Official Sony DualShock 3 Controller

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 SIXAXISTM 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 wireless controller utilizes Bluetooth technology for wireless game play and the controller's USB cable to seamlessly and automatically charge the controller through the PlayStation 3 system at any time. Pressure sensors that rumble with each action making every impact feel like you're right in the gameSixaxis...

  • Nicola Whitaker February 09, 2012 PS3
    ****

    It's a work of art.
    I've been using control pads since the days of the wrist breaking joystick, across all consoles and can honestly say that for me, no other controller can compare to the Dual Shock3 It fits perfectly in your hands; the buttons, analogue sticks & D-Pad are all perfectly spaced so you don't have to stretch your fingers to throw that game winning grenade, or pull a handbrake turn.
    The DualShock3 all the features from the DualShock2 that came with the PS2 console, but adds:
    Wireless play - It's amazing how restrained you were when controllers had wires, people would walk across you without looking and before you knew it, your console would end up flying. The pad now connects to your PS3 via Bluetooth & set up is really simply, turning your PS3 on, plugging the pad in via the USB, and turning the pad on. That's it! Because the controller is now wireless this means it is now run on batteries. But fear not, the pad has a built in rechargeable Li-ion battery. This lasts for about 30hrs of solid gaming between charges. Speaking of which, charging is simple: There is a mini USB port at the top of the pad, so all you need to do is plug it into your PS3 and it will charge in about 3hrs. Personally, I just alternate between pads, 1 charging & playing with the other one.
    SixAxis control - SixAxis is a neat but rarely used feature that means you can tilt & lean the controller as well as using the sticks & D-Pad. For example, the Uncharted games feature a lot of walking across precariously placed logs, and if you walk across to hastily Drake will start to fall off the log. Well, with a gently tilt of the pad, Drake will level out and carry on his merry way. I like this feature because it adds an extra dimension to games instead of just twiddling my thumbs around.
    The PS button - The button in the middle of the pad between "Start" & "Select" is probably one of the best things they could have added to the DualShock3. By pressing the PS button while the PS3 is off, you can remotely turn your PS3 on! No more having to open media units or walking across the room, it's just pick-up & play. This isn't the only use for the PS button, if you press and hold it. You can select from options like turning the PS3 off, quitting a game, or to simply turn just the pad off. A short press on the PS button will let you access some of the XMB features like viewing your Trophies & messages from friends.
    As with the DualShock2: Each button is pressure sensitive, which means the harder your press, the further your grenade will be thrown, you'll drive/run/fly faster. The same with the analogue sticks gently steer it to the left/right and Solid Snake (for example) will take a leisurely stroll. Push the stick all the way across and he's shoot off in a sprint.
    While there are 3rd party controllers on the market, I doubt you'll find one that comes close to build quality or just sheer beauty of the official Sony DualShock3. And while some would say that £34.99 (the average price at time of writing) is a lot to pay compared to the Xbox360 pad, you need to remember that the DualShock3 has a battery built in, so you won't ever need to buy batteries/packs for it.
    I can't recommend this enough, and won't hesitate for a second on buying an extra/replacement pad. 5/5