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Sony DualShock 3 - black (PS3)

Manufacturer: Sony   Part number: SCPH-98050
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CNET Editors' rating: 8.0 out of 10
Average user rating: 8.0 out of 10


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CNET Editors' review - Sony DualShock 3 - black (PS3)
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Excellent

8.0

out of 10
CNET Editor's rating: 8.0 out of 10
Reviewed by David Carnoy
Review date: 04/04/08

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.)


Except for its slightly heavier weight, the DualShock 3 is indistinguishable from its predecessor, the Sixaxis.

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.

(Originally posted on CNET Reviews)
User opinions - Sony DualShock 3 - black (PS3)
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Excellent

8.0

out of 10
Average user rating from 6 users

Sort 6 user opinions by:

8 out of 10 - Excellent
More of a response to the review rather than a review itself.
I've had one of these controllers since November 2007 (Japanese model can be purchased for equal or less on ... Read more
by roninhyde (see profile) - April 4, 2008

2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

8 out of 10 - Excellent
So far so good.
Gamestop had this a bit earlier than some other stores, just picked it up today and I really like it. ... Read more
by seantagorek (see profile) - April 6, 2008

1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

9 out of 10 - Spectacular
Best controller i have ever used.
Read more
by aznboy318 (see profile) - June 2, 2008

10 out of 10 - Perfect
Awesome Controller Experience
This was worth the wait. It feels more realistic than ever before. The directional vibration doesn't allow you to ... Read more
by wmdwhitt (see profile) - April 21, 2008

10 out of 10 - Perfect
This was an inadaquate, inaccurate, insulting review.
This Cnet review was AWEFUL! The reviewer call Sony "Being Cheap" and was insulting in tone. Lacked any knowledge that ... Read more
by FutureCTO (see profile) - April 14, 2008

9 out of 10 - Spectacular
Now is a good controller
The Added Rumble cam into play, it was all good. Read more
by doneflop (see profile) - April 11, 2008





Full specifications - Sony DualShock 3 - black (PS3)
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Manufacturer: Sony
Part number: SCPH-98050
General
Device Type Game pad
Enclosure Color Black
Packaged quantity 1
Compatibility Game console
Input Device
Compatible Game Consoles Sony PlayStation 3
Connectivity Technology Wireless
Buttons Qty 12
Pointing Device / Manipulator Two thumb sticks, 4-way D-pad
Features Pressure sensitivity, Vibration
Miscellaneous
Cables Included USB cable
Publish these specs on your Web site
Manufacturer Info - Sony DualShock 3 - black (PS3)
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Manufacturer info
Sony Electronics, Inc. 


Manufacturer profile
http://www.sonystyle.com
Browse Sony Electronics, Inc. products on CNET Shopper.com


Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
Address: 16765 W. Bernardo Dr.
San Diego, CA 92127
Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
E-mail: contact@sel.sony.com
Fax:941-768-7790

 
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