PlayStation 3 accessories

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Various accessories for the PlayStation 3 video game console have been produced by SONY. These include controllers, audio and video input devices like microphones and video cameras, and cables for better sound and picture quality.

Contents

[edit] Sixaxis

Sixaxis Wireless Controller
Sixaxis ps3 controller.jpg
Playstation 3's Sixaxis wireless controller
Manufacturer Sony Computer Entertainment
Type Video game controller
Generation Seventh generation era
Retail availability November 11, 2006
Connectivity Motion sensing, USB, Bluetooth

The Sixaxis Wireless Controller (SCPH-98040/CECHZC1) (trademarked "SIXAXIS") was the official wireless handheld controller for the Sony PlayStation 3, later to be succeeded by the DualShock 3. In Japan, individual Sixaxis controllers were available for purchase simultaneously with the console's launch, without a USB to USB mini cable. The word "sixaxis" is also used to mean the motion sensitive technology in PlayStation 3 controllers. The word "Sixaxis" (contraction of "six axis" for the directional movements) is a palindrome. Sixaxis controllers can also be used on the PSP Go since both use Bluetooth and can be connected by registering the system and the controller on the PS3.

[edit] History

At E3 2005, Sony showcased their "boomerang" design for the PlayStation 3's controller. Accompanied by much criticism, most of which were for its looks, this design was later abandoned. Sony later stated that the original controller "was very clearly designed as a design concept, and was never intended to be the final controller, despite what everybody said about it."[1]

The boomerang design was replaced by an altered, wireless version of the DualShock 2 controller at E3 2006. The Sixaxis controller is currently being phased out, and the DualShock 3 is the new official controller, which in addition to a vibration feature will still include Sixaxis functionality. However Europe will still have the Sixaxis controller during summer as the European Metal Gear Solid 4 PlayStation 3 bundle includes a Sixaxis. [2] The Sixaxis is no longer being produced.

[edit] Feature and design changes

The Sixaxis can operate for up to 30 hours on a full charge. The battery was originally not thought to be replaceable when a Sony spokesperson stated that the Sixaxis should operate for "many years before there's any degradation in terms of battery performance. When and if this happens, then of course Sony will be providing a service to exchange these items".[3] Later, it was revealed that the Sixaxis came with instructions on how to remove the battery and that the battery was fully removable.[4]

A major feature of the Sixaxis controller is the ability to sense both rotational orientation and translational acceleration along all three dimensional axes, providing six degrees of freedom, hence the name.[5] This became a matter of controversy, as the circumstances of the announcement, made less than eight months after Nintendo revealed motion-sensing capabilities in its new game console controller (see Wii Remote), led to speculation that the addition of motion-sensing was a late-stage decision by Sony to follow Nintendo's move. Further fueling the speculation was the fact that only Warhawk shown at E3 that year demonstrated the motion-sensing feature.[citation needed] Also, some comments from Incognito Entertainment, the developer behind the motion-sensing PlayStation 3 game, Warhawk, said that it received development controllers with the motion-sensing feature only 10 days or so before E3.[6] Developer Brian Upton from SCE Studios Santa Monica later clarified that the Incognito had been secretly working on the motion-sensing technology "for a while", but did not receive a working controller until "the last few weeks before E3".[7]

The Sixaxis features finer analog sensitivity than the DualShock 2, increased to 10-bit precision from the 8-bit precision of the DualShock 2.[8] The controller also uses both analog and digital signals simultaneously at all times during gameplay. The frame beneath the L2 and R2 buttons has been omitted and these buttons have been made trigger-like, with the range of travel determining the degree of analog input rather than the range of pressure. In the place of the "Analog" mode button switch of previous dual analog models is a jewel-like "PS button" with the PlayStation logo, which can be used to access the home menu, switch controller inputs and turn the console or the controller on or off.

[edit] LEDs

The top of a Sixaxis controller, LED lights on the right.

A row of four numbered LED port indicators are on the top of the controller, to identify and distinguish multiple wireless controllers. Due to there being only four player LEDs on the controller itself, multiple indicators light up for players 5, 6 and 7 (for example, if the '4' and '1' indicators are illuminated at the same time, the controller is assigned to Player 5). While the PS3 is turned on, pressing the PS button will bring up a menu displaying the battery charge of all synced controllers among other options.

[edit] Partial list of games that support 5-7 players offline

The following games support 7 players offline on a single screen unless otherwise noted. In addition to Sony-made controllers, almost any USB controller will work due to the PS3's plug-and-play capabilities.[citation needed] Due to the Xbox 360 controller requiring driver support, it will not function, but most PC controllers will, in addition to PS2 controllers connected via a PS2-to-USB adapter.

[edit] Removal of vibration capability

Sony announced that because of the included motion sensors, the vibration feature of previous PlayStation controllers was removed, stating that the vibration would interfere with motion-sensing.[5] This therefore made the PS3 wireless controller incredibly light, which felt strange to players[citation needed] accustomed to heavier controllers such as the DualShock. Haptics developer Immersion Corporation, which had successfully sued Sony for patent infringement[9], expressed skepticism of Sony's rationale, with company president Victor Viegas stating in an interview, "I don’t believe it’s a very difficult problem to solve, and Immersion has experts that would be happy to solve that problem for them," under the condition that Sony withdraw its appeal of the patent infringement ruling.[10] Immersion later emphasized compatibility with motion-sensing when introducing its next-generation vibration feedback technology, TouchSense.[11] Subsequent statements from Sony were dismissive of the arguments from Immersion, with Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) Senior VP of Marketing Peter Dille stating, "It seems like the folks at Immersion are looking to sort of negotiate through the press and try to make their case to us … we've talked about how there's a potential for that rumble to interfere with the Sixaxis controller."[12]

However, in a press release made some eight months later, Phil Harrison, Sony's president of worldwide studios, said: "Now, rumble I think was the last generation feature; it's not the next-generation feature. I think motion sensitivity is." He added that rumbling would, in the future, only come from third-party controllers. [13]. That statement was proven false less than a year later, with the announcement of the DualShock 3.

[edit] Partial list of games using Sixaxis motion sensor

It should be noted that some of the demo versions of these games do not allow use of the motion sensor.

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

[edit] DualShock 3

Main article: DualShock - DualShock 3 Sixaxis

The DualShock 3 Sixaxis (SCPH-98050/CECHZC2) is the now official PlayStation 3 controller, replacing the original Sixaxis completely (while still keeping its motion-sensing functionality). At its press conference at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show, Sony announced the DualShock 3 (trademarked "DUALSHOCK 3"), a new PlayStation 3 controller with the same function and design as the original Sixaxis, but with the vibration capability of the DualShock 2.[14]. The vibration function does not interfere with the motion sensory function, and both functions can be used at once.[15] Like the Sixaxis, it is a wireless controller with a slot for a detachable wire that can be used for charging, as well as playing while charging.

On October 8, 2008, the official DualShock 3 controller was released in the Japan, in Piano Black and Ceramic White, as well as Satin Silver (to match the Japanese color variations of the 40GB PS3 model), and on November 11, 2008 in the United States. Software patches to provide a vibration function in previously-released PS3 software were made available.

[edit] Partial list of games using DualShock 3 Rumble feature support

Main article: Full List of DualShock 3 Compatible Games

It should be noted that some of the demo versions of these games did not allow use of the rumble features, and that some of these games also support Sixaxis motion-sensory as well.

[edit] PlayStation Eye

Playstation Eye
Main article: PlayStation Eye

The PlayStation Eye is an updated version of the EyeToy USB webcam designed for the PlayStation 3. It will not work with PS2 EyeToy games, but the PS3 does support the PlayStation 2 EyeToy, using its camera and microphone functionalities. A firmware update enabled the PlayStation 3 to support all USB webcams which used the USB Video Class.

[edit] PlayTV

Main article: PlayTV

Officially announced August 22, 2007; PlayTV is a twin-channel DVB-T tuner peripheral with digital video recorder (DVR) software which allows users to record television programs to the PlayStation 3 hard drive for later viewing. Programs can be recorded while playing a game. The device was launched in the UK on the 19 September 2008 with other regions in Europe to follow. [5]

It has been reported that Australia will receive the Play TV accessory only 2 months after Europe. However after months & months of delays PlayTV was finally released in Australia on the 27th November 2009

Because North American markets, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be using the ATSC digital standard (and the latter two are currently early in their digital transition), it is unlikely they will see the PlayTV device because of compatibility issues.

[edit] Headsets

Further information: List of Bluetooth headsets compatible with PlayStation 3

Most commercial USB headsets are compatible with the PlayStation 3. In addition, the PlayStation 3 supports some PlayStation 2 USB accessories, including the USB SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs headset by Logitech, the SingStar microphones and the built-in microphone on the Eyetoy for video and voice chat (although the EyeToy Play game associated with the EyeToy is not available for use on European PlayStation 3s ). Since the PlayStation 3 supports Bluetooth technology, any type of wireless headset is compatible with the system[16]; however, Bluetooth wireless headsets are not compatible with PlayStation 2 games which use the USB headsets (due to being programmed for them only) and therefore the USB headsets must still be used (though this could potentially be solved with future firmware updates). On Sept. 12, 2007, Logitech announced[17] new, Cordless Vantage Headset for Playstation 3. The Blu-ray Disc retail version of Warhawk comes bundled with a Jabra BT125 Bluetooth headset in North America and the Jabra BT135 in Europe.[18]

Madcatz is also selling a NASCAR/Dale Earnhardt JrHeadset in Amp and National Guard colors.

[edit] Official PS3 Wireless Bluetooth Headset

Official PS3 Wireless Bluetooth Headset

On June 27, 2008, it was announced that the headset that will be paired with the Blu-ray Disc version of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation will be the official Bluetooth headset for the PlayStation 3 [19] (see image). It will boast exclusive features such as a mute button, and will come with a charging cradle so that it may charge while connected to one of the system's USB ports [20], which is being marketed as being useful for storing when not in use.

The official headset allows for high quality voice-chat, and provides volume level, battery level, charging status and connection status indicators on the PS3's on-screen display. The headset can be used as a microphone when docked in the charging cradle - voice output from PS3 is automatically transferred to the TV in this case.

[edit] Wireless Keypad

The Wireless Keypad attached to a controller

A wireless keypad peripheral [21] was launched in Europe on November 28, 2008,[22] early December 2008 in North America, and some time late 2008 in Japan. The keypad connects to the PlayStation 3 via Bluetooth. Because it uses a standard bluetooth connection, it can be paired with other bluetooth compatible devices. It has an internal battery and does not require power from the controller which means it can function separately from the controller, although it can also be directly attached to the controller.

The keypad must be first connected to the PlayStation 3 via the supplied USB mini cable so it can be paired and subsequently used. The keypad features two shortcut buttons, a Communication Button and a Message Box Button, letting users jump to pre-set features on the XMB such as the Friends screen and Message Box during game play. The Touch Pad Button allows PS3 users to use the surface of the keypad as a touch pad, allowing them to move the pointer whilst web browsing by sliding their fingers around the keypad surface. The Bluetooth-enabled device supports all typing on the PlayStation 3, including text chatting in Home and LittleBigPlanet support.

[edit] Other USB Support

The PS3 is compatible with most PC-standard USB devices, including steering wheels, arcade fighting pads and flight sticks. It is up to the game's developer to support such devices and title software updates can further add compatibility. USB keyboard and mouse support is also allowed via USB or Bluetooth, in which most standard devices work. Keyboard and mouse support can be used to navigate the XMB or for use on the console's web browser. Keyboard and mouse support will work in backwards compatibility mode for supported PSOne and PS2 games.

The following PS3 games support keyboard and mouse:

[edit] Blu-ray Remotes

Blu-ray Disc Remote Control

The PS3 is compatible with any bluetooth Blu-ray/DVD remote and with an accessory is compatible with any Blu-ray/DVD remote as well as any universal Blu-ray/DVD remote.

[edit] Official PS3 Bluetooth Blu-ray remote

The official Playstation 3 Blu-Ray remote features all the standard Blu-ray and DVD remote functions: Chapter display/select A-B Repeat One-Touch Menu Control and more. In addition it has all the DUALSHOCK 3's buttons: X, O, Triangle, Square, and everything else including the PS button for turning on and off your PS3 and going to the XMB.

[edit] Microphones

The PS3 is compatible with all USB, wireless, and bluetooth microphones. That includes all the PS2 SingStar games microphones and of course all the PS3 SingStars games wireless and wired microphones. Soon wireless bluetooth PS3 microphones will be released.

[edit] Memory Card Adapter

The PlayStation 3 Memory Card Adaptor (CECHZM1) is a device that allows data to be transferred from a PlayStation memory card or a PlayStation 2 memory card to the PlayStation 3's hard disk. At launch, the device did not support transferring saved game files back to a memory card, but upon the release of the PlayStation 3 system software version 1.80, the user is now able to transfer PSOne and PS2 game saves from the PS3 directly onto a physical Memory Card via the adaptor. PlayStation 2 saved game files can also be transferred between PlayStation 3 users via other current memory card formats. The device connects to the PlayStation 3's USB port on one end through a USB Mini-B cable (not included with adaptor, but it was included with the console itself), and features a legacy PlayStation 2 memory card port on the other end. The adaptor works with every PlayStation 3 model, regardless of whether it is compatible with PlayStation 2 games or not. The adaptor was available for purchase simultaneously with the console's launch. The Memory Card Adaptor was released on 25 May 2007 in the UK.

[edit] AC adapter charging kit

The AC adapter Charging Kit can charge Sixaxis and/or DualShock 3 controllers, the official Bluetooth headset and the Wireless Keypad. The kit can also charge the PSP-2000 and PSP-3000. The AC Charger uses a wall power plug, eliminating the need to have a PS3 running to charge the hardware.

[edit] AV cables

Entry line cable (RCA) for standard-definition display and 2.0ch sound (analog video and audio).

Both official HDMI cables and standard HDMI cables (ver 1.2 / 1.3) are also compatible. An official component AV cable set is also available. Also, composite, S-Video, RGB SCART and component cables for the PlayStation 2 are all compatible with the PlayStation 3, as they utilize the same "A/V Multi Out" port.[23]

On the audio part, AV cables connected to the "AV Multi out" allows 2.0ch (stereo) only, optical "Digital out" allows both 2.0ch and 5.1ch and "HDMI out" (Ver.1.3) supports 2.0ch, 5.1ch and 7.1ch.

Units sold in NTSC regions are SD/ED NTSC, 720p, 1080i and 1080p compliant, while those available in PAL regions are compatible with SD/ED PAL, 720p, 1080i and 1080p. A NTSC system (480i/480p) cannot output PAL (576i/576p) games and DVDs (DVD-Video/DVD-Audio) - however PAL units can display "All Region" NTSC DVDs. This regional lock does not affect HD output (720p/1080i/1080p) - except for Blu-ray Disc movies.

[edit] HD line

D4: 1080p (HD), 720p (HD), 480p (ED NTSC) /480i (SD NTSC)
D3: 1080i (HD), 480p (ED NTSC) /480i (SD NTSC)
D2: 480p (ED NTSC) /480i (SD NTSC)
D1: 480i (SD NTSC)
  • Component AV (YUV) cable (SCPH-10490): 1080p (HD), 1080i (HD), 720p (HD), 576p (ED PAL) /576i (SD PAL), 480p (ED NTSC) /480i (SD NTSC)

[edit] SD line

  • RGB Péritel (SCART) cable European market: 576i (SD PAL), 480i (SD NTSC)
  • AV Multi (AVマルチ) cable: 480p (ED NTSC) /480i (SD NTSC) Japanese market
  • S-Video cable (SCPH-10480): 576i (SD PAL), 480i (SD NTSC)
  • AV (composite / RCA) cable (SCPH-10500): 576i (SD PAL), 480i (SD NTSC)

[edit] References

  1. ^ Fahey, Rob (2006-05-12). "E³: Sony's Phil Harrison". GamesIndustry.biz. http://www.gamesindustry.net/content_page.php?aid=16969. Retrieved 2006-08-30. 
  2. ^ MTV Multiplayer » Sony Non-Shocker: Sixaxis Discontinued
  3. ^ Sony to replace PS3 controllers // GamesIndustry.biz
  4. ^ gizmodo.com
  5. ^ a b Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (2006-05-09). "SCE Announces New Controller For Playstation 3" (PDF). Press release. http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/060509be.pdf. Retrieved 2006-05-24. 
  6. ^ "Incognito Had 10 Days To Design Warhammer's Tilt-Sensitive Controls". Kotaku. 2006-05-12. http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/incognito/incognito-had-10-days-to-design-warhammers-tiltsensitive-controls-173405.php. Retrieved 2007-01-01. 
  7. ^ "WarHawk dev knew about tilt". Eurogamer. N/A. http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=65844. Retrieved 2007-01-01. 
  8. ^ PlayStation.com - Playstation3 - Accessories - Sixaxis Wireless Controller
  9. ^ Immersion Corporation (2005-03-08). "Immersion Obtains $90.7 Million Judgment in Patent Infringement Case Against Sony". Press release. http://immr.client.shareholder.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=158652. Retrieved 2006-07-01. 
  10. ^ Murdey, Chase (2006-05-17). "Ready to Rumble? Immersion's Victor Viegas on PlayStation 3's Lack of Vibration". Gamasutra. CMP Media LLC. http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20060517/murdey_01.shtml. Retrieved 2006-07-01. 
  11. ^ Immersion Corporation (2006-06-19). "Immersion Corporation Introduces Next-Generation Vibration Technology for Video Console Gaming Systems". Press release. http://immr.client.shareholder.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=201102. Retrieved 2006-07-01. 
  12. ^ Engadget.com
  13. ^ GameDaily BIZ (2007-02-26). "Sony: Rumble is a 'Last Generation Feature'". Press release. http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3157501. 
  14. ^ "DualShock 3 Wireless Controller With Rumble Feature To Be Introduced FOR PLAYSTATION3". Sony Computer Entertainment. 2007-09-20. http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/070920be.html. Retrieved 2007-09-20. 
  15. ^ Gamertell Review: Sony Dualshock 3 wireless controller
  16. ^ "Any Bluetooth headset compatible with PS3". Press release. http://www.playstatic.com/news/180. Retrieved 2006-11-11. 
  17. ^ "Logitech Unveils Bluetooth-Enabled Headset and Keyboard Designed for PLAYSTATION 3". Logitech. 2007-09-12. http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/172/3790&cl=us,en. 
  18. ^ Dunham, Alexis (2007-08-28). "Warhawk Released". IGN. http://games.ign.com/articles/817/817415p1.html. 
  19. ^ "Official PS3 Wireless Bluetooth Headset". Play.com. http://www.play.com/Games/PlayStation3/4-/6704615/Official-PS3-Wireless-Bluetooth-Headset/Product.html. 
  20. ^ Brothers, David (2008-06-27). "Media Day 03: Bluetooth!?". SOCOM.com. http://socom.us.playstation.com/post/2008/06/Media-Day-03-Bluetooth%c2%ae.aspx. 
  21. ^ Crecente, Brian (2008-08-20). "PS3 Wireless keypad ships this holiday worldwide". Kotaku. http://kotaku.com/5039502/ps3-wireless-keypad-ships-this-holiday-worldwide. Retrieved 2008-08-20. 
  22. ^ http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=308073
  23. ^ PlayStation 3 User's Guide - Video Output Settings

[edit] See also

v • d • e
Playstation logo colour.svgPlayStation
Home consoles
Handhelds
Games
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Controllers
Third-party controllers
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System software
Media
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