Sony announced at last week’s Tokyo Game Show (TGS) plans to release its DualShock3 Wireless Controller, now with a “rumble” feature. The controller, designed to work with the PlayStation 3 video game console, will ship to the North American market in 2008. No pricing was announced.
The DualShock3 features the “Sixaxis” design of the controller included with the PS3. “Sixaxis” is a six-axis sensing system that lets users maneuver more intuitively by tilting their controller in addition to operating the controller’s buttons, directional pad and thumbsticks. The device works wirelessly using internal recharageable batteries that replenish when you connect the controller to a PS3 using a standard USB to mini-USB adapter cable.
Since Sony debuted the PS3 in 2006, the controller included with the console has lacked a “rumble” feature which enables users to experience force feedback in games. This is a marked departure from controller included with the enormously popular PlayStation 2 console, which includes that capability.
In March of 2007, Sony settled a lawsuit with Immersion, developer of game controller force feedback technology, paving the way for the company to reintroduce a game controller that featured rumble effects.
Sony has also announced a list of games compatible with the DualShock3 controller, including The Darkness, Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, Burnout Paradise, Rage, MotorStorm, Unreal Tournament 3 and many others. Sony indicates that many games will add the capability using a software update available for download through the online PlayStation Network, which PS3 users can access for free as long as they’re registered users.
What may be disappointing for consumers who haven’t already bought a PS3 is that the DualShock3 will be a separately sold accessory, at least when it first debuts in Japan later this year. No decision has been made to pack in the controller with hardware in North America, according to a Sony spokesperson.