In-Depth with the PS3 Controller

The boomerang has gone out, plus the DualShock has returned in. Except, naturally, that this new PS3 DualShock doesn't shock, and instead helps you shake it around to play. Unexpected? Yes. Disappointing? Perhaps. Plagiarism? We will never inquire into which simply yet... The great news first: SCE is "appearing in the media" with motion control technology. The EyeToy remains going to be a giant accessory for PlayStation 3, though the main form with the "casuals" to obtain an easier hand on PS3 would be the new "six axis to move" control technology placed in PS3. You will discover six axis of movement (called "six degrees of movement" in the Sony pre-E3 conference). It understands roll, pitch and yaw, and "3-dimension acceleration information". You are able to move it around just like a wheel, or being a Sit & Spin, or like you're shaking an Etch-A-Sketch, and you'll even pull it and down like you're ringing a bell. Doing this is accomplished without additional motion sensing, unlike the Wii. Needless to say, the ps3 controller also defintely won't be able to just as much versatility of motion of Nintendo's new console controller -- it features a lots of movement, although not as open a sense movement. The Wii, as an example, permits you to swing the controller as if it's really a tennis racket -- perhaps the PS3 controller will likely work because of this in the event the game is programmed correctly, but judging from previous controllers sticking with the same tilt technology, we wouldn't back it. (For the time being, the EyeToy can take proper care of that, however , you will have to choose the accessory, and it also may still 't be as accurate as being the Wii for many uses.) Essentially, the revolutionary "DualShake" (even as love to think of it as) isn't too not the same as the DualShock 2. Sony made no reply to how its competition had staked all its console's potential on its controller input, differently praoclaiming that its own technology was obviously a breakthrough for gaming. Our editorial team is divided on what impressive this addition is -- most comment how the Game Boy had identical varieties of controls in years past (and WarioWare: Twisted! even had force-feedback), and some say that merely because don't have a interest in a Wii, it is good to possess such intuitive gameplay features included in the whole HD console. The web rabble is more heavily divisive, by incorporating considering storming the gates at SCE to raze it for ripping off Nintendo. Whether Nintendo has truly been robbed from, which is a matter of debate -- Sony had experimentations and partnerships with motion-sensitive controllers (much like it had plans before Xbox Live to do what Xbox Live does before Microsoft brought its product out), but the question still remains whether or not SCE would have bothered had Nintendo not develop its gaming "revolution." The PlayStation 3's controller still features its wireless compatibility promised at E3 2005, and connects up for charging towards the PS3 via USB. This is likely identical USB size out of the box helpful to plug into your PSP, so while the strategy is wireless, you will likely use a wire dangling from the USB plug for many in the system's lifespan. You can play wired, should you desire, via USB. There look for only be four-player compatibility for PS3, just by the four illuminates on top of the system (the PS3 usually takes as many as seven wireless connections, however the other three slots tend being saved for Bluetooth headsets and also other wireless features.) Once we have mentioned before, the ps3 accessories will apparently don't feature rumble capabilities. This apparently interferes with the DualShock's motion sensing capabilities (although you can easliy imagine quite a few games that will not make use of the motion control nevertheless would absolutely love good ol' rumble.) No mention is made of the price of replacement or extra PS3 controllers. In other small news, the most notable trigger L2/R2 buttons are enlarged slightly for better control plus more analog sensitivity. The analog sticks have also been broadened for better control, that has a technical boost from 8-bit sensitivity to 10-bit sensitivity. In terms of hands-on impressions, it certainly feels like the good ol' good old days playing the modern PS3 Move. Honestly, there isn't much to say of the peripheral that are not easily demonstrated with your personal PS2 dual shock. Just imagine a lighter, silver version of the current PS2 peripheral. The strange thing is the fact although controller wasn't as hefty, it entirely avoids feeling cheap. The shoulder buttons and analogue sticks employ a bit more spring in their mind, although which could have been unrealistic and adrenaline left on the MGS4 trailer. When it comes to brand-new six degrees of freedom via its tilt sensitivity, Warhawk was the only real game on display that currently employs the technology nonetheless it usually work wonderfully. Granted, being as Warhawk is usually a flight game and controlling a ship's yaw, pitch and such will never be instant, it's difficult to mention that this pad's freeform control will continue to work in other titles, nonetheless it plays great with Warhawk. Throughout the main topics borrowing ideas from other programs we pointed out that we have a "guide" button down the middle of the controller -- SCEA did not comment on this, many in the developers with the show still had not been able to make use of the feature on the debug units. We'll have further hands-on details with all the PS3 controller even as we equalize more impressions with PS3 titles on the show floor.