PlayStation 3 Wireless Sixaxis Controller Reviews

• Wireless, No Rumble, but Light with Tilt Sensors

  
  By A3V6Z4RCDGRC44 on 2006-11-18
  The PlayStation 3 controller has gotten a lot of press because of its lack of vibration. However, it is wireless, extremely light, and has tilt sensors in it. This seems a great trade-off during gameplay.
  
  First, let's get through the "bad" that many people have gotten upset about. They took out the rumble controller from the PS3 controller. This was for legal reasons - a company which developed that rumble technology took issue with Sony using it. Some people feel it really affects gameplay not to have that rumbling.
  
  I have to admit that I am VERY happy, personally, that the rumbling is gone. I always turned off the rumble in games where I could. I am on my computer pretty much 24 hours a day, and if I play a game with rumble on, it *kills* my wrists. If you're a rumble fan, this is a decision you'll have to make for yourself.
  
  Now, to the good parts of the controller. First, they all come wireless for the PS3. I *love* love wireless. Wires cause huge clutter in our living room, with all our systems and equipment. You only have to plug the controller in to power it up. It's a regular USB power-up so you can use your iPod's plug (assuming you have an iPod) or plug it into your computer or XBox 360 or anything else with a USB on it. That is to say, you don't have to power it up from your PS3 if you don't want to for some reason.
  
  Next, it is super light! I imagine this is because it doesn't have to hold the motors that cause rumbling. I really appreciate the lightness. You might not notice if you only play a game for an hour or two, but if you're doing marathon sessions of multiple hours, the weight of the controller really does begin to matter.
  
  Just like the Wii controllers, this controller has a tilt sensor in it. It actually knows when you tilt and turn the controller, or shake it. Depending on the game, you can use those tilts to look around or to shake off an enemy. That really gives you much more interactivity with the game, much more than button pushing.
  
  The general controller shape is exactly the same as the PS2 controller. You have a pair of shoulder buttons on each side, two joysticks, four buttons on the right and four directional buttons on the left. There's a PS button in the center, just like there's an XBox button in the middle of the Xbox 360 controller. Also, there are four lights on the unit, to let you know if this controller is #1, #2, #3 or #4 if you are playing multi-player games.
  
  The center PS button lets you turn the unit on and off, which is great if your console is off in a shelf or corner of the room.
  
  In general, I think they did a great job with the PS3 basic controllers. The main console sale both for 20 and 60 comes only with one controller - so be sure to get yourself a second one!
  
  

• The new exception

  
  By A22AD8M2SSOFHJ on 2007-01-25
  Here's a wireless controller that doesn't feature vibration feedback. That's a first. Both Microsoft and Nintendo have made vibration standard on there controllers. What Sony does different is add motion control. Actually the controller can sense six different movements. Although this is not a feature that really sells me. I was skeptical of this pad because of what was missing. And using the Dual Shock controller for nearly ten years I knew what to expect. Finally getting my hands on one of these I was able to tell all the differences. For one Sony has made it much easier for people to not have to get up every time they want to turn the PS3 on or off. That is what the PS button is for. Secondly they have changed the L2/R2 buttons and made them triggers. These triggers take getting used to. Generally the L2/R2 or what was referred to as shoulder buttons were rarely used. Except maybe in a shooting game. Now these triggers have a starring role in racing games. For many years I have been accoustomed to the X button representing throttle. Now it's R2 in many racing games. After using this paddle for several hours I have realized how much more I enjoy it. It's is quite light. Only a few ounces and makes it easy to use for hours at a time. I have also noticed how well the battery stays charged. Even after five days and twenty plus hours of use it still has two thirds battery power. I have used the 360 controller and the Wii mote and have found this is the most comfortable to me. Right now vibration doesn't make much of a difference for me and motion control is useless. I just enjoy the feel and really that's what's important when playing games for hours.
  
  

• A controller that turn on.

  
  By A1EKSETIBS9ETQ on 2006-12-09
  You can use it as a remote to turn the PS3 on and off by holding the red PS button for 2 seconds. Bluetooth is really cool, which you can sit anywhere without the weight of the cable lagging. The range is greater then my room so I don't really know how far it goes. It got rid of the hand numbing rumble/ vibrator. It is kind of expensive with simple tilt response. Same layout as other PS controllers.
  
  

• Cable Not Included

  
  By ARPP0CUQFJ6N6 on 2006-12-15
  Sony did a great job with the controller. I bought a second controller so my fiancé and I could play together. Sony does not include a USB cable with the controller! I can't charge two controllers with one cable if my fiancé and I are playing at the same time. I'm going to have to buy another USB cable.
  
  

• It'll do for now...

  
  By A1RJ7QZKBRQN1M on 2006-12-30
  Sony's controller has it's good and bad. Good news first, one thing I like about it is the super light weight...by far the lightest controller I've ever owned. It also is now wireless. You can also turn on and off the console with the "PS" button in the middle. One of the best features is the new SIXAXIS motion feature. It makes game playing interesting. For example, you can literally steer your motor vehicle by moving the pad left, right, up or down in the game Motorstorm (demo). We'll see how developers will use this feature in future games...but so far so good!
  
  There are drawbacks to the controller. For one, there is a usb cord that comes with the system and controller...what's disappointing is that the usb cord is so short maybe about only 5 feet long. I'm not sure if they include they usb cord if you buy the pad individually. However, I guess Sony expects gamers to sit right up to the tv when playing or charging the controller because of the short cord. I had to add an extension since I am about 10 feet away. But you won't use the cord so much because it charges pretty quick and battery lasts a long time before it needs charging...maybe up to 30 hours?
  
  Another negative is that the L2 and R2 buttons feel awkward. Sony tried to make this into "triggers" but still keeping it's controller pad form, causes strains with some games. For example playing Need for Speed Carbon and holding the R2 trigger all the time, your fingers will slip when it gets moist. The least Sony could of done was make the buttons more rubbery for more grip or design the trigger so your fingers won't be slipping off the button.
  
  Other than that, the controller is pretty simple and with the motion sensor makes it different from the past ones. I would of still preferred the "boomerang" type controller they had in mind, but the SIXAXIS isn't too bad of a deal....
  
  
  
• Like not being attached to system
  By A155B5VYXVC3EO on 2007-01-09
  I like not having to be attached to the system. The controller last along time before having to be attached again for a charge. The only thing i wish is that you didn't have to have the unit on to have the contoller charge. Unless i am wrong on this but i don't think i am. I believe there is a company coming out with a wall unit that you can plug into your socket to plug the usb cable into the wall and charge the contoller but i don't know the name of the company and don't know when it will be coming out. It will be great when it does. Than you can charge the contollers over night and be ready for the next day.
  
  
• Good Controllers
  By AFM8CYYH9EOEG on 2007-02-22
  I think the new six-axis controller is nice. I miss the vibration a little bit, but when I think about it, do I need a glorified vibrator? Tilting the controller and having the game respond is pretty cool.
  
  
• Controllers are junk
  By A2Z5NW9JMIRB2E on 2007-02-28
  The PS3 controllers are junk. I've gone through two controllers in less than 2 months. And this is with a maximum play time of perhaps 2 hours a night, five days a week. That would make the lifetime about 80 hours. Pathetic. First the buttons started failing, then the six axis. I'm playing a game (Ultimate Alliance) with my son that requires the six axis to get by some of the big bosses. We made it through some of them easily when the six axis was working, but had to quit because the six axis just quit working. We initially started having difficulty when the buttons started failing, but when the six axis failed, we were done. If it was just one controller, perhaps I could understand. But it was two controllers, and they both started failing at exactly the same time and in exactly the same way. Engineered for failure. Sony should be ashamed.
  
  I will add that the PS3 overall is phenomenal. For $600, it's a great deal, and I'm looking forward to the upcoming games. I just don't appreciate that I'll have to spend about the same amount per year to have two working controllers at the same time.
  
  
• Don't get this or the PS3 until redesigned
  By A3J679RA0NIQ5M on 2007-03-05
  The controller is smaller than the PS2 but is roughly the same design. I found the size to be too small for my hands. I think it would be fine for someone who is less than fifteen years old or is a female. My hands had to awkwardly grasp the unit which eventually caused cramping.
  
  The buttons are pressure sensitive. For example, an accellerator for a car game will not be fully engaged unless you press the button down hard. Once your finger/thumb is sore from using the controller you will have to stop playing or endure the pain. This is like the PS2 controller and is a major let down. I have seen pictures of deformed thumbs due to playing games. The thumbs almost resemble toes.
  
  The rechargeable battery is sealed in the controller. If the controller fails and you are out of warranty then you have to get a new one. This is either a horrible example of engineering or it was purposely designed into the controller. Sony counts on you buying more controllers as it is a very profitable item.
  
  It is wireless using "firewire" communication. This means it uses radio frequencies to communicate and does not need to have a direct line of sight to the system. The drawback is it notoriously loses that connection to the PS3. One user remarked on another site, "it's not big deal, it only happens two times every three days and lasts for fifteen minutes." Another user commented that he just left it hooked up to the USB cable, others suggested buying a larger USB cord as the one that comes with the controller is only about 6 feet long.
  
  It does not have any vibration in it like the PS2. I personally do not mind this but alot of others are bothered by this fact. The controller supposedly has the ability to tell which direction it is being held like the Nintendo Wii controller. This is poorly implemented from what I have read and is not used except in one game at the time of writing this review.
  
  I recommend not getting this controller or the PS3 system at this time. They are not ready to be sold much less used by consumers.
  
  
• Great Controller
  By A3PT1M37W19G9V on 2006-12-22
  I really like this controller. It is true the rumble feature is no longer there, but it makes up for it in other features. It it wireless and works up 60 ft from the PS3. It charges with a USB cord either to a computer or the PS3, and only takes about an hour of charging to up to 30 hrs of playing. It also has the feature that you can turn on that if you tip or turn the controller anyway, it will follow on screen. It's worth the investment.
  
  
• Terrible
  By A2KGOEHZ0I1JU8 on 2007-01-17
  This controller is terrible and feels terribly unnatural. The thumbsticks are poorly placed and give no resistance back, while being to tall to provide any accuracy what so ever. I would recommend finding an adapter for the 360 remote. Sony has had 3 shots at this and gotten it wrong every time. WTF?!?
  
  
• Great controller
  By A3N4VN8GHF6JA5 on 2007-07-13
  This controller works great. It is lightweight, holds a charge for quite some time, and feels fantastic in the hands. I also have an Xbox and every time I pick up this controller I remember how well it fits in the hand. The lack of a rumble effect is the only thing that keeps it from getting 5 stars.
  
  
• No rumble and made for a little boys hands
  By AZNUHQSHZHSUE on 2007-09-09
  I assume they size the thing for an average teenage boys hands. Well my hands aren't small like that and I have to fight just to hold on to this thing and try to reach the buttons since they are not located for comfortable use especially the R1, L1, R2, L2 bottons. I was excited that they chose a boomarang controller early on but that fizzled out and we're stuck with the same dinky design as before. Microsoft needs to design one for the Playstation 3.
  
  
• works. . .but other than that, not so good
  By A3VINR5Z72OZNA on 2006-12-28
  This controller is lightweight, wireless, and has a wonderful battery life but does not have a rumble feature (why it is so light) which I find to be quite irritating, especially when playing an FPS. It also has a tilt feature which I happen to HATE. It's just a Wii ripoff and is extremely annoying and fails to add anything to the gaming "experience" as a whole. For example, I'm playing Call Of Duty 3 and am trying to prepare a bomb for detonation with hundreds of bullets wizzing around my head, but in order to do this seemingly simple task I must shake this stupid controller a number of times before I get killed. When attempting to improve the game it only succeeds in exacerbating tough situation. Mediocre on its own but so bad in comparison to the Dual Shock controller of the PS2.
  
  
• good but far from great
  By ATHWTKPV1VFY4 on 2007-03-02
  I have to say honestly that the wireless ability and being able to turn your console on and off from the controller make this unit a worthy improvement. The tilt capabilities, I feel, are a gimmick and get pretty old quickly. If I want to get some exercise I'll go for a walk or something. I don't need to swing my hands around like a fool when watching t.v. (leave the cheap gimmicks to Nintendo.)
  
  the wireless is nice. the sixaxis is pointless. The overall size and heft of the controller makes it seem cheap. I stepped on one by accident and it shattered into a million pieces...not nearly as durable as the PS2 controllers...
  
  oh yeah..sadly lacking dualshock.. sixaxis??? give me a break.
  
  should've bought an XBOX
  
  
• A great 2nd controller that is identical to original
  By A25KXSBLTXHPM9 on 2007-03-15
  This controller is identical to the controller supplied in PS3 purchase. The only drawback is the USB cable, but luckily I had extra cable at home. I may get 2 additional controllers eventually, but I'll wait until the controllers include rumble.
  
  
• Great controller! Old Faithful design!
  By A1TLUSBCQDK927 on 2007-03-20
  Why would Sony ever think of changing the design of this controller? It's been the best designed controller for more than a decade. Sony originally thought of changing to a new sleeker looking controller for the PS3, but thank God they changed their minds. Still great to hold.
  
  Yes, there's no rumble. I don't care because I always turned off the vibration on the PS2 controller, so I don't miss it. I'm not sure why the PS button is red in that picture because mine does not illuminate at all. The Sixaxis is cool to have but will take some getting use to.
  
  
• PS3 controller
  By A10L7NFPIDENFW on 2007-04-06
  I ordered an extra controller from Amazon and discovered that the left keypad was defective, in that it took a bunch of pressure to make the left-right-up-down buttons actually work. Notified Amazon about this and they sent a replacement immediately, along with a sticker to send the first one back postage free. All painless, and the new controller works just fine. BTW, this is not a review of the PS3, PS3 games, or its controller, just kudos to Amazon and their excellent customer service.
  
  
• Awsome controller, only plays second to the Wiimote
  By A19N3S7CBSU6O7 on 2007-06-30
  This is an awsome controller, some of the great features:
  
  Six Axis sensitivity, allows the PS3 to know where the controller is in "thin air".
  
  No tremor/rumble; This is a great feature, as I don't like the tremor anyway.
  
  Light; Yes LIGHT, great for extended play.
  
  Ease of use; It's familiar to those with the PS2 controller, though I think this one is laid out better, it just feels better in my hand.
  
  Wireless; Although I do have some issues with the Blue Tooth loosing connectivity, it's clearly the best technology for wireless controllers.
  
  Web Surfing; It's the easiest thing to surf the web with, except for the Wiimote.
  
  Doesn't look like it came out of a gum-ball machine like the XBOX 360 controller.
  
  All in all, it's a great contoller. Get this controller if you have a PS3, if you don't have a PS3, get one and get this controller!
  
  
• Just like the PS2 Controller...
  By A1T2BY367VQYY on 2006-12-05
  As I said in the title, this controller is almost identicle to the ps2 controller. I find that this greatly diminishes the gameplay of the PS3. It does not even rumble! However this controller may be half the weight of a ps2 controller, I would still not recommend it.
  
  
• Nice
  By A2X7BG1NMJZ203 on 2007-01-21
  This remote is very good. It is light. Lighter than the Ps2 remote and the Xbox 360 remote. It has good distance. I use it 7ft away and it works. The motion sensors are very hard to master. They are harder than the Wii's sensors. The motion sesors are not 360 sensing unlike Wii it is only 6 directions. It is easy to charge by plugging into the PS3. It does not come with usb. It does have a con though no rumble. And the L2 and R2 buttons have become triggers like the origanl xbox remote.
  
  
• ps3 controller ...
  By A1AZQ3WJ342AEI on 2007-01-23
  I think this is the coolest controller!!
  I like sony, it sticks with classic ps controller !!
  
  
• Wireless Remote entangles heart.
  By A2VXVGO8AEXEF4 on 2007-01-24
  Since the nice folks at Sony decided that not only will they not send a HD cable to go with the unit but they will also only send one remote, you'll want to get a second one. Is Sony correct in assuming that most gamers are loners or social nitwits that only thrive in the online world and have no real friends? Not me, not anymore. One wireless remote=one friend/mailman.
  
  
• What to say, right?
  By A28S0N9CQOP6PP on 2007-01-25
  Playing Fight Night Round 3 by yourself is not fun, so you're forced to buy a second controller. The only thing that I don't understand is why it doesn't come with a usb cable.
  
  
• nice controller but.......
  By A3R32HLEGNUV9O on 2007-03-20
  The standard wireless controller is a great thing. one problem it doesnt come with a charging link. I was able to dig out some old usb cord i had so that i could charge both of my controllers when i got my ps3. In my opinion they should have included a charge link with the controller. Its just the right thing to do for the loyal playstation followers.
  
  
• Don't listen to complaints
  By A3NW7RO6OMF16Q on 2007-04-08
  Alot of people were dising the controller because it uses bluetooth. First of all the Bluetooth works perfectly fine, it hardly ever disconnects, in fact my 360 controllers disconnect more than my PS3 controllers. People complained because of no rumble. Without rumble the controllers can be super light-weight and I feel that rumble just gets in the way at most times. This has a great battery life and it does not use regular alkaline batteries like the Wii and 360 it has a recharable battery that you charge via USB port in the PS3.
  
  
• not wireless for long
  By A2PZBR752238Q9 on 2007-04-12
  The idea of no more wires was exciting to me when I got my new consoles. I got my ps3 in Jan and both of the "wireless" controllers batteries are having a hard time holding a charge. The battery in the ps3 controller is not replacable like the xbox360. When the battery loses its charge you either have to keep it wired to the ps3 so it will work or you have to buy a new $50 cotroller. You really have no other choice at this point but be aware. Also the L1 L2 R1 R2 buttons are flimsey and very close together. I dont have very large hands but after a few hours I start to cramp.
  
  
• 50$ CONTROLER NEEDS TO COME W/ USB CABLE!!!
  By A2C07LGQ70HNPD on 2007-05-15
  Don't Like the fact that it costs 50$ and you also have to pay an aditional 10$ just to get the usb cable to use it. I think that if it costs that much it should come with the cable!!!!
  
  
• gen 1 controller
  By A3CL82UITQJLWS on 2007-07-09
  I wonder if they are dropping the price on these because they are going to bring back the feature every gamer has been yelling for...Rumble ! I'll wait.
  
  
• What? No cable?
  By AFU02VWQPBMGI on 2007-07-22
  Works fine. But as my second controller, I was disappointed that it didn't come with a USB cable to recharge it. So much for (easily) charging both controlelrs at once.
  
  

• PlayStation: The Official Magazine (1-year)
• Electronic Gaming Monthly
• Play
• Tips & Tricks Magazine

• Sony PlayStation 3 Blu-ray Disc Remote
• PlayStation 3 80GB Motorstorm Pack
• PlayStation 3 40GB
• PlayStation 3 (60GB)
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare