PS3 chatpad officially coming in December

by Andrew Yoon { Nov 14th 2008 at 5:00PM }

Sony's VP of Sales, Ian Jackson, confirmed to Joystiq that the PS3 keypad will make its way to retail in the beginning of December. The attachment connects to the top of the PS3 controller, giving users easy access to a very tiny keyboard. Unfortunately, amazon.com's listing of the device still shows a $50 price tag -- a price point which only 2% of you agreed with.

Tags: keyboard, keypad, ps3

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

SolidOtacon @ Nov 14th 2008 5:07PM

I got used to type with controller.

TVGenius @ Nov 15th 2008 1:36AM

Actually, one of these that would attach to a freakin' Rock Band guitar would sell a million.

blockhead420 @ Nov 14th 2008 5:09PM

Why do I need this when I can plug a full keyboard into my PS3?

reyes @ Nov 14th 2008 5:09PM

For much less than $50, I might add...

JerJerBinks @ Nov 14th 2008 5:23PM

Why does it have to be all about you? Personally, I use a bluetooth keyboard, but I bet some people would be interested in this. I think its a pretty cool idea, and it is certainly less obtrusive than a keyboard.

reyes @ Nov 14th 2008 5:33PM

Who would really be interested in this when you can get a bluetooth keyboard and mouse that works with both the PS3 and PC or other devices for less?

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Cordless-Desktop-EX110-967561-0403/dp/B0009V6TL4/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1226701939&sr=8-2

Royal_Highness @ Nov 14th 2008 5:43PM

I personally don't want a full keyboard and mouse in my living room. This is perfect.

Gervin @ Nov 17th 2008 8:40AM

True, I'm using a wireless keyboard right now. But look forward to this thing so I can type without having to put down my controller. Not to mention, I don't like a keyboard sitting on my couch (of having one more thing to clean up when I'm done my gaming).

KillaChaos @ Nov 14th 2008 5:22PM

http://www.amazon.com/Playstation-3-Wireless-ThumbPad/dp/B000NJUI0A/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1226701278&sr=8-1

1/2 the price, same functionality.

Josh Hughes @ Nov 14th 2008 7:08PM

Doesn't have the ability to use all the keys as if they are a mouse pad surface (like on a laptop mouse) and is made by Mad Catz--so no not the same.

Personally, I can't wait to get rid of my big keyboard for this. If you guys don't want it, why not go talk in a thread about something you want? I am sure there is accessories you find worth while and leave those of us who find this worth while to discuss it.

KillaChaos @ Nov 14th 2008 7:51PM

That one feature is worth $25? I would rather type with keypad, and control the mouse with the analog sticks.

AltCtrlPwn @ Nov 15th 2008 5:46AM

Did you even read the reviews? The product sucks, it doesn't connect via Bluetooth and has problems with its USB dongle connection.

Rocks @ Nov 14th 2008 5:30PM

$50? ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.... and ha.

Cameron @ Nov 14th 2008 5:33PM

Anyone else think that SONY need to start throwing in microphones with the PS3? It's the one thing i wish i had an XBOX for..

iamkid @ Nov 14th 2008 5:36PM

i personally am a fan of that NOT happening. do we really want another live, with screaming children and all those other goodies?

Nick @ Nov 16th 2008 3:30AM

So many people don't have microphones. It makes playing games like SOCOM and Resistance Co-op much less fun. Also, most people have really shitty mics, too, so I think a mic (a wired one, at least) should have come standard with the console. I still don't know why they didn't just make a headset like Xbox Live's that plugs into the controller. The jack could have had a plug for the USB so you could charge and use the mic at the same time.

dicknjane @ Nov 14th 2008 8:13PM

mute button FTW

ryan @ Nov 15th 2008 12:48PM

Precisely, mute button or mute everyone but your friends. A headset is a must for gaming online with your friends.

Gambit07 @ Nov 14th 2008 5:36PM

Looks like some kinda cup holder, hmmm I might ad ALL kinds of cups... what? the internet made me a perv.

Kilo720 @ Nov 14th 2008 5:38PM

to much money but i will buy it though
it is a bluetooth keyboard i can use it with my computer or blackberry when im not using it on the ps3

iamkid @ Nov 14th 2008 5:39PM

way too much for what it is....heres this usb keyboard for anyone interested in not getting ripped off:
http://www.amazon.com/Ziotek-Standard-USB-Keyboard-Black/dp/B000IZGI6W/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1226702253&sr=8-2
about 10 times easier to use/more useful, and its less than 1/7th the price. the thing is only 7 bucks...

C-Onor @ Nov 15th 2008 10:48AM

it might be cheaper, but this is small and compact, easy to carry around and i think that a lot of people will be glad to get rid of their big bulky keyboards and get this instead. personally, i can't wait for this, and the price is still affordable for me. i mean, who wouldnt want a small keyboard that fits right onto their controller and is easy to use? and its bluetooth, so you can use it with loads of other things. this'll be a whole lot easier than what most people are used to when using a keyboard with thier ps3.

DJCUEBALL @ Nov 14th 2008 5:55PM

If Sony wants to compete, they really need to be aggressive with their pricing. I understand they can't drop the PS3 price, but $50 for this accessory is too expensive. This should go for $25.

Shinogu @ Nov 14th 2008 6:05PM

I don't want to sound like an apologist, but people seem to keep forgetting that the keys on the pad also double as a touch-pad interface to simulate mouse control. THAT's what's driving up the price of this gadget.

benny boy @ Nov 14th 2008 6:14PM

It also has it's own bluetooth signal so it's like a whole other controller but with a qwerty keyboard/touchpad functionality instead of the usual controller buttons.

Tim Parsons @ Nov 14th 2008 6:15PM

should only be 29.99 but i'll still be buying it as soon as it comes out

Jake @ Nov 14th 2008 6:15PM

don't know why your all bitching, i want it, i hate having this big keyboard on my desk, will be good to have a mini keyboard attached to my ps3 controller

i think people are forgetting it has shortcut keys and it acts like a laptop mouse

may be a tad bit expensive but that won't last long

Cygnoid @ Nov 14th 2008 6:15PM

Am I the only one who questions the veracity of whatever price Amazon lists? Of course they're going to accept preorders as soon as possible; it's the best way to rake in money since no one else is doing pre-orders, seemingly. But if they don't know the actual price (and there is precisely zero evidence that they do), then it only makes sense to overestimate the price and then bring it down when Sony announces the actual price. All these stories on the blogs about the chatpad and its reported price hinge entirely on the assumption that Amazon is a good source of information. Considering the fact that Amazon has given us absolutely no new information about the chatpad, why assume that it has any inside information regarding its price? All the accurate information we've ever gotten about the chatpad--all of it--has come from no source other than Sony. We have no reason to believe that Amazon's price is any more than speculation, and so we have no reason to treat Amazon's price as anything other than speculation.

warlock7 @ Nov 15th 2008 10:15AM

This has been available for pre-order for a while now. I placed my order back in the beginning of October and it was for $40 at that time.

Your entire statement is wrong.

necrozen @ Nov 14th 2008 6:16PM

I like it. If for nothing else but LBP. You chat so often in that game, or name items etc but doing it with the controller stick or a nearby keyboard isn't fast enough.

Plus for internet usage, I think this is really good. I'll buy it. The price isn't that bad when you factor in the touch sensitivity of the keys for mouse usage. That is really cool.

SirPoonga @ Nov 14th 2008 6:18PM

For those who wonder why one would get this I have hte chatpad for the 360. It's awesome to have that at your fingertips.

Yes, you could get a keyboard, a wireless keyboard even. But then you have either play with that keyboard in your lap all the time or spend the time to get the keyboard when you use it. I'm not sure about you guys but I have friends on PSN. We message each other what servers we are on, what we are going to do, etc... In some games, like Tiger Woods, the shot clock cna go out before you even get the XMB up, grab the keyboard, type the message, and send it. It's a matter of convenience, not something you need. since the PS3 doesn't have voice messaging like the the 360 it is a little more of a need.

$50 is too much. I'd pay up to $30. The 360 pad is $30, the Mad Catz pad for the PS3 is $30.

The biggest issue I see is it is above the controller. The 360's on the bottom is perfect. It's very ergonomic.

Jeff @ Nov 14th 2008 6:28PM

I hope the buttons aren't as small as a cell phone. (which is one reason why I don't have one). I agree with the chap who said why buy it when you can use a keyboard. Plus at almost the same price as a game, I can't condone this purchase.

gillyy0 @ Nov 14th 2008 6:32PM

Yay it's out!!.... Wait I don't have enough money for it =(

KinjiroSSD @ Nov 14th 2008 8:00PM

I doubt it will be $50. Amazon usually uses higher placeholders for preorders. I think $40 would be my guess since other chatpads are $30 then add $5-$10 for the touch surface functionality.

deathxrebirth @ Nov 14th 2008 9:23PM

I personally use a keyboard right now and it does the trick. I have been interested in this, though, but I don't know how it will actually feel. It does not seem like it will be comfortable to type with.

Maybe if it was on the bottom of the pad, somehow... Like the 360's?

Or even as a mini hand-held stand alone keyboard. That'd work.

Nick @ Nov 14th 2008 9:54PM

The item probably costs next to nothing to make and supposedly costs $50. I guess Sony needs to bring in money some how. If the chat pad were $19.99 or under I would consider getting it.

Jay [psn: jayrockslife] @ Nov 14th 2008 10:20PM

50 bucks!? Is Sony on crack or something?
The controller is 50 bucks as it is.
I'm feeling like 20 bucks maybe. I can just get a usb keyboard and plug it in. My ps3 is only 3 feet away from me.

bugz @ Nov 15th 2008 1:29AM

im trading in my ps3 becouse gears of war2 sold out resistance2 by 150million copies :( i love resistance!! and is there anything sony can come up with before microsoft "chatpad" microsoft had it first. trophys????? microsofts achievements.

deathxrebirth @ Nov 15th 2008 4:24AM

Yes yes and Sony had a couple game system before MS...

Now go back to 360fanboy, 360fanboy.

warlock7 @ Nov 15th 2008 10:08AM

When Amazon originally listed this item it was $40. That's what I'm getting mine for...

michael000 @ Nov 16th 2008 3:30AM

Form factor looks uncomfortable and the while it may actually be a well made acc. it looks like a half ass cheap snap on attachment. It's surprising since Sony is so focused on appearance (which usually comes at the cost of obvious practicality). I'll wait till v2 or even better when they come out with a controller with the chatpad actually built in, would feel alot more comfortable buying that for $80 than buying this POS alone for $50

Bugz @ Nov 16th 2008 4:41AM

this is too deathxrebirth

wow yeah ure right but sony copied nintendo as nintendo copied atari as atari copied doom and doom is for windows witch is microsoft so it all comes back to microsoft. so what are u talking about and sony had 2 systems before microsoft had 1 but xbox360 has outsold ps3 every year since its release so what does that prove and it outsold ps3 on its own hometurf "JAPAN" and ps3 hasnt won system of the year becouse it sucks!!so thats y im trading my ps3 in!!

"AND FOR THE RECORD I DONT OWN AN XBOX360"
i think microsoft has better ideas better games better community.
sony just eats of 360.
"but for now i be playing little big planet"

Gonzo @ Nov 17th 2008 12:27PM

Yes, if they're going to charge $50 it should be more than just a keyboard but what else could that thing possibly do?
I'd pay $20, maybe $30 for a keyboard but for $50, I'd rather just have a new game.