Dual Shock 3 Review - 7/10
Dual shock. No, this is not one of those trick things you give to a friend to shock them. This is the PS3’s Dual Shock controller.
First of all, a quick history lesson; the reason the Dual Shock 3 (DS3) was delayed is because both Microsoft and Sony got sued for copying the design. Microsoft payed out and settled whereas Sony continued and tried to win. They did not. They had to pay a large sum to continue the production of the Dual Shock controllers.
First of all, there’s no real visual change with the DS3. It’s a darker black (if you get black) and above where it usually says “SixAxis” it now says “Dual Shock 3”. I don’t see why they would have changed anything though, no one was expecting a change, and they got none. Also, chances are, it will look newer of course!
Now the controller is a fair bit heavier. Not sure on the exact weights but if you have been using your standard PS3 controller and then started to use the DS3, you would notice it a lot.
The sticks are also a lot stiffer. Not a lot though, you won’t need weight lifting thumbs to be able to play with it, but again it’s noticeably stiffer. I consider this a plus side. I like the stiffer sticks because it allows for more precision movement and a stiff stick in combination with a high sensitivity, well, you can’t go wrong. Enough about being “stiff” (no pun intended) there’s really only one reason why you want it. So it can jiggle around in your hands...
The first game I was able to use my DS3 on was Metal Gear Solid 4 and about half way through it. I have to say that the vibrating interactions with what was happening during cut scenes were quite impressive. My most memorable event would have to be when you’re on the motorbike and when they start it up, with each rev the controller vibrates harder, harder and full on when they speed off. During game play I found it to go well but it depends on what game you’re playing with. Some games respond differently. But there is a really nice feeling when you’re sliding around a corner, attempting to overtake the car in front of you and when you hit dirt for the controller to make you feel as if you’re on dirt with slight and random vibrations. A great effect was in Burnout Paradise when driving on the railway lines. It was a constant pulse of strong vibrations to simulate the act of passing over the railway lines and upon leaving them, your hand would feel tingly and if you have ever driven over railway lines before, it feels tingly after you have been on them, just like it did in Burnout Paradise.
Other games choose to use it for gunshots to give the feel like you’re shooting a gun though it fails to give the chest jiggling kick that guns do in Rambo movies. *sigh*
At the start of your DS3’s life it will get a good charge but after a few months of use you will find the charger cable being plugged in more and more often. Now this isn’t too much of a problem because it doesn’t have a dramatic affect on its usage but may be a slight annoyance for a few of you.
Now I’m not sure if they have weaker springs or not, I don’t know, but my DS3 spring in the R2 trigger has already broken. I purchased my DS3 on July 18 at about 8pm for a full $100. Only a few months ago did it make a small click sound then the R2 stopped flicking back to its standard position. This is a major problem and I have since not used my DS3. My SixAxis is in full, 100% working order after almost a year of play with about an average of 4-7 hours use per day. Still holding up well, that’s damn good.
Chances are, I just got unlucky but it needed a mention.
Overall it’s a nice controller. The weight makes it feel like you’re actually holding something which feels a lot better than it sounds. The stiffer sticks are a personal favourite for me even though the sole purpose is the rumble. I think that’s the problem here. The novelty for the rumble wears off quicker than I expected it to. It’s a really nice addition, yes, but after some time, and not all that much time it can get old. I’m sure you won’t go so far as turning the rumble feature off, you will want it there if you have it. What I’m trying to say is that there’s no rush to go out and purchase one. They’re quite expensive and not all
that good.
Nothing to save for unless you’re a big fan of the rumble, otherwise, wait until you have the spare cash. Your SixAxis is fine.
7.5/10
rivalZone
Submitted by rivalZone
06/12/2008
196
12
Join MyPS3 to vote for your favourite story!
More Info:
DualShock 3 Controller
Other Reviews:
Related News: