DualShock

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The PlayStation 3's DualShock 3 (ceramic white) Sixaxis wireless controller, which includes both the vibration function of the DualShock 2 and the motion-sensing functionality of the original Sixaxis wireless controller.

The DualShock (Trademarked as DUALSHOCK and occasionally referred to as Dual Shock) is a line of vibration-feedback gamepads by Sony for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3^[1] video game consoles. The DualShock was introduced in Japan in late 1997, and launched in the North American market in May 1998. First introduced as a secondary peripheral for the original PlayStation, a revised PlayStation version came with the controller and Sony subsequently phased out the digital controller that was originally included with the console, as well as the Sony Dual Analog Controller. As of June 2008, over 28 million controllers have been sold in the DualShock line^[2] (excluding bundled controllers).

[edit] Models

[edit] DualShock

DualShock

The DualShock controller
Manufacturer	Sony Computer Entertainment
Type	Video game controller
Generation	Fifth generation era
Retail availability	May 1998
Discontinued	March 23, 2006
Connectivity	DualShock port

The DualShock Analog Controller (SCPH-1200) is a controller capable of providing vibration feedback based on the onscreen action of the game (if the game supports it), as well as analog input through two sticks. The controller is called "DualShock" because the controller employs two vibration motors: a weak buzzing motor that feels like cell phone or pager vibration and a strong rumble motor similar to that of the Nintendo 64’s Rumble Pak. The DualShock differs from the Rumble Pak in that the Rumble Pak uses batteries to power the vibration function while all corded varieties of the DualShock use power supplied by the PlayStation. Some third party DualShock-compatible controllers use batteries instead of the PlayStation’s power supply. The rumble feature of the DualShock is similar to the one featured on the first edition of the Japanese Dual Analog Controller, a feature that was removed shortly after that controller was released.

Like its predecessor, the Dual Analog controller, the DualShock controller has two analog sticks. However, Unlike its predecessor, the DualShock controller's analog sticks feature textured rubber grips instead of the smooth plastic tips with recessed grooves found on the Dual Analog controller's analog sticks. There are also additional buttons, L3 and R3, which are pressed by clicking the analog sticks down.

The controller was hugely supported; shortly after its launch most new titles, including Crash Bandicoot: Warped, Spyro the Dragon, and Tekken 3 included support for the vibration feature and dual analog sticks. Some games designed for the original vibration ability of the Dual Analog, such as Porsche Challenge, also work. Many games took advantage of the presence of two motors to provide vibration effects in stereo including Gran Turismo and the PlayStation port of Quake II. Released in 1999, the PlayStation hit Ape Escape became the first game to explicitly require DualShock/Dual-Analog-type controllers, with its gameplay requiring the use of both analog sticks.

DualShock also compatible with PlayStation 2, because the controller's port is similar to DualShock 2.

[edit] DualShock 2

DualShock 2

The DualShock 2 controller
Manufacturer	Sony Computer Entertainment
Type	Video game controller
Generation	Sixth generation era
Retail availability	March 4, 2000 October 26, 2000 November 24, 2000 November 30, 2000
Connectivity	DualShock 2 port

When the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system was announced, the DualShock 2 Analog Controller (SCPH-10010) included with it was almost exactly the same externally as the previous DualShock analog controller, except that it was black (colors came later), had different screw positioning (one fewer), and the DualShock 2 logo was added. Another way to tell the DualShock and the DualShock 2 controllers apart is that the connector that plugs into the console matches that console's memory card shape; the DualShock’s connector has rounded shoulders and DualShock 2’s is squared off. The analogue sticks were also noticeably stiffer for more accurate movements. Internally, the DualShock 2 was lighter and all of the buttons (except for the Analog mode, L3 and R3 buttons) were readable as analog values (pressure sensitive)^[3].

The DualShock 2 has been made available in different colors such as black, red, blue and satin silver.

[edit] DualShock 3

DualShock 3

The DualShock 3 controller
Manufacturer	Sony Computer Entertainment
Type	Video game controller
Generation	Seventh generation era
Retail availability	November 11, 2007 April 5, 2008 April 24, 2008 May 9, 2008 July 2, 2008 July 4, 2008
Connectivity	Motion sensing, USB, Bluetooth (PS3 and PSP Go)

Announced at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show, the DualShock 3 Wireless Controller (SCPH-98050) is a handheld controller for the PlayStation 3 that incorporates the design and features of the Sixaxis Wireless Controller with the vibration and rumble capabilities of the DualShock 2. The Immersion v. Sony lawsuit has been speculated as a factor for why the original Sixaxis did not have rumble capabilities. Like the Sixaxis, it is a wireless controller that uses both analog and digital signals simultaneously at all times, and has a slot for a detachable wire that can plug into a PS3 USB port for charging, as well as for playing while charging. It can also be used on a PSP Go, since they connect by Bluetooth, but the controller and the PSP Go must be registered using a PS3.

The DualShock 3 controller was released in:

• Japan on November 11, 2007 in black at a retail price of JP¥5,500.
• North America on April 5, 2008^[4] for a retail price of US$54.99.
• Australia on April 24, 2008 for a retail price of AU$99.95.
• New Zealand on May 9, 2008 for a retail price of NZ$109.95.
• Europe on July 2, 2008^[5] for a retail price of €59.99.
• United Kingdom and Ireland on July 4, 2008 for a retail price of £39.99.^[2]

The DualShock 3 generated sales of over $10.9 million in April 2008, according to Sony Computer Entertainment America.^[6] It is also bundled with the Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots themed 80 GB PlayStation 3, which was released on June 12, 2008.^[7] Hands-on accounts at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show described the controller as being capable of vibration forces comparable to the DualShock 2. According to GameSpot, DualShock 3’s "rumble was a touch weak but stuck close to PlayStation 2's force feedback";^[8] while various others reported more refined vibration effects than the DualShock 2, particularly with the Metal Gear Solid 4 demonstration.^[9] The vibration function does not interfere with the motion sensory function, and both functions can be used at once.^[10]

The DualShock 3 is identifiable by the top labeling which incorporates both "DualShock 3" and "Sixaxis" markings. It is also easily noticeable when lifting the controller, as the DualShock 3, at 192g, weighs 40% more than the Sixaxis’s 137.1g. The back markings indicate the DualShock 3 draws up to 300mA of current at 3.7V for a power consumption of 1.11 Watts, an order of magnitude increase from the 30mA of current at 3.7V (0.111 Watts) listed on the Sixaxis. The analog sensitivity has also been increased to the 10-bit precision of the Sixaxis, compared to the 8-bit precision of the DualShock 2.

A Sony representative confirmed on April 2, 2008 that the original Sixaxis controller would officially be discontinued with the release of the force-feedback enabled DualShock 3 in mid-April 2008. The Sixaxis is no longer being produced and is no longer in stock in most stores.^[11]

The DualShock 3 has been made available in black, white, silver, blue, and red. Not all colors were made available in all markets or at all times.

[edit] Software requirements

PlayStation 3 firmware 1.94 or higher is required to use the DualShock 3 in compatible PlayStation 3 format software. Firmware 2.00 or higher is required to use the DualShock 3 in compatible PlayStation and PlayStation 2 format software. The first software content release supporting the DualShock 3 was the Gran Turismo 5 Prologue free demo made available in the Japanese PlayStation Store on October 20, 2007. A partial list of software that includes rumble support including patches (downloadable add-ons from the PlayStation Store to add rumble to software released before September 2007) was announced by SCEI at the TGS 2007.^[12] Support was added to MotorStorm with an online version 3.0 patch in October, 2007.^[13] In consoles with backwards compatibility, the DualShock 3 controller vibration function can be used in appropriate PS2 and PS1 titles. Future releases of games that support DualShock 3 capability will be labeled with an icon of the controller and "DualShock 3 Compatible".

[edit] DualShock 3 accessories

[edit] Battery packs

The battery pack for the DualShock 3 Wireless Controller is 3.7 V Li-ion battery with cable. The pack provides up to 30 hours of continuous gaming for the wireless controller. It is recommended not to dispose batteries (which differ slightly in voltage). It also ships as part of the AC adaptor and as part of the Sixaxis/DualShock 3 battery charger. Third party rechargeable battery pack kits are also available. Although, the USB Charger can also connected to AC Adaptor and PlayStation 3 original/slim console. The battery was originally not thought to be replaceable when a Sony spokesperson stated that the DualShock 3 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".^[14] Later, it was revealed that the DualShock 3 came with instructions on how to remove the battery and that the battery was fully removable.^[15]

[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. It includes one 4.92 ft. long USB cable (Type A – Mini-B) and one of 6.56 ft long AC power with power cable cord.

[edit] USB 2.0 Cable Pack

The USB 2.0 Cable Pack allows the controller to be recharged while playing a game by plugging the Sixaxis/DualShock 3 wireless controller into a USB hub. It should also be noted that the USB 2.0 Cable Pack allows use of a wireless controller without a battery pack; however Sony Computer Entertainment recommends using a Li-ion battery (empty) to avoid damage to the exposed battery compartment.

[edit] Emmy Award

The DualShock controller was given an Emmy Award for "Peripheral Development and Technological Impact of Video Game Controllers" by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences on January 8, 2007.^[16] Sony initially reported that the Sixaxis had received this award^[17] before issuing a correction.^[18]

[edit] References