The ergonomics behind the PS3 controller
by Blake Snow 
{ Nov 30th 2005 at 8:30AM }
The PS3 controller has arguably been more criticized than Nintendo's
forthcoming Revolution controller despite being more conservative. While its shape
is exaggerated, follow the link to view a gif sequence that outlines the function behind the
"boomerang" or "wheel" design.
Does this change your opinion on the controller?
[Thanks to all who sent this in]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Mike @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I'm going to wait until i can try it myself.
I still don't like the way it looks, and i think it should have proper triggers.
but it probably will be comfortable enough. i actually find somethings about 360's controller to be uncomfortable.
Hentay @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Nah it still looks like a boomerang. Can I still use my old dual shock controller?
DG @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Spider-Man, Spider-Man, does whatever a spider can...
I'm more offended Sony chose to use the exact same controller for the third generation in a row.
rico @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Sony what the f##k were u thinking i mean i loved the dual shock controller but this looks s##t.
Moose @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
And exactly where would you plug it?
I don't like the controller. I think they need to make it look like the old Dual Shock just wireless. Or anything better. If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it.
the_game_master @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
who cares what it resembles, like the first poster I can't wait to try it for myself and then I'll see if it boast the most natural feel a game controller should offer. So far the only controller I think fitted the best in my hands was the N64 controller.
agent864 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
oh get over it
CapAmerica @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Nope still looks like an awful idea to me, Truthfully I think Sony is long over due for changing the layout for the controller. I think they really need to adopt the layout of the Xbox360 controller. I alway have and always will hate the layout of the Playstation controller. I much rather have the Cross Pad and the Left analog stick switched.
agent864 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
its the ergonomic keyboard version of the dual shock
the_game_master @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
CapAmerica the Xbox 360 contoller looks like it stole ideas from the Dreamcast's and the PlayStation contoller when it came to making there's, it looks completely unoriginal in my opinion.
River Runs Red @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I have to assume they know what they are doing over at Sony, but I have my doubts. I find the Xbox 360 controller very comfortable and love the layout and combination of triggers and shoulder buttons. The N64 controller might be the worst controller ever conceived other than the Xbox original "Duke". I also find the DS very unconfortable to hold. The best two controllers to me comfort-wise are still the SNES controller, and the second gen Saturn pad.
ry @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Only thing I've ever dislike about sony's controllers is the sorry excuse of a d-pad. Sega has always made the best d-pads, ever since the 6 button genesis controller... that thing was an effin dream, only beaten by the second generation saturn controller.
Ipsum @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
The circle button looks out of reach in that animation... blech.
Neko Tsukimi @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
It still looks akward to me... I don't think I've ever used a steering wheel that small or actually put my hands in such a position on a steering wheel... I just feel my wrists getting out of joint. I naturally pull out when I'm holding a controller, it feels like I'm holding a book or magazine.
GamerSMB @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I think it looks terrible but it doesn't mean its terrible to hold. the Gamecube pad looks terrible (IMHO) but i think its easily the most comfortable controller ive ever used. After playing long sessions with the cube pad or controller S its terrible to go back to the dual shock. it feels all wrong. it doesnt fit your hand. the only reason its actually comfortable is because we're used to it. i think the boomerang is a step inb the right direction and shows sony actually using some imagination. its a pity about the console's bread bin design.
Sense @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I have to agree with Cap on the analog stick placement. Having the left stick higher is a much more natural position, at least for me.
And as far as the control goes, it looks alright. I probably won't be getting a PS3 anyway, but I like that control better than the dual shock so far. The dual shock was just too small for me, the d-pad is awful, and the sticks are too loose.
Anthony @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Looking at that animation you have to have your fingers lying flat across the shoulder buttons.
This is OK in theory, but in practice I think it's better to have them in a crooked poised position - it just feels more responsive.
woodlandCreature @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I agree with most of you that it "looks" bad but i think that animation illustrates the ergonomic reasoning behind the design and now the design seems more ok to me. or atleast more logical so i can appreciate that.
Looks are important no doubt, but at the end of the day wouldn't you rather have something that feels better to use and helps interaction feel more comfortable even if it does look like a boomerang?
Heist @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
isn't it kind of ironic that whoever made that animated GIF use the Xbox font?
soco @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
um. the steering wheel argument seems a little silly, because it's smaller than one and a steering wheel is meant primarily for turning, not to pushing some complex series of buttons with. there's more to a joystick's ergonomics than just how it rests in your hands.
for me it's never been whether or not it'd be ergonomic, it's the appearance. it makes it look like a cross between an n64 controller and something from a 40s "futuristic" movie. the animation still doesn't really point out why the wings had to be so long. sure there have been lots of joysticks with long handles, and i don't find them any more comfortable than the dual shock or 360.
also it's very difficult to hold the dual shock the way they're describing. that'd require your elbows almost touching and i've never seen anyone do anything of the sort. you're arms are spread apart and always angle in to the sides of the controller, thus the reason for the slants on the sides of the original PSX controller.
i'd conclude the animation doesn't seem to debunk anything.
keith @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Sony is playing it conservative with their designs (along with everything else about the ps3). I just can't figure out why digital control is still being given priority on the controller, when analogue is the more widely supported control method. Even the gamecube and xbox had it right, sony still haven't caught on that although their controller will no longer be symmetrical, it will be more functional with the left analogue stick given priority over the d-pad. Then again, sony's design methodology is by-and-large imitative.
Scott @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Heist, that is actually the font from the Spiderman movie logos.
The1 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I am still not impressed. I wonder if the Japanese are turned off by it. I know it will not be because it's SONY. However, the Japanese hated the XBOX 1 controller.
J B Cougar @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
The fact that Sony had to bow into criticism and "justify" their controller speaks volumes. I'm still waiting for their "gotcha moment" when they say the thing moves in 3-D space and your PS3 knows where it is and can use it as a pointer. The Sonylution controller!
If it looks like a PS1 controller, acts like a PS1 controller and feels worse than a PS1 controller -- what's that make it?
ZaBlanc @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
OMG OMG
The movie makes it worse? Hold it like a steering wheel?!?!? I don't press eight different buttons when I use my steering wheel, I just turn left and right. :-)
Unless PS3 is going to make buttonless games, they have a problem on their hands...literally.
al d @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
hilarious that all the losers on this site with bad acne and teeth rotted by soda are calling anything out as being ugly. talk to me when one of you dorks has actually held this thing. the pathology of people standing behind one consumer product or another, and feeding one's own ego by declaring winners in a battle between these products is nothing short of INSANE. sony or MS' next product should be medals- sold based on your own sense of self-satisfaction. then you chumps can fight over which medal has the better specs.
steven_the_legend @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
i think that the controller is amazing and i cannot wait to try it out myself!!! i don't care what anyone else says but its kool!!! no one will change my mind because its awesome!! i think that the xbox controllers are abit too bulky and have too many buttons on it!! they need to sort it out!!!
Todd @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Ok, I see how your supposed to use the thing. Now when I hold my thumb and index finger like they show and then curl the rest of my fingers like I'm holding something it sure looks like they are at right angles (mostly) to my thumb & index. I'm pretty sure that I can hold it like shown however I don't think that I would have a good grip on it. My remaining fingers would not form a complete circle. A slippery controller plus lots of shoulder button pressing seems like it would allow the thing to slip downwards. I'll still have to give it a try myself before I make a final call.
Jack @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Looking at the movie, I know it doesnt appeal to me feel real unconfortable, maybe the guys at Wayne enterprise need lessons on confortablity.
Embassy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
um...arent the proportions wrong..??..i remember someone posting a pic of a sony rep holding one at E3 and it looked smaller than that in comparison to his hand...
PiratePete @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Who cares how it looks. Comfort and usability are far more important then looks. What?? Is the PS3 controller going to be the front piece of your home's decor?
Man, I thought gamers were way less shallow then that. Gimme a break. It obviously follows a more comfortable positioning of you index fingers, hands and wrists. You want to try and see how it will feel like in your hands? Get a banana (No, for real), put in your hands just like the controller would be and you can easily see that it's more comfortable and puts less of a strain on you index and middle fingers. The end result of all this?? It'll allow you to play longer (Hopefully better) with less strain on you hands.
Now let’s hope that they have improved the GUTS of the controller as well. I also agree that the left analogue stick should be where the D pad is. But knowing Sony, they are also concerned with keeping it symmetrical for looks sake.
Sad, two steeps forward, one steep back.
bob @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I personally prefer thr current position of the left analogue stick where it is, as it means that I have to stretch my thumb slightly more, which gives me greater control over it and gives my thumb more room to move.
Taz1986 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I think that the controller is alright. I mean, look at how we've all changed from nintendos original controller to what it is now. Alot different but everyone liked it better after using it for a while which is exactly what I think will happen with this one. Learn to like it. Either way it doesn't matter. You figure most people buy the game system for the graphics or the games, or even internet usage. Not for the freakin controller. Leave it how it is. Learn to like it people. Done it before, do it again. All this complaining is doing is making sony change things around making the launch date even later and later.
matt @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I see no problem with this controller I think people just like to critize. Besides none of us have tried it therefore no one can say anything. Anyways I think it looks comfortable enough and im sure it will work out for the best.
Ptaaty @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Sony's d-pad (disconnected pad...) is the worst one out there. I could care less about the looks, fine it looks weird.
However, for traditional controller pads, I don't imagine anyone can beat the xbox360, at least overall, it may be as good as they can be. Wireless with rumble, analog triggers, digital shoulder, excellent ergo for nearly everyone, good d-pad, logical start and back placement, great dual analog stick placement, the center connect button turning the system on and off, showing what controller # you have, port built in for headset, etc....
I know this is about the sony controller, and truth be told I will get a PS3 regardless of controller, but Nintendo brings in innovation, MS does a good job of taking the best of everyone's ideas and sony...well sony had the best controller for a little while and never corrected the flaws or moved ahead.
SeeSpan @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Does anyone know what the Dimensions are on this Controller? I haven't seen it placed next to anything that gives it scale except a PS3 demo case.
I have this fear that the sleek boomerange is actually going to be this monsterous bulky piece of junk al la original xbox controller. :(
Someone please dispell these fears!
Kaibutsu @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Does anyone remember the first Sony analogue controller? The one without vibration and with larger.. erm those things that go under your palm; THAT was the best controller ever. Loved the feel of it, loved the symmetry of it. Seriously, what is it with people wanting the d-pad switched? It's comfy as it is.
On topic: the boomerang looks a: too small b: shitty design wise.
Lite @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Again,
As a former owner of the ALPS Interactive controller, I can only say that Sony is investing heavily in an ergonomic, aesthetically pleasing design.
I guarantee the minute this thing streets, and folks begion playing with it, it will earn the praise of fans and press.
Cmon, do you really think Sony is going to introduce an un-ergonomic item for the stable pony?
vidGuy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
If what I've heard is correct, Sony can't use the DualShock design anymore because of a lawsuit over its use.
As far as the shape, have any of you ever played the GameCube? Ever heard of it? The GC's control has sides just shy of the same angle. The PS3's sides will be longer, but that will help you hold the thing.
And once you put this controller in scale it looks much better... we aren't talking about a 12 in or 18 in boomerang here.
I think Sony should stick with this design.
Killian @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I think that controller is just a concept to begin with. I'm sure we'll see at least one or two redesigns to the controller and the console itself before anything launches, so don't freak out about it...
Patrick C @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Sony has a history of excellent industrial design and of creating products that are well suited to human use. This controller is one of them.
Most of you sound like a bunch of children who, for some reason, don't like the look of it and so think it wont work. I knew from day 1 what the gif shows—that it is probably a comfortable design. The proof will be in the playing but right now most of you haven't a clue about what you're talking about.
As PiratePete mentioned: who cares how it looks? Do you bring your controllers out to the clubs in the hope that you can pick up a chick with it? How it plays is the important part.
alps @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I think the proof is in the pudding if you know what i mean...and if you don't cause that couldn't be any more vague, I think we'll see when it comes out. More importantly, if they are touting the idea that it should be held like a steering wheel, does that mean that it can also be used like a steering wheel? That would be aweseme!! GT5 anyone? and it would compete nicely with the big Ns controller.
solomon_rex @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
They need real triggers for FPS and driving games.
And the boomerang still looks hard to hold - your hands are going to slip if you use all four shoulder buttons and start to sweat.
The outside is shaped like the one MS Sidewinder controller - obviously it wasn't a total boomerang, but it was curved, and hard to hold for long periods. If you can't lock your palms around the bottom, it's no good for leverage.
three thumbs @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
perception of functionality is just as important as actual functionality. people are more likely to buy and use something if they think its going to work properly. Whether its ergonomic or not really is not the point. The dihards will buy regardless, but the bulk of sales come from more casual gamers/ their parents, and they may be reluctant to spend money on something they perceive to be a dog.
don_sf @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
yeah im with patrick
sony is a HUGE home consumer market, their products sell massive and they know what the consumers need.
how many people think that sony will be willing to make a controller like that without any benifits?
carl @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Personally I find the gamecube wavebird controller to be the best ever conceived. (prior to the 360 - which I have yet to try) It's just too bad that very few games take advantage of it....for that matter it's just a shame that there are so few games for that system at all.
But the first with wireless and the analog L and R are great.
Perri @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
That just made it 10x WORSE!
Not only does it look retarded, but now you have to hold it much like a (as mentioned above) steering wheel!? Thats terrible, the only way that MIGHT be comfortable would be if you NEVER had to use the face buttons and ONLY stuck with the STICKS. I think it's funny how design keeps moving foreward into this minimalist kind of straight forewardness best captured in the ipod and revolution, MS makes an effort at least and then PS3 comes in with a step backwards from the PS2's design this thing is a disaster it looks terrible, like something from the mid 90s or something. Does the controller remind anybody else of Terminator 2?
oncnawan @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I see a serious flaw in gripping the controller from the sides. When my hands are parallel to each other on my controller pushing forward with my thumb on the thumbstick moves the thumbstick up. When I move my hand position so that my wrists flare out to the sides and my hands approach the controller from the sides, pushing forward with my thumb moves the thumbstick in a diagonal position. To achieve an "up" motion on the controller, I have to move my thumb forward and to the side, relative to my hand. This is the same problem that I have with the Gamecube controller, but not as badly as I anticipate the PS3 controller will be.
This is not mere speculation. When I play Super Smash Bros. Melee on my brother-in-law's Gamecube, I will occasionally pull off a wrong move, because when I mean to move "up", the skiwampus thumbstick orientation (relative to my hand) registers a sideways motion, instead. I anticipate the problem will be even more pronounced on the PS3 as the controller encourages, even forces, your hands to come at the controller from the side.
Try it. Put your hands up in front of you like you were holding a steering wheel. Look at your thumbs. Move them as you would in order to move forward in an FPS. You have to move your thumbs sideways to achieve that forward motion.
Now, grab a book about six inches wide (15 cm). That is roughly the size of the 360 controller. Your hands are parallel and up really is up on the thumbsticks. You can move the thumbstick up by pushing your thumb forward. Try holding it in your lap. There is no strain on your wrist or hand. It is very comfortable.
BTW, the 360 controller is not perfect. It is a sweet thang, but has one flaw. The placement of the battery pack creates a cramped space for the fingers of players with slightly larger hands. The "grips" are too small for me to really grab onto, and my fingers either have to be scrunched up in the space between the grips and the battery pack, or I have to lay them flat across the battery pack. Other than that, though, it is an improvement on the S-controller (which was also sweet) in every way.
OTAM @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
That controller seems like your thumbs would start to cramp and hurt after awhile the way your pointer fingers are positioned on the top of the controller.
I'll wait and actually try it for myself before I decide.
keith @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
"Sony has a history of excellent industrial design and of creating products that are well suited to human use. This controller is one of them."
priceless!!!
Design wise, sony are conservative, and expectantly bland, but it's their branding and marketing that makes the sales!!