The SixAxis controller is the standard controller for the PS3 at the moment. In the east (and possibly America) a new version has been released which has a rumble feature. This product will be out in the UK around about springtime. The current model lacks rumble capabilities. This may seem a bad thing, but you really do get used to it, I don't miss rumble at all now although I might buy the dualshock3 (the rumble version) when it comes out in the spring, as it's bound to add a bit to the experience of playing a game, but its nothing major. The lack of rumble is the ONLY possible negative I can think of for the sixaxis, although as it doesn’t affect me much I don’t really see it as a negative (although some might)
The controller uses bluetooth to connect to the ps3, you plug it into the ps3 by the lead, press a button in the middle, the four lights on the top flash, and then its connected, you'll have to charge it for a bit on your first play. After that all you need to do is press the button, you don’t need the lead in when playing normally and the controllers got a pretty good range, about 15-20M, so you can play from really anywhere in the room. Also as its bluetooth you don't need a direct line of sight to the ps3 for the controller to work.
You can also play with the controller connected to the ps3 via the lead whilst you are charging it up. The batteries seem to last for ages (I don’t time how long it holds the charge, but I've been told its around 30 hours, so don’t worry about the charge time!)
The controller feels really light compared to the old PS2 controllers. You'll soon get used to this and they feel much better then the old ones after a while. They also don’t break easily, as you may expect from such a light controller, I've dropped mine several times and it works fine! Another difference from the ps2 controller is that the R2 and L2 are no longer "buttons" but more "triggers", this makes them easier to use and allows more control on things such as shooters.
"SixAxis" refers to the motion sensing capabilities, the "six axis" are up-down, left-right, forward-back, rotate left-right, rotate up-down and rotate sideways. Most games contain some form of using the motion sensor, however you won't actually use it in quite a few games. Some games manage to use the SixAxis motion sensing really poorly, and some use the motion sensing amazing. For example in Heavenly Sword you can fire a crossbow bolt, or throw something and then steer it using the SixAxis, this works really well and is much more fun than steering by using the left analog stick! Another great use is to throw grenades in Uncharted: Drakes Fortune. However in some games it does feel a bit like the motion sensing parts were just added on and don’t really work very well, but usually you can turn off motion sensing if you don’t like it in a game
You can also use the controller to turn the PS3 on (if its on standby) and off, and can also quit games using it so you can get back to the XMB ("main page").
The controllers are really good overall. If you need one soon then buy this, but if you don’t mind waiting and really have to have rumble, then you might want to wait a few months until the Dualshock3 is out.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Six Axis PS3 Slim Wireless Controller Much slimmer and lighter than the standard PS3 ... more
controller. Ultra sensitive pressure buttons work brilliantly with all the games. The vibrating system makes you feel as if your part of the action. Play anywhere ...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Six Axis PS3 Slim Wireless Controller Much slimmer and lighter than the standard PS3 ... more
controller. Ultra sensitive pressure buttons work brilliantly with all the games. The vibrating system makes you feel as if your part of the action. Play anywhere ...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Long-lasting RECHARGEABLE Battery life, familiar user-interface and tilt-sensivity Disadvantages: Lack of rumble feedback and build quality could be much better.
Mar 19th, 2008
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