Ps3Controller
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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.
Mad Catz Major League Gaming controllers offer swappable thumbstick layouts, fancy arcade buttons
If we didn't already know those cats were mad about customizable controllers, we just got a reminder: the Mad Catz Major League Gaming Pro-Circuit Controllers. These professional-grade PS3 and Xbox 360 controllers allow competitive gamers to adjust the gamepad's weight and swap out key components -- such as exchanging the controller's analog stick for a D-pad. Want your PS3 controller to have a Xbox 360 layout? No problem. If the insane kitty's ambitious Onza competitor isn't your thing, check out the MLG Tournament Edition Fightstick, featuring the same Sanwa Denshi components used in Japanese arcade cabinets. It may not have its sibling's stick-swapping action, but its 13-foot controller cable, classic layout, and left-right stick toggle mode (for emulating the missing analog thumbstick) still aims to please. The Arcade Fightstick can be had now at the GameShark store to the tune of $160, but the Pro-Circuit gamepads aren't due out until closer to the end of the year. Hit the break for a pair of extra pictures and the standard PR.
Thrustmaster unveils Ferrari F458 racing wheel and TH8 RS shifter, dares you to get fast and furious
Is that regular ol' Xbox 360 controller leaving you unfulfilled after a marathon session of Forza Motorsport 4? Don't fret, Thrustmaster has announced the launch of its Ferrari 458 (F458) Italia Racing Wheel for Microsoft's gaming console. The 11-inch wheel features a rubberized grip to stay comfy, built-in metal paddle shifters, a Manettino dial for mid-lap adjustments and progressive resistance to keep you on the straight and narrow. Not wanting to leave PS3 and PC racers in its dust, the company also revealed the TH8 RS gear shifter -- which connects to the T500 RS or the outfit's other PC wheel controllers via USB. This bad boy lets you release your inner Michael Schumacher with either H-pattern or sequential configurations plus 360-degree rotation adjustment to tailor the gearbox to your liking. Both the TH8 RS and the aforementioned F458 will be hitting your garage... er, game room in October for $180 and $90, respectively. Check out the full PR for the pair after the break, and make sure you fasten your seatbelt.
Receipt Racer makes printing fun, wastes more paper than you ever thought possible (video)
Sure, you could use your printer to spit out spreadsheets, but how about hooking up a DualShock 3 to play it like a video game? That's exactly what Joshua Noble and the undef duo did during a workshop related to OFFF last week, and the result is stunning (if not hilarious). The trio coded a game in openFrameworks, titled Receipt Racer, which uses a thermal receipt printer modded with a "light beamer" to display game info and represent a car, a DS3 to control it, and a laptop to connect the devices and run the software. A random track with obstacles gets rapidly printed while a player attempts to navigate it without crashing -- sort of like Lane Splitter -- or until the paper roll runs out after 164 feet. There's a tree-loving web browser version and the full details of how it works in the source link below. We scored just over 1,400 1,752 points; let us know how you do in the comments. [Thanks, Jesse]
Batarang controllers to be thrown at E3, come back in October
If multiple batmobiles, a bat-usb stick, and a bat-puter aren't enough to convince you Bruce Wayne is a vain egomaniac, maybe these Batman: Arkham City batarang controllers will give you pause. In traditional bat-gadget fashion, these Xbox 360 and Ps3 controllers boast a cheesy bat-aesthetic (such as bat-start and select / back buttons), dual rumble motors, comfort-soft grips, and seven switchable splashes of LED color. Although physically the two controllers are pretty similar, Ol' Bats seems to favor the PlayStation 3, giving its controller not only the popular Xbox 360 button / analog layout, but an internal battery, detachable charging cable, and batman-themed USB RF receiver, to boot. The Xbox variant? A dated, wired affair -- but hey, at least it's got that Xbox guide button, right? The controllers will be on display next week at E3, courtesy of Power-A, and will hit store shelves when Batman: Arkham City ships in October, leaving you little excuse not to be geared up and ready when the bat-phone rings. Hit the break for the official press release... or, you know, have Robin do it for you.
Eee Pad Transformer caught playing nice with PS3 controller (update: hands-on video)
Earlier this week the Eee Pad Transformer scored itself a sweet upgrade in the form of Android 3.1, and with it came USB host support. When we did our hands-on with the Honeycomb update we couldn't demo the feature because, well, the Xoom doesn't have any USB ports. But that Transformer keyboard dock has a pair of 2.0 jacks and someone was kind enough to post a YouTube vid of a PS3 controller and the ASUS tablet getting their game on. Theoretically, this should work with any USB gamepad, including those for the Xbox 360. The only drawback? You've got to be wired in -- no Bluetooth support here. Follow the break to see it in action and satisfy your Android-loving curiosity. [Thanks, Ben] Update: We managed to have a quick go on the same setup at Computex, and the tethered PS3 controller worked perfectly. Unsurprisingly though, we had no luck with the Bluetooth connection. Quick hands-on video after the break.
Ctrl+S PS3 controller for professionals and burgeoning arthritics
We really thought we'd seen it all when it comes to handheld video game controllers, but this upcoming "Ctrl+S" model from UNIQ brings a surprising quantity of new ideas. The most basic innovation is the weird "UNIQ wing" that sticks out from the rear edges of the controller, allowing you to passively support the controller with the insides of your index fingers instead of having to "grip" the controller to hold it up. Yeah, that sounds lazy, but the idea is to reduce muscle stress and cramps, which makes sense for people who game a few hours a day. The relaxed posture is also supposed to help improve thumb mobility, though we'll have to test it out with a game to see if that's actually the case. Around back are some nicely oversized and easily worked analog triggers, along with a grid of repositioned "face buttons." The feel of the prototype we were playing with felt just a little too light and a little too "cheap," but that's typical for prototypes, and the promises of improved ergonomics and optimized control placements are certainly compelling. The best news is that the controller will be highly customizable, with tweaks available for the analog sticks, "wings," and even the force feedback motors. We'll see how well this impacts gameplay when the controller hits the market in December for $69.99. Check it out on video after the break. %Gallery-102525%
SplitFish Dual SFX Frag Pro pairs button-enriched mouse with 'fragchuck,' ships November 10
For those of you not paying attention in class, SplitFish is a peripherals maker that, true to its name (or half its name, anyway), offers PS3 controllers that split the left and right hand controls into separate parts. The Dual SFX Frag Pro, its latest, comes with a 2,000dpi laser mouse to tempt those last few PC gamer holdouts to the dark side of consoles, and a three shoulder button-equipped directional pad for navigation. What can we say, it looks weird as hell, but the more we thought about it, the more we wanted to get our hands on a set to see just how games played with this unorthodox control scheme. Should you share our interest, you'll also want to know that pre-orders are being taken now for a cent under $90 in the US or a penny short of £80 in the UK, and shipping starts November 10. [Via SlashGear]
Blaze announces 'Wii style' Motion Freedom 3D controller for PS3, really
We were fairly impressed by Blaze's knack for impressive but questionably useful gadgets when it introduced a three-cart contraption for the DSi last month, but it looks like it's truly outdone itself with its latest peripheral. While it's possible that it's the result of some miscommunication or a bet taken to its limits, it does appear that the company is indeed set to release a controller that can only be described as a Wiimote for the PlayStation 3. Of course, it's still a bit light on specifics, but Blaze says its so-called Motion Freedom 3D Controller will open up "unthinkable gaming possibilities," and let you "become one" with games like Sega Tennis and Tiger Woods Golf. It's even been "ergonomically designed from the ground up." How can you possibly go wrong?
Ben Heck moves PS3 shoulder buttons to the front, spins us right round, baby, right round
If you've ever wished that those buttons on your videogame controller were over here instead of over there, you know who to call. Master modder Ben Heck's latest creation isn't his most amazing, but it fulfills a need for one gamer, that is to "make the shoulder buttons easier to get at." The result is a somewhat inelegant mod (by Heck's standards), bringing the L and R buttons to the fore, ditching the "last generation" rumble motors in the process. No loss, right Phil Harrison? Video demonstration after the break. [Via technabob]
mLani introduces new "MoBi" FPS controller for PS3
There's not exactly a wealth of information about this one just yet, but peripheral maker mLani (started by the former founder of SplitFish) looks to be doing its best to make PC gamers feel a bit more at home on the PS3 with this new FPS-minded controller which, coincidentally, looks to compete directly with some of SplitFish's own offerings. Apparently, in addition to improving your aim in Killzone 2, this one can double as a mouse for your PC and, as you can see above, it's also wireless, although it's at least possible that the cable between the mouse and the Wiimote-esque controller has been conveniently omitted. No word on a price, but this one's supposedly on track for a release in the next three months or so.[Via DigitalBattle, thanks SK]Update: Looks like mLani has just gotten official with the controller, which is now dubbed the "MoBi" and set for release in the third week of May. Still no indication of a price, but mLani did confirm that both the mouse and controller are indeed wireless, and that the mouse (2000 DPI, 500Hz) comes with its own PC software to allow for full customization. Head on past the break for the full press release.
Dragon lets loose cheapo DuoShock 3 PS3 controller
Dragon's new DuoShock 3 may not be anything more than a pale imitation of Sony's own PS3 controller, but at least it's a dirt cheap pale imitation, with it setting you back just $17. For that price you will get 2.4GHz wireless capabilities, but it seems that you'll have to make do without the SIXAXIS' motion sensing capabilities, which could pose quite a problem depending on the games you plan to play with it. On the upside, you'll also be able to use the controller with your PC, as well as your PS2 with the included adapter. The controller does also boast a vibration function, although it seems pretty safe to assume that it'll only work with the PS2. If that's not too much of a deterrent, you can pick one up right now.[Via PS3 Evolution]
SplitFish FragFX PS3 controller gets reviewed
Buying into less-than-standard gaming controllers is never an easy ordeal, but the kind folks over at IGN have managed to spend some quality time with the SplitFish FragFX PS3 in order to break down the gizmo before you break out your wallet. Besides being quite pleased with the overall feel and design, reviewers gave props to the intuitive reassignment system, impressive accuracy and precision, and the host of useful extras that gave them an edge when engrossed in a deathmatch. Notably, the only "real complaints" heard throughout revolved around the smallish mousing surface and somewhat "clicky" mouse buttons, but it honestly felt like they were grasping for negatives at that point. Overall, IGN was mighty pleased with the offering, and while it's hard to say if your experiences will mimic these, there was "no question" that it improved the gameplay of those reviewing.
PS3 controller wins Emmy award [update 1]
In the mood for a good laugh, a proper el-oh-el? Then read this unbelievable, oblivious and altogether hilarious Gamesindustry.biz article regarding the wondrous insides of the PS3 controller. The gist of it sees the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences bestowing an Emmy award upon the Sixaxis -- for technology and engineering. As you might expect, the award arrives in response to new-fangled "motion sensing technology", currently not featured in any other console in existence. Indeed, the engineers at Sony deserve a hearty pat on the back for taking the time to "re-define the original Dual Shock controller" and painstakingly remove any traces of rumble technology. Indeed, putting rumble and motion sensing into the same controller would likely spell unmitigated disaster. Meanwhile, Jack Tretton, CEO of SCEA, chimes in on the whole affair and in doing so, sends out a distress signal from deep within an alternate reality. "The overwhelming consumer demand and critical acclaim for PS3 is testament of the platform's strength and the industry's desire for a true next-generation entertainment system." Come on, Mr. Tretton, even Quinn Mallory has a subscription to Time magazine.Update: Oops! Sony got their controllers mixed up.
PS3 through the eyes of a 360 fanboy...
No, this isn't another article trying to explain the PS3's price, nor a rip on Sony. The article at Gaming Nexus, written by a guy who admits to being a Micro$oft fanboy, takes an objective analysis of Sony's new machine. If only other XBox fanatics could take such a calm approach to their competition. Now, since the price point and Blu-Ray stuff has been beaten well beyond death, some other points are worth mentioning.About the controller: it's not a Wii ripoff, says Charles Husemann, the author of the article. He says "the technology has been around in one form or another for years" and Nintendo is packaging it in a consumer friendly way, while Sony is just dusting it off and tossing it on. Another advantage is the ability to turn the PS3 controller's tilt feature off (then why can't a rumble feature be turned on when the tilt is off?! We can dream...) while the Wiimote is fairly, well, standard. Backwards compatibility is a good reason for keeping the same controller scheme. There's no learning curve to getting back into PS2 or PSX games, which is great for those of us with extensive game libraries.About ripping off XBox Live ...
Immerse yourself in Immersion's PS3 rumble survey
Immersion Technology has slapped up an online poll that seeks to get insight from the gaming public about their feelings towards the lack of a rumble feature in Sony's new console. It's essentially a tool to petition Sony into adding rumble to their controller, maybe to incorporate their own new technology: TouchSense vibration.Immersion's website really makes the technology sound far more appealing than the tilt-sensor feature of the current PS3 controller. Imagine being able to feel your car in a racing game run over a rock on the left side -- your left hand feels a sudden, violent jolt. Now imagine using your controller to steer the car ... kind of. Hmm. Kojima was right in wishing for a switch to go between the two features, but this new TouchSense technology "can work alongside motion-control and tilt-sensing features". What? Why isn't Sony jumping on this? Perhaps we should all take the poll, multiple times, regardless of whether or not it's biased and hope Sony listens. Having the best of both worlds would certainly rock and roll. Or ... rumble and tilt.[via Joystiq]
For Sony, everything old is new again
For those who were still wondering just how revolutionary the new PlayStation 3 controller was, well feast your eyes on this PlayStation Magazine video podcast that shows first hand just how great the technology is. Hosted by some uber gaming writer, our guide takes us through a magical time machine back to 1999 to demonstrate the use of a controller by Pelican that is eerily similar to the ancient groundbreaking PS3 controller. Playing a 1995 version of Warhawk then Gran Turismo 4, we get to see that the PS3 controller ain't so new. In fact, not only does the controller mimic the same motions as the new one, but it also supports vibration -- something the PS3 one will lack. Of course the PS3 controller will be wireless, and perhaps be more precise, but don't gamers deserve something a little more for their $600 than rehashed 7-year-old ideas?[Thanks, Tony]
Controller showdown: PlayStation 3 vs Wii
You knew the comparisons were going to be inevitable. Now that we've gotten our mitts on both next-gen consoles' motion-sensing input devices, Nintendo's Wii controller and Sony's PlayStation 3 controller have to go head to head. That's just the way of the world; who are we to question these two born adversaries, destined to square off in a no-holds barred peripheral deathmatch. So, what did we think? Well, you should already have a pretty good idea of how we feel about the Wiimote. But what's up with the PlayStation 3 controller? Two controllers enter, one controller leaves.
The next generation of controllers in Lego
Nathan Sawaya, a professional Lego builder (yeah, they have those) has put his Lego mind to the next-generation of games consoles. Like he says "with E3 coming up, I built some video game controllers! Yay!" He must have started these models a while ago, because he hasn't made a Revolution controller model. Once you're over at his site, make sure to check out his mad-lib from a general video game fanboy:"The greatest video game ever would be called Super Invading Combat [insert plural noun] from Mars Championship 2006! It would be fun to control the [insert noun] as it fights all of the [insert adjective] bad guys. My favorite level would let you [insert verb] a car all over [insert place]. You could also earn [insert plural noun] if you didn't [insert verb] [insert plural noun] [insert conjunction] [insert prepositional phrase]! Wouldn't that have [insert past participle]!"Sounds like a cool game.
