PS3 peripherals priced: $50 for a Sixaxis

by Ross Miller { Oct 19th 2006 at 5:36PM }

Today at the Gamer's Day event in San Francisco, Sony revealed the prices for various peripherals. The Sixaxis controller will be $49.99, which is the same price as the wireless Xbox 360 controller and $10 more / less than the Nintendo Wiimote (depending on whether or not you include the nunchuk add-on). The age of $50 controllers is very frackin' nigh.

The PS3 memory card adaptor, that allows you to transfer PSOne and PS2 memory card data to the HDD, will only be $14.99. The BD Remote Control, which is "coming soon" (read: not available at launch) will be $24.99.

See Also:
PS3: Dual Shake is dead, long live Sixaxis

Tags: dual shake, DualShake, six axis, SixAxis, sony

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

rocko @ Oct 19th 2006 5:39PM

So now, the decision nowadays is either purchase a game or purchase a controller??

How friggen lame is that?

Ethan @ Oct 19th 2006 5:40PM

cool, better technology at the same price, sounds good to me.

reguy @ Oct 19th 2006 5:43PM

oh no they didnt!!!

wtf, i know that we should have all seen this coming as the 360 one is 50 but damn.

i remember paying 25 bucks for ps2 controllers and 30 for xbox and i thought those were expense but now 50 for a controller??

and an adapter that should really be 10 to 12 bucks is now 15??

aww cmon sony you're killing me

JodyAnthony @ Oct 19th 2006 5:43PM

whats this? will people continue to complain about the price of the wiimote now? it's $10 less than both of the competing systems controllers.

I know, if you add in the nunchuck, its $10 more, but most people complaining about the wiimote cost are complaining that 'if its supposed to be a multiplayer-friendly console, why are the controllers so expensive!?' not realizing that most of the family multiplayer games (wii sports, wario ware, excite truck, surely more) all only use the wiimote.

AssemblyLineHuman @ Oct 19th 2006 5:44PM

Better technology, Ethan? I think I'd rather have a rumble-enabled traditional gamepad than one with tilt sensors thrown in. More expensive technology: maybe, but I doubt it. Either way, the prices for all three controllers are a little bit steep IMO. I'm going to have to hold off on multiplayer for a few months.

Psaakyrn @ Oct 19th 2006 5:46PM

Conclusion: either Sixaxis is underpriced, or XBox controller is overpriced. Unless of cause Sixaxis happens to be made of cheapo materials (like low livespan batteries). Comparing the other two controls to the Wii remote is like comparing a cucumber to an apple and a kiwi, so no concrete comparisons can be done.

Toneman @ Oct 19th 2006 5:46PM

"cool, better technology at the same price, sounds good to me."

Wireless controller - rumble + tilt ≠ better technology.

TwilightKnight @ Oct 19th 2006 5:47PM

So bluetooth and motion sensing technology adds 20 dollars to the price?(assuming PS2 controllers are 30)
Oh yeah, the Lithium battery too...

At least with the Wiimote + nunchuck it has: rumble, two seperate motion sensing parts, speaker, 4 LED lights, no lithium battery, etc.

I'm not saying that the full Wiimote is cheap, just that the difference between them in just price seems too little.

360us Maximus @ Oct 19th 2006 5:47PM

"cool, better technology at the same price, sounds good to me."

Yeah better technology. Ok Champ. Enjoy that non replacable battery in that rumbless, need a cable to sync it sixasses controller.

Scott @ Oct 19th 2006 5:48PM

It's the Technology in the Machine. With Hardware Costs/Losses so high per console, Perpherials are going to be the place to gouge the consumer for that lost revenue.

PM @ Oct 19th 2006 5:49PM

Does Sony want my blood next? Who am I kidding? They'll take it by force...

Tim @ Oct 19th 2006 5:49PM

I wouldn't mind if they were $80, it's not like you will buy one every week or month like you do with games.

Psaakyrn @ Oct 19th 2006 5:51PM

And irregardless of user-percieved value, motion controlers ARE better technology (technology-wise) than rumble. Just because it's less user-friendly doesn't make it any cheaper.

Usedtabe @ Oct 19th 2006 5:52PM

I guess some of you(those that think this is a good deal) are are forgetting IGN's review of this shoddy controller. Might have to way it down yourself and make some self-adjustments to the triggers. Whereas the 360 controller has been praised, and although I don't feel it's wotrh $50, it's definitely closer to that value than the "SUXASSES"

Ethan @ Oct 19th 2006 5:55PM

360us maximus,

you were the most pitiful of all the responses, so I will quote yours.

first of all, joystiq got it wrong, and if you go back to yesterdays post, you will see you dont need a cable to sync.

second, yes it does have better tech. motion sensing is much better than a little useless rumble in your hands, that you will be able to get with dolby 7.1 surround sound audio anyway(360 dont have that). a rechargeable battery, so you dont have to waste 5 bucks a month on batteries. blutooth wireless, so you dont have to hold the controller directly in front of the console to get decent response.

http://www.360usmaximus.justgotowned.com/

SonyBlowsGoats @ Oct 19th 2006 5:55PM

And in other news, Resistance:FOM will be in 720p, not 1080p.

http://www.unclegamer.com/ug-news/discuss/ted_price_resistance_fall_of_man_will_not_be_in_1080p/

HA HA!

Me @ Oct 19th 2006 5:55PM

I do agree that the price of these damn controllers is getting a little too high. I would much rather have to pay about $30 - $40, but $50 damn.......$50 controllers are why i only have one first party 360 controller and the other one is the gamestop brand !! lol

Justin @ Oct 19th 2006 5:57PM

I don't see how you can say that motion sensing controllers are BETTER than rumble controllers. Thats a value statement, and entirely subjective.

On price: it's not like Microsoft is any better. The play and charge kit is extra or you need to constantly buy new batteries. I'm just going to say I think all accessories are too expensive.

I'll tip my hat Sony on using a non-propriatary cable to charge the controller and at the same time, wave my finger at them for non-user replacable batteries (should that be true)

LordMinogue @ Oct 19th 2006 5:57PM

Oyay Ethan

A PS3 controller does not have the same cost of a 360 pad. The PS3 battery (lithium ion) is not replacable, and will decay at a constant rate from the day you buy it. In 18 months you will have a wired bluetooth motion sensing controller. Power to you.

So 2 PS3 controllers will run you $53.50 a year, the cost of XBOX live. XBOX 360 controllers will run you $16.00 a year for official first party Ni-MH, or $6 if you buy rechargables of your own.

Replaceable batteries is technically more advanced then something that must be broken open to replace a battery. What fraction of the PS3 market has the initiative to replace internal batteries themselves? You'd be lucky to get 1/3. Just look at Ipod's "Battery Service Plan".

Otherwise Wireless is breakeven
and Rumble vs Motion Sensing is a tie

Gullable is written on the ceiling.

Shogan @ Oct 19th 2006 5:57PM

If you can pay $600 for a console, you can afford $50 controllers without rumble. Stop complaining. You either want it or you don't.

potato @ Oct 19th 2006 6:00PM

At least it's rechargeable, unlike the $60 wiimote

SonyBlowsGoats @ Oct 19th 2006 6:05PM

@ 21

My word. That must have hit a nerve.

Well I don't know about Resistance "blowing anything away"....from all early reports, it just plain "blows".

HA HA!

Trogdor @ Oct 19th 2006 6:06PM

@Ethan 7.1 DTS is only for movies. Not for games.

SonyBlowsGoats @ Oct 19th 2006 6:06PM

@ 21 I can't expect all of the 2nd and 3rd party titles to be in 1080p?

But I thought that Sony said the HD era starts at 1080p?

HA HA!

360us Maximus @ Oct 19th 2006 6:07PM

"blutooth wireless, so you dont have to hold the controller directly in front of the console to get decent response."

Typical dumbass fanboy response. Probably never been in the same room as a 360 lest he breaks out in hives or something. First, Bluetooth? Please, enjoy that remote with all your BT enabled HT gear, oh wait. Those are IR. Woops. Second, I can sync and my controllers from anywhere in the room, they don't need line of sight because they're 2.4 Ghz wireless dummy. Third, ever heard of these thing called recharchable batteries? They're amazing, you should try them some time. Fourth, motion sensing over rumble? Yeah, Good luck with that one we'll see how much you don't miss it when it's not there all of a sudden. Have a seat son, it is YOU who just got OWNED. BTW you can buy your console from me on Ebay.

Josh @ Oct 19th 2006 6:08PM

I doubt I'm getting a PS3 ANY TIME soon, but that is a good price for the memory card adapter and a reasonable price for the remote.

But damn, this controller BS is pissing me off.

Aden Nak @ Oct 19th 2006 6:10PM

Personally, I prefer battery-driven controllers to rechargable ones. Specificly because it's easier to just change out batteries than to have to slap my controller on a recharge unit (especially if I forget, play for too long, blah blah blah). I have so many wireless devices that I already own a set of rechargable AA batteries and a unit. It was a modest investment with a huge rate of return.

I actually wonder about the cost of the Xbox360 controller. I mean, the PS3 at least has some new components in there (basic motion sensors). But the 360 controller, really. . . why does it cost $15 more than a Wavebird? Is it the one extra button? Seriously?

For that matter, why does the SIXAXIS cost more than just the Revmote alone? Sony could have made a small concession to the "Please Stop Punching Us In The Wallet" crowd by eating even $5 or $10 on their controllers. Nope. No dice. If Microsoft can charge $50 for a wireless controller, so will they.

Psaakyrn @ Oct 19th 2006 6:11PM

to #19 LordMinogue

No, replacable batteries are not any more special technology-wise. But they're a boon to consumers.

Honestly, in my opinion, all controllers are overpriced, as would be expected since you ARE expected to earn a profit. The XBox controller should be about $25, the Wii Remote and Sixaxis should be $30 (Assuming that the Sixaxis uses a good rechargable battery) (Wii remote cost depends greatly on power usage. If the power usage is negligible, investing in a rechargable battery is counter-cost-effective), the nunchuk should be $15 or less (no batteries, wired)

Chimpee @ Oct 19th 2006 6:11PM

@ potato

What makes you think we cant just get a pack of rechargeable batteries to power the wiimote.

Ethan @ Oct 19th 2006 6:12PM

Lord monique, your "logic" makes no sense whatsoever.

first you say that the ps3 controllers will run out of juice after 18 months, then you say they will cost $50.00 per year. a year is 12 months bud. and the wireless controllers will last much longer than that. I have had a psp since launch, and am still on the same battery, whille charging it every single night. rechargable batteries have gotten better since the last time you used them.

wireless is not even, blutooth has a much farther range, and a much better reception.

rumble vs motion sensing = input is greater than output.

microsoft is ripping you off, I just thought you would be used to it now, after paying $50 a year for a service that has always been free, and will continue to be free on the competition.

oh, and this just in, sony arcade games will be sharable with up to 5 friends. microsoft does it again (sound of a gun going off, into microsofts foot)

DeLive @ Oct 19th 2006 6:13PM

WTF is "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,"? Is that a real movie? Give me some ACTION to showcase this BD HD stuff. Throw in Spidy 2 if you have to.

BTW, If your coming to play at my house, buy and bring your own controller.

SonyBlowsGoats @ Oct 19th 2006 6:17PM

Ha ha....it's funny to hear all these Sony fanboys proclaiming "rumble sux"!

Ha - enjoy your 'tacked on' motion sensing feature boys! How many games total do you think will support it before it is dropped entirley? I'm guessing 4.

N00b @ Oct 19th 2006 6:18PM

seriously... how many of you that owns a logitech wireless controller actually leave the rumble on? How many of you acutally notice the controller is rumbling when playing a game? Can you really say "my controlled rumbled 3 times in the past min"? On the ps2, the only time I actually noticed the controller rumbling is when I was watching a cutscene in Metal gear Solid. Rumbling or forcefeedback never caught on in PC gaming... so I don't know what the big deal is...

I do feel bad that you can't change the batt in the ps3 controller... but just gotta put up with it. Having nonreplacable batt didn't stop people from buying the ipod.

Ethan @ Oct 19th 2006 6:20PM

360us maximus,

hit a nerve there with the slideshow, didnt I ;)

1. I have played a 360 more often than you think

2. I have no idea what "HT" gear is, might what to try typing a little more slowly on that keyboard (which, if wireless, is most likely bluetooth, which is becoming the wireless standard).

3. the rest of your comments are rambling, and pretty much repeat the same things I burned you on in the last post.

Try again?

Psaakyrn @ Oct 19th 2006 6:20PM

to #30 Ethan

Last I heard, 2 controllers is twice of 1, thus the descrepancy you noted. But yes, no matter how anyone puts it, it's undeniable that of all three controllers, the XBox controller definately gives the highest profit margin.

MetaHuman @ Oct 19th 2006 6:21PM

"and an adapter that should really be 10 to 12 bucks is now 15??"

WRONG, it should be BUILT-IN. Only because Ken was talking about the "thousands of PS1 and PS2 games" PS3 could play.

It wouldn't be a problem if they weren't boasting all this back-compatability crap, but they did and their system is $600. Why is it not built in and the PS3 is compatible with umpteen memory storage slots?

That said I agree with #4.

F8X @ Oct 19th 2006 6:25PM

Sony fans have a harder time supporting the ps3 since they are pounding you,pounding you,pounding you, with the bad news! Sony fans need to have well researched arguments to defend the ps3. Not just "360 blows", "zomg resistance". If you can't defend the ps3 intelligently then don't. I'm just getting sick of spoiled brats with cash saying the ps3 is gods gift to man.

Zecon360 @ Oct 19th 2006 6:28PM

ME, uhhhh resistance only is so "good" because it was developed on a 360.In fact most, if not all were developed using a 360, thats why we see so few exclusives. All M$ had was some mac g5's and they had some great games out there, so rather than bragging, you should be kissing M$'s ass. there is no way Sony has had the hardware out long enough to make a 20 GB game and have it ready for launch, and I personally will be enjoying my Wii60, because I will be playing games in 1080p. what, did you forget that M$ has it now, too? And playing games that are fully integrated with the motion sensing technology, thanks, Wii. So really the Wii and 360 are 2 consoles that are sticking with what they know( and consumers like ) rather than Sony, who just throws a console together by "Borrowing" the other 2 consoles features? And at the same time making their company look like the next Enron. And guess what?! I can buy BOTH of these great consoles for the same price as a PS3!

Psaakyrn @ Oct 19th 2006 6:33PM

to #38 Zecon360

Wii: 250 (though granted, with game)
360 wireless: 400
PS3 wireless: 500
PS3 ultimate: 600

I don't know where you got your numbers, but Wii + 360 is still higher than PS3 ultimate. Any anyone who knows the facts about their differences can tell you that you DO NOT NEED the ultimate version for gaming.

F8X @ Oct 19th 2006 6:39PM

Just for fun
http://baumanps3controller.ytmnd.com/

i_hate_mtv @ Oct 19th 2006 6:45PM

you know what this says to me?

it says that everybody who complained about the wiimote price is an idiot. that is all.

Zecon360 @ Oct 19th 2006 6:49PM

#39 here let me explain it for you
300 for 360 core
50 for wireless controller
250 for Wii
= 600
and trust me, having basically a gimped PS3 still being 500 bucks, noone is going to care about it.

LordMinogue @ Oct 19th 2006 6:54PM

Oyay Ethan

Thanks for pointing out my error! 2 $53.50 PS3 controllers with a lifespan of 18 months will run you $71.33 a year, not $53.50. Sorry bout that.

However, I am glad to learn you treat your PSP properly. By charging your battery every night and after every use you limit the decay of battery capacity to 20 precent a year. Not all gamers practice such measures meticulously enough, and allowing a Lithium Ion battery to remain discharged for too long permenantly reduces it's capacity.

However, rechargable batteries have not made significant advancements scince I last researched the topic, I ordered 9.6 volt Ni-MH and 6 volt Ni-Cad batteries for two video cameras I own just last week.

Just remember that when your battery voltage decays below the deep discharge threshold it will lock itself perminantly. Store your controllers at 77 degrees farenhieght, charge them every day, and keep an eye out for another Sony battery recall.

Enjoy your tacked-on motion sensing and online services too; PSN is not a central server, so don't expect a Live comperable service. And if I want motion sensing, I'll buy Live Vision or a Wii. At least they were conceived with motion sensing in mind.

Use Wikipedia if you doubt me, my gullable friend.

jojo29 @ Oct 19th 2006 6:55PM

"14. I guess some of you(those that think this is a good deal) are are forgetting IGN's review of this shoddy controller. Might have to way it down yourself and make some self-adjustments to the triggers. Whereas the 360 controller has been praised, and although I don't feel it's wotrh $50, it's definitely closer to that value than the "SUXASSES" "

This from the same people that PRAISED the PS2 controller when it came out?? IGN is a shadow of its formner self and SHOULD NEVER be used as a reference. All credibility on your part is lost because of this.

jojo29 @ Oct 19th 2006 6:55PM

"Typical dumbass fanboy response. Probably never been in the same room as a 360 lest he breaks out in hives or something. First, Bluetooth? Please, enjoy that remote with all your BT enabled HT gear, oh wait. Those are IR. Woops. Second, I can sync and my controllers from anywhere in the room, they don't need line of sight because they're 2.4 Ghz wireless dummy. Third, ever heard of these thing called recharchable batteries? They're amazing, you should try them some time. Fourth, motion sensing over rumble? Yeah, Good luck with that one we'll see how much you don't miss it when it's not there all of a sudden. Have a seat son, it is YOU who just got OWNED. BTW you can buy your console from me on Ebay."

Typical idiot nerd who needs to get a GF ( not a blow up doll) response.

Hmm I ve been gaming on the PC for YEARS ( CounterStriker, Halo, Halo2, Doom, Unreal all blow Halo away) WITHOUT rumble so i think ill get on by just fine. "WTFPWND!!!!"

Lou @ Oct 19th 2006 6:59PM

Actually, the Xbox360 controller is about $10 more than the SIXAXIS, because the rechargeable battery is extra. However, I'm a little worried about Sony not letting my change the batteries, especially seeing Sony's recent track record with batteries.

Consoles are supposed to have a lifespan of about 5-6 years (until the next gen), my original PS2 controllers are still working with my PS2 that I bought on release day. I have a feeling that a lot of people will have cords permanently attached in 2 years when the internal batteries give way. So if you want to keep your wireless functionality, have fun spending $50 every 2 years.

J.Goodwin @ Oct 19th 2006 7:02PM

I've seen Xbox360 wireless controllers online for 35 bucks. I bought one, and it's clearly a genuine Microsoft product...*shrug*.

Night Elve @ Oct 19th 2006 7:08PM

@ 41. i_hate_mtv

Do you know what this says to me? That everyone that is complaining about the controller price does not have to do anything better today.

Prices are just fine, a bit high but that´s ok is not like you are buying a control every month.

And about the PS3 Controller battery life, well my PSP is still kicking and so is my iPod that i use every day of my phenomenal life.