Sony DualShock 3 unboxing: ready to rumble?

While it wasn't as though our Tokyo bureau was blessed with PS3 firmware 2.0 way in advance of us poor saps in the States, they certainly were among the first in the world to snag the retail release of the most controversial next-gen controller, MIA since launch in late 2006 until now: Sony's DualShock 3. (In ceramic white, no less!) It's nothing you haven't already seen here on Engadget, but feel free to inspect the package porn in the gallery below, letting waves of envy wash over you as that ¥5,500 ($50 US) burns a hole in your pocket. But hey, no reason to get too worked up, after all what possible need could your next-gen PlayStation have for the hottest "last-gen" feature on the block?

Gallery: Sony DualShock 3 unboxing: ready to rumble?

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[Jamesology @ Nov 12th 2007 3:12AM]

Danggit! I really want a PS3. Pls. make more games so there is more of a reason besides this controller... :(

[carlos @ Nov 12th 2007 3:20AM]

I don't miss the rumble, but I'm definitely getting the white controller when it comes out, it looks nice.

[LesbianHam @ Nov 12th 2007 6:06AM]

You don't miss the rumble? Is someone lying to themself.. ?

[Andir3.0 @ Nov 12th 2007 6:40AM]

There are those of use that don't. I always turned it off.

[riggs @ Nov 12th 2007 8:53AM]

i did too, shit was annoying.

[Constable Odo @ Nov 12th 2007 10:15AM]

Never used rumble when racing Gran Turismo. I thought it was annoying.

[threefingeredlord @ Nov 12th 2007 12:53PM]

You people are strange.

[Dale @ Nov 15th 2007 1:05PM]

I don't miss the rumble either...I could go either way though, its a nice feature to have,and i used it depending on the game.. but so far playing games on the ps3, i haven't really noticed that i don't have it, because im so drawn into the game by the actual game play and graphics.

[thef1re @ Nov 12th 2007 3:45AM]

I cant figure out why the PS3, being a "next gen" console, has recycled the controller from the PSX (Original Playstation).

But then again, "if it ain broken, dont fix it".

[why not the LS2/LS7? @ Nov 12th 2007 4:01AM]

The PS1 controller didn't have analog joysticks or vibration. The Dual Shock came along a lot later.

The PS1 controller didn't have analog face buttons or long-throw, analog triggers on the bottom.

The PS1 controller didn't have tilt sensing.

The PS1 controller wasn't wireless.

This bears a family resemblance to the PS1 controller, but no more "recycles" it than the PS2 did.

[Rowdehaj @ Nov 12th 2007 4:44PM]

Besides, the Wii like totally recycles the NES controller! Oh sure, it might look weird and new and stuff when you hold it and swing it, but try titling it to the side!

[Serpentine_Solution @ Nov 12th 2007 4:12AM]

I thought Sony withdrew the Dual Shock in the first place cuz they got sued by some company for mooching on their idea.
Anyone got any hints on whether thats true?

[Michael Vermaak @ Nov 12th 2007 4:33AM]

That issue has been settled at a price to Sony. but it's good to it all sorted and us getting the rumble back.

[Fank @ Nov 12th 2007 4:45AM]

lol, go sony, cave in some more why dont you.

[Zombie Ned Flanders @ Nov 12th 2007 4:58AM]

1994
(Original PSX Controller)
+ analog sticks
= (Dual Analog Controller)
+ analog sticks
= (DualShock)
+ analog buttons*
= (DualShock2)
+ bluetooth
+ tilt sensors
- force-feedback
= (SixAxis)
+ force-feedback
= (DualShock3)
2007

So, Sony's crammed analog sticks, force-feedback, some analog buttons, a few tilt sensors and bluetooth wireless into a 13-year-old design? Way to innovate!

I can't wait for the DualShock5. I hear it's gonna be wireless (I hear DualShock4 won't be).

[Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ Nov 12th 2007 5:13AM]

As it was said in earlier comments - "if it ain't b0rked don't fix it." For many people classical controller works. At least that's what they used to say all the time. /me is keyboard+mouse type.

[Panathas17 @ Nov 12th 2007 10:52AM]

R U trying to prove something? Or are you just another one of those 360 fans???

[Sain @ Nov 12th 2007 11:51AM]

What is your point? What are you trying to prove? The controller works, the design works. Sony tried changing the design, a lot of people complained, said they wanted the same design. Sony did that.

[CosterMonger @ Nov 12th 2007 12:19PM]

swap D-pad and analog, move 2 buttons + better triggers = controller S
or don't you remeber the ORIGINAL XBOX controller? the one where they did "market research"

if DualShock 3 has better triggers then great, that's all it needs.

[Shawn Michael @ Nov 12th 2007 2:05PM]

You are sooo right Zombie Ned (and a few others). Why in the hell should the manufacturer of the GREATEST SELLING CONSOLE of ALL TIME bother listening to the THRONGS OF MILLIONS of fans of their hardware? Why shouldn't they just go out and design an all new controller just so they can join the "Next-Gen Controller" bandwagon?

OH WAIT!! I know why!!

BECAUSE THEIR FANS REQUESTED OTHERWISE. I always make sure when people are offering me money for one thing, I give them something totally different. Besides, you proved everyones argument right their in your eloquent time line. They took an AWARD WINNING controller design, and then added even MORE FEATURES to it, to increase the enjoyment and functionality of this established award winner. Then made it WIRELESS.

If it ain't broke, Don't Fix it.
If millions love it and hands it awards, Why change it?

Besides, you are probably a 360 Fan boy who thinks Microsoft has Innovated. OH WAIT!! They didn't innovate anything.. They made a GOD AWFUL BRICK of a controller that took 4 people to hold and after enough people bitched about their pointless and self serving attempts at GAUDY name pushing, (the whole reason for the GIANT controller, to put the biggest advertisement of the console they could have on it), they changed it to be more sleek and light and compact.

So If you are talking Innovation, the only winner in this existing console war is Nintendo, but I will take a PS3 any day over the Wii. Good on Ya to Big N for innovation. Too bad the system and software just doesn't appeal to me the way the PS3 and its offerings do. (P.S. - The 360 Controller ROCKS ASS. I love the feel of it.) But there is nothing Innovative about it. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE INNOVATIVE. Does it feel good in my hands? - HELLS YES
Does it give me freedom to grab a beer while still fragging? - HELLS YES
Does it look good? - HELLS YES.
Is it Innovative and exciting? - HELL NO.

P.S. - Probably could have been more short and concise, but I am at work typing fast. This will sum it up - STFU.

[jamminman @ Nov 15th 2007 9:50PM]

r-tarded "innovation" flame wars = no one who isn't a total douchebag cares.

[TheGoog @ Nov 12th 2007 5:22AM]

Sony being sued over their rumble technology is correct Serpentine_Solution. What really amuses me though is how theyy told everyone that they couldnt do rumble because it was technically impossible to combine with their sensors. (read - we got our asses sued) Then months later they announce a HUGE technical breakthrough in their R&D deparptment allowing them to combine the 2 elements. (read - we got our asses handed to us in the lawsuit and paid up)

Either way, Sony lies to their customers thinking they're stupid enough to believe them. And quite frankly, they are, seeing as how many Sony fanboys are out there heralding this controller as the second coming.

[Andir3.0 @ Nov 12th 2007 6:43AM]

Yeah, and Microsoft is in it for the gamers! Keep telling yourself that Sony thinks your an idiot. Go on if it makes you feel better.

[steve Johnson @ Nov 12th 2007 7:13AM]

Hey Goog, read the two comments below your and STFU.

BURN!

[tits @ Nov 12th 2007 10:42AM]

that controller shape is a classic, dont touch it! its simply the best!

[TC @ Nov 12th 2007 8:32AM]

I've always thought the PS controller to be the most comfortable to hold out of the consoles, but the analogue sticks feel a touch uncomfortable to reach for. I don't like the xbox method of one analogue stick up and one down either, but the xbox has the better trigger buttons (wtf is up with R2 and L2 on the sixaxis curving outwards so your fingers slip off them??)
Ideally I'd like DualShock4 to give me psp-style analogue nubs and proper trigger buttons.

[TheGoog @ Nov 12th 2007 4:13PM]

I'm actually a PC guy.... but thanks for for classifying me alongside the so called 'next-gen' console counterparts.

Everything that requires a fixed platform in just to static and boring for my tastes, sorry.

[anantha92 @ Nov 12th 2007 8:04AM]

-Zombie Ned Flanders

The mouse and keyboard have been around for more than 25 years. If it ain't broke don't fix it, the original xbox one was broke that is why they fixed it :). Plus the controller is the thing that TRULY symblolizes PLAYSTAION and it's 15 year saga. And since when did Dualshock 2 have tilt sensing and bluetooth?

[riggs @ Nov 12th 2007 8:54AM]

its better to keep the same design than to try and bring it back and call it a classic controller.

[JSK @ Nov 12th 2007 10:02AM]

So when is this supposed to hit retail in the states? And importing one will work fine yes?

[Manuel @ Nov 12th 2007 10:08AM]

That controller its beautiful!

[iubyont @ Nov 12th 2007 10:27AM]

the rumble can cause wrist problems (if your old or already have carpal tunnel syndrome), then there's no need for rumble

[Matthew P @ Nov 12th 2007 10:34AM]

I would think the rumble would interfer w/ the sixaxis processor. Nothing could be more fun the twirling your controller around in the air to dodge flying boulders while having it rumble OMG!

[AGB @ Nov 12th 2007 4:48PM]

I ordered the white one like a month ago at www.japanvideogames.com for only $59.99.

Now its $74.99 hahaha good thing i ordered early.

Also whoever said SONY is INNOVATIVE about using the same old controller, why on earth, should SONY, make a new controller after this one fits perfect in your hands, has been for a long time, and we got used to it, so why again i say should sony change the style of the controller layout?

[Wolfticket @ Nov 12th 2007 2:24PM]

Hey look, the analogue stick is still in the wrong place.
Silly sony.

[Reader @ Nov 12th 2007 2:52PM]

I remember picking up the first xbox S controller and thinking it was wayyy more comfortable then the PS one. I'm no fan boy, love my ps2, but I don't see why people like the PS controllers over the xbox ones. I guess I was one of the few to like the boomerang too though.

[John @ Nov 12th 2007 4:28PM]

Seriously. You unboxed a Joystick? Are you f'ing kidding?
Why not more Android News?
(OMG! I"S GOOGLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Or more Iphone news?
(OMG! NOW IT"S GOT MORE FEATURES!!!!)

[DA360 @ Nov 12th 2007 4:54PM]

Well, now as an owner of all three platforms, I'm glad to see this. Ironically the PS3 is one of the first Sony consoles I've owned by I'm happy with it so far, but the lack of rumble is not a problem with some games but it shows in some others. I'm glad atleast their fixing this issue with their controller.

[sibbor @ Nov 13th 2007 3:14AM]

I love the PS3 - but I still think that Sony should have released the "banana" controller. I loved that design. Holding in the "old" controller everytime you sit in front of the PS3 makes it feel... old. The controller is too small for me - and I know a couple of pals of mine think so too. Also, way too light weight - but I guess this DualShock 3 is a bit heavier - hopefully!

I would love to see the new banana controller design; it simply looks bigger and more comfortable then the current PS(1|2|3) conntroller design.

[Jason @ Nov 14th 2007 7:29AM]

YAY, finaly rumble...but why the hell is it white?! I cant stand the X-Box controller, even the 360 ones, they just feel lop-sided and bulky given the chance to use a PS2/3 controller on an X-Box and I'll take it. If they changed the design/layout of the PS3 one I would be very unhappy, its the perfect chape, size and design (although admitedly the current PS3 controller is kinda on the light side, gumble will fix that though) and its just felt right ever since I got my first playstation. Still love the Wiimote for its uniqueness :D

[Eric Leung @ Nov 16th 2007 1:11AM]

so? no one cares

[robf @ Nov 24th 2007 10:36AM]

someone already asked this i think, but no answer:

if we get this controller in japan and bring it back to our US system, will it work?