We really had gotten used to the boomerang, so we have to admit we felt something of a void when Sony confirmed last month that they were
yanking the prototype design and would unveil the real PS3 controller at E3. And unveil it they did, as part of the PS3 dog-and-pony show this evening. Yeah, we're kind of underwhelmed, too. Still, despite its resemblance to past Sony controllers, it does have some solid features, including X-Y-Z, pitch, roll, yaw and lateral motion detection, and Bluetooth for wireless play. And chances are the learning curve of switching from the PS2 controller to this one will be all of about five minutes.
Update: Sony has confirmed that the new controller will not have vibration functionality, unlike the Dual Shock, Dual Shock 2 and the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii controllers. They claim this has to do with interference of the motion sensing, but we have a sneaky feeling that this could have something to with those
lawsuits that started all that "boomerang" musing in the first place.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
_habit_ @ May 8th 2006 10:24PM
If it ain't broke...
Chapman @ May 8th 2006 10:28PM
Wow, I saw this one coming. Not only do we have the dual shock 2.5, we have sony stealing an innovation from nintendo instead of creating their own.....
*I am not a fanboy.....I do not discriminate agaisnt any (console) race!
Cody Barbo @ May 8th 2006 10:28PM
It's the third time around and it still looks the damn same! WTF Sony?
JAmerican @ May 8th 2006 10:28PM
HAHA!! NO BOOMERANG!! LMAO!! Looks like people got nothing to say now. BTW, Sony was smart to use Bluetooth for their controllers compared to the Infrared X360 uses. Also SD card support is a definate plus.
To simply put it. It may cost $500 and $600. But it has 20GB, Blu-ray built-in, FREE NETWORKING, and more HD than X360. Its a steal compared to the X360 which will eventually have an external HD DVD drive. What a rip. How much will it cost I bet $99 which will bump the price to the same as the PS3.
JAmerican
heat @ May 8th 2006 10:29PM
isnt everything sony does a 1/2 assed imitation of their competitors. i seriously hope (especially because sony dismissed the wiimote as a gimmick at the beginning of their briefing) nintendo blows them back to kingdom come tomorrow.
this is over-priced, and THEFT. 6-dimensions isn't anything close the wii's controller which detects the position in 3-dimensional space. this is absolutely shameless, and i cant imagine any sensible human being NOT being offended by them,.
heat @ May 8th 2006 10:31PM
& let me clarify, nintendo's controller has been confirmed bluetooth enabled for almost a year. they're multiplayer service has been confirmed free for almost a year.
they are not putting a monopoly on HD storage, its completely expandable and accepts ipods, USB drives, etc. this is an absolute joke. i am furious.
seriously:
seriously: nintendo ftw.
Brandon @ May 8th 2006 10:31PM
The new Sony controller cannot detect where it is in 3D space like the Wiimote, this is NOT an exact copy of the Wiimote. Sony obviously tried to copy Nintendo at the last minute and looks like a damn fool for it.
Ender @ May 8th 2006 10:32PM
Blatant rip-off of Nintendo's controller.
Perrey Z. @ May 8th 2006 10:33PM
Aww... dissapointing. I was hoping for the revolutionary boomerang design.
Wingman358 @ May 8th 2006 10:34PM
Like _habit_ said "If it ain't broke..."; If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Sony's being smart. First they take the idea of Xbox Live and improve by making it free. Now they're taking away Nintendo's thunder with their innovative controller function (the movement sensory) and improving by putting it in the DualShock controller we all (speaking in generalites) know and love.
vrf @ May 8th 2006 10:35PM
I have to agree that Sony looks pretty stupid for copying Nintendo--and then doing it terribly.
Christpher @ May 8th 2006 10:35PM
Copyright infringement is the sincerest form of flattery.
Eric XC @ May 8th 2006 10:39PM
Ok guys sony is not ripping off nintendo with the whole gyro thing u morons....eather logitech or microsoft i think were the first ones to put a gyro in a controller for the PC.
idude135 @ May 8th 2006 10:39PM
They should've given the controller an aesthetic upgrade, like transparent buttons so the black plastic wouldn't look so nasty.
Anyways, Sony just played it safe and stabbed Nintendo in the back.
If only Nintendo would've kept theirmouth shut...
Benson Leung @ May 8th 2006 10:40PM
I'm going to have to dissent with everyone else here... the Dual Shock continues to be my favorite game console controller, and this is a good development
The motion detection isn't as inventive as Nintendo's, but this is still a value add for the PS3, if it is a somewhat more conservative one.
I have to add that Nintendo looks pretty stupid on their own with naming Wii, so Sony and Nintendo should just have a big stupid party.
vrf @ May 8th 2006 10:40PM
If hardcore888 isn't a pimply-faced fourth grader, he's missing his calling.
Chris D @ May 8th 2006 10:42PM
One important not though - There will be no rumble reature, hense they needed something to stick in the plain PS2 controller.
SO we have Dual SHock - minus - the Shock.
We have the ps2 button on it which is a rip off of Xbox's X Button - they didn;t show it in use, but i'll be you it access the online features.
XYZ movement - kinda stealing wII's thinder but not really.. all they did is capitalise on the rediculas movements people make while playing video games (not really real people- but the way tv people play video games) and make it so it controller the charater.. not innovate at all, and a feature to DISTRACK PS3 USERS from the FACT THAT RUMBLE IS GONE, and to piss on WII. It will be a feature that will be there for the next 5 years and Never used by then end user as I see users Turning it off for games that use the feature.
Chris D
StefanW @ May 8th 2006 10:43PM
Sony is creating new boundaries for control in games. This allows for new moves, types of games, etc. While the Wiimote is changing completely the way we play those games, Sony is creating new ways to control games with what they have.
It is no way stealing an 'innovation' of Nintendo.
Chad @ May 8th 2006 10:44PM
No vibration function for the PS3 controller. Amazing how this has flown under the radar.
http://www.pro-g.co.uk/news/09-05-2006-2756.html?commentpage=1
A press release has revealed that the vibration feature in the Dualshock and Dualshock 2 controllers will not be present in the PlayStation 3 controller.
"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," reads the press release.
Whilst this has obviously been done to enable the controller to use the new sensing technology, the lack of feedback from the controller may well leave a rather sterile feeling in gamers' hands.
The PS3 controller will operate wirelessly via Bluetooth, but with the addition of a USB cable which plugs into the rear of the controller you have yourself a wired version. When connected with a USB cable the controller will also recharge automatically.
Max @ May 8th 2006 10:45PM
I love the new controller, just as I loved the DualShock2 before it. I can't stand the positioning of the joysticks on the 360 controller, and I have no idea how well Nintendo's wierd idea will work. I really don't mind that they ripped off the Revolution (not calling it a childish synonym for urine) It just makes the PS3 better while making the 360 look worse.
Peace to both Nintendo and Sony. I hope both their controllers function well.
Nukes and Candy @ May 8th 2006 10:47PM
If it worked for sooooooooooooooo..... ooo... many people, why change it so radically?
Just add bluetooth, pack it and sell it. Theres a lot of money to be made ladies and gentlemen!
Alexander Wunderlich
JAmerican @ May 8th 2006 10:48PM
#12 hardcore888: got it right. LMAO Wii loving wankers.
Didn't Microsoft steal Windows from Apple and Apple steal it from Xerox. Its called Business. Stealing in business is called innovation. You take something and make it your own within legal constructs. As for Nintendo, I've said nothing against it because face it, it will not dominate the gaming market like X360 and Sony PS3 will. Sorry Wii lovers. While a few of you are playing with your Wii and your friend's Wii, the real gamers will be playing with their PS3s and X360s.
I still feel PS3 will win this battle.
Although, the download service for Nintendo is amazing (N64, SNES), they really know how to make legendary games work for them.
JAmerican
Resh @ May 8th 2006 10:51PM
Come onnn Sony, AT LEAST MAKE IT PRETTIER, this is "next-gen" or whatever, make the conroller prettier please. For one, you can take away the stupid little lines around both the D-pad and the face buttons and make it a little curvier
theChad @ May 8th 2006 10:53PM
JAmerica, the 360 controller is NOT infrared.
Wow, rip off the Wii motion sensing, the 360 guide button, and stuff it in a dual shock controller. They don't even switch the left stick and d-pad around.
And for the "if it ain't broke," the dual shock has never been an ergonomic controller design. They haven't even really changed the shape since it came out (with two sticks).
TomK @ May 8th 2006 10:54PM
worst.
controler.
evah.
I think the N64 controller beats this one. Hell, the Xbox v1 controller does better than this.
Am I the only one to see the lack of human factors in this design?! I mean, since the PS1??! 4 buttons, exactly the same size and texture, differentiated by a symbol you shouldn't be looking at anyway! The ridiculously uncomfortable forefinger buttons... and 4 of them??
While I realize that this can all be subdued through a nice learning curve of actually playing games for multitude of hours but, honestly, IMO this points out the genius that was the GameCube controller ... different size, different feel buttons ... COMFORTABLE forefinger buttons ... the wireless controller that was years ahead of its time (Logitech couldn't touch it w/ their solutions for PS2 and Xbox).
And now, the 'nunchaku' ...
... i'm salivating.
Goodnight, dear Sony, you prince of Japan, you king of your own imagination ... stick to building Wegas ... you had me at 'XBR'.
Blitz11 @ Nov 1st 2006 10:30PM
on the topic of controllers... I'm a dedicated X-box 360 player...and hearing my friend say they don't want to play the xbox because of the controller being bigger(when 360 also has 4 buttons,2 thumbsticks,and 4 top buttons)is basically just bitching about something they probably never even tried...one person even told me that they like playstation better because the sports games were better.lol.Sports games almost ALWAYS releases on all the systems(maybe not gamecube)to get more money and people say their better on playstation when there exactly the same! I salute nintendo for trying to be original and not stealing ideas...lol.
Chris @ May 8th 2006 10:54PM
lol sony got all lawyered up over Dualshock.. lost dualshock... they added xyz... (half arsed) i can just see the battles about to rage lol am i the only one that ever thought the ps2 controller was flimsyly light and felt cheap? ... wow and this is lighter? (DUHHHHHH THERE ARENT ANY DUALSHOCK MOTORS!)
Synergy @ May 8th 2006 10:57PM
Apple did not steal from Xerox, they gave Xerox a good sum of stock options through which Xerox made some good money.
Scenespin dot com @ May 8th 2006 10:57PM
If you Nintendo fan boys had any knowledge of controller use, you'd take your head out of your ass.
To develop the motion sensing in that controller, it takes oodles of time. There's no way they could have just drummed up that idea as soon as they heard about it from Nintendo's dev community.
It also works differently than Nintendo's Pii. So get over it and move on.
The augmented reality is going to make card game nerds Pii their pants. That's a huge market and Sony made a really good move on getting into it. The eye toy would have died otherwise.
By titles alone, the PS3 is going to dominate the market immediately upon release. If Nintendo has any sense, they'd make sure that it is released before Sony.
Anyone want a used X360? Look for one on Craigslist come November 17th.
Caleb @ May 8th 2006 10:59PM
First off, who cares that Sony 'ripped off' Nintendo? Of course they did. If they didn't, they would be left behind. Just like everyone is ripping off Microsofts unified online service.
Hopefully Sony will make it a solid product. I plan on purchasing a PS3 as soon as I'm able to.
$500? That's not bad at all. For $99 dollars more than an Xbox360 you get a built in Bluray player and all the exclusive titles the PS3 is sure to have. That's worth a benjamin in my book.
As for the controller itself... I don't know. A new style would have been exciting...but I do like the feel of the original PS controller. The motion detection will probably only be really good in a few titles. I REALLY hope it has a vibration fuction... but since they were sued for that earlier this year I have a feeling the bad news is true.
But whatever. All three systems seem to rock out the features. I'm buyin them all.
yaggg @ May 8th 2006 10:59PM
Sony did a good job but i hate there controller lol.No triggers so ill stick to my 360 but atleast they are improving.
For all those who havint held the 360 controller its best controller 2 date :)
Buying all 3 consoles cause they rock :P
Sledge Hammer @ May 8th 2006 11:00PM
Good move by Sony in keeping the Dual Shock controller for the PS3, I still think its the best controller out there and by adding motion detection the PS3 will easily dominate the next gen console wars, again.
Haha, its funny seeing all the XBOX fanatics squirming in their mom's basement now that they realize the xbox 360 is the only new console out there without a controller with motion detection!!!
Trust me, I know what I'm doing.
neutral @ May 8th 2006 11:00PM
Ok, so it doesn't matter whether Sony stole the design from Nintendo or not. Sony will still only won the hardcore gamers. Nintendo IS REACHING gamers from all ages now. Did you read the TIME article? Imagine you're not a gamer and read it what will be your reaction? Interested because it is easy? After all, the controller still looks complicated and hard to control for newbie despite the motion sensor they put. Yeah, PS3 will still win the 'real' gamers but Nintendo might have already won the bigger picture of what we think.
benny @ May 8th 2006 11:00PM
THE PS3 CONTROLLER IS NOT A WIIRIP.
http://pages.videotron.com/ultrabns/pic/negcon.gif
THE PS3 CONTROLLER IS NOT A WIIRIP!
http://pages.videotron.com/ultrabns/pic/negcon.gif
Once more: THE PS3 CONTROLLER IS NOT A WIIRIP!!!
http://pages.videotron.com/ultrabns/pic/negcon.gif
That's the Negcon. An additional controller available for the PS1. It basically had a slightly inferior tilt control to the new PS3 controller design. Tilt control is very different to what the Wii uses. The Wii will be able to sense depth, it's a completely different experience. This controller is more of an additional bonus for certain games such as flight simulators and maybe driving games.
Summary: IT'S NOT A NINTENDO RIP. STOP WHINGING.
Kenny @ May 8th 2006 11:00PM
Is there a video of the conference online? If so, where? Considering the controller, i say they should have made the design smoother than the DS2. I don't think Sony will sway away from the DS2 design for it has brought them the most success, but the next generation is yearning for innovation.
keynoteshiznat @ May 8th 2006 11:00PM
depotman45, i think you mean:
"Question: What is the difference between a Nintendo Fanboy and a puppy? Answer: A puppy stops whining after it grows up."
dburney @ May 8th 2006 11:01PM
Sony had patents for this type of motion detection well before the Revolution. Seriously people, you think they just pull this stuff outta their ass? It takes time and R&D to develop this stuff - for both camps. Sony and Nintendo were working on this at the same time. Nintendo just announced theirs first.
Oscar @ May 8th 2006 11:01PM
hey i think its perfect that they added the gyro, and the design is also perfect; "If it aint broke DONT fix it" they have had a good design since 1995 and they stuck with it good job Sony, you are getting a BLUE RAY player for $200 maximum, i think it really is a bargain.
Chase_p1 @ May 8th 2006 11:04PM
Finally, a controller for those people who can't help but think turning the controller works like a steering wheel. Maybe I'll actually be able to race my little sister....
DerekJ @ May 8th 2006 11:05PM
I am not going to buy this...
it's too expensive.
Max1138 @ May 8th 2006 11:14PM
motion sensor controllers, innovative? What about the old PC ones?
http://gear.ign.com/articles/324/324346p1.html
http://www.planethardware.com/features/misc/logitech_wingman_extreme/
Awesome Pirate @ May 8th 2006 11:14PM
1. Sony are a bunch of wankers for ripping off Nintendo's Wiimote. Evidently a last minute addition as only one game poorly supported it.
2. $500 for a PS3? Not to mention having to purchase a HD tv set, what a fucking rip off.
3. It's like Sony took a bit of innovation from Nintendo's wiimote, a bit of innovation from Xbox Live and looked entirely stupid in the process.
4. They lose on being the first to the market. They lose on innovation (couldn't there have been at least ONE original idea). They lose on price. They lose immense respect for ripping off nintendo. And I doubt those polygons are real.
5. The blu ray player will be a first generation player, crap and useless. The ps2 was a shoddy dvd player and don't argue.
The PS3 controller, what a joke.
Elhomeboy @ May 8th 2006 11:18PM
Aw c'mon sony fanboys. Lets not make it a fight. I am going to buy both machines. I am buying the ps3 for graphics and the wii for revolution. I do not want the revolution to come out with half assed graphics, as well as i don't want the ps3 to come out with half ass controllers. I like them both but c'mon stick to your guns sony.
Xell @ May 8th 2006 11:18PM
Why does making a controller that sense motion innovative? It's nothing special.
I hate how you all think Nintendo is going to be a good console just because it has a fancy controller. Well look, now Sony does too, so maybe you should buy a PS3 instead... with superior graphics.
js @ May 8th 2006 11:19PM
You guys are so stupid. The point of making the controller the same design is so that there is some BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY since you will be playing PSX and PS2 games as well. Heck, it may be possible to attach your old Playstation controller to the PS3 through a USB adapter.
Chris @ May 8th 2006 11:20PM
43: kiss ass they can diss if they want why? cause there console DID HAVE IT FIRST! im a xbox360 guy and yes im getting a wii why? cause they have the full implementation of the location awareness in their controller unlike the ps3.. and also the ps3 controller has and still is apparently the most uncomfortable controller ever designed.. oh and the games look the same as the darn 360 anyway (actually with visible distance limits there kinda subpar)
sc00tert00ter @ May 8th 2006 11:20PM
well, its good to know that sony still has some genuine thinkers! really original.
ps3 gfx = cgi
the hardware for the gpu was months ago and AMAZINGLY better than pc video cards that have been released recently
i have 512mb 7900gtx in sli and i dont get graphics like that... i know it has a lot to do with programing but thats unreal and highly unlikly... if it is true graphics (highly doubted) ps3 will be a definate win over 360.
Matt @ May 8th 2006 11:20PM
I think Sony did the right thing here. Like it's been repeated over and over: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Nintendo is really centering their new console around this revolutionary controller... but gaming shouldn't come down to how awesome the controller is, it should above all come down to how good the games are.
We're putting so much focus on the Wii's controller. Sony obviously thinks they don't need to change a thing. And I agree.
Fordi @ May 8th 2006 11:21PM
Its amazing how sony continues to get lamer with each announcment. I'd like to see a media boycott on them for lack of innovation. It is almost as bad as their 'ipod killers'. I just hope the general public doesn't get swindled into thinking this controller provide anything close to the Wii controller.
wunderbar @ May 8th 2006 11:22PM
looks like we have the PS-Thwii-60