Joyswag: How would you redesign the PS3 controller?
by Conrad Quilty-Harper 
{ Jan 15th 2006 at 2:00PM }
The
other month we let our readers loose on the task of redesigning the Nintendo DS,
resulting in a few entries that could quite possibly inspire Nintendo's rumored official redesign. Based on the
popularity of our previous redesign contest, we've decided to carry out another redesign competition. This time we're
asking you, our readers, to redesign the PlayStation 3's controversial "boomerang" controller. We're also
going to offer a little extra incentive: a copy of X3: The
Reunion for the PC goes to our favorite entry.The web has been buzzing with rumors that the PS3 controller is not the final design, which have been amplified due to the fact that the controller wasn't included in the PS3 display booth at CES '06. Whilst this isn't definite proof that the controller won't be taking its influence from a certain Australian toy, it makes it a perfect candidate for a redesign contest.
To enter:
Send your entry to: joystiq.redesign [at symbol] googlemail.com
With the subject line: PS3 Controller Redesign
By: Sunday 22nd 2:00PM EST
All entries must feature the creator's name somewhere inside the image as proof that the redesign is their own creation. A description of the redesign's influences (or lack thereof) is desired. We'll host and post the winning redesign as well our favorite runners up. Good luck and happy photoshopping! If you're stumped for ideas, check out Nico's spoof PS3 controller after the jump.
[Thanks go to Nico for inspiring this contest]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
PS3 @ Feb 20th 2006 12:03AM
ya know, until we (I) actually hold it, i'm not going to judge it too carefully.
Richy T @ Apr 13th 2006 8:12AM
For the perfect pad the PS3 needs to be modelled on the Wavebird for the gamecube but make a few small improvements like adding a vibration feature and a port for headsets like on the 360. The only other improvement would be to make the casing around the analogue sticks perfectly circular instead of octagonal.
Whatever they do I hope they don't add any more buttons because there are enough, also the L2 and R2 buttons need more sensitive like the Xbox triggers because they are great for FPS and driving games.
xeper @ Jan 15th 2006 2:11PM
The controller WAS WAS WAS at the booth. I keep reading this crap on Kotaku and Joystiq, wtf? It was there on Saturday.
Hotdrop @ Jan 15th 2006 2:28PM
Just woundering if X3 got redesigned and is now actually playable?
Ryan @ Jan 15th 2006 2:32PM
This is how i would design the dual shock 3:
http://www.argos.co.uk/wcsstore/argos/images/5676556A62UC114199M.jpg
bd @ Jan 15th 2006 2:42PM
The controller is perfect like that. The shape is great, it was done for ergonomy, but preconceiving dipshits will tell you otherwise.
http://www.forz.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/boomerangdebunked.gif
"As natural as holding a steering wheel"
Probably it will incorporate something similar to that of nintendo's gyroscopic features that'll let you actually steer it like a wheel.
Sagan @ Jan 15th 2006 2:50PM
I don't have photoshop. Does the idea count or does the quality of the image count? Would it be sufficient if I used Paint and drawed everything with the mouse?
klink-o @ Jan 15th 2006 2:56PM
#3: Damn! You stole my idea!
The Phil @ Jan 15th 2006 3:21PM
I like that concept controller that was made by some company for the ps2. It had a trackball instead of one of the joysticks. Now that would be sweet for the PS3. Also on top of that, I would make the R and L triggers pressure sensitive like Xbox controllers.
Sid Icarus @ Jan 15th 2006 3:24PM
Someone please redesign that thing.
pointfour @ Jan 15th 2006 3:47PM
The buttons on Dual Shock 2 are all already pressure sensitive (apart from start and select). See MGS2 or ZOE2 for great examples of how they can be used.
Also, I think i'm going to enter this competition. Does it matter if I draw it on paper?
PeterCamperton @ Jan 15th 2006 3:52PM
The Logitech PS2 wireless controller was the best ever. Wouldn't complain if it was just like that.
http://www.logitech.com/lang/images/0/3491.gif
Dt7 @ Jan 15th 2006 4:06PM
How about something made for comfort rather than style [Xbox 360 controller]. All I see in the 'boomerang' is, a boomerang. Why are the thumbsticks still down there in a useless place? And surely you need triggers?
I don't know..I just feel the Dualshock is a little dated...
Austin @ Jan 15th 2006 4:06PM
I agree with #9. My favorite controller of all time is the Logitech Cordless Action Controller. The only thing I would want changed is to make the face buttons more sensitive, as it is almost impossible to get from stand to crouch (without going all the way prone) on Socom 3.
Bangbang... @ Jan 15th 2006 4:07PM
the ps3 controller is great like it is. the old dual shock was just like holding two sticks. this seems more curved and more comfortable. the l1 and l2 buttons stick up giving you the trigger action that the ps2 was missing. my only concern is that the analog sticks are too close together, but only after holding it for myself can i make that decision.
and just for the fanboys information the ps2 controller was far from perfect.
"Playstation thumb, she explained in the piece, was a repetitive strain injury (RSI) resulting from continuous playing "for many hours" and could manifest as pain in the thumbs and blisters on the tips of the thumbs.
Other associated symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, numbness and tingling of the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, back or neck," http://new.mweb.co.za/news/news_story.jsp?content=136112
m3mnoch @ Jan 15th 2006 4:24PM
i hate to admit, but, it's not perfect as it is. if it was, no one would make fun of it. controller design is just like any other industrial design. it needs to be both ergonomic AND visually appealing.
don't believe me? why are ipods more popular when something from a lot of other manufacturers are more ergonomic?
what would be better? something smoother, shinier, elegant and aesthetically pleasing.
and, as for the steering wheel thing, who on earth holds their steering wheel at 10 and 2 for a few hours at a time? comfortable, my ass. personally, i'm a hand-on-topper when it comes to driving.
heh. and! raise your hand if you don't set your controller in your lap. how you you like the "batarang prongs" stabbing you in the thighs while you're duking it out in soul calibur? especially with a rumble pack. talk about force feedback!
no. the controller is stupid. and it needs to be redesigned.
m3mnoch.
Greg2k @ Jan 15th 2006 4:24PM
I think they should stick to the tried and tested Dual Shock formula that's proven so valuable over time even though it was a ripoff from the get go.
I'd say make L2 and R2 triggers, keep the pressure sensitive buttons and remove the silly Analog button. I also think it should have a shiny coating to it, like the iPod. I know that makes it prone to scratching, but it looks awesome.
Karialec @ Jan 15th 2006 4:31PM
Just sent in my entry.
JD @ Jan 15th 2006 4:33PM
what about this?
http://www.infuzemag.com/gallery/albums/xbox360/xbox360_controller2.sized.jpg
lol
JD @ Jan 15th 2006 4:35PM
sorry something went wrong
http://www.infuzemag.com/gallery/albums/xbox360/xbox360_controller2.sized.jpg
snarfoogle @ Jan 15th 2006 4:52PM
Here are some nice looking mock-ups.
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/4383/ps3mockup11cd.jpg
http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/4306/ps3mockup27gd.jpg
Lane @ Jan 15th 2006 5:17PM
I think all it needs are some triggers and off set joysticks.
Lazyguy @ Jan 15th 2006 5:42PM
I think that it would look something like
this: http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/8645/ps324ri.jpg
or this: http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/7720/ps316kw.jpg
m3mnoch @ Jan 15th 2006 5:45PM
p.s. the controller WAS a no-show at the beginning of the conference. only later, after the media remarked on it, was it shoved back in the case.
they can do that, you know. "crap. they're talking about how the controller's not out there! quick! grab one and stick it in!"
or, it could have just been a case of bungled tradeshow logistics.
god knows that's a nightmare. someone forgot to put the controller back in the box. "bob" was supposed to bring it in his carry on. they sent the main unit to the convention center and the controller to their hotel. all kinds of crap like that happens consistently.
it's especially exaggerated when you are shipping overseas.
wasn't it napoleon who said something like "never chalk up to conspiracy what can be explained by stupidity?" (my appologies to mr. bonaparte on trashing the quote, i'm sure.)
m3mnoch.
junior @ Jan 15th 2006 6:05PM
lol, that is the best freakin wireless contoller ever made JD!
paintist @ Jan 15th 2006 6:13PM
Yeah those jokes about redesigning the ps3 controller to be a controller from a rival console never get old.
I say we bring back the N64 fork! Come on! Who's with me!?
Also, keep in mind guys, the PSP can/will act as wirelessly connected PS3 controller. Idk, about you guys but I'll be playing the ps3 with my keyboard/mouse.
Momus @ Jan 15th 2006 6:28PM
I'm not sure where people are coming from when they say the Dual Shock 2 is comfy. Perhaps if more things were made of partially-melted Lego bricks I would feel the ch'i, but I don't. Trying to adapt my hands to its unforgiving corners leaves me bruised.
Call me crazy.
Superzapper @ Jan 15th 2006 6:31PM
So when did an aboriginy Hunting weapon become an Australian toy ?.There maybe toy Boomerangs but They are originally toys.That's like saying a Colt 45 is an American toy .Also the PS3 controller is not boomerang shaped .
GwynPerry @ Jan 15th 2006 6:32PM
The first thing I would do is scrap those stupid 'triangle, circle, cross, square' buttons. I know they are one of the playstation's trademark features, but Sony should bite the bullet and ditch them, for the sake of usability.
My console chronology is as follows: SMD >> N64 >> NGC >> NDS >> PS2. You can make fun of nintendo's big green "win" button as much as you like, but when I moved from NGC to PS2 I immediately discovered how meaningless and illogical those four symbol buttons are. The positive and negative meanings of those bottuns vary from game to game, something that I had never experienced before I got the PS2.
Actually, keep the symbols, just change the buttons to have more ingrained meaning and ensure that all developers stick to those meanings.
bd @ Jan 15th 2006 6:41PM
m3mnoch, I hate that almost always I have to disagree with you...
"i hate to admit, but, it's not perfect as it is. if it was, no one would make fun of it. controller design is just like any other industrial design. it needs to be both ergonomic AND visually appealing. "
Well, as proven in the link I gave above, it is ergonomic. Then again, nobody has held it, so nobody can really accuse it of being either or the other. I'd say it is very visually appealing, but people have gotten used to the idea that it is not comfortable and therefore say it is neither ergonomic nor visually appealing. I'd say the PS3 as a whole (with its controller) is as visually appealing as a PSP: Sexy.
"what would be better? something smoother, shinier, elegant and aesthetically pleasing."
I don't think it can get any "smoother" and "shinier" than this. Seriously, I think most people say it is not "aesthetically pleasing" because psychologically, they've become used to the idea that it is not comfortable.
"heh. and! raise your hand if you don't set your controller in your lap. how you you like the "batarang prongs" stabbing you in the thighs while you're duking it out in soul calibur? especially with a rumble pack. talk about force feedback!"
Dude, this controller can perfectly sit in your leg with its smooth curves, as opposed to the original sharp edged Dual Shock.
I don't think it can get much better. The only things I would add would be extra functionality (like gyroscopic features, extra buttons, analogue buttons, etcetera), *not* a shape redesign. It kind of reminds me of the N64 controller actually, which could have been perfected to become the best controller ever.
I hope the Revolution controller ends up making the present interface useless.
Bob @ Jan 15th 2006 6:41PM
Burn it, then eat the remains.
Not kidding.
Klippoth @ Jan 15th 2006 6:47PM
I do agree that the Logitech controller is pretty darned comfy, but I think the most ergonomic (if a little odd-looking) controller I've ever used is the Gamecube...kinda makes you wonder where the big N went wrong as well. People need to stop trying to desperately innovate new control schemes to set themselves apart when perfection has already been reached. In other words, if you can't come up with a decent idea, then why change in the first place?
The Mor @ Jan 15th 2006 6:56PM
The Dual Shock 3 should be the DS2 except you swap the left analog with the d-pad. Perfect.
kizza @ Jan 15th 2006 7:06PM
Gwyn, are you kidding, the face buttons are the best feature of the ds controllers. I don't mind the look of the new shape controller, I was one of those fools that judged it before really seing it. Now I have seen it in realation to hand size & how it actually sits in the hands, I am not as skeptical. The things that trouble me still on the controller though are some of the same problems with the DS2 (although it's still my favourite control ever), they need to move the top shoulder cuttons into more practical user friendly positions. The boomerangs shoulder buttons look to close to the centre, they need to be moved outwards more to the edge of the controller. Also I think they need to add six buttons on the face (like the megadrive 2), so as to make fighting games more playable. The only othre thing I really hope for is, trigger buttons underneath somewhere. I much prefer playing shooters with triggers, rather than shoulder buttons.
As for the 360 control, I like the look, it looks much more comfortable than there last shimozzle, but I still don't like there face button set-up & the un-even anologue sticks.
Otherwise Sony should just make a very slightly bigger version of the DS with the added features above.
zach @ Jan 15th 2006 7:12PM
make it vibrate...
Einhanderkiller @ Jan 15th 2006 8:11PM
=P
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v502/Einhanderkiller/Graphics/January15.png
Heh.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v502/Einhanderkiller/360controllerofthefuture.png
Einhanderkiller @ Jan 15th 2006 8:15PM
Fixed Link:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v502/Einhanderkiller/Graphics/January15.png
bd @ Jan 15th 2006 8:24PM
I don't normally agree with kizza and some of his fanboy comments, but the 6-button layout for fighting games would be swell, although it's perfect to have 4 shoulder buttons; two of those should be analogue though. 8 digital and two analog buttons, plus 2 analog nubs and the D-pad, with added gyroscopic features would just be excellent. Hell, that divided in two a la revolution would be very comfortable for a "lazy" position.
As I said above, the N64 fork was excellent, just needed perfection, and the PS3 controller with two more buttons (A and B perhaps? Or green and red? You know, for intuitiveness) would have done the trick.
mike @ Jan 15th 2006 8:25PM
If sony makes the ds3 vibrate that guy jacko will start acusing the videogame industry of selling sex toys to minors.
JPRacer @ Jan 15th 2006 8:45PM
This design is bery bad and I hope it's not the final design. Microsoft already had a similar design with the Sidewinder controller and I think that ergonomically it was very bad. Take a look at this picture :
http://img2.kult-mag.com/photos/00/00/31/41/ME0000314164_2.jpg
Put two analog thumbsticks in the middle and make some corrections for the buttons and you almost have the PS3 controller. After owning this controller for some time I can tell you that Sony will made a big mistake if it release the PS3 with this kind of controller shape.
neale @ Jan 15th 2006 8:58PM
"23. So when did an aboriginy Hunting weapon become an Australian toy ?.There maybe toy Boomerangs but They are originally toys.That's like saying a Colt 45 is an American toy .Also the PS3 controller is not boomerang shaped ."
are you serious? i dont even know what to say to that apart from its the most stupid comment ive ever read
they need to give up on the d-pad being the main control for the controller. i say, ripoff the 360s because its so good. but then again, dont because i want people to see the light and buy xboxes.
maybe not so much as do away with the symbols, but make the buttons colours like the 360s, cubes. shouting at my dad "press red" is alot easier for him and other new poeple to gaming to find than "press square"
and number 28 - "As for the 360 control, I like the look, it looks much more comfortable than there last shimozzle, but I still don't like there face button set-up & the un-even anologue sticks. " you havent even tried it
Steve B @ Jan 15th 2006 9:19PM
No it isn't boomerang shape.A boomerang is a wide V shape.
kizza @ Jan 15th 2006 9:24PM
Quote from Retard: "I don't normally agree with kizza and some of his fanboy comments, but the 6-button layout for fighting games would be swell, although it's perfect to have 4 shoulder buttons; two of those should be analogue though. 8 digital and two analog buttons, plus 2 analog nubs and the D-pad, with added gyroscopic features would just be excellent. Hell, that divided in two a la revolution would be very comfortable for a "lazy" position.
As I said above, the N64 fork was excellent, just needed perfection, and the PS3 controller with two more buttons (A and B perhaps? Or green and red? You know, for intuitiveness) would have done the trick".
I do not usually disagree with people with disabilities, as I don't like picking on retards with this many problems. But comon, the N64 controller.......ahahahahahahahah, not only was it uncomfortable for every game (except goldeneye), it was made from the cheapest looking, tonka toy plastic I've seen, the anologue stick always got full of crap & loosened up after little use, the face button layout & feel was terreble, it only had a single anologue stick, it was a crap shape & the list goes on, fangirl, retard. If you had listed the snes controller as your favourite, I would not have lost even more respect for your retarded @rse.
You show how little you know about gaming by listing this controller as a fave, you show how dumb you are, by not reading my posts properly to say I'm a fanboy...... I am more a spam wh0re than a fanboy, but you my little retard friend......are both.
Back to the point...keep all the usual DS buttons & add 2 more to the face & 2 anologue triggers underneath.... keep as far away from the design of any of nintendo's recent controllers, as they are only good for 2-3 games (which is about how many get released on there machines). I would rather Sony basically copy the 360 controller go anywhere near that latest nintendo thing.
Bring on the boomerang, at worst I can throw it at retards like bd's head as he pedals past on his special needs tri-cyle, drooling, wearing his soiled underpants & mumbling spastic talk to himself.
Jason R @ Jan 15th 2006 9:24PM
This is a boomerang.I would have to agree and say the PS3 controller is not a boomerang shape.
http://www.ostravainfo.cz/images_suvenyry/boomerang.jpg
Gamedude @ Jan 15th 2006 9:32PM
#35 I've an Xbox 360 and the controller is nothing special .If your friends don't know what button to press after just looking at the controller a few times or playing a few minutes then they are as dumb as you.Oh i found a picture of your buddy playing a game
http://tecfa.unige.ch/~nova/img/monkey_game.png
Hamson @ Jan 15th 2006 9:50PM
I really don't see how people think the PS2 Dualshock is great. The joysticks are convex, and the material used on them does little to help your fingers stick. My fingers slide off all the time when I'm trying to hold a certain direction down. It doesn't really help that the left joystick, which is the primary movement tool in 99% of the games is placed in a secondary position.
The ergonomics do not coordinate at ALL with the shape of the human hand and the position you are to move your fingers in.
I also feel like I could break the Dualshock just by squeezing it too hard. It just doesn't have the integrity that Xbox and Gamecube controllers have. The plastic seems too thin and brittle. I don't think I could break an Xbox controller if I wanted too...
Slightly Annoyed @ Jan 15th 2006 10:11PM
kizza, I don't think anyone's controller preference shows "how little [he or she knows] about gaming." I'm not sure what you were trying to say about the SNES controller, since the comment made little sense, but I am probably safe assuming it was a negative comment based on all your other Sony fanboy rants. Look at the SNES controller. Now look at the Dual Shock controller. Notice something? They're the same thing, except the Dual Shock has 2 analog sticks and 2 extra shoulder buttons. -_-;
kizza @ Jan 15th 2006 10:17PM
Hamson, no wonder your hands keep slipping. Maybe you should try washing them. After all that lube you put on them to have a tug & finger your loose butthole at the same time is the reasoning behind the slippery controller. No. 33 or bd has the same problem.
OSUblake @ Jan 15th 2006 10:25PM
The boomerang shape doesn't bother me that much, I can deal with that, but Sony needs to copy the gamecube or the 360 controller.
The 360 wireless capabilities are awesome. The guide button and ring of light on the 360 is very creative, and sony needs to do something similar so you can see what controller you are and when the battery is going dead.
Sony needs to move the left analog stick where the D-pad is and throw in some analog triggers. Triggers are very important for some games, like racing games. Also, a six button face would be nice too, just like the Genesis 6 button or Sega Saturn controller.
kizza @ Jan 15th 2006 10:30PM
Slightly annoyed, you should be called majorly retarded. If you read my Sony fanboy posts retard, you'll notice I think the snes controller was one of the best of all time. So buzzzzzz.. sorry you are the weakest link....goodbye......
All Nintendo's controllers since have sucked, ya nintendo fanboy retard. You ninbendo fanboys are the worst, most bitter of anyone. I was a nintendo fan when I was 10-16, but since others arrived on the scene, nintendo & all its fanboys have relied on gimmicky, crappy games & peripherals that they say are revolutionary, & all they do is crap on about how Sony & MS have ruined this industry.
Wake up dreamer, I own all 3 consoles, I have a favourite out of the 3, based on my opinion & facts. Just becasue I openly show favouratism towards the one tats best for me, does not make me a fanboy. If you read my comments, you would see I admittted to basically hating the new controller, although I have changed my opinions in some way on that, I still have reservations.
Nintendo have to start doing what they used to do & getting with the program. The snes had excellent graphics & an avalanche of 1st party & 3rd party games. They catered to everyone with choice, instead of just relying on mario, nintendogs, link & other niche games. I'm not saying these games are bad, I'm just saying Sony & MS cater to a more diverse, less age & mentally challenged market.
So pissoff & play smash bros on your B/W rank arena tele you slightly annoyed little retard.