Simplify your laptop buyingSony DualShock 3 - black (PS3)
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: SCPH-98050
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- While it costs a bit more than it should, the DualShock 3 adds the rumble support that should've been present in the PS3 from the beginning.
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CNET editors' review
Sony DualShock 3 - black (PS3) price range: $41.99 - $49.99
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 04/04/2008
The good: Wireless PS3 controller with rumble support; slightly heavier, which gives it a bit more heft than the featherlight Sixaxis controller; rumble function added to many existing games via downloadable patches.
The bad: Somewhat overpriced; doesn't come with a USB cable for recharging; rechargeable battery isn't removable.
The bottom line: While it costs a bit more than it should, the DualShock 3 adds the rumble support that should've been present in the PS3 from the beginning.
When Sony's PlayStation 3 came out in late 2006, much was made over the fact that the new Sixaxis wireless controller that shipped with the system didn't offer any force feedback--or rumble, as the vibration feature in Sony's earlier DualShock 2 controller (for the PlayStation 2) is often called. Sure, the whole poor-man's Wii motion-sensing thing (Sixaxis) was somewhat cool, but PlayStation aficionados and gaming purists were disappointed that Sony was forced to leave out the rumble because it was involved in a patent dispute with Immersion, the company that developed force-feedback technology.
Well, the legal issues have been resolved and Sony is now selling the DualShock 3, which should have come with the PS3 when it launched. The good news is the rumble works just fine with the limited number of PS3 titles that currently support the feature. (The full list of DualShock 3-compatible games is available at Sony's PlayStation Web site. The feature can be retroactively added to many older games thanks to downloadable patches available through Sony's free PlayStation Network online service.)
We tried the DualShock 3 with Heavenly Sword and Resistance: Fall of Man. While the rumble really didn't add much to Heavenly Sword, it was more effective with a first-person shooter such as Resistance, as it enhanced the feeling of firing your gun and taking hits. We also liked that the DualShock 3 (7 ounces) is somewhat heavier than the original Sixaxis controller (5 ounces). It isn't a huge deal, but it just feels more substantial in your hand. Some people complained that the Sixaxis controller was just too much of a featherweight, and if you're one of those people, you'll appreciate the extra 2 ounces this controller adds.
The Sixaxis motion-sensing feature is still present and accounted for along with the familiar Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Unfortunately, the DualShock 3 retains the annoyances of its predecessor. Chief among them: the built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery isn't removable, so when it eventually dies (admittedly, probably several years down the road), you'll have to buy a completely new controller. (By contrast, the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii have user-replaceable battery packs.)
The other major gripe with the DualShock 3 is the $55 price tag. That's anywhere from a $5 to $15 premium over the street price of Xbox 360 and Wii controllers, as well as the existing Sixaxis PS3 controller (which will be discontinued now that the DualShock 3 is available). To add insult to injury, Sony doesn't even throw in a USB cable for recharging.
If you haven't yet taken the PlayStation plunge, you might want to wait until June, when Sony will be releasing a new PS3 bundle for $499. It will include an 80GB console, the DualShock 3 controller, and the long-awaited Metal Gear Solid 4 game. By our math, that means you'll be saving a few bucks over buying those items separately. (Presumably, other PS3 bundles will eventually begin packing the DualShock 3 in place of the rumbleless Sixaxis controller later this year.)
Comparison shoppers should also note that Nyko makes the Zero, a wireless PS3 controller with rumble that costs about $50. While you might save a few bucks on that model--and, notably, it does include a USB cable and detachable battery--it's tough to recommend it over the familiar design of the Sony DualShock 3. We just hope the price of the Sony model drops closer to $40 with time.
User reviews
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More of a response to the review rather than a review itself.
by roninhyde on April 4, 2008
Pros: Slightly more heft, battery life still great
Cons: 5 more dollars, L2/R2 buttons carry over their weirdness from the SIXAXIS
Summary: I've had one of these controllers since November 2007 (Japanese model can be purchased for equal or less on ebaY).
I just wanted to correct David Carnoy (again) about ...Summary: I've had one of these controllers since November 2007 (Japanese model can be purchased for equal or less on ebaY).
I just wanted to correct David Carnoy (again) about the non-user-replaceable battery. You CAN change it. The Dual Shock 3 has screws on the back unlike an iPod. Also there are how-to directions in the manual a few pages from the how-to on replacing the HDD. Granted, I'm not exactly sure what kind of battery goes into the Dual Shock, but the fact remains you can still change it.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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So far so good.
by seantagorek on April 6, 2008
Pros: Good feel to it and adds to gameplay, especially Warhawk
Cons: A little pricey
Summary: Gamestop had this a bit earlier than some other stores, just picked it up today and I really like it. After trying it with a few games I find it ...
Summary: Gamestop had this a bit earlier than some other stores, just picked it up today and I really like it. After trying it with a few games I find it really adds to the gameplay. Mainly I tested it on Warhawk and Resistance Fall of Man. The only thing I wonder is how varied, nuanced and strong the vibration is compared to some games I've played in the past on say an Xbox 360, maybe its the same but I don't have a system to test it side by side, but maybe I need something with more of a plot to it that uses the feedback to add to the movie like feel (like a Dead Rising type of game). But its got a good weight to it, and though a little pricey if you need an extra controller anyway this is a good buy all in all. Happy I got it.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I can't believe nobody's mentioned this
by Operator7 on September 28, 2009
Pros: Good battery life. Good button layout.
Cons: The springs in the sticks cause lack of precision.
Summary: The problem with the Sony controllers is the springs in the sticks.
I have TWO original Sony Playstation controllers, and what they do (my friends have the same issues with ...Summary: The problem with the Sony controllers is the springs in the sticks.
I have TWO original Sony Playstation controllers, and what they do (my friends have the same issues with THEIR controllers as well) is make your character move when you don?t want.
This prevents you from stopping where you want, shooting where you want, etc?????. because they stick is stuck to the right or left, because of the springs inside.
I?ve tried using an oil lubricant, and everything else I can think of, to try to fix the issue.
I think many people are just ?playing through? the problem, but if you realize it, it?s quite a big issue.
I think the reason it?s not mentioned more, is because people just haven?t realized, why their character isn?t as precise as the way you are trying to move them. -
Better then just the regular Sixaxis
by GojuBill on July 12, 2009
Pros: it rumbles, thats the whole point. lets you know when you get shot or are shooting.
Cons: THE PRICE!! no usb cord, THE PRICE!!
Summary: its great, all i can really say is it's better then the regular Sixaxis that comes with the ps3, but the f'ing price, gimme a break.
Summary: its great, all i can really say is it's better then the regular Sixaxis that comes with the ps3, but the f'ing price, gimme a break.
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Best controller i have ever used.
by aznboy318 on June 2, 2008
Pros: Heavier than the too light Sixaxis, and more comfortable than too heavy 360 controller.
Cons: little expensive
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Awesome Controller Experience
by wmdwhitt on April 21, 2008
Pros: Better Feel. Directional Vibration.
Cons: Absolutely None.
Summary: This was worth the wait. It feels more realistic than ever before. The directional vibration doesn't allow you to get hit on the battlefield and then directly hit your ...
Summary: This was worth the wait. It feels more realistic than ever before. The directional vibration doesn't allow you to get hit on the battlefield and then directly hit your opponents. You have to re-aim and such. It is a shame that Microsoft help to patent block Sony from getting this out sooner. Microsoft really needs to focus its efforts on the Red Ring of Death (RRoD) not what Sony is doing.
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This was an inadaquate, inaccurate, insulting review.
by FutureCTO on April 14, 2008
Pros: Improved Rumble, Weight, 2 Year Battery Life, No battery memory from being charged too often or run down too low, Fastest controller sync, 30 hours gaming per charge
Cons: Minor: Lacks a USB Type-A to Type-B cable for charging
Summary: This Cnet review was AWEFUL! The reviewer call Sony "Being Cheap" and was insulting in tone. Lacked any knowledge that might come from reading the owners manual about changing the ...
Summary: This Cnet review was AWEFUL! The reviewer call Sony "Being Cheap" and was insulting in tone. Lacked any knowledge that might come from reading the owners manual about changing the battery. Horribly done.
Just wanted to clarify something. Sony did not make the decision to drop dual shock on the PS3. Immersion sued Microsoft and Sony. Microsoft settled. In the settlement they agreed loan Immersion money, buy a lump 10% share, and continue to buy stock to keep them in business until the lawsuit against Sony was settled. Immersion was granted a court ordered injunction against Sony. This made using Dual Shock on the PS3 illegal. Sony then politely said it was last generation, rather than point out they were being handicapped by Immersion. Immersion had been losing moeny long before suing Sony. And hasn't had a single profitable year in 10 years. They sued in order to keep their head above water, Sony was using Dual shock before they were granted their Haptic Patent. Immersion is a poorly managed, brash, dishonest company. Microsoft had to sue them in order to collect money they had loaned Immersion to help them fight Sony.
In regards to the PS3 Controller. It has a lithium Ion Battery, which means longer charges without recharge "memory" ruining the battery. Xbox 360 has a NiMH, which suffers from reduced capacity and recharge â??memoryâ?? resulting in a shorter lifecycle. Microsoft needs the battery to be external because of its shorter life. The PS3's Li-Ion Battery has about a 2-3 year life. And despite forum prattlers it is not like the iPod. The PS3 ownerâ??s manual points out the five screws on the under-side that need to unscrew. The just unplug change and plug in, perhaps once every two years. On the Xbox 360 wireless controller costs around $50 but does not come with a rechargeable battery or recharge cable. That kit costs an additional $20. So a wireless rechargeable Xbox 360 controller retails for $70, $15 more than the $55 PS3. Which has a superior battery, life, and charge duration.
The news story that got people excited about the PS3 having the shortest battery life was authored by an ignorant idiot. Single use alkaline batteries always last longer than rechargeable batteries. They never bothered to compare the charge life of rechargeable batteries in the controllers. Anyone long time read of Consumer Reports would know how batteries really compare. Rechargeable have short lives on each charge but recharge 10's to 100's of times. -
Now is a good controller
by doneflop on April 11, 2008
Pros: Added Rumble
Cons: When battery dies, you needs to replace.
Summary: The Added Rumble cam into play, it was all good.
Summary: The Added Rumble cam into play, it was all good.
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Sony is a rip-off. They charge premiums for every aspect of their company. Give me a break!
by bpseal on April 10, 2008
Pros: It should have come with the original PS3
Cons: It costs too much, SIXAXIS is lame and doesn't come with a rechargeable cable. Sony=Lame
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: SCPH-98050
- Description: The DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for the PLAYSTATION 3 system provides the most intuitive game play experience with pressure sensors in each action button and the inclusion of the highly sensitive SIXAXIS motion sensing technology. Each hit, crash and explosion is more realistic when the user feels the rumble right in the palm of their hand. It can even detect natural movements for real-time and high precision interactive play, acting as a natural extension of the user's body. DUALSHOCK 3 utilizes Bluetooth technology for wireless game play and the controller's USB cable to seamlessly and automatically charge the controller through the PLAYSTATION 3 at anytime. By integrating all of these features into the popular PlayStation controller design, the DUALSHOCK 3 will further enhance the advanced game play experience only available on the PLAYSTATION 3 system.
General
- Device Type Game pad
- Color Black
Input Device
- Compatible Game Consoles Sony PlayStation 3
- Connectivity Technology Wireless
- Buttons Qty 12
- Pointing Device / Manipulator 4-way D-pad, Two thumb sticks
- Features Vibration, Pressure sensitivity
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included USB cable
Manufacturer info
- Sony
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
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