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Stereotypes (and Sackboys!) in new Rag Doll Kung Fu trailer
Sony's prepping one of its next big PSN downloads: Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic. The follow-up to Mark Healey's PC game takes full advantage of the PS3 controller, encouraging gamers to tilt and move the SIXAXIS to unleash wacky kung-fu combos. A new trailer (available after the break) highlights the game's zany characters. Pay close attention and you'll see a customizable Sackboy in the trailer as well.The game will be available for download off the PlayStation Store in less than one month: April 9th. A demo should provide players a good taste of all the offline-only multiplayer the game has to offer.%Gallery-27901%
Sony's DualShock 3 controller hacked to work in Windows
Love your SIXAXIS controller? Wish you could just plug it into your PC and enjoy the spoils of familiarity when engaging in PC gaming sessions? You're in luck, so long as you're not terrified of branching out a bit and loading up some new drivers on your rig. A Japanese coder has whipped up four drivers that not only enable Sony DualShock 3 controllers to operate within Windows, but also support rumble and enable all sorts of tweaking. Hit the read link to get the show started, and be sure to let us know how it goes.[Thanks, craig]
Sony's multifaceted AC adapter, PS3 wireless keypad notch December ship dates
We won't say that the onset of the holiday shopping season has, um, encouraged Sony to get with the program here, but the deafening roar of wallets everywhere opening up probably didn't hurt matters. That said, we're informed today that the long-awaited PlayStation 3 wireless keypad will begin hitting US retailers during the first week of December for $49.99. Furthermore, the outfit's multi-purpose twin port AC adapter -- which can charge a DualShock 3, SIXAXIS, Sony Bluetooth headset and the aforementioned wireless keypad attachment -- will be in those same stores a week later for $24.99.%Gallery-37995%
New AC adapter can charge PS3 peripherals
Our friends in Japan will soon be able to free their USB ports from the tyranny of charging SIXAXISes (SIXAXES?), as Sony has announced they'll soon be releasing an AC adapter that can charge two PS3 peripherals. It's coming to Japan on Dec. 18 for 2,800 yen (about $28 USD).No, we don't have a date on a U.S. release yet, but, our knowledgable friends at PS3 Fanboy hypothesize it will be cheaper when it reaches our shores.
Sony has a PS3 controller charger, let us show you it
Even with today's wireless video game controllers, you can't stay untethered forever. After a few hours of gaming on the PlayStation 3, you'll have to plug in that SIXAXIS or DualShock 3 USB cable to charge. Starting December 18th, Sony Japan will offer an AC adapter intended for PS3 controllers at a price of ¥2,800 (just under $30). Like third party solutions we've seen, it has two USB ports so you'll be able to do two controllers or toss in a Bluetooth headset. Nothing yet on availability outside of Japan, but if we get word we'll be all over it, 'cause we feel slightly guilty for leaving the PS3 on overnight to charge -- what with the world's dwindling energy supply and all.
PSP Plus awkwardly unites PSP, DualShock 3
With only one analog nub, the PSP can't seem to nail down a comfortable first or third-person shooter control scheme on its own, but a new tech called "PSP Plus" will allow users to pair the handheld with the PlayStation 3's more genre-capable SIXAXIS or DualShock 3 controllers. Sony announced PSP Plus at the Tokyo Game Show today but didn't provide much info about how it works, so we're not sure if it's the same technology that was patented last year. We do know there's a pretty outrageous catch: you'll need to connect your PSP to your PS3 to use the controller. With only one game supported (Resistance Retribution), we prefer just about any homemade hack to this solution, and if you're at home with your PS3, why not play Resistance 2 instead? It's what Kratos would do.
Europe gets DualShock 3 July 2, UK on July 4
Sony Europe announced this morning that the DualShock 3 will release in the land down under over there on July 2 and in the UK on July 4. The rumble-licious controller will cost £40 -- there is currently no price given in Euros.So, happy American Independence Day merry ol' England! Crack open a can of Bud, prep some barbecue and go down to your local games shoppe and pick up a DualShock 3. Yes, it's everything the Sixaxis was supposed to be.%Gallery-16981%
Sony's Wiimote competitor to come as break-apart DualShock 3?
So GamesIndustry's got word that Sony's supposedly-forthcoming Wiimote competitor is taking shape as something that sounds a lot like a break-apart DualShock 3, which would split down the middle and be used as two independent halves. Because that's really what the PS3 needs, is another kind of controller. Seriously, do they really think any new device will be greeted warmly by the PlayStation fans they first disappointed with the SIXAXIS, and then bullied into paying $55 for a DualShock 3 (and only because they spent so much time fighting Immersion over the money they clearly owed in the first place)? There's a chance we could find out at this year's E3 if this controller really is in the works, but it's a small one as they're still trying to help people get over the DualShock 3 hump, after all.
DualShock 3 shakes down US for $10.9 million in April
Apparently, rumble does matter to a lot of Americans. According to SCEA, the feedback-giving DualShock 3 had $10.9 million in sales during the month of April, meaning that about 200,000 Americans were ready to put down $55 for some vibration from their PS3 controller.As we learned from our initial impression of the DualShock 3: Yes, it's worth it. We do know that the Sixaxis is on its way out, but at this point only the MGS bundles come with the DS3. We're still waiting for the "official" changeover to occur with regular PS3 consoles.%Gallery-16981%
Mirror's Edge team praises tilt controls, Cell architecture
Click for high-resolution image. Sean Decker, general manager of Battlefield developer DICE, spoke to VideoGamer.com about their upcoming Mirror's Edge. The first-person platforming/action game made its debut at PlayStation Day, which led some to believe the title was a PS3-exclusive. It's not, but the team is promising to make the most out of the PS3's unique architecture. For example, the team plans on utilizing tilt controls: "The great thing about it is that there's a lot of little things like, Faith there when she's walking like this (points to Mirror's Edge trailer showing Faith tightrope-walking across a beam), Sixaxis controls, super easy to implement and say, OK well just balance it and then you've got it there, as opposed to teaching a player to say, oh let's push this button or that button.""The other thing is the Cell really allows us to push the resolution of our textures much higher and we've taken full advantage of that as well. So there's a lot of little quirks to it that we really like and our engineers love as well as our designers." However, Decker wouldn't go so far as saying the PS3 version is superior to the Xbox 360 version -- they're simply "different."%Gallery-22498%
Sony dumping off old SIXAXIS controllers in MGS4 "Welcome Box" PS3 bundles
Now that the Dual Shock 3 is finally here, it looks like Sony's finding creative way to dump off old SIXAXIS stock -- like tossing 'em in MGS4 PS3 bundles. Japanese PS3 buyers will be able to choose from three "Welcome Box" MGS4 bundles in Satin Silver, Ceramic White, and Clear Black, and in addition to Snake's latest adventure and a Dual Shock 3, they'll find a SIXAXIS inside. The bundles will cost ¥49,800 ($470), compared to ¥51,800 ($492) for the gunmetal gray bundle that doesn't include the extra controller, so basically Sony's giving Japanese buyers $20 to take a SIXAXIS home. That's quite a deal, but honestly, we'd rather drop the Jackson on that super-hot gunmetal unit than have another (obsolete) controller lying around.[Via Joystiq]
Save the Sixaxis: New MGS4 'Welcome Box' bundles announced for Japan
Not one to sit back and let the Sixaxis suffer into extinction, Sony Japan will carefully package the feathery gamepad into a trifecta of new Metal Gear Solid 4 bundles. Dubbed the "Welcome Box," the new limited edition bundle will be offered in three standard flavors (Clear Black, Ceramic White and Satin Silver) and will include a 40GB console, rumblin' DualShock 3 and copy of MGS4 -- oh, and yes, one's very own Sixaxis. The Welcome Box (shouldn't it be "Goodriddance Box?") will be made available in concurrence with the worldwide release of MGS4 on June 12 for a reasonable ¥49,800 (roughly $470). Comparatively, the "Hagane" Grey MGS4 bundle will retail for ¥51,800; and so essentially, Sony's offering a savings of ¥2,000 (about $20) to folks who adopt a Sixaxis. Too bad no Welcome Box's been announced for North America. We'd so love to join the cause: Save the Sixaxis! %Gallery-21973%
SIXAXIS being discontinued in America, still no sign of DS3s in Europe
Well hooray for that. It's about bloody time that Sony finally says that they're discontinuing the SIXAXIS controllers. They'd told Stephen Totilo of MTV exactly that, adding that once the current stock runs out (estimated to be sometime during the Summer) there will be no more. Presumably this means that DualShock 3s will be made standard pack-ins when buying a PS3. Again, it's about bloody time.Meanwhile SCEE are remaining tight lipped regarding any date for a European launch of the new rumbling controllers. We're hoping they'll hit before June, considering how big of a fan Kojima is of using the feature. There is a rumor that DualShock 3s will be hitting Europe a month from now, on May 2nd. If we hear anything more then we'll be sure to let you know.
Sony pulling plug on SIXAXIS
This shouldn't come as much of a ... shock, but Sony is discontinuing the Sixaxis in light of the DualShock 3's arrival, according to MTV. A Sony rep says that you can likely expect them to all be gone by summertime.The practical upshot is that if your hands have become so atrophied from a lack of physical activity that you can no longer support the DualShock's heft, you may want to stock up on featherweight Sixaxises (Sixaxi?). Good night, sweet, almost comically light prince. And flights of angels (controllable with aftertouch) sing thee to thy rest.
DualShock 3 available next week, compatibility list released
Let's get ready to rumble! Sony's PlayStation Blog announced today that DualShock 3 controllers are currently shipping to North American stores and should be available next week. The controller originally had an April 15 release date attached to it, but can now be sold as soon as retailers receive them.We've placed the full list of DualShock 3 compatible titles after the break; games with an asterisk require a patch (which will automatically download if you're connected online). Sony has also added a page to its official PlayStation site dedicated to listing titles with rumble. DualShock 3 compatible titles will have an icon on the box and the controller's suggested retail price is $55. For those who truly don't care about rumble, keep an eye out for falling Sixaxis prices.Update: Edited piece after Sony let us know that the DualShock 3 compatibility page is live and confirmed the controllers can be sold as soon as retailers receive them.
Deal of the Morning: DualShock 3 for $50
While it might not be much of a deal, Amazon currently has fresh DualShock 3 controllers listed at $50 (pre-order only, of course). From the looks of the webpage, the deal looks permanent, at least, until pre-orders end (MSRP is $54.99). The Sixaxis has been cut down to about $44, so we can assume they're trying to create a hierarchy of controllers. A fiefdom, if we may. Anyway, if you're looking for a DualShock 3 pre-order, this is probably good news for you.
Quick guide on how to use your Sixaxis on the PC
How To: Use PS3 SixAxis On PC - The best video clips are hereWe've probably talked about it before, but some people have found ways to use the PS3's Sixaxis controller on the PC. However, we've only been told things or seen images serving as proof. Now we have a fantastic tutorial video to show you how you can do it right now, at home. If the video wasn't edited at all, you could have a functioning Sixaxis on your computer in about three and a half minutes. Good luck!
Revolutionary: Controller Showdown, Round 2
Every (other) Tuesday, Mike Sylvester brings you REVOLUTIONARY, a look at the wide world of Wii possibilities. var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Revolutionary_Controller_Showdown_Round_2'; Some of you may have wanted to see the Wiimote and SIXAXIS dropped on an island with explosive collars around their necks, forced to fight a deathmatch, but Battle Royale this is not. Nintendo and Sony would happily accept you placing both consoles in your entertainment center, because they offer up different experiences. Getting a DVD player doesn't require the discontinuation of cable TV service, nor does it render your iPod obsolete. But they are similar in that they are gaming input devices, so there will naturally be some overlap in possible applications. It's for that reason we're interested in seeing which controller is better at what. So with no further ado: Round 2. Fight!
Lair control fix may be in the works
The shoddy SIXAXIS controls may not be Lair's only problem, but it's certainly the one that's taken the brunt of the criticisms pointed at the game. Throughout it all developer Factor 5 has insisted that motion-controlled dragons were the only way to go, but it seems that they may finally be softening. Recently, the company's president, Julian Eggebrecht, told IGN "If we find a chance in the future that would bring Lair to the audience which didn't get any access, that would be fantastic," he said. "I can't say anything quite yet, but there might be something in the works there. We might have a chance yet to bring those back to the table and hopefully, if that should happen, they would give the game a second chance." Now, as much as we'd like to see a patch, we get the sneaking suspicion he's hinting at a sequel. What does it sound like to you?[Update: More of Eggebrecht's quote added.][Via PS3F]
Factor 5 might finally fix Lair's control scheme
It's no secret many gamers aren't very happy with Lair's SIXAXIS control scheme. And despite overwhelming requests by gamers the world over for Factor 5 to issue a patch to rectify the issue, months have gone by without any fix for this issue.However, Factor 5's President Julian Eggebrecht recently hinted that a fix may finally be in the pipeline. "I can't say anything quite yet, but there might be something in the works there," he said. Additionally, he admitted the decision to only include the SIXAXIS control scheme was a mistake. "If you're on a platform where this whole motion control is something new and not being pitched as the main feature of the platform, you should probably give the choice between having different control schemes, there is absolutely no doubt about it," he added.It's hard not to agree with Eggebrecht, but what a lot of gamers out there want is just a fix for what many believe is crippling controls for an otherwise decent game. Hopefully, Factor 5 chooses to give us what we want.
