SIXAXIS Wireless Controller (PS3)

The wireless SIXAXIS controller for the PS3 picks up where the Dual Shock 2 Controller for the PS2 left off, with a few new features, a slight redesign, and (lamentably) the loss of the rumble function. Sony have clearly gone for the 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' approach for the overall design.

The most significant of the new features is, of course, the SIXAXIS Motion Sensing capability. Like the much-vaunted, innovative controllers for the Nintendo Wii, the SIXAXIS enables PS3 users to experience a new way of interacting with games. It remains to be seen just how game developers choose to exploit this new technology, but it is already being put to good use in forthcoming titles such as Warhawk (flying game) and in MotorStorm. Although it takes a bit of getting used to, you can always switch it off and use the conventional D-Pad or analogue sticks for directional controllers until you get the hang of it!

The new PS button in the centre of the controller is a great, versatile new addition to the controller. You use this button to exit games (something that wasn't necessary on the PS2), or to switch off the PS3 remotely (a very useful touch - no more getting out of bed to switch off the console after a late-night DVD). You can also use this button to switch off the controller when you are not using it, but still using the PS3 (like when watching a DVD or listening to music), which is a great touch. Being wireless, you need to recharge the controller from time to time (this is done simply by plugging the controller into the PS3 console via the USB cable provided with the controller). You may choose to play with the controller connected anyway, of course, but you will soon get very used to the freedom of the wireless controller. Each time you press the PS button, you get a list of options on screen asking you what you want to do. There is also a handy battery charge meter which shows you when you may need to think about recharging.

The R2/L2 buttons on the back of the controller have been redesigned to be touch-sensitive triggers, rather than the flat buttons of the DS2. This is a nice touch, esp. useful in FPS (shooting) type games. However the triggers bulge out the way (convex) as opposed to in the way (concave), so your trigger finger doesn't rest naturally on the triggers, which is a shame. Prolonged periods where you want to hold this button down can be slightly tricky as a result. They are also fairly sensitive, and I've found myself double-tapping accidentally many times in the last week while making gear changes in Gran Turismo HD, for example.

Another new feature is a rack of four little LED lights on the back of the controller. These allow you to see which controller is which when more than one wireless controller is assigned to the PS3 at any one time.

Sadly, due to a legal wrangle between the inventors of the rumble technology previously used in the DS2 controller (Immersion) and SONY, this first incarnation of the controller does not have the rumble technology inside. This legal battle has, happily, now been resolved, so we should start to see games being made with rumble-compatibility in them. Unfortunately, this controller will not be able to exploit that. Hopefully sometime in the not-too-distant future, we will see the SIXAXIS 2 (although this is very much speculation on my part), a PS3 controller with the added rumble functionality. This being the case, I personally am going to hold off buying that second controller until such a time as either a new controller is launched, or my game collection demands I have a second SIXAXIS. But since the only games I have do not even support two-player modes (such as F1 Championship Edition and MotorStorm), then there is currently no rush to buy a second controller!

All together, the SIXAXIS is as well-designed, comfortable and easy to use as the old PS2 controllers, with a couple of very nice innovative additions... but the new additions are slightly compromised by what has been taken away, and at this price, it may be worthwhile waiting for a bit to see if and when the SIXAXIS with rumble functionality comes on the market.

The controller itself features motion sensing capabilities. Their usage within games is limited and does not play as a big part as the Wii's controller. The motion sensing was presented as a bonus to the game developer.

Using the motion sensing is real and fun and it is possible to drive using it in Formula 1 Championship Edition and Motorstorm. The only problem is, is it needs practice and there is a very small time delay in using the motion sensing, although it will not affect the gameplay noticeably.

There is a lack of vibraration, but having bought a PS3 and using the controller, you do not really notice it and forget about it - strange but true, although I would still welcome vibraration and I can cope without it.

Battery life on the controller is excellent and has a very rapid charge time.

The final thing about it is that one controller is already provided with your PS3 and a second one is not really needed at this time as many games are only one player, with the online multiplayer almost replacing the traditional split screen multiplayer. Although in the future, split screen games may come back.

Overall, the controller is fun and good to use with its negative issues quickly ignored due to the brilliant games on the system.

I bought my PS3 system about a year ago, I already have 2 Six-Axis controllers with sticking X buttons Grrrrr!! Good controller but made the quality of a Kinder Egg Toy inside. Yeah, i decided to take one apart to see what was going on inside!! I hope the system itself is more durable.