Kaz Hirai hints at future SIXAXIS iterations

Don't look now, but here we have yet another crop of details on Sony's (still) forthcoming rumbling SIXAXIS. In a recent interview with Kaz Hirai, he mentioned that Sony is currently looking at "a variety of other things [besides rumble] that it can incorporate with the controller," and while he wasn't giving out specifics, he did say that we could look forward to any enticing announcements in due time. He also declared that the controller itself was an "evolving peripheral," and piqued our interest even more by suggesting that the existing model would not be "the final model for a PS3 controller." If nothing else, we're utterly relieved to know that conjuring up a controller for the PlayStation 4 will be a piece of cake -- getting a first-party rumbling version for the PS3, however, still seems to be an issue.

[Via Joystiq]

[Ignatius @ Jul 22nd 2007 11:54AM]

For an evolving peripheral, it seems to really not change much. I mean, what's changed since the PS1? Two joysticks, rumble, then accelerometers?

The PS4 controller will be another Dual-Shock. Or Dual-Tilt.

[Rees Clissold @ Jul 22nd 2007 1:34PM]

If there is a PS4. :D

[JohnTitor @ Jul 22nd 2007 3:56PM]

with this announcement, I wouldn't be surprised if it "evolved" in a remote shape considering their last move in adding motion sensing in the controller last minute

[Big Ed @ Jul 22nd 2007 12:12PM]

Are you finally going to add the revolutionary concept of rumble to the SIXAXIS Kaz?

[ssuk @ Jul 22nd 2007 12:43PM]

They should release a rumble SIXAXIS and name it; wait for it... SIXAXIS Classic. That way they wouldn't have to tread over old ground and get their infamous "rumble is so last gen" quote thrown in their face all the time.
I have mixed oppinions on this. On one hand, early adopters of the PS3 will feel shunned because the SIXAXIS controlers they have aren't as advanced as the new SIXAXIS controlers they're speaking about. On the other, the controler will have a functionality which wont seem pretty pointless for a vast majority of video game titles the PS3 will have. (And any prospective ports of Xbox 360 games may have the same rumble features as the game has on the 360.)

Of course, I could be wrong in thinking that they will make an all-in-one SIXAXIS and could actually be making several different SIXAXIS controlers. Strange as it sounds, but at least that way, everyone can be equally jipped by this.

But anyway, I expect further details to arise at TGS later this year. E3's announcement was a new PSP... So...

[Yami @ Jul 22nd 2007 1:00PM]

So basically, this is saying that consumers are going to be screwed into buying new iterations every so often?

Taking a candle from Apple I see.

[Rees Clissold @ Jul 22nd 2007 1:34PM]

Just like how you can't run the latest version of OS X on an 8 year old iMac...

...Oh, wait...

[John @ Jul 22nd 2007 4:55PM]

Just like how every year there's the annual 'fashion tax' so you can run the newest service pack from apple, jackass.

[Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ Jul 22nd 2007 1:15PM]

What about FPS controller for PS3/PS*?

[steve Johnson @ Jul 22nd 2007 1:56PM]

How about simply having mouse/keyboard gaming support for all PS3 games? For the life of me I don't know why Sony doesn't do this. I mean, what would be the most assured way for Sony to take a huge chunk out of PC gaming?

Before you say it, yes, I know Unreal Tournament 3 for the PS3 will have the option to play with a mouse and keyboard, but my point is that that should be option for ALL games.

[Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ Jul 22nd 2007 2:06PM]

> How about simply having mouse/keyboard gaming support for all PS3 games?

That will not do. Because PS3 stands under TV and player sits some meters away from TV.

And even then, sitting on sofa and operating keyboard and mouse efficiently - as required for intense game play of FPS - is just impossible. I have seen many feeble attempts at using PCs that way. It sucks.

> that should be option for ALL games.

This is game console. The benefit of game consoles is that hardware configuration is very predictable. Optional keyboard and mouse bought from 3rd parties cannot be tested for compatibility and all other stuff. Regardless of how commodity mouse and keyboard both now are, they still *require* extra drivers from OS. And that's defies whole point of console - all-in-one solution with stable HW specs.

Unless blessed by Sony/MSFT themselves, FPS controller will not materialize.

[Kirk Go @ Jul 22nd 2007 2:01PM]

How about motion hand controller! Its similar to Wii-Fit but PS3 can catch your moves with powerful force in any direction! This can also catch your sound, like snaping, stomping and spitting, lol! It'll have rumble built-in to feel the force pushing you or smacking in your body. Its like fighting imaginary grizzle bear to prevent your wife and kids, lol!

[ssuk @ Jul 22nd 2007 3:15PM]

Congratulations, you've just killed the English language. Here's your medal.

[brokenkeyboard @ Jul 22nd 2007 6:41PM]

orbo?

[HyperHacker @ Jul 22nd 2007 6:48PM]

Who wants to bet their additions include an infrared sensor and a speaker?

[KC @ Jul 23rd 2007 3:31AM]

I sure hope that they will release a PS3 wireless keyboard and mouse (with all the PS3 buttons on the keyboard). With Home coming soon, I hope that Sony would release one. Yes, I know all of you will say "use any USB keyboard/mouse", but those don't have the PS button, L1, R1 buttons, etc.

Sony should just release, or make available some MMOs for the PS3. I really really hate upgrading my PC graphics card (a nice GPU costs more than an xbox/PS3), and want to get away from the PC for gaming.

[Richard Lai @ Jul 25th 2007 6:01AM]

What on earth has Kaz been eating recently? Or is it just a badly squashed photo?