Happy 10th Anniversary DualShock!

Ten years ago, Sony Computer Entertainment launched the first DualShock controller for the PSone, featuring a D-Pad on the left, along with two analog sticks, and the traditional PlayStation buttons. Other controllers were released as well for other systems such as the Nintendo64. None of them could match up to the DualShock.

Today, we have the DualShock 3, which can be considered one of the best gaming controllers to ever have been created. So today, we will honor it and wish it a Happy 10th Anniversary, or Birthday if you wish. Now, we are going to play with our DualShock 3's, if you'll excuse us.

DUALSHOCK 3 Impressions

Well, I've finally gotten my DUALSHOCK 3. I've got to say, upon picking up this controller, you can certainly feel the difference. Comparing it with my SIXAXIS makes the SIXAXIS feel like a cheap plastic toy. The DUALSHOCK 3 features more weight due to the rumble component inside the controller, and it definitely feels the way a controller should.

I tested the new/old rumble feature with three SCEA games. Since I just bought the Omega Dawn and Broken Mirror booster packs, so I thought Warhawk, along with Resistance: Fall of Man and Motorstorm would be my games. I'm telling you, I was definitely shocked when the controller first rumbled. It's a feeling we haven't felt on our controllers in so long, but it felt good. I got smashed in Warhawk, and it rumbled, and my hands loved it.

Let me just sum this up. We can't really go in-depth when we are talking about a controller that features rumble and a new (right) weight. The only thing we can say is put down those SUXASSES and go pick up a DUALSHOCK 3. You'll like the way your hands feel.

Our DualShock 3 Arrives Today

Sony Computer Entertainment was generous enough to toss us a DualShock 3 remote along with a DualShock 2. We have no idea why they would send a DualShock 2 along with the 3, however. Possibly for comparison?

Either way, expect to see some impressions up soon. I can already feel my hands shaking.

Metal Gear Solid 4 Bundle Box Gets Makeover

Sony seems to have updated the box of the upcoming Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots 80GB PlayStation 3 bundle. It looks quite different from the previous box. The new box shows the new boxart for Metal Gear Solid 4 along with a PlayStation Network and DualShock 3 Compatible logo. It's looking nice, don't you say?

[Updated Metal Gear Solid 4 PLAYSTATION 3 Bundle and Game Box Art] [Amazon]

DUALSHOCK 3 Hits Store In Black and Silver Colors

Well, here is something unexpected. The DUALSHOCK 3 remote for the PlayStation 3 with vibration has finally hit stores. The unexpected being that we knew it was coming in black, but look, they've unleashed a silver controller as well.

We thought that was only for Japan, like many others.

Expect our review/impressions or whatever you want to call it once we get ours in the mail. For those who don't have one, the stores opens at 11:00am. Call ahead.

[DUALSHOCK 3 Hits Stores in Two Flavors]

DUALSHOCK 3 Coming Soon, SIXAXIS to be Discontinued

Who needs a SIXAXIS when you've got a DUALSHOCK 3, right? The new controller going on sale soon in North America will have your hands vibrating. A Sony representative confirmed today that the SIXAXIS is to be discontinued: “SIXAXIS will no longer be offered after it’s completely sold through at retail (likely by the summer timeframe).” We knew it was coming.

[Sony Non-Shocker: Sixaxis Discontinued]

DualShock 3 In Stores Next Week: Compatibility List

North America will finally be receiving the DUALSHOCK 3 next week with vibration. A new PlayStation.Blog post reveals which titles in the States will be rumble-ready. Upcoming titles will feature an icon displaying whether the game has rumble or not as well, which isn't really necessary as games should already contain rumble when they are released. That is how it should be.

[Feel the Shock Next Week]

Sony Officially Announces Metal Gear Solid 4 Bundle, Release, Beta, DualShock 3 & God of War Bundle

As of a few minutes ago, Sony Computer Entertainment has officially announced that Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will be released in the late second quarter of 2008. Along with that, SCEA will introduce a PLAYSTATION 3 bundle, which will include an 80GB PS3, the upcoming blockbuster Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller for $499.

In more Metal Gear Solid news, Metal Gear Online will be available in Q2 2008 as well. The "Starter Pack" will be launched to support online gameplay with Metal Gear Solid 4. In Metal Gear Online, you can take the action online with up to 16 players and battle it out using the latest weapons and stealth techniques. A beta is scheduled for late April 2008, and your guaranteed access if you pre-order Metal Gear Solid 4.

"Working closely with our retail and publishing partners and sharing our hardware and software roadmaps at Destination PlayStation gives us a great opportunity to outline some key milestones for the year. In response to incredible demand, we will be manufacturing more 80GB PS3s for North America and the Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots 80GB PS3 bundle is an ideal way to offer that continued value to our consumers," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. "With Blu-ray having won the format war, our stellar software line-up and a broad product portfolio, we will continue to drive the incredible momentum we've been generating since last fall."

Sony will also be introducing the DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller in North American in April 2008 for $54.95. As you know the controller features rumble.

Last but not least, SCEA announced that in June 2008, the availability of a God of War PSP Entertainment Pack for $199.99. The pack will will include a "Deep Red" PSP with God of War himself, Kratos, silk-screened on the back of the unit, a copy of the highly anticipated upcoming God of War: Chains of Olympus game for PSP, the hit comedy movie from Columbia Pictures, Superbad on UMD and a PLAYSTATION Network voucher to download Syphon Filter: Combat Ops from the PLAYSTATION Store.

One hell of a press release. Period.

DualShock 3 Releasing April 15, 2008 for US

The Destination PlayStation conference just brings in some more. The DualShock 3 we should of had at the PLAYSTATION 3's launch, has finally gotten a US release date.

The DualShock 3 is set to launch on April 15, 2008 for $54.99, which means rumble for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue the day you pick it up.

[DualShock 3 Dated For US]

HARDAXIS: Hardwear Controller Gear Coming April 19, 2008

For those of you wanting some good controller armor, along with better triggers, this is for you. The Hardwear Controller Amror enhances the look of your SIXAXIS or DUALSHOCK 3 controller, and keeps it in good condition. Included with this are Trigger Grips, which snap on to the L2/R2 buttons nand provide better control accuracy. The Hardwear is shipping April 19, 2008 for the low price of $9.99.

[Hardwear™ Controller Armor]

To Cheap to Buy a DUALSHOCK 3 Controller?

If your too cheap to buy a completely new DUALSHOCK 3 controller just to feel some rumble in your game, then there is always this option.

PEGA's Vibrating Bag snaps on to your controller and brings rumble into your hands. Thats at the cost of some new bulkness to your controller.

Another downside of this product is you need to plug in this other piece to your PLAYSTATION 3 and it has a huge antenna sticking out of it. It comes with a built in radio too though, for some strange reason.

So if your really that cheap, go ahead and take a chance.

[Via Technabob]

Alligator Skinned DUALSHOCK 3 Matches Our Boots

At the Consumer Electronics Show 2008, teh foreign OEM companies had some strange things at their booths. One thing being an alligator skinned DUALSHOCK 3. So now you can wear that suit and boots with pride as your play your PLAYSTATION 3.

[Via Kotaku]

SIXAXIS Trigger Modification Equals Easier Pushing

The December 2007 issue of the Official PlayStation Magazine of the United Kingdom were giving away real triggers for your SIXAXIS/DUALSHOCK 3 controller from Gioteck. “Non-Slip Trigger Enhancement for the PS3″, is the catch phrase written on the tiny package.

The triggers are shaped as a trigger should be, with the indent in the middle, rather than at the bottom, meaning it's easier to use. A tester of these on Killzone Unit says they work very well.

Currently, these aren't available for purchase, but keep your eye on Gioteck for their availability.

[Via Killzone Unit]

Nyko PLAYSTATION 3 Controller Charge Base

Looking for a new charging dock for your PLAYSTATION 3 controllers? Well, Nyko has you covered.

Nyko is releasing the Charge Base 2 for the PLAYSTATION 3 controllers. It features a compact design along with other features.

- Rapidy Charges 2 PLAYSTATION 3 Controllres.
- Store and charge your controllers in one place.
- Includes 2 USB charge adaptors for quick use.
- Powered by standard wall plug, no USB required.
- Compact design.
- Controllers will always be charged.

This should be hitting stores soon.

DUALSHOCK 3 Dissected

The DUALSHOCK 3 was recently released in Japan, finally including the rumble that everybody wanted. A Japanese website known as Watch, has tooken apart the DUALSHOCK 3 and exposed it's being.

It's a similar twin-motor set-up to the previous Dual Shock 2, Sony having turned down Immersion's newer, more streamlined technology. The remote will be released in the US Spring 2008 (for some odd reason).

[Via Watch]

First DUALSHOCK 3 Mod: Blue Led Lights

Member 0033445421 of the Official US PLAYSTATION Boards was one of the lucky ones to get his DUALSHOCK 3 from Japan. Right away, he got to work on modding the new remote.

Now, he presents the blue led lighted DUALSHOCK 3. You can watch a video of it here, and he is currently trying to figure out how to make the PLAYSTATION Button glow blue as well.

[Via Official US PLAYSTATION Boards]

DUALSHOCK 3: Player Impressions

Member AceKyoto of the Official PLAYSTATION Boards managed to get his hands on an impored DUALSHOCK 3 controller. He was polite enough to share his impressions, along with bragging rights.

The controller is a lot heavier and feels more solid, and doesn't feel like it breaks by dropping it on the floor lie the SIXAXIS does. The L2 and R2 buttons are a bit harder to push in than before, making them a bit sharper.

The rumble feels good on the controller, probably no different then the rumble you feel on the PS2. The rumble is backwards compatible as the user tested it with God of War and Gran Turismo 4, and it did work.

He concludes it with saying that the controller is much better than the original SIXAXIS controller, the buttons have a slightly heavier clicking sensation, and the analogs sticks and the shoulder buttons have more weight to them as well.

[Via Official PLAYSTATION Boards]

Region Free DUALSHOCK 3: Rumble With Ratchet

Okay, we know already that the imported version of the DUALSHOCK 3 won't be supported by Sony. But games from companies like Insomniac Games will. So that means if you pick up Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, and get an imported DUALSHOCK 3, you can get rumbling the day you receive your controller.

Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction won't need an update upon using the DUALSHOCK 3. The bad part is finding an online retailer with the DUALSHOCK 3 in stock.

[Via Kotaku]

DUALSHOCK 3: Ceramic White in Japan

On November 11th, Sony is also releasing the DualShock 3 in Japan. The force feedback controllers will retail for ¥5,500 (US $47) and come in Black (model number CECHZC2J) and Ceramic White (model number CECHZC2J CW). These will not be packaged with the 40GB PS3.

[Via Kotaku]

Penny Arcade: DUALSHOCK 3

Penny Arcade's latest comic strip shows some Kaz Hirai humor. If you ask me, I think it's pretty funny, and it does make a lot of sense. Give your thoughts.

[Via Penny Arcade]