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An effortful DIY alternative to a rumbling DS Lite
Those with loads of disposable income probably wouldn't mind ponying up for the relatively inexpensive rumble cartridge made specifically for Nintendo's DS Lite, but the frugal (and engineering) sets will certainly appreciate Xyzzy's efforts. After dissecting a Pokemon Pinball GBA game and ripping the rumble motor from a salvaged Nokia 5100, he put his circuitry knowledge to work and conjured up a rumble device that fit flush in the DS Lite and cost him nothing more than a little blood, sweat, and tears. Be warned, however, that this guide isn't for the faint of heart (or those who don't natively speak in 1s and 0s), but feel free to tag the read link and get busy if you dare.[Via Joystiq]
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]
DIY Nintendo DS Lite rumble pak
Got an old Pokemon Pinball cart laying around? Then you, friend, have a one-way ticket to frugal gaming fun ... with rumble! Xyzzy has just posted a tutorial on Instructables on how to build a rumble pak that fits smoothly into your DS lite GBA slot. Yes, Nintendo released a smaller version of the pak for the Lite, but you'd have to spend money and be like a normal consumer if you did that. With Xyzzy's plans, you can make a mess, destroy a game cart, and probably injure yourself too![Via Infendo]
Rumor: Even more features for the new Sixaxis?
Let the speculation begin! Kaz Hirai has tempted us yet again with his fancy words and vague confirmations. He has let slip the new Sixaxis will contain a few more features in addition to the TouchSense rumble capabilities. In fact, he said, "a variety of other things." Unless he means the TouchSense. In that case, boring! Otherwise, we could see anything from a new set of buttons (L4 and R4, really?) or a remote volume control for game music. Maybe a microphone? How about a magnifying glass? We'd really like to see your most inventive ideas to incorporate into the controller, so why don't you go nuts and give us your "features" to add?
Hirai says more Sixaxis iterations on the way
In an interview with Kikizo, Sony global president Kaz Hirai alludes to future iterations of the Sixaxis controller. Hirai says that they're "obviously looking" at what do do with the Sixaxis now that they've come to an agreement with Immersion. He says they're actually looking at a variety of things they can put into the controller and they'll say something when they're ready to. Hirai points out about the controller, "I mean, as you know, that's also an evolving peripheral, if you will, in that we started out with the original PS1 controller with no analogue, and it's come all the way to this point, so obviously, as we go forward, it's not the final model for a PS3 controller, so we'll see what comes down the road." It is impressive to think that the same controller, with minor tweaks every few years, has been a staple of the PlayStation going on 15 years. So, when will we finally hear about what's going into the next Sixaxis? There's still plenty of conventions left this year.
Reimagined Sixaxis pictured on Force Unleashed site [update]
An off-axis Sixaxis has been spotted on the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Yahoo Games page, adding a new set piece to the tired rumor that the PlayStation 3 controller is up for a redesign, which may or may not include rumble support. As pictured, a revision could possibly follow the offset analogue stick alignment currently used by Microsoft for Xbox 360 gamepads (and also by Nintendo for Gamecube). Of course, this crude Photoshop job is hardly confirmation of that design choice, as clearly the creator has simply swapped the d-pad and left stick (notice the indented d-pad outline behind the repositioned analogue control). Did the page-maker pull from a shoddy Google Images source or what?Update: Remember Charlie Tang's redesign from our January 2006 contest...?Update 2: Sony PR director Dave Karraker calls it a "bad artist rendering" that's in the process of being corrected. [Via GameDaily][Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Rumblaxis coming in September -- Tokyo Game Show
A lot of people were disappointed that Sony's little conference at E3 didn't talk about the upcoming Rumblaxis controller (it's pronounced Rum + Blaxis because that's really the coolest name we could think of), but PS3 Fanboy was not surprised. We've been informed that Immersion has filed for some patents and with it, indirectly filed for the release dates of their new Sony peripheral device that "will now bear Immersion's Feel The Game® TouchSense® Technology logo." When are these peripherals to be released? September.If you're having trouble connecting the dots, the Tokyo Game Show is generally in September. Sony had to save some of its announcements so they could steal the show at TGS, much like we feel they did at E3. So, for those worried, the Rumblaxis is coming in September and you know what? We would expect the announcement at TGS to go something like "hey, we're releasing this Rumblaxis controller we're holding in our hands tomorrow at your favorite retailers. Enjoy!" We can't wait.[Thanks, Dubbedinenglish!]
Blinky red lights to feature in new Sixaxis controller - will rumble join it? [UPDATE]
Dutch site PS3Focus.nl has a section of a TV report about today's price cut. The interesting thing about this piece of footage is that it includes a couple of seconds close up on someone using a Sixaxis controller. Not particularly exciting normally, but in this instance there's something a bit new. A bit glowy. Check out the image above. We speculated about the glowing red PS button on the 80GB box this morning, but seeing the flashing red button in someone's hands makes us even more ... speculative. It's clear, then, that another controller is on the cards and will be released before too long (if not for the 80GB launch, then before). The question is, does the upgrade just include a bit of extra illumination, or will we see rumble joining the party? It's probably a fair bet to say yes, but we're not going to say anything definite until confirmation happens at E3. Which it should. Mixed messages? We like to keep you guys on your toes.The other question is whether that light is going to be blinking on and off constantly during gameplay. If so, that could get quite annoying. What do you think? Check out the video footage and let us know.[UPDATE] Patrick Seybold has posted a comment on his post stating that the red light "is not a sign or indication of a new/different controller with the 80GB model." It is a feature of the debug model. This doesn't change the fact that we know that the rumbing Sixaxis is on its way at some point in the future. Just not necessarily bundled with the 80GB PS3. [Thanks Tesley!]
80GB PS3 has limited backwards compatibility
We're still attempting to confirm what the new red light means on the PS3 controller from Sony*, but what we can confirm is that the new 80GB PS3 will have limited backwards compatibility. Clearly stated on the box, the system has apparently gotten rid of the chip previously used for US backwards compatibility and switched over to the European software version.The box states: "This product has limited backwards compatibility with PlayStation and PlayStation 2 format software ... visit www.us.playstation.com for system software update." We're attempting to find out if the new 60GB versions rolling off the assembly line will also switch over to the BC software. So, if you're really into your old PS and PS2 games, might want to check and see if they are compatible with the software or get a system currently available before the switch.*Update: From Dave Karraker, Sr. Director, Corporate Communications regarding the red light: "It is just a lighting trick. Nothing different or new about it."
Sony's 80GB PS3 to include SIXAXIS with rumble?
It's all coming so fast. No sooner does Sony fess up to August price cuts than we start hearing tell of a response from the 360 camp, and now it sounds like Sony has even more goodies for the PS3 faithful. First off is a Circuit City memo that got forwarded to us showing those price cuts indeed happening today. It'll get advertised next week, but if those shelf jockeys are doing their jobs, you should supposedly be able to walk into a Circuit City right this minute and walk out with a brand new 60GB PS3 for $499. To add further drama to the situation, people are taking clues from the 80GB PS3 box as proof of the inclusion of a "Rumblaxis" (fancy new word courtesy of PS3 Fanboy) controller being included with the new system that's set to launch in August. People are conjecturing the red light on the Home button is a clue to such rumble functionality, and eagle-eyed readers have also noted that the "Contents" section of the box has more text describing the SIXAXIS item than can be found on the 60GB box. To be honest, we're not spotting the difference, but feel free to make up your own mind with the links provided below. Check out the Circuit City memo after the break.[Thanks, Vagrant Pistol]Read - Red light Rumblaxis theory [Via PS3 Fanboy]Read - Contents flap Rumblaxis theory [Thanks, Jeremy]Read - Original box photos
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Fun speculation: 80GB PS3 to come with rumble Sixaxis?
[Update: The SIXAXIS controller has featured a red light in promotional materials since launch. The red light is not indicative of a redesigned controller.]Let's keep the wave of slightly related news going. With the announcement of the 80GB PS3 and the price drop of the current model, everybody looked over a detail that may be important. Then again, it may be nothing at all. Over at PSU, the writers thought it worthwhile to point out that on the box for the 80GB PS3, the included controller was lit up all red in the circle we know as either the Home button, PS button, or clear button where the "Analog" button used to be. Why is it red? They feel it's because the controller is actually the new Rumblaxis controller (though we just made up the name).This doesn't sound too far-fetched. Why else would they delay the new SKU until August, if not to wait until they can toss the new controller into the box? While it was just a picture with a lit-up button, we're going to nod along with PSU on this one and say that yes, in fact, the 80GB PS3 launching in August will come with the new rumbling Sixaxis controller.[Thanks, Justin!]
Rumor: Rumbling Sixaxis to gain touch sensitivity as well
First PSM reported that the Sixaxis would be recreated with rumble this year, and now their French colleaugues at PSM France report (by way of Maxconsole) that the pad will not only rumble but will feature touch sensitivity as well. The "Touchsense" functionality will enable a more nuanced rumble that's not only felt through the Sixaxis' handles but through the "levers" as well (analog sticks?).Sounds great, but what's all this fancy new rumble going to cost us? Despite being more powerful, this rumor claims that the "engine" is cheaper to build than previous rumble mechanisms and should therefore add little to the cost of the controller, welcome news for owners of the rumble-free Sixaxis. And great news for your PS2 titles: the mag also claims that a new PS3 firmware update should enable rumble for your backcompat titles. If the rumors about a new Sixaxis are true, we hope to hear more at E3 next week. [Via Engadget]
New details surface on Sony's rumbling SIXAXIS
Managed to not entirely forget that Sony owes us all a rumbling SIXAXIS or two? If so, you may actually be delighted to hear that the end result could be quite the device if whispers stemming from the latest issue of PSM France are to be believed. Reportedly, the forthcoming controller will not only sport a vanilla rumble, but it will also boast a "touch sense" feature that allows rumbles to emanate from specific locales on the device. Additionally, the shakin' is said to be "more powerful and more intense" than prior renditions on the PS2, which means that the 90-pound wusses in the crowd best get to the weight room, and programmers are purportedly working to enable shorter bursts of sensation to make even the most subtle of movements ones you can feel. Now, how's about a release date?
Microsoft wants some of that money that Sony gave Immersion
In one of the weirder twists in the Sony/Immersion saga, Microsoft has sued Immersion, claiming breach of contract over their settlement with Sony. According to the lawsuit, Microsoft is owed a certain amount of the money that Sony paid Immersion earlier this year to settle the long running force-feedback lawsuit. And not a small amount of money either, as explained by Immersion in their rebuttal to Microsoft's claims:"Immersion is obligated to pay Microsoft a minimum of $15.0 million for any amounts received from Sony up to $100.0 million, plus 25% of any amounts over $100.0 million up to $150.0 million, and 17.5% of any amounts over $150.0 million."In addition, Microsoft also wants Immersion to pay a variety of other fees including damages and attorney fees. Immersion feels rather strongly that they shouldn't have to pay though and say they are willing to fight it, so it looks like they're going back to court. And considering it took them four years to finish the lawsuit with Sony, it doesn't bode well that this will be a quick trial. What's next? Nintendo sues Microsoft for suing Immersion over suing Sony?
Microsoft and Immersion heading to court... again
Looks like Microsoft, no slouch when it comes to lawsuits, is heading back to court for another round of player-hating, he-said-she-said proceedings with Immersion (no stranger to the court system itself). The case seems a two-way deal stemming from a 2002 Immersion patent infringement suit, in which Microsoft paid $26m to settle the case and buy a piece of the business; apparently Immersion hasn't honored a clause stating that Microsoft is to receive some change in the event that Immersion and Sony settle, and the folks in Redmond want retribution: $15m minimum. Immersion, of course, thinks it's not required to pay out any such cash, leading one enraged Microsoft rep to shout into a hanging mic, "We will show Immersion the meaning of rumble!" No, not really, but we'd certainly plunk down to see Microsoft and Immersion counsel duke it out in the square circle instead of a stodgy court room.[Via Gamasutra]
Legal rumblings: Microsoft sues Immersion
In an interesting twist of fate, Microsoft has filed suit against Immersion, makers of rumble technology used in game peripherals. If the name Immersion rings a bell, it's because the company filed suit against both Microsoft and Sony in 2002 for patent infringement. Immersion and Microsoft reached a settlement in 2003, in which Microsoft paid $26 million to Immersion for licensing rights and a stake in the company.Apparently, another part of the settlement also stated that Immersion would pay Microsoft "based on certain business and IP licensing arrangements." We're not exactly sure what those arrangements are, but according to Microsoft, Immersion is not living up to its end of the bargain. Hence, a suit has been filed.Microsoft suing Immersion ... what's next, dogs and cats living together?[Via Joystiq]
Microsoft sues Immersion over alleged breach of contract
Haptic technology developer Immersion has been sued by Microsoft for not following through with their end of an agreement that settled a lawsuit originally filed by Immersion towards the Xbox 360 maker back in 2003. Funny how things come full circle.Microsoft cited a portion of the agreement where Immersion was to pay the company "based on certain business and IP licensing arrangements" but has not done so. The original agreement had Microsoft paying $26 million for licensing rights and a stake in the company.Immersion is probably best known in the video game industry for its lawsuits against Sony over patents based on their force feedback technology. Though Microsoft settled, Sony fought it and lost, eventually paying over $90 million to the patent holder.
Sony not talking about rumble
Sony has refused comment on whether a PS3 controller with rumble is coming. GI.biz says that neither Sony Computer Entertainment of America nor Europe would comment on stories that began circulating last week of an impending rumble feature.It's really such a silly story not to comment on. It's like watching someone making a cake, asking them what they're doing and they say, "Nothing." And it sure looks like that cake is vibrating. We don't know if this rumble feature is supposed to be some big Min-E3 reveal, but we're hopeful that an announcement is due soon. If so, we're wondering if Sony has a great PR message set up explaining why early adopters would want to pay for new controllers. Or maybe, and this would be shocking, Sony could set up a reasonable exchange program to send in your old Sixaxis for a new one. Yeah, sounds crazy, but at least it would diminish hard feelings.
Battery life proving problematic in adding rumble to SIXAXIS?
It's unlikely that we'll be the only ones thrilled to see this fiasco finally reach closure, and even though the dust has somewhat settled, the PS3 faithful are still operating sans a first-party rumbling controller. Rumors may have suggested that such a device was indeed getting ready to launch in the not too distant future, but according to a blurb at Inner Bits, battery life could be holding things up. While it doesn't come without a tad of salt, Sony is reportedly "facing some difficulties with regard to battery life," as sources supposedly mentioned that "the rumble and wireless support" were causing the batteries to "drain too fast to be acceptable for consumers." Of course, there's always the third-party alternative if you're not picky, but those holding out for the real deal could be waiting a tick longer if this proves true.[Via Joystiq]
Battery life the main obstacle for rumbling Sixaxis?
Innerbits, the site that posted the awesome breakdown of XMB memory costs last month, has come through again with a great article about the upcoming rumble-capable Sixaxis. According to the site, they've gotten confirmation from two different sources at Sony that they have been working on a rumbling Sixaxis for several months now and are just trying to work out the last of the kinks. Currently, the biggest issue is battery life -- or the lack thereof. Evidently between the rumble and the wireless support, the battery has been draining too fast to be considered acceptable. As it is now, Sony touts 30 hours of battery life per charge on the Sixaxis and while Innerbits didn't specify what the current battery life of a rumbling Sixaxis is, you can assume that anything less than 5-10 hours per charge will be considered unacceptable. Nobody wants to have to hook up their controller in the middle of a marathon game of Warhawk.The article also talks about some of the PR problems that Sony will face with the release of a new controller. PS3 owners who have already bought the original Sixaxis will now have to either deal with the lack of rumble or go out and buy 2-4 new controllers, and that adds up to no small chunk of change. Also after Sony has maligned rumble-support as 'last-gen', will consumers be willing to embrace their sudden about-face? Relevant questions for sure, but considering how PS3 owners have been clammoring for rumble support it's likely that they will be willing to purchase additional controllers. What about you guys? Would you replace your original Sixaxis controllers for a more rumbly one?
