Playstation 3 Dualshock 3 Wireless Controller Reviews

• Get ready to rumble, even with PS 2 games!

  
  By A2RDR5G65D9H84 on 2008-04-04
  I was already extremely happy with the Sixaxis controller, but I could not resist getting the DualShock 3. Not only do you get the rumble, but also, it feels much better in your hands, even for those games that do not use this feature. The rumble function is fun, but on top of that, it helps with gameplay, because "feeling" what is happening provides a lot more feedback than just watching how your character or car reacts to the environment.
  
  The biggest surprise of all was that the rumble works with PS 2 games in the PS 3 system. I am currently playing through "God of War", a game which had the rumble capability in PS 2. I thought that it was unlikely that I was going to get this feature with this new controller in the PS 3, but it worked perfectly.
  
  I know that having to buy a new controller and basically discard the one that came with the system is not the ideal situation, but I have to say this product is really worth shedding the extra bucks.
  
  

• Should've been rumble from the start.

  
  By A2WU79E6567M5G on 2008-04-13
  The Playstation 2's highly regarded DualShock 2 controller was considered by many to be the best videogame controller of all time. So when you've got a winning design there's no need to change anything. However, because of a legal battle with Immersion over rumble technology, Sony was forced to offer their Sixaxis controller without rumble. The Sixaxis had the same Dualshock design but it felt too lightweight and cheap. Thankfully the lawsuit has been settled and rumble has come back to the Playstation.
  
  For the most part, the DualShock 3 is almost identical to its PS2 precessor. But it has all the features of the original Sixaxis controller in addition to rumble. The controller is still wireless, can be charged by plugging it into your PS3 (or PC), rumble is compatible with all PS1 and PS2 games, and the PS3 supports up to 7 controllers at the same time via bluetooth. Rumble in the DualShock 3 seems more responsive in regards to the location of its vibration depending on which side you get hit on during the games. I don't know if this is something in the design or if it's the developers doing it for the games but I welcome it.
  
  All in all this is currently the best designed controller on the market right now. The PS2's DS2 was incredible so "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies here. I'll be enjoying rumble in my PS3 games from now on.
  
  

• Best Controller Ever Made in My Opinion

  
  By A2PL65YZRL1VDH on 2008-04-06
  Honestly, words cannot say how much more I love this controller compared to the Sixaxis wireless controller for the PS3. I actually got my DualShock 3 imported from Japan back in February and have used it all the time on my PS3. I have only played with the Dual Shock for PS2 and PS1 games though and not PS3 games yet since I only have 2 games that do not support rumble for the system. I can say that the Rumbling feature is 100% the same as the Dual Shock 2 for the PS2!
  
  First off, the weight difference is significant compared to the Sixaxis. You can tell no doubt which controller is which once you pick up both a Sixaxis and Dual Shock 3.
  
  Second, they now have 3 different colors for the controller which is pretty sweet cause now you can buy the controller in Silver, Black, and White.
  
  Now, to review on the rumbling itself, well, IT'S AWESOME!!! It's 100% accurate once something happens in a game where the controller is supposed to rumble and it gives you that feeling of awesomeness when playing games that have the rumble feature.
  
  The ONLY con I have to say about this controller is that sometimes it can drain the battery a bit quickly, but hey, I would take this controller 100 times as much compared to the Sixaxis.
  
  Overall, no doubt this product deserves 100 stars, but I can only give it 5.
  
  

• Welcome to the Rumble.

  
  By A3OMPSEVL59ZDK on 2008-04-08
  For the past year and a half something has been missing. You don't know what it is but theirs a void and somehow you want to fill it if only you could figure out what it is. You've played Resistance, Warhawk, Heavenly Sword, and Uncharted but something doesn't feel the same. Well worry no more your fears can now be relieved. Rumble is back to bring many of the PS3 best games to life. Granted we shouldn't have had to wait for this controller and its been a painful wait for Sony to settle the lawsuit and get the dualshock 3 into our gamer hands. But at least now its here and without it your truly missing out on that last bit of immersion games have been giving us for many years now.
  
  Its not a new feature, of course, but its a necessary one. As a PS3 owner I've missed it and I've taken issue with Sony leaving it out of the sixaxis. No we can have our rumble and feel it too. The controller has a great weighty feel to it. Still includes the motion sensing of the original sixaxis controller. The rumble works on all of the best games, except for Call of Duty 4 but I'm sure a patch will be available in the future. You really can't ask for more. Its rechargable without the need to buy anything extra. Consider all the batteries you don't have to buy and it pays for itself.
  
  

• Two major flaws... Get the Nyko Zero instead

  
  By A8ZB1OFL1K3V2 on 2008-07-30
  The controller is great, if it were 5 years ago. It's not horrible but compared to good ergonomic controllers today, Sony needs to update this dated design ASAP. They addressed the 3rd major flaw which was the missing rumble, so there's hope they will fix the rest of the problems.
  
  Spend a few hours playing with an Xbox 360 controller and you'll see what I mean. The 360 controller has a "in the slot" feel that is just natural and comfortable after many hours. Too bad the 360 controller, "best controller ever made", is paired to the worst console ever made, I'm on my 3rd 360, lol.
  
  Problem 1:
  Non-user replaceable internal Li-ion battery. Before you get all huffy and puffy about this, I am aware you can take apart the controller to replace the battery. But if you have to take apart something (and need instructions) to replace the battery that ain't "user replaceable" in my book. Sony should go the AA battery route. Rechargeable AA batteries are plentiful, have universal applications, and can go through 2x the charge cycle as Li-ions before noticeable degradation of performance. Also with the new Ni-MH Low Self Discharge (LSD) batteries (like the Sanyo Eneloops) the batteries can hold their charge, which was a big reason why manufacturers liked to use Li-ions. Contrary to what you read Li-ions only go about 400-500 full charge-discharge cycles before they start fading vs. over 1000 for the LSD rechargeables. I also read people complain about the weight of controllers, what? How weak can you be to be complaining about a controller being too heavy at a few ounces??? I like a controller that feels solid and the original Six-Axis was way to cheap feeling. People also complain that the battery compartment in the middle of the back of the 360 controller "gets in the way". Um, how exactly do you hold the controller for it to get in the way? Like a fan or something? Whatever.
  Sony want to make it difficult to change the battery in hopes that you will just buy another controller. Don't let them get away with this.
  
  Problem 2:
  Erogonomics, it's just getting old. Not horrible, but not great. And for $55-$60 you're paying for a high end controller which you deserve but instead you're getting a mediocre one. It looks nice but that's about it, unless you really need that Sony label.
  -The D-pad needs to be circular, games like Street Fighter work better with the circular pads, why do you think Hori makes dedicated Street Fighter controllers with circular pads for the Playstation?
  -The analog stick needs to be concave at the top (indented) instead of the convex (mushroom like top). It's too easy to slip.
  -The trigger button should be like a gun trigger, slightly curved outwards and thinner so your finger can sort of wrap around it.
  -The handles should be a bit rounder or thicker. It's too flat and you can't really grab onto the controller like you can with the 360/Nyko.
  -The buttons are too flat. They need to be rounded so you can tap them from sharp angles.
  
  Basically Sony needs to get off their duff and copy the Xbox 360's controller design. I can't believe they actually thought that boomerang controller design was good. You gotta wonder who is heading their controller design department.
  
  Sony did a great job with the console, now they just need to make a controller that is worthy of the PS3.
  
  I gave the lowest possible rating because of the price of this controller and the fact that Sony has been sitting on this design forever and not willing to improve on it. Yes it was a great design when it came out many years ago, but now they have to get over themselves and realize they need to make improvements. I've use this design since the original PS1 and loved it until the 360 came out. There's much better alternatives out there at better prices.
  
  The Nyko Zero (get the one with rumble) addresses all of these problems and is the best controller for the PS3 right now. It has a few issues of it's own but are minor compared to the fundamental problems with the PS3's controller. And it comes with a rechargeable battery pack AND a cover if you want use AA batteries and it's cheaper, go figure.
  
  I'm probably going to angry response from the Sony faithful (I guess I am one too but I buy all the consoles) with this review but you really should try out the other controllers and not just for a few minutes. Buy one and see what you've been missing out on.
  
  
• Worth the money
  By A2TR6X1I2IPNCV on 2008-04-05
  This is the controller you should have if you love PS3. I imported one months ago and have loved it. Made Resistance Fall of Man way more fun to play since the rumble puts you more into the game. Drakes Fortune is totally programed around it. Also the sixaxis functions seems more refined in this controller. I noticed it when playing Lair.
  
  
• Very Happy
  By A5S0HC3PKYJYM on 2008-04-04
  What a great addition to an already great system. Have had the PS3 since it came out. Got my new DualShock controller today and immedately played ToyHome 2nd Gear.
  
  The new controller is very nice with this game. When your car or runs into something, you can really tell!
  
  I also like the fact the controller is a little heavier. I think it makes turning the cards a little more realistic
  
  
  
  
• Tested on Playstation 1, 2, and 3 games - it works GREAT on all of them!
  By A1C139F5C7Y38P on 2008-04-20
  Well folks, now that the dust has settled from the Sony vs. Immersion lawsuit, Playstation 3 owners are finally able to feel the vibe again!
  
  I purchased this controller today and I knew the only way to properly road-test it was on the game that made the Dualshock famous, Metal Gear Solid. After booting up the game, I walked down the hallway and got spotted by a guard. As he shouted, "WHO'S THAT?" the controller jumped in my hand - and I knew this was a smart purchase. As the guards shot at me, I felt the feedback of the bullets, just as I had 10 years ago on my Sony Playstation.
  
  I picked out another old school Playstation game, Tenchu: Stealth Assassins. From Ayame's blades to Rikimaru's sword, each sword swipe and jump had excellent feedback.
  
  Okay, so my Playstation games worked out. But what about my Playstation 2 library?
  
  I popped in God of War, knowing I had to feel the swing of the Blades of Chaos. The controller vibrations felt a little lighter here, but the vibrations still occurred at the appropriate times.
  
  Then I chose Incredible Hulk Ultimate Destruction. Who better to test a vibration controller than the Sultan of Smash? All the power jumps and smashes had the vibrations intact, but they still felt a little on the light side.
  
  All right, so far I was two for two with my Playstation and Playstation 2 test subjects. But what about my Playstation 3 games? Could I possibly hit a trifecta?
  
  I put in Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and I decided to jump right into a heated firefight. The controller gave me feedback while shooting weapons and getting hit by enemy fire, but I knew my purchase was justified when Drake was near death: I FELT THE DUALSHOCK 3 PULSING IN SYNCH WITH DRAKE'S HEARTBEAT. It's one thing to hear that noise and know he's near death, it's quite another to feel the pulse in my own hands.
  
  Okay, so the feedback on the older games was there, but a little lighter than I remember. The reason? Well, when I decided to go wireless on my Playstation 2 system, I bought a Logitec Dualshock controller. It turns out, that controller takes two "AA" batteries, and the vibration motors inside the controller handles are slightly larger than the ones in the Dualshock 3. That's where I felt the difference.
  
  The Dualshock 3 vibrations may be slightly less than the Logitec controller, but it doesn't require the purchase of batteries.
  The Dualshock 3 may be slightly heavier than the SixAxis, but it doesn't take up any extra space at all.
  
  Sure, the price is about $15 more than the SixAxis, but it's a worthy upgrade for the Playstation 3 gamer who kicks it old school as well as new school. The only other drawback is the lack of an additional USB cable - but we can use the one that came with the system itself.
  
  So what's the final verdict?
  
  Order it, plug it in, charge it up, and get ready for the inevitable downloads from the Playstation Store to make the older PS3 games Dualshock 3 compatible.
  
  I wouldn't recommend a feedback peripheral without providing my own feedback...
  
  Enjoy!
  
  
• Reason I like the Dual Shock 3
  By A2CMY3NJT8QYOY on 2008-04-16
  The best thing about the Dual Shock 3 is that it has caused Amazon to lower the price of the Sixaxis. I have been waiting for this controller to come out so that Amazon and the rest would drop the price of the Sixaxis to a reasonable price. Thanks Sony!
  
  I PERSONALLY all by myself abhor vibrating controllers. So when I found that the PS3 Sixaxis doesn't even have the feature I was very pleased. Even better, the Sixaxis is very lightweight because it doesn't have the motor and weights for the Rumble feature. Very good.
  
  So all in all I am glad for the people who needed the Rumble feature. And if you really like paying US$15 more for the heavier controller, more power to you. I'm happy for my extra Sixaxis at an even lower price.
  
  
• don't wait... get it now
  By A3K55SHF4MN6RR on 2008-04-05
  i've had the ds3 controllers before they were public to the US market and it just makes your game play that much more enjoyable.
  
  great build quality and nice feedback. the rumble is not overly done and it's just right.
  
  definitely recommend.
  
  
• Overpriced
  By A2UQ53J4V5I7NX on 2008-04-07
  Just a standard game pad that vibrates. Not worth more than $5 - $10.
  
  
• They don't include the charging cable.
  By A284BOKGHH60VX on 2008-08-03
  I am sure anyone buying one of these at least has the regular Sixaxis controller and this is exactly the same except with the rumble pack added. I couldn't believe that they don't include the charge cord though. What a rip off.
  
  
• Worth the price? No USB Cable included?
  By A16ZSXML7SKP3T on 2008-08-15
  I purchased this controller to have a second controller for my PS3 to take on my friends.
  It may be a small thing but ording this controller for the price it doesn't come with the USB cabel to charge the batteries.
  May not be much but when it's promoted as:
  "Can be charged at any time through the PlayStation 3 system using the controller's USB cable."
  
  It's a bit 'CHEAP' Sony can't include another USB cable for $50+
  Kind of like selling a $500 Playstation with only one controller in the first place.
  
  I haven't been impressed with the "Rumble" feature in this unit in the first. Had metal gear solid 4 when it first came up and.
  "Not a whole lot shakin' going on to be worth mentioning.
  
  
• Cheap Trick
  By ALL087C49769B on 2008-09-07
  Selling this without the cable you need to use it is insulting. If you're paying $50 for this this you can afford the cable, but getting it out of the box and having to go back and find a cable is an annoyance. Be warned.
  
  
• Nex-Gen rumble!
  By ANHZDQKRGHFGH on 2008-04-07
  I feel in love with this from the start, it feels great! and this is not
  just normal rumble! for exmaple....when playing warhawk when getting shot from the left side just that side rumbles! its crazy, brings a whole different feeling to game play! i'm in love with it a must buy for all ps3 owners!
  
  ps.
  can't wait for MGS4!!!!
  
  
• Wonderful
  By A2NMIDKX4Z8HJ0 on 2008-04-07
  what a great controller for the PS3. has great rumble timing, and for my opinion the best controller in the market.
  
  RECOMMENDED
  
  
• Should've been out from the start
  By A1VQV2L5NWX80B on 2008-04-14
  This is essentially what should've shipped with the PS3 as of launch. However, due to lawsuits and Sony PR, it had to be delayed up until now. I love the heavier feel to the controller and it seems the battery lasts just as long as the original sixaxis' battery. THe rumble works great with games like Warhawk, Heavenly Sword, and Uncharted. It doesn't miss a step with the PS2 games (assuming you have a B/C compatible PS3). There's not much to say other than that. If you own a PS3 you probably got used to the L2 & R2 buttons/triggers, and have mixed reactions to the motion sensing tech. I say if you miss rumble, get this. If you don't have a PS3 and plan on buying one soon, wait until June when the controller starts shipping with the system.
  
  
• Trigger extenders
  By A1HSKVXCSKOEOT on 2008-06-16
  Same as the sixaxis controller but with force feedback rumble. The controller needs a redesign... not the most comfortable unit. Triggers curve under and there is no place to put your thumbs at rest except straight in the air...
  
  
• Dualshock designed to fit the hands of a child, Not a man's hand
  By A2HZR0F5XE5J2N on 2008-08-07
  Background: I'm 30 and haven't had a console system since Super Nintendo, PC games were just fine and cheaper. This year I wanted one and I couldn't decide XBOX or PS3. I bought both.
  
  Review: It does what is expected but I find myself having a hard time holding the controller, Especially when trying to use the lower Left and Right buttons(L2 and R2).
  It barely fits in my hands. My hands hurt after a half hour from gripping it so tight it doesn't fall out of my hands. I can wear a medium sized glove, Large is a better fit, but you understand what I am trying to convey. I don't have abnormally large hands. It was NOT designed for American sized men.
  
  
• About time!!
  By A1E5PAY0CHXV28 on 2008-04-07
  Nothing much to say that hasn't already been said. Heavier weight feels right. Works like it's supposed to. Wouldn't have expected anything less.
  
  
• The way it has to be
  By A3U2KZ5L8UTNP0 on 2008-04-07
  If you are a Playstation fan you already know that that the vibration feature has to be there. I you like to play games like MLB 2008 The show you know that vibration is a must for getting into the game exitement...This could seem unusable for many but for those who likes the rumble, like dual shock 2, this controller it's a definite tool to have..get it,,it's worth the $55.00..
  
  
• the way a ps3 controller should be!!!
  By A38PMWM16B0BNU on 2008-04-08
  awesome controller heavier sturdier and rumble!! it really does make playing games allot better!!!
  
  
• Go with the original controller not worth the $55
  By AP09SRZOP624O on 2008-06-07
  I decided to go ahead and splurge on this controller thinking it was going to make a better gameplay in games such as COD 4. WRONG!! So far I think they have a lack of game choice for whats compatible with the controller. How are you not going to update the game of year to have this feature!?!? GTA has the rumble feature but hardly ever rumbles and most of the time I don't even notice because it's such a poor rumble. For being a 2 oz difference b/w the original controller and the dualshock is a BIG difference. I prefer the lighter controller...so in result I paid $50 for a controller that just sits there. Maybe I will continue using the heavier controller when they come out with the rumble feature on COD. LETS GO SONY!!
  
  
• It's the simple things that make a difference.
  By AQ24AUYTOL1EZ on 2008-06-09
  I for one am glad to finally get the Dual Shock 3.
  
  Did not having it take away from my PS3 experience? No, but it's a must have none the less. As always the DualShock takes gameplay to a whole other level. The added weight is neglegable and I'm sure as newer games (or updates) become available the rumble feature will kick in a little harder.
  
  Ever heard "You don't know what you had until it's gone!"
  
  Well I'm a firm believer in "You don't know what you've been missing until it arrives!".
  
  If you don't already have one then pick up this newest entry into the gaming world thats PS3. I got mine and now I'm counting down the hours to Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. I remember how integral DualShock was to earlier Metal Gear entries.
  
  
• What we were missing...
  By AF2C4O771G9J2 on 2008-07-25
  This controller has brought back the excitement in gaming by adding the rumble feature to the PS3's own six axis we've grown to love.
  
  
• My wife likes the shock'er - Dualshock 3 I mean.
  By A224WOW1G9RYC8 on 2008-08-24
  Great controller. Not too heavy, not too light, and better when you can feel the action. I wish Sony hadnt had the lawsuit and could have released this controller from the beginning. I recommend it.
  
  
• As Expected
  By A37XRE3C2UJA9H on 2008-09-01
  Works as expected. Same as normal controller with added vibration function. Works very well.
  
  
• Rumble, The ONLY Way To Go!
  By A2RYBR9TSPLKZS on 2008-04-10
  I just got my Dualshock 3 Controller today and let me tell you it was everything I had hoped for! The weight is so much better than the Sixaxis Controller, I feel like im holding a real controller not a lite weight piece of junk. As for the Rumble Feature.... it's Perfect! It Added so much more of a connection to the game when I was playing Warhawk today, feeling the recoil of the weapons really gave me a rush and also let me know what I was missing without the Rumble Feature. In Short don't waste time, go drop the $55.00 and get what you should of when you first purchased your PS3!
  
  
• This is a very good, good, good controller
  By A1N3ACCYHN7VEY on 2008-04-10
  This controller rocks!! It is easy to manipulate. The best part about it is--- that it's very durable. This controller has been dropped several times and stepped on. I recommend this controller for all serious gamers!
  
  
• Rumble is Back !!
  By A1EP9DBG07RGVH on 2008-04-10
  Finally the dualshock is back, and this time better than ever (wireless, with sixaxis). There is no doubt the rumble adds alot of fun to gameplay. The controller itself is heavier and feels just right. I didn't notice any problems in battery life, got about 8 hours so far and still has full bars. This also works with all PS1/PS2 games (requires firmware 2.00). I tried this with uncharted and warhawk so far, both games uses the rumble feature perfectly. Even though i beat uncharted already, this time i really found it a lot better with rumble. I reccomend this for all PS3 owners, and especially if you're getting the one and only MGS4.
  
  

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