DualShock 3 Wireless Controller - Red Review
The original PSone dualshock controller was practically revolutionary when it was first introduced. The series, 1, 2 and 3, have never offered anything particularly new or unique, but they've all managed to package great functionality into a good package, and the DualShock 3 continues the delightful trend.
The good? Same familiar feel and layout that most everyone can hold comfortably, same pressure sensitive (analog input) buttons across the board, same rumble package. New here are separated L2 and R2 trigger buttons that easily allow for progressive input, which I find especially great in racing games. Wireless connection is via Bluetooth, with a rechargeable onboard battery. Sony added it's in-house 'SIXAXIS' controls, which is something of a cousin to a Wii controller. The battery life is quite surprisingly good, giving me at least 12 hours of any game with full and frequent rumble. It's also nearly indestructible and refuses to die-- I've bought additional units, but my original that was packaged in with the PS3 well over 2 years ago is still 100% reliable and functional.
More on the 'SIXAXIS' feature... it's not particularly meant to track movement (this is the territory of the Playstation Move add-on), but rather to be used as a floating motion sensor. Few games support it, but those that do (Heavy Rain does it very well) include down or upward snaps as actions, a tilting camera view based on your tilting, and generally natural-feeling motions that would otherwise be done with the hand such as opening a sliding door, twisting a key in a lock, etc. ...Honestly, it's hit-or-miss and doesn't really add much value to the device, but since you're not particularly paying any extra for it, there's no harm in it being available.
The bad? Ergonomics could use an upgrade, to be honest. For particular hand sizes/shapes extended use will give stiff fingers, and any kind of extended use with a very firm hold (in my case, running into this while concentrating my hardest to push in the racers Gran Tourismo and F1 2010) may well end in some pain on finger bones. This "should" lower my review score, but I freely confess this is my own problem that I could correct by better controlling my grip or taking more small breaks. 95%+ of users will never run into this, and it is preventable. I can't fault Sony for not making the device comfortable to play with for an indefinite length of continuous play!
More than anything, I'm shocked how incredibly light the thing is and feels almost weightless when held firmly. I have no clue how Sony managed to pack in all it offers, especially the battery life. The bluetooth connection means third party controllers will probably never happen (or be any less expensive), but thankfully Sony doesn't leave the window open for anyone else to ever offer additional features or alternate designs that would work any better. It's rare that your only choice isn't at all painful to be stuck with. Thumbs up all around.
DualShock 3 Wireless Controller - Red Feature
- Pressure sensors that rumble with each action making every impact feel like you're right in the game
- Sixaxis highly sensitive motion technology senses your every move
- Features Bluetooth technology for wireless game play
- The PlayStation 3 system can support up to seven wireless controllers at one time
- Can be charged at any time through the PlayStation 3 system using the controller's USB cable
DualShock 3 Wireless Controller - Red Overview
PS3 Dual Shock Controller Red
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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Oct 31, 2010 11:15:34
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