PlayStation 3 accessories

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PlayStation 3 owners can purchase a number of accessories for use with the console. These include additional game controllers, audio and video input devices like microphones and video cameras, and cables for improved sound and picture quality.

Contents

[edit] Sixaxis

The 2005 "Boomerang" or "Banana" design for the controller was officially abandoned after a backlash of criticism from the gaming community
The 2005 "Boomerang" or "Banana" design for the controller was officially abandoned after a backlash of criticism from the gaming community

The Sixaxis Wireless Controller (trademarked "SIXAXIS") was the official wireless controller for the Sony PlayStation 3. In Japan, individual Sixaxis controllers were available for purchase simultaneously with the console's launch, without a USB to USB mini cable, at a price of JP¥5000 including tax (about US$40).[1] Individual Sixaxis controllers were also available at launch in the United States for US$49.99, C$59.99 in Canada, £34.99 in the UK (€50) and in Australia it costs AU$80.[2] The word "Sixaxis" (contraction of "six axis" for the directional movements) is a palindrome.

[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."[3]

The original 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.[4] The Sixaxis is no longer being produced, and will not be available after supplies sell out, likely by summer 2008.

[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".[5] Later, it was revealed that the Sixaxis came with instructions on how to remove the battery and that the battery was fully removable.[6]

A major feature of the controller is the ability to sense both rotational orientation and translational acceleration along all three dimensional axes, providing six degrees of freedom.[7] 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 one game 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.[8] 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".[9]

The Sixaxis features finer analog sensitivity than the DualShock 2, increased to 10-bit precision from the 8-bit precision of the DualShock 2.[10] The frame around the L2 and R2 buttons has been omitted, resulting in more trigger-like buttons, with an increased range of depression. 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 and turn the console or the controller on or off.

Some Sixaxis are made from translucent plastic, which, when held against light, reveals the inner components of the controller.

[edit] LED lights

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] 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.[7] Haptics developer Immersion Corporation, which had successfully sued Sony for patent infringement,[11] 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.[12] Immersion later emphasized compatibility with motion-sensing when introducing its next-generation vibration feedback technology, TouchSense.[13] 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."[14]

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. [15]. 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

The DualShock 3 will be the official PlayStation 3 controller, replacing the SIXAXIS completely (while keeping the functionality of SIXAXIS). At its press conference at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show, Sony announced the DualShock 3 (trademarked "DUALSHOCK 3"), a PlayStation 3 controller with the same function and design as the Sixaxis, but with vibration capability.[16] On November 11, 2007, the official DualShock 3 controller was released in Japan, in Piano Black and Ceramic White (to match the Japanese color variations of the 40GB PS3 model). Software patches to provide a vibration function in previously-released PS3 software were made available.

[edit] PlayStation Eye

Main article: PlayStation Eye

The PlayStation Eye is an updated version of the EyeToy USB webcam designed for the PlayStation 3. The PS3 also supports 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.

[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[17]; 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[18] 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.[19]

[edit] BD Remote

The PlayStation 3 BD Remote (CECHZR1) allows users to control videos and music on Blu-ray Disc and DVD through Bluetooth. In Japan, the device was available as of December 7, 2006, and costs JP¥3,800 (about US$35).[1] The device was available in North America as of December for US$24.99.[1] It is available in the UK for £17.99. It uses 2 1.5 volt AA batteries. Since the remote communicates with the console using Bluetooth, which utilizes radio waves, the device does not need to be pointed at the console to function; as is the case with traditional infrared remotes. However, this fact means that an adapter is needed to use a "universal" infrared remote control on the PS3.

[edit] Memory Card Adaptor

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 the upon release of the PlayStation 3 system software version 1.80, the user is now able to save and/or 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 was available for purchase simultaneously with the console's launch, at a price of US$14.99 in the United States, JP¥1500 (including tax) in Japan,[1] and CAD$19.99 in Canada;[2] however, US Toys 'R' Us stores sell the adaptor for USD$19.99.[2]The Memory Card Adaptor was released on 25 May 2007 in the UK at GBP£12.99.

[edit] AV cables

Topline cable (HDMI 1.3a) for Full HD picture and 7.1ch sound (+ allows PAL[576i] standard-definition display).
Topline cable (HDMI 1.3a) for Full HD picture and 7.1ch sound (+ allows PAL[576i] standard-definition display).
Entry line cable (RCA) for standard-definition display and 2.0ch sound (analog video and audio).
Entry line cable (RCA) for standard-definition display and 2.0ch sound (analog video and audio).

The official HDMI cable retails for US$39.00 or in the UK £12.99. Standard HDMI cables (ver 1.2 / 1.3) are also compatible. An official component AV cable set from Sony is available for $19.99 or £17.99. 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.[20]

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: 1080i (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): 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: 576p (ED PAL)/576i (SD PAL), 480p (ED NTSC)/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. ^ a b c Sony Computer Entertainment (2006-10-03). "ACCESSORIES FOR PLAYSTATION3 BECOME AVAILABLE". Press release. Retrieved on 2006-10-03.
  2. ^ a b Sony Computer Entertainment America (2006-10-19). "SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA ANNOUNCES EXTENSIVE LINE UP OF GAME TITLES FOR PLAYSTATION3". Press release. Retrieved on 2006-10-19.
  3. ^ Fahey, Rob (2006-05-12). E³: Sony's Phil Harrison. GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved on 2006-08-30.
  4. ^ MTV Multiplayer » Sony Non-Shocker: Sixaxis Discontinued
  5. ^ Sony to replace PS3 controllers // GamesIndustry.biz
  6. ^ gizmodo.com
  7. ^ a b Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (2006-05-09). "SCE ANNOUNCES NEW CONTROLLER FOR PLAYSTATION3". Press release. Retrieved on 2006-05-24.
  8. ^ Incognito Had 10 Days To Design Warhammer's Tilt-Sensitive Controls. Kotaku (2006-05-12). Retrieved on 2007-01-01.
  9. ^ WarHawk dev knew about tilt. Eurogamer (N/A). Retrieved on 2007-01-01.
  10. ^ http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/Accessories/SCPH-98040
  11. ^ Immersion Corporation (2005-03-08). "Immersion Obtains $90.7 Million Judgment in Patent Infringement Case Against Sony". Press release. Retrieved on 2006-07-01.
  12. ^ Murdey, Chase (2006-05-17). Ready to Rumble? Immersion's Victor Viegas on PlayStation 3's Lack of Vibration. Gamasutra. CMP Media LLC. Retrieved on 2006-07-01.
  13. ^ Immersion Corporation (2006-06-19). "Immersion Corporation Introduces Next-Generation Vibration Technology for Video Console Gaming Systems". Press release. Retrieved on 2006-07-01.
  14. ^ Engadget.com
  15. ^ GameDaily BIZ (2007-02-26). "Sony: Rumble is a 'Last Generation Feature'". Press release.
  16. ^ DualShock 3 Wireless Controller With Rumble Feature To Be Introduced FOR PLAYSTATION3. Sony Computer Entertainment (2007-09-20). Retrieved on 2007-09-20.
  17. ^ "Any Bluetooth headset compatible with PS3". Press release. Retrieved on 2006-11-11.
  18. ^ Logitech Unveils Bluetooth-Enabled Headset and Keyboard Designed for PLAYSTATION 3. Logitech (2007-09-12).
  19. ^ Dunham, Alexis (2007-08-28). Warhawk Released. IGN.
  20. ^ PlayStation 3 User's Guide - Video Output Settings

[edit] See also

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