Sony's adding a keyboard and mouse to the PS3, eh?

No, it wouldn't be the first time a game console's had a keyboard and mouse (remember Mario paint?), but with first-person shooters becoming ever more popular in the livingroom and hi-def output on the next generation of gaming systems, would it be far fetched for the PlayStation 3 to take on a keyboard and mouse? Apparently not, since Sony revealed at a game dev's conference that you'll be able to play games like Unreal Tournament 2007 with wasd/pointer-style, something that could pose a real risk to the casual PC gamer market. But the real question at hand is: will these peripherals be PlayStation 3 authorized only, or are we finally going to be able to just rock any old keyboard and mouse on those integrated USB ports so long as the game supports it?

[shidoshi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

Actually, there are already some FPS titles on the PS2 where you can plug in a regular old USB keyboard and mouse, and use them for the game.

[boynamedsue @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

what do you mean "Finally?" the ps3 isn't out yet and i used an old usb mac keyboard and microsoft mouse on my PS2 all the time.

[Phil @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

I believe you can map keys to the controller buttons as well.

[fistpittingnork @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

Correction: Dual hi-def outputs

A bluetooth claw-type keyboard would be superb.

[Tom Chiverton @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

Guess it's a toss-up between making a packet on after-sales add-ons, or convince of letting people choose their own commodity gear.
Profit or goodness - go on, surprise me by choosing the latter !

[Gil @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

Wait so they're really turning them into limited function living room PCs...

I can't even think of a comment for this

[Parcyeknod @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

What? Does Sony even know how to use a mouse and a keyboard?

[jc @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

Maybe I am a little jaded by the next-gen console information lately, but I see them adding a keyboard and mouse as a way to justify an extra $150.00 cost on the PS3 when infact it might only cost them $25.00 to make these items.

Let the gouging begin...

[OddManOut @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

I had a 3rd part adapter for my Dreamcast that let you use a PS/2 keyboard and/or mouse.

I think it was originally designed for games like 'Typing Dead', but I beleive you could use it as a controller for other types of games as well if you so desired...

[Lectoid @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

#1, care to name the games that allow mouse/keyboard use?

[Eliot Phillips @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

I know Tony Hawk 3 had keyboard support. It even supported online play through USB ethernet adapters long before the network adapters ever came out. I have a PS2 branded keyboard and mouse that came with the Linux kit. Great stuff.

[Sean @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

Hmm...

Turn the PS3 with it's cell processor into a full fledged computer, and undermine Microsoft. Interesting concept.

[hacp @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

Finally! RTS can come to counsoles! If sony allows ANY usb keyboard/mouse to be plugged in, it def seals the deal between xbox and Ps3.. Even if it is gonna cost me 500 bucks.

[boynamedsue @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

8 Well Tony Hawk and Halflife for starters.

I really didn't have a lot of games for the PS2. But what the article says is flawed. they said finally, so long as the game supports it. when in reality, its been that way since the release of the PS2 however many years ago... so long as the game supported it. There were not hardware lockouts.

[Arizona Glover @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

But will the mouse offer real control, or just be mapped to the contoller keys. That is will it be able to take advantage of speed of the mouse. IF it can then it will be a real advantage in FPS. Oh and I want one.

[vr6vdub @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

What they don't mention is, will the games be designed for a k/m? Lik Sang had an adpater for the XBOX...I tried it....it was horrible!! Trying to play a game that was programmed to work with the function of an analog required you to pick up and drag your mouse several times just to do a complete turn. And that was with the sensitivity at max.

[chaz @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

#7 ~ What a dumb statement! Sony does make computers....And their I/O uses keyboards and mouse devices.

[Jake @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

You say "or are we finally going to be able to just rock any old keyboard and mouse on those integrated USB ports so long as the game supports it?" but you guys don't realize that PS2 has long supported any old usb keyboard, as long as the game supported it. One game a while back I remember supporting it was the first unreal tournament port to PS2.

[Jake @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

You say "or are we finally going to be able to just rock any old keyboard and mouse on those integrated USB ports so long as the game supports it?" but you guys don't realize that PS2 has long supported any old usb keyboard, as long as the game supported it. One game a while back I remember supporting it was the first unreal tournament port to PS2.

[Michael @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

Red Faction 2 supported the keyboard years ago.

[Zan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

True Mario Paint faithful will remember that it shipped with a trackball mouse and a hard plastic mouse pad. No keyboard. ;P

[uclatommy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

yes! i've always felt that mouse/keyboard control was superior to gaming controllers. If they include mouse and keyboard as standard hardware in the core system package, then we should see some awesome games..

[Martin @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

It's true that PS2 can use some USB keyboard and mouses... but some years ago it existed a PSX mouse, IIRC.

[jaquio9131 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

Microsoft needs to do this for the 360 so it can lay AOE3.

[pspimp @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

If killzone was just like the trailer (i know I am dreaming) and the PS3 had a keyboard and mouse, hmmm, what would you do for a klondike bar?

[Slashbunny @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

The Famicom (NES) had a keyboard (you could program on it in BASIC). A lot of consoles have had a keyboard and/or mouse. Whether the developers support them or if casual gamers care is a whole other story. I'm going to assume not and see what happens. I wouldn't base my PS3 purchase on this.

[SpudgeBoy @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

I know for a fact that Everquest Online Adventure/Frontiers and Final Fantasy XI both supported a USB keyboard and mouse. Red Faction 2 supported a keyboard and mouse and so did Ureal Tournament.

And no it was real keyboard and mouse support, not just remapped keys.

This is not news.

[Zac @ Dec 19th 2005 1:05AM]

I'm gonna get the ps3 just cuz i hate microsoft and windows, their lame excuse for an operating system. Why doesn't apple start making a video game system? They're great at making computers and all the next generation systems seem just to be different versions of computers.