Nintendo I think made it more popular with N64 but pretty much right when nintendo came out with that, Sega released their own analog controller for Nights...

As for this wii stuff for the ps3... its fine with me as long as it does not change the way I play my games. I like my normal controller. I may be old and set in my ways but I do not want a new way to play my games... though I will admit the PS Eye does interest me. But I would like the option of using a normal controller.

lobotomies4free @ Jun 2nd 2008 4:31PM

I have a wii, but i wouldn't mind playing call of duty with my wii-mote. Don't think it'll really bring in new customers though.

PS3Fanboy @ Jun 2nd 2008 3:37PM

Seriously Julien? LOL, PS3 = no games is sooo old. Get back to playing your Wii.

If you think about it, this is a very good idea, if PS3 had motion sensing controller that can rival the Wii, then it would be a hit. Wii with good graphics, good online, and everything, who wouldn't want that? The PS3 would be the next big thing, two major controllers, DS3 and a Wii mote like controller, scratch that it could be three with the PS3 Eye toy camera thing. Developers can do whatever they like with it. Either make a normal game that only uses the DS3, or make a motion sensing game with the remote, or be clever and use both. That is, if you don't mind the "Omg, PS3 is gay for stealing from Nintendo" Who cares, it makes a better product, you have more fun with it, so why bother complaining. You don't work for Nintendo, let them worry bout that, you just enjoy the games.

Omen_20 @ Jun 2nd 2008 3:31PM

By tripod does this mean PS Eye use to track a "wand?" If so then I'm game as I'm a huge supporter of the Eye. I dont care about any N fans getting pissed. What I am concerned about is Sony's slow nature in these kinds of technology. They really should have more support for the Eye in first party games and there should be more independant PSN Eye games.

sparc @ Jun 2nd 2008 3:37PM

Everything on this blog I've read about three days before somewhere else.

OMG @ Jun 2nd 2008 3:36PM

What's with this annoying comment system, I always right comments but they never send me an email to confirm it. Geez.

Julien LOL. PS3 = no game is soo old and false, you must be a blind fanboy or lack of common sense to say such a stupid thing. Well, judging from your post you only own a Wii, so you must be scared that if Sony ever did this, you had waste your time/money waiting online for the Wii. Well, if you aren't so ignorant, you can save up money and buy another console to play with your Wii, well I don't see how that's possible for you.

Anyway, this is a very good idea, High quality graphics along with Very good internet services is what the Wii lacks. The PS3 will provide those. The PS3 will be having two major controllers the DS3 and the PS3-Mote along with a minor PS3 eye camera. Developers can chose whether they want to make a Next-gen Wii game or a normal PS3 game with the DS3. Think about it, that's should be very interesting. It's all well if you remind your self that you don't work for either company. Who cares if *LOL PS3 copy Wii controller! Retards* As a consumer, all you should care is that you will be having fun and all, let the Sony and Nintendo worry about those stuff.

EZ_HumanAbattoir @ Jun 2nd 2008 3:49PM

Not sure bout this one.. Who knows

Alistair @ Jun 3rd 2008 6:41AM

Sixaxis sucks and hasn't been used intuitively or originally in any game yet, the playstation eye, despite telling us that it was gonna rock just hasn't given us anything that the "old" PS2 cam didn't, and therefore sucks (IMHO)

I own a PS3 (my favourite), an Xbox 360 and a Wii. As far as original and FUN methods of controlling games go the Wii wins it hands down, but then I think it wins it because its particular control method just wouldn't work with the kind of excellent traditional games that the PS3 is home to.

Can you imagine trying to use a Wiimote with MGS4? Or GTA? No, me neither. And if the PS3 DID originally come with a Wiimote style controller games like those would have had to include some kind of "special" moves with the controller thereby (again IMHO) ruining the game. Because the Wii has by todays standards sub-optimal hardware and only allows users to use the Wiimote the games that are worth buying for it were designed around the use of it.

adolson @ Jun 2nd 2008 4:17PM

I want some kind of pinpoint accurate aiming, be it IR or laser, or whatever. I don't think the Wii's strong point is the actual motion sensors, but the pointer functionality. The motion-sensing is great for tilt steering and not much else, and the DualShock 3 already has that. Bring on the IR aiming, I say.

Popfrogs @ Jun 2nd 2008 5:24PM

I'll pass on the IR aiming and the stupid bar that goes with it. I'll take PS Eye aiming instead. We've already seen tech demos that show it's possible and it's pretty responsive (60hz I think).

adolson @ Jun 2nd 2008 5:36PM

The only tech demo using the PS Eye I've seen was that head-tracking thing, and it still involved a filter for the camera and IR lights on your head. I know there is tech for head-tracking without IR and filter, but that is not the same thing as precision aiming.

Anyhow, my point isn't that I want the EXACT tech that Nintendo uses in my Wii, my point was that FPS games can be better using the split controller design and some kind of pointer system. I know that I'm better at FPS games on my Wii than I am on my PS3. Does that mean I won't buy them for PS3? Hell no, but I would be happy about an alternative controller, so long as it's optional.

Phantom25_95 @ Jun 2nd 2008 4:38PM

To all of you saying that the thing is copying the Wii , Sony has had this kind of thing in development for the PS2 for years . Yes , I do see the possibility of a lawsuit .... against Nintendo .

OR MAYBE Sony (secretly) bought (or made a deal) Nintendo and the are making a combination of both consoles , the POWER of the PS4(I don't think they would release a new console mid-generation) with the fun of the Wii.
It would be the PERFECT console for hardcore gamers who have kids , A FAMILY CONSOLE . ( for both adults and kids).

..... Yes , Sony has enough money to buy Nintendo , it is a much bigger company (Sony has many franchises , nintendo only does games.

Mike @ Jun 2nd 2008 6:39PM

lol the is one of the biggest bullshit storys ever its obv. a super wii fan boy made joke that def not funny at all. If sony was to make a controller like this NINTENDO would be on there asses in .5 seconds. I bet that they already called sony to make sure they wont have any problems

Riley Freeman @ Jun 2nd 2008 10:24PM

theres way too many bitching and crying. so what if they make it. u dont like it dont buy it. they will have some people that want to use it and let them buy it.. jesus christ ive never seen so many people complain about not wanting something to happen when it has NO EFFECT ON THEM if it does.

sony if it can help u make more money go for it

JoJo @ Jun 3rd 2008 9:44AM

I do not like this idea.
In stead of making a new controller (When sony already have the dual shock 3) Sony should make new Exclusives on games. More better games on the PS3, more sales. Its that simple. Yes sony has stated that they do not want exclusives as much, because they will ruin the gaming industry. However, look at M$. THEY ARE RUINING IT!! WHY NOT MAKE EXCLUSIVES YOURSELVES AND MAKE THAT BIG BUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHEESH

hunterramsey @ Jun 4th 2008 8:11PM

I pity those of you that feel a PS3mote would be cool. I love The Playstation 3, I am forced to defend its honor everyday to my Wii-loving friend. With the PS3mote on the market, fuel to the anti-PS3 fire would greatly increase, comments of a lack of originality would sky rocket. If this rumor turns out true, then it will be one of the biggest rip-offs in history, and Sony will have let a diehard fan down. The Playstation 3 is is a Playstation3, not a Wii. If you are a true PS3fanboy, you would not encourage Sony to rip off other competing consoles. I feel ashamed that so many so-called fanboys are so ready to accept Nintendos tech on the Playstation 3.