Sony PlayStation 3

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Controller Makeover

The bundled SixAxis controller looks very similar to the original PS2 Dual Shock gamepad, but there are some notable differences. For starters, it's wireless. You can connect as many as seven controllers via Bluetooth, which Sony's claims offers a 20m range. Recharging it simply requires connecting an included USB cable between the console and the controller. You can continue to play for around 30 hours as the battery juices up, but the cable's somewhat short 1.524m length is a pain. Furthermore, the battery isn't removable, which means that if it dies you'll have to replace the entire S$66 (US$47.37) controller.

The wireless controller recharges by connecting via the included USB cable.
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As for the controller's design, Sony has made a few tweaks. The L2 and R2 trigger buttons are a bit bigger, and the increased depth in stroke offers players more subtle game control. Sony has also increased the tilting angle of the analog joysticks to give you more precise control and a wider range of motion. Those analog sticks are more sensitive as well. The PS2's Dual Shock controller had 8-bit sensitivity, while the PS3's controller has 10-bit motion detection. A new Dual Shock 3 iteration has also been recently introduced which reinstates force feedback support omitted in the SixAxis.

You'll get SixAxis motion sensing for both models, which is capable of sensing motion in six directions: Up, down, left, right, forward, and backward. Game developers have incorporated it into many of the new games in one form or another. For example, in 2K Sports' NHL 2K7, a quick thrust of the controller makes your defensive player perform a check. In Tony Hawk's Project 8, you can steer your skater and control his movements by tilting the controller from side to side and forward and back.

The SixAxis controller: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
(click for larger image)

To be sure, some implementations of the tilt sensitivity are better than others. Furthermore, it's unclear if all the games that utilize motion sensitivity will require it--some are optional and can be switched off. Clearly, Sony wanted to steal some of Nintendo's thunder, and there's no denying that the Wii's motion-sensitive controllers are more central to that console's DNA. The Wii controllers are also more sophisticated, including the ability to measure actual motion (spatial movement) and acceleration, rather than just tilting--but unlike the Wii, the PS3 doesn't require a motion-sensor bar in front of the TV.

Unlike the PS2 controller, the SixAxis controller has a centered Home button, which functions much like its counterpart on the Xbox 360 controller. You use it to return to the console's main menu screen, as well as to sync the controller to the console and start it up or shut it down wirelessly.

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