PS3 control pad : hit or miss ?

[a6m5]

I love it that companies are stealing features from other companys' controllers. It would be really difficult if controller from brand "A" had D-Pad, but analog sticks can be found only on the brand B's controller, etc, etc. I'm all for all three controllers being great.

 

[kjb]

Personally I like the DS2. I have no problems with the placement of the analog stickss. The DS2 is the most comfortable controller I played with.

 

[Eric.]

It may have been said already, but what are they gonna call this thing? Surely not DualShock 3.

 

[slackbladder]

I'm gonna ask again, what was this law suit that you guys were talking about earlier in the thread?

This is what the case was all about.
No rumble = big misatke. Supposedly Hideo Kojima was unhappy to hear of its removal according to the above article. As for being "stolen". Well Sony had been looking into it for some time. But it was bad timing to show it off at E3 after Nintendo last year. If Sony had meant it from the beginning they'd have shown it off at E3 last year (or at the TGS). But the recent appeal loss forced their hand. And, to save money, they're canning the rumble (which they could keep if they pay for the licence for it) and keeping the original shape. Really, the contoller will work, but I will admit to being gravely disappointed at losing the rumble and keeping the same design.
However the 16 points of sensitivity and L2/R2 triggers sound good and supposedly the sticks will be better.

 

[Solid Lifters]

Maybe those that hate to be without the touch feedback feature should read this.

Third-party Peripheral Maker to Feature Force Feedback and Motion Sensing Technology

Immersion Corporation, a leading developer and licensor of touch feedback technology, has granted EDimensional a patent license for advanced vibro-tactile, spinning-mass gaming technologies for use in PC and PlayStation and PlayStation 2 gaming peripherals.

EDimensional will include Immersion's TouchSense tactile feedback technology along with next-generation, "virtual reality motion sensing" in the upcoming G-Pad Pro Gyroscopic Game Pad designed for use with a PC or with the Sony PlayStation 2 game console.

Under the terms of the license, the EDimensional G-Pad Pro product line featuring vibration feedback will now bear the Immersion Feel the Game TouchSense Technology logo.

Immersion was awarded damages from Sony Computer Entertainment for unlicensed use of its technology in the DualShock controllers. Sony removed the offending technology from the PlayStation 3 controller, claiming the vibration feature interferes with its Nintendo-inspired motion-sensing feature. However, the EDimensional product utilises both motion sensing and vibration from Immersion.

"Our products are designed for the gamer who demands the most realistic gameplay experience possible," says Michael Epstein, EDimensional CEO. "Immersion's touch feedback, and our next-generation motion sensing technologies, are a natural pairing to improve game performance. We're delighted to be able to offer both of these exciting features in our peripherals."

"Adding EDimensional as an Immersion licensee means that we're supporting the combination of touch feedback along with motion sensing," said Mark Belinsky, Immersion vice president of marketing strategy. "Together, these technologies define what most gamers would call next-generation, and we're pleased to be working with EDimensional to make it happen."

-GamePlanet.com

 

[fasj6418]

that´s both great news and expected news.

players like myself got irate at sony for not having the rumble. so, there´s demand, people want this feature. so, theré will be plenty of people trying to fill that need, making some $$$ out of this situation. hopefully in 2 or 3 years the rumble becames a standard feature in the PS3 controller:tup:

 

[Max_DC]

Well I hope that Sony will bring back the rumble feature. Of course it is possible, never had any doubts, but if Sony wants to pay Immersion is another story...

 

[slackbladder]

Well, it 'rumbles' on, eh? Or not as the case may be.
I'd prefer the rumble feature in the PS3 controller rather than the motion sensor thing. Both would be great. But I've got a feeling it ain't going to happen. I just don't see Immersion and Sony getting into bed together, though it would seem Immersion are perfecrly willing to licence their technology to Sony. I guess it's upto Sony then...

 

[Max_DC]

Well, it 'rumbles' on, eh? Or not as the case may be.
I'd prefer the rumble feature in the PS3 controller rather than the motion sensor thing. Both would be great. But I've got a feeling it ain't going to happen. I just don't see Immersion and Sony getting into bed together, though it would seem Immersion are perfecrly willing to licence their technology to Sony. I guess it's upto Sony then...

I've said this before, but I still don't understand why It has to be the Immersion licenced rumble feature of the dual shock? Every mobile phone has some sort of rumble, you can't tell me that there aren't similar technologies out there that have about the same effect ... I mean... having a 2nd class rumble is better than having none at all imo...

 

[Solid Lifters]

New Controller Review

The Playstation 3 controller has changed quite a bit from its Dual Shock and Dual Shock 2 relatives. Whether or not its going to be called Dual Shockless (because of the lack of rumble) or end up being called the Dual Shock 3 (if by some miracle Sony puts rumble back into it), its got a few other changes to point out that are relatively for the better.

The form factor is quite literally the same as the Dual Shock 2, maybe changed a little to fit the palms easier, but all in all the same. It’s lighter, but still feels durable – maybe not as much as the Dual Shock 2, but that’s because of the weight that has been dropped between the two controllers. But this loss of rumble motor weight should help while using the motion sensing and battery life. Speaking of battery life, its supposed to last for about 24 hours on a single charge. The battery will be integrated into the controller, so that it won’t compromise the shape of the Dual Shock, though it probably would be a good idea to make it user replaceable.

All the controllers at E3 were wired, so they obviously were not the final controllers since very controller is to be wireless by Bluetooth. There are four lights on the top part of the controller to indicate which controller is which. As of now, seven controllers are still supposed to be used, but the lack of three extra lights on the controller might be worrisome to a few people. It’s possible to show controllers over four by displaying two lights at the same time, for a total of seven combinations of lights up to two lights on at the same time. There is also a USB port on the top of the controller for the final version which will allow for charging, and who knows, maybe even attachments.

The analog sticks became more sensitive, increasing from 8 bit to 10 bit in resolution. The game that really showed off the enhancement to me was Mobile Suit Gundam, during the aiming of its machine gun. The analog sticks seem like they will be more apologetic towards FPS games than any other PlayStation controller before it, so some people will be happy about that. A "Home" or "Guide" button has been added to the middle with the PS logo on it. The "Analog" button is gone now, so you can always assume that analog is on. Though it was nice to know your controller was working by having that light, the new indicator lights will replace that use, I’m sure.

As far as I could tell, pressure sensitivity is still there in the buttons, as well as the L3 and R3 (clicking sticks) buttons. The only buttons that have really changed are the L2 and R2 buttons. They’re more like true analog triggers, while still keeping their traditional button feel. Some people say they feel a little "spongey," but I didn’t get that feeling at all. It’ll just take a little getting used to how they work as opposed to the L2/R2 buttons on a Dual Shock 2.

Motion sensing is obviously the biggest new feature in the PS3 controller, and is supposedly responsible for the removal of the rumble feature. The only game to use the motion sensing was Warhawk, and it definitely seems that the motion sensing will be a worthwhile function. It will not get as huge of a focus as the Wii’s motion sensing will get (most likely), but the way I look at it, it shouldn’t be. It will probably only be used for small improvements/functionality not otherwise possible before. The motion sensing itself in Warhawk at E3 felt like a fully spherical analog stick – instead of just using the top part of the sphere that regular analog sticks sit on top of. The motion sensing will probably see its biggest functionality be that of a substitute or third analog stick than anything else. Small flicks and the like might be all that’d happen otherwise, but developers should be able to surprise us down the line.

Though no one had a chance to use the "boomerang" PS3 controller, going with the Dual Shock design again is a good and bad thing. It’s good because we know how it works and how it feels, but it’s also bad because it doesn’t really try to improve too much of the ergonomics of how it feels. Maybe the PS4 will see another design.

 

[Sprite]

Well personally I would liked to have seen the rumble feature in the new pad, but if Sony dont get their act together and sort this hash of a lawsuit out with immersion, then we wont be getting that rumble feature.

Seeeing as it cant be called the dual shock 3 because the lack of shock in it, is anybody up for a game of name that Pad?

I vote for "The Sixth Sense"

 

[HoffY]

I dunno about the new pad. The lack of a rumble feature and even a slight overhaul was a bit dissapointing. I mean, I'm happy they didnt use the flying bananna design, but they could have evolved the controler a little bit more.

I still say that the new 360 controller is one of the best, ever, best only to the origional XBOX controler (A lot of people didnt like it, I thought it was perfect).

But I doubt the controler will effect sales all that much, if anything, it should help them. Most kids don't want to have to get used to an entirely new controler every time they buy a system (Take note Nintendo!, J/K), so using the baisic DS2 design wont kill Sony in the process.

I think the motion sensor idea is a somewhat good one, but I don't think it will work out as well as it did with the Wii.

Very wise words and i concur. A slight evolve of the DS2 so its a bit more modern.. a bit more "new". Hell i'm paying huge bucks for this console i want it to feel nicer as well. Plus be more refined and functional.

I'm not one of those "brand dumb" fools out there so what has fit form and function etc is it. X360 controlls are very nice. NIce size and nice weight. AND nice shape. Shoulder trigger buttons are very nice. more natural. The D-Pad on it sucks more donkey's di** then a freaky gross net whore... I might add.

But i think rumble feature is a must. its a "pack in" feature now. Sure no realism per-se.. but damn good for notifications and that added slight effect.

 

[morganhead]

isn't it true though, that controller vibration is overrated?💡

 

[GM]

That controller looks very strange, it could be used as a boomerang.

I think it will be a good game pad, but no one knows anything until it happens.

 

[speed_demon]

i think the new ps3 controllers should of come with a rumble action because you could always switch it off if you didnt want it on and im sure when you switch on the motion sensors sony could of just made it so that the vibration is switched of none the less i think it will still be a good controller (would of preffered if they kept the boomerang shape though)

 

[agent kri]

That would be ideal, but the rumble feature probably consumes much energy and reduces the time you can use the wireless controller before you have to recharge the battery.

 

[Matt R]

I don't feel that the motion sensing capabilities will be as good as many think. When a player is playing with the controller it moves. If someone calls the players name from another room and they turn to respond, won't the controllers motion senses kick in and ram their car or airplane into something?

 

[Robin]

I don't feel that the motion sensing capabilities will be as good as many think. When a player is playing with the controller it moves. If someone calls the players name from another room and they turn to respond, won't the controllers motion senses kick in and ram their car or airplane into something?

Yes! thats why its stupid! plus your arms are going to get tired of having to wave them round for hours!.. It is also going to be realately inaccurate because in real life you cannot consentrate that hard on the game.... someones gonna come into the room etc etc..... I also think that the games it can be used for is limited (flying games) and its really gimmicy.... I hope you can turn it off!

oh and also, I picked at this before.... Sony claimed 7 players on one machine.. oh, is that why there are only 4 player lights (like seen on the wii) on the new controller then!!!!! such liars!

Robin

 

[DuckRacer]

oh and also, I picked at this before.... Sony claimed 7 players on one machine.. oh, is that why there are only 4 player lights (like seen on the wii) on the new controller then!!!!! such liars!

No, they aren't liars. It supports 7 controllers. However, 3 of them have to be PSPs.

 

[Robin]

No, they aren't liars. It supports 7 controllers. However, 3 of them have to be PSPs.

Oh right, but a PSP is hardly a controller.... it wont have analogue or motion sensing so how are you going to play competitively or at all!.... also who says people are all going to have PSP's... it costs alot more than a controller... its just a ploy to sell more PSP's....

 

[DuckRacer]

Oh right, but a PSP is hardly a controller.... it wont have analogue or motion sensing so how are you going to play competitively or at all!.... also who says people are all going to have PSP's... it costs alot more than a controller... its just a ploy to sell more PSP's....

Well, I don't think games like Resistance or Warhawk will be able to use it, but other games like Madden, where you don't need motion sensing nor two analog sticks, will probably make good use of it.

 

[Tornado]

Oh right, but a PSP is hardly a controller.... it wont have analogue or motion sensing so how are you going to play competitively or at all!.... also who says people are all going to have PSP's... it costs alot more than a controller... its just a ploy to sell more PSP's....

By that logic, niether is the Dual Shock 2. I will get this out of the way: I hate Sony's stupid pushing of that bloody handheld. But writing it off as useless or not counting is silly.

 

[Robin]

By that logic, niether is the Dual Shock 2. I will get this out of the way: I hate Sony's stupid pushing of that bloody handheld. But writing it off as useless or not counting is silly.

The dual shock has pressure sensitive buttons and analogue which is basically the same as the new controller.... the only thing missing is motion and im sure the games will not make motion control a must because it wont be to everyones liking, the user will have the option of traditional button control. However we dont know if there will be an adapter yet.

The PSP on the other hand is comparatively uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time and not suited well to be used with a console... Its not a substitute. I do agree with you about sony pushing it so much, I really dislike the PSP (and im an avid Sony fan) because it really is an expensive gimmic and the milage you can get out of it is limited unless you willing to spend a fortune.

Whatever Sony's definiton of controller is in my own eyes it is not a PSP.... remote - yes, extra screen - maybe, controller - NO!

 

[Tornado]

The PSP on the other hand is comparatively uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time and not suited well to be used with a console... Its not a substitute. I do agree with you about sony pushing it so much, I really dislike the PSP (and im an avid Sony fan) because it really is an expensive gimmic and the milage you can get out of it is limited unless you willing to spend a fortune.

So you are arguing that the PSP should not count as a controller based on ergonomics? I would have to agree with you that it is an unweildy, gimmicky, useless piece of garbage, but just because it is a poorly laid out one does not (or, rather, should not) mean that the option to use it as a controller is blown.
Yes, it would be difficult to use the analog nub for anything (as it is in PSP games themselves), but think about this: some people, in games that don't require analog control (and I don't know if the PSP has pressure sensitive buttons, which may negate everything, as I usually don't use the analog sticks, yet I require pressure sensitive buttons), don't use the analog control.
​

 

[Matt R]

I think the motion sensoring feature in the new controller is something Sony can say they have that the competition doesn't. If it has limitations as Robin and I both think, I doubt Sony will elaborate on it as much. They'd rather have a first of its kind controller that doesn't live up to the hype rather than have the same dual shock 2 controller from the previous system. I feel that this motion sensoring is more for hype than quality.

 

[Tornado]

I think the motion sensoring feature in the new controller is something Sony can say they have that the competition doesn't. If it has limitations as Robin and I both think, I doubt Sony will elaborate on it as much. They'd rather have a first of its kind controller that doesn't live up to the hype rather than have the same dual shock 2 controller from the previous system. I feel that this motion sensoring is more for hype than quality.

That is a good theory, but they can't even point at that as an achievement, with Nintendo's actually thought out plan on using motion sensing.

 

[DuckRacer]

I think the motion sensoring feature in the new controller is something Sony can say they have that the competition doesn't. If it has limitations as Robin and I both think, I doubt Sony will elaborate on it as much. They'd rather have a first of its kind controller that doesn't live up to the hype rather than have the same dual shock 2 controller from the previous system. I feel that this motion sensoring is more for hype than quality.

If Sony released the same PS2 controller with no rumble in it, everyone would have a fit. They have to put something in it so they wouldn't seem lame.

 

[Jeremy Ricci]

I think the motion sensoring feature in the new controller is something Sony can say they have that the competition doesn't. If it has limitations as Robin and I both think, I doubt Sony will elaborate on it as much. They'd rather have a first of its kind controller that doesn't live up to the hype rather than have the same dual shock 2 controller from the previous system. I feel that this motion sensoring is more for hype than quality.

It's standard. The fact alone that it's standard means it will gain a TON of support.

Like the 64 didn't have rumble standard, so not every game used it, but the DS2 was standard, so nearly every PS1 game after that point used it, same goes for PS2.

Having it standard already means it's not there for hype.

And please, elaborate on your idea of "shortcomings" I'd love to debate why you're wrong.

 

[LaBounti]

Playstaion didnt have rumble standard or analoge sticks.

Yes! thats why its stupid! plus your arms are going to get tired of having to wave them round for hours!.. It is also going to be realately inaccurate because in real life you cannot consentrate that hard on the game.... someones gonna come into the room etc etc..... I also think that the games it can be used for is limited (flying games) and its really gimmicy.... I hope you can turn it off!

You just shot down the entire concept of the Wii. Anyway, not all games will need it or use it. To me its a good idea and the only limit is the imagination(like yours). I can think of many ways to use, I already have.

PSP will not be just for playing games, you'll be able to control all of your media and browse the files you have via psp from anywhere in the house. IMO that beats a simple IR remote. The possiblities are very wide. Not having the feature would be a mistake. Got to think outside of the box.

 

[Tornado]

Like the 64 didn't have rumble standard, so not every game used it, but the DS2 was standard, so nearly every PS1 game after that point used it, same goes for PS2.

Niether rumble nor analog were standard on the PS1. Nor were they introdued at the same time.

Having it standard already means it's not there for hype.

Flawless logic. Explain to me, then, the Firewire port on the PS2. The iLink slot on the PS1. The Expansion slots on the Genesis and N64 and PS2. Seganet (which, in fairness, was supported briefly by a few devolopers before everyone just dumped it and gave credit to MS).
I would commend Sony if they were to try something good and original, and maybe even ignore the fact that Sony so obviously did this so to make up for lack of rumble and to strike back at Nintendo, so long as Sony tried to make it look worthwhile and not a useless gimmick to only be used in launch games and perhaps some multiplatform titles.

And please, elaborate on your idea of "shortcomings" I'd love to debate why you're wrong.

Sony sprung it on E3 for the sake of announcing it. There is no need for it because of the controllers design. It's uses are limited by it's very architexture. Sony clearly announced it to steal Nintendo's thunder. Sony is using it as a scapegoat for not including rumble. It is gimmicky for the sake of being so. It will probably interfere with gameplay more than inhance it, due to the controllers design. I could go on.