dualshock-3
Latest
Crystal DualShock 3 hits Japan in December
A "Crystal," wireless DualShock 3 is coming to Japan on December 19, PlayStation Japan announced (translation from Polygon). The controller is translucent white and notably not made out of actual crystals. The Crystal DualShock 3 costs 5,500 yen ($56) and will be compatible with PlayStation Vita TV, which launches on November 14. There's no word if the Crystal controller will ever head westward. You'll recall this isn't the first time Sony has experimented with natural elements in its hardware.
PS4 controllers apparently compatible with OS X
Like the DualShock 3, the next iteration of the PlayStation controller design works surprisingly well on an Apple-branded computer. Product developer Chris Gallizzi demonstrates the functionality in a Vine clip below, but offers no explanation on how he was able to convince the Sony controller to play nice with Apple's hardware. If the DualShock 4 functions similarly to its predecessor in this capacity, it should offer simple Bluetooth connectivity under OS X. Simply fire up your Mac, turn on the controller, follow a few simple instructions, and you're done. Creating the link takes less than five minutes, and requires no more skill than changing your desktop's wallpaper.
Amazon game deals round up Dishonored, Skyrim and more
Dishonored and Skyrim: The Legendary Edition are co-headling the latest video game deals over on Amazon, each available for a limited time at a reduced price of $20 and $40, respectively. The Wii U version of Criterion's latest, Need for Speed: Most Wanted, is on sale for under $20 on Wii U, and down to $30 on other platforms. Other notable game deals include Epic Mickey 2 for between $20 and $25 across multiple platforms, Saints Row: The Third for $25 and under, Zone of the Enders HD Collection for less than $25 and the Mass Effect Trilogy for $35 on Xbox 360. There are also hardware deals up for consideration: DualShock 3 controllers are $40; one year Xbox Live Gold subscription cards are $46; and other Xbox 360 accessories are all on sale. If you feel like donning your savings spectacles, you can dive into the deals over on Amazon right now.
Sparkly silver DualShock 3 comes to North America this June
The limited edition metallic gray (Grey? Whatever – silver) DualShock 3 controller is coming to North America in early June, PlayStation announced today. Amazon lists its launch date as June 3, for $55. The silver DualShock 3 has everything found in previous colors, but with a sparkly metal glow.Japan gets its silver DualShock 3 on June 20 for 5,500 yen.
Sony's Xperia SP pairs with DualShock 3 controller, a nice merlot
Sony's Xperia SP smartphone will be able to sync with the PlayStation 3's DualShock 3 controller, allowing you to ditch the onscreen gamepad in compatible PlayStation Mobile games. The DualShock 3 connects to the Xperia SP via Bluetooth.The DualShock 3 should work with any games that support a USB gamepad. Finally, an excuse to bring a smartphone and a full-size DualShock 3 on the bus.
Silver DualShock 3 lands in Japan on June 20
PlayStation players in Japan can spruce up their console collection with a "Metallic Gray" variant of the DualShock 3 wireless PS3 controller, washing ashore on June 20 for 5,500 yen ($59), and that's including tax.While the metallic gray controller looks suited to Raiden's fashion sensibilities in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, it launches in conjunction with The Last of Us. That's just fine, since a controller based on that game would probably be covered in fungus. There's no word on a stateside release of the silver DualShock 3.
Yoshida: DualShock 3 won't work with PS4
"No, [PS4] doesn't support DualShock 3, but it does support PS Move," Sony worldwide studios president Shuhei Yoshida has confirmed. Considering the design of the DualShock 4 and the functionality within, we can't say we're too surprised.Obviously we knew about the PS Move compatibility, seeing as how it was featured during last night's event, but this is the first definitive word on DualShock 3 support. Last night Sony announced that PSOne, PS2 and PS3 games would be playable on PS4 through technology developed by Gaikai, but that PS3 discs would not work natively.
Sony Tablet S update lets you play with PS3 controllers, cable adapter required
We've got some good news for gamers that were willing to plunge into the PlayStation-certified world of Sony's tablets. The latest update to the company's divisive Tablet S will let you connect your DualShock 3 PS3 controllers with those 32-bit games of yesteryear. The update is available now in Sony's homeland of Japan and the company is also rewarding its tablet faithful with a free download; an Ape Escape-themed mini-game collection. It's not all good news, however. The clamshelled Tablet P doesn't get the controller hook-up and you'll need to buy an additional USB adapter cable to connect a controller to the monoscreened Tablet S. A briefly worded, vaguely translated release awaits after the break. Update: We've heard from Japanese users that you'll only need to the cable to initially pair the controller with the tablet. After that, you're free to wirelessly play away.
Sixaxis Controller app lets controllers and certain Android devices play nice together
Dancing Pixel Studios has heard the call of people looking for traditional control input on touch-based devices. The studio has released a new app for Android devices called Sixaxis Controller -- guess what it does? Yup, it allows you to use your Sixaxis or DualShock 3 controller on Android phones and tablets. (Great guess!) Of course, it's not that simple: The app only works on rooted Android devices and is largely incompatible with HTC and some newer Samsung hardware. Also, there are some other steps one must take prior to enjoying this tryst, like connecting the device to a Windows PC with a USB cable. But if you do get it up and running, you can connect up to four controllers to one device and custom configure your buttons. You can purchase Sixaxis Controller from the Android marketplace right now for $1.67, but we'd suggest trying Dancing Pixel's other free app first, Sixaxis Compatibility Checker, to see if your hardware is up to snuff.
Hyperkin's PS3 Remotext weds Blu-ray remote with keypad controller, DualShock 3 frets
With the PSN finally back up, it's time for important things -- you know, messaging your buds for a Black Ops pwning spree or hitting up Netflix. Hyperkin's Remotext for PS3 wants to help you get back into action with its hybrid remote / controller / chatpad. It features a slide-out Blu-ray remote panel, QWERTY keypad -- better positioned than SONY's offering -- and two analog nubs with a near-complete set of gaming controls. There's no sign of rear triggers, and Bluetooth connectivity is absent too, but it does come with a wireless USB receiver and rechargeable battery so you're not left scrounging between the couch cushions for AAs. Although we're doubtful it'll prove functional for gaming, it could be appropriate for PS3s that spend more time sitting at the movies than getting their Move on. The DualShock 3 shouldn't have much to worry about, but we'll find out at E3, when the Remotext will be officially showcased. There's no word on pricing or availability yet, but if you're dying for more in the meantime, a press release is beyond the break.
Infamous 2 hits Europe June 8, coming in so, so many bundles
Infamous 2 is coming out in the UK, Germany and Ireland on June 10, and the rest of Europe on June 8. Yes, we usually make a bigger deal out of release dates than just dropping them all plain-like in the first sentence like that, but we need as much space as we can get to explain the different bundles available to European shoppers. No joke, you guys: There are five different versions of Sucker Punch's dichotomous action title available in Europe's shops. So, there's the basic, vanilla flavored standard edition, the Special Edition (which includes extra powers and an "Original Cole" character skin) and the Hero Edition (which includes a lot of things, including a replica messenger bag). However, Europe also gets a bundle that includes the game and a "good" blue or "evil" red DualShock 3 controller, as well as a 320GB PS3 bundle. No prices have been announced for the bundles, but really, what price is too high for premium crimefighting? Or ... um, crimemaking?
Freemium 'Buzz!: Quiz Player' comes to PSN today, with DualShock support
You know that one team at the pub quiz nights that just crushes it every week? Well, we'd like to see you get even, and today's announcement and (free) release of Buzz!: Quiz Player, previously outed by the ESRB, seems like a good start. Quiz Player features 90 sample questions in the free base app launching on PSN today, plus classic Buzz! staples like Point Builder, Fastest Finger, Point Stealer and Final Countdown. The game supports the traditional Buzz! controllers and DualShock 3s -- which is most welcome, since it allows everyone a chance at those those quiz night know-it-alls. Honestly, they have it coming. Vendettas aside, other question packs will be available through in-game purchase, covering such topics as Comedy, Rock Legends, Space and U.S. Sports, according to associate producer Jenny Barbour, who also confirmed Facebook integration. Though, the feature questionably involves publishing your game details online. You wouldn't want your Facebook friends to find out you had no idea which volcano leveled Pompeii in 74 AD, would you? Psst, it was "Mount Suvius."
New Gametech Bear peripheral sticks your DualShock 3 to a PSP Go
Did you know that the PSP Go allows you to tether a PS3 controller to the handheld, effectively doing away with the portable nature of the device but arguably improving the feel of its controls? Maybe you didn't, largely because using a separate controller for a handheld device would be ... weird. Peripheral manufacturer Gametech Bear has come up with a way around this phenomenon -- it's created a device which physically adheres the PSP Go to a DualShock 3. Gametech plans to release the peripheral by the end of the year in Japan at a price point of 2,980 yen (or $36). Though it actually attaches the controller to the handheld, you still have to use a Bluetooth connection to tether the two devices. Here's hoping it doesn't interfere with your DualShock 3's Bluetooth connection to your top-of-the-line FutureToaster.
PSA: Sony says counterfeit PS3 controllers could explode
We're not sure why anyone would buy a knock-off DualShock 3 or SIXAXIS gamepad, considering the trouble Sony's taken to make sure they don't work, but the PlayStation 3 manufacturer has another reason you might want to steer clear of counterfeit pads -- they could be tiny Li-ion bombs poised to explode. Talk about force feedback! Yes, the company that brought us exploding laptop batteries says that third-party products "which are practically identical in appearance to genuine PlayStation®3 wireless controllers" may burst into flame, and as you might expect, Sony suggests that you run out to your nearest retailer and purchase the real deal instead.
Pink DualShock 3 arriving September 21, who's manly enough to buy one?
Should the classy white, or the patriotic red and blue PlayStation controllers not take your fancy, Sony's rolling out another hue just for you, discerning consumer: pink! The Japanese maker of everything with an electronic pulse has a bit of a tradition with this color and it's not like the great PS3 hasn't been licked by a few strokes of red lite before. Pricing is your typical $54.99 for this wireless console commander and GameStop should have them in within a couple of weeks.
Pink DualShock 3 controller coming September 21
Fans of lighter shades of red will be pleased to hear that the typically no-nonsense black (or blue!) DualShock 3 controller will be getting a somewhat whimsical pink paint job later this month. According to a recent Gamestop listing, the wireless controller will retail for the standard $55 and is expected to hit store shelves on September 21. The listing adds this model is "perfect for female gamers and households with kids," though that statement is rather narrow-minded -- don't you think? It's like, if we were to draw a Venn diagram including "ladies" and "people who would want to play games with a pink controller," there'd probably be a surprisingly small amount of overlap, and then, slightly adjacent to that overlap, there'd be an even smaller circle representing Steven Tyler. [Thanks, Vallanthaz]
'Classic White' DualShock 3 appears at e-tail, dreaming of an alabaster console
While the white PS3 Slim pictured above decidedly belongs to Japan, the "Classic White" DualShock 3 alongside has just appeared for preorder at e-tailers based in the US. Now, we wouldn't go so far as to claim that an ivory 160GB game system will follow this controller across the Pacific, but let's just say we won't be surprised if Sony reveals one anyhow before these preorders (tentatively) ship on October 15th. After all, Sony already sells a "Ceramic White" controller, and unless you're attempting to match colors, a single shade of eggshell paint is generally all you need. [Thanks, William]
DualShock can be used in lieu of Navigation Controller
Remember that rumor a couple years back of PS3 motion control gaming being based around a pull-apart DualShock 3? Well, perhaps it wasn't such a wild idea after all. No DualShock 3s have been harmed in the making of Move, but Joystiq has just confirmed that you can actually use the existing controller for Move gaming instead of springing for the Navigation Controller if you'd like. Obviously, you'll be one-handing the DualShock, not quite as comfortable as the Move's tiny, dedicated quasi-nunchuck, but it saves you $30 for your hassle. You'll only have access to the d-pad or four face buttons, depending on which side you choose, but interestingly, the Nav Controller's X and O buttons are redundant with the full Move wand, so hopefully this won't impact gameplay too greatly.
Move Navigation Controller can be replaced by DualShock
Don't feel like paying the $30 asking price for a PlayStation Move Navigation Controller? There is a cheaper (albeit less comfortable) solution: just use the DualShock controller. At an E3 presentation about the Move, Anton Mikhailov confirmed that the two controllers are interchangeable. This method of control was actually used at Tokyo Game Show last year, to demonstrate the newly implemented motion controls of Resident Evil 5. While using the DualShock may not be the most attractive way to play, it's certainly nice to know that you have an option to avoid the cost of entry.
$60 PS3 Greatest Hits & DualShock 3 bundles on Amazon
First-party PS3 controllers are still retailing at the relatively lofty price point of $45 (plus tax!) -- wouldn't you rather pay just a little bit more and get a game to go along with your peripheral? Amazon will give you the opportunity to do just that with a selection of $60 bundles, which include a DualShock 3 controller and your choice of "Greatest Hit" in LittleBigPlanet: GOTY Edition, Resistance 2, Killzone 2 or inFamous. These pairings seem to be an extension of the Uncharted/DualShock bundle offered last December. Like the Uncharted deal, these bundles will likely be available at a number of other retailers -- but we've highlighted Amazon because it offers free shipping! [Via CheapCollegeGamers]
