PS3 boomerang prototype defended
by Tony Carnevale 
{ Apr 2nd 2007 at 1:28PM }
Remember that crazy boomerang-like controller that was supposedly going to be the default interface for the PS3? We're still having nightmares about it, and Teiyu Goto, PS3 design king, isn't helping. According to CVG, Goto explains the guaranteed hand-destroyer thusly: "Quite frankly, we had set aside the ergonomic aspect in favor of the image it conjured up. We wanted to present an avant-garde model for the show, running a risk of being criticized."Mission accomplished! When fans cried out in torment and fear, Sony reverted to the good ol' shape of the original Dual Shock controller. Which isn't all that ergonomic anyway, really. Is it us, or are the hand-nubs on the SixAxis too stubby for comfort?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Daniel @ Apr 2nd 2007 1:33PM
Personally, I was willing to give the boomerang controller a chance, it couldn't be worse than the old, uncomfortable Dual Shock design (which I dislike).
Well... it could have been, I guess we'll never know.
ymmv @ Apr 2nd 2007 1:37PM
Sony should have gone for a drastic redesign of the Dual Shock controller. I've been playing Motorstorm the last few days. After only 30 minutes of play my fingers start to cramp with the Sixaxis. It's a really uncomfortable controller with games where you have to keep pressing the L1 and R1 buttons. I wish there was a way I could use the 360 controller instead, that one's a joy to use even for prolonged periods of time.
Geo @ Apr 2nd 2007 1:38PM
Sony really needs to realize that the left analog stick should be in the primary position. D-pads were always where they were because that is what you used. You don't anymore. Switch them. PS2 controller gives me thumb cramps.
Slaziman @ Apr 2nd 2007 1:42PM
Indeed, death to the D-Pad!
Harold @ Apr 2nd 2007 1:49PM
The boomerang controller looks MUCH more ergonomic than the SIXAXIS especially for people who have big hands.
Ross P. @ Apr 2nd 2007 1:43PM
I just love that the original prototype is a blatant ripoff of the Alps brand controller for the original PS1...
Angusailde @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:29PM
It isn't just you. God I hate those hand nubs.
Shagittarius @ Apr 2nd 2007 1:44PM
I'm disappointed it never made it out cause now I don't have nearly as many oppotunities to use the word 'Doubledong' on a daily basis.
Neal @ Apr 2nd 2007 1:45PM
I love D-pads.
No, Im not being sarcastic.
Old School FTW
rfom @ Apr 2nd 2007 1:58PM
I think someone should go and slap the idiots at Sony and tell them "just because a design has been in use for ten years doesnt mean its the best possible"
The XBOX controller is good, but the best for me is the Gamecube one, dumped my RE4 PS2 version for the GC one and it rocked, better controller AND better graphics
Shagittarius @ Apr 2nd 2007 1:46PM
BTW: I hate the trigger buttons on the Suxasses controllers.
ymmv @ Apr 2nd 2007 1:52PM
BTW isn't the Sixaxis the cheapest looking controller on the market? It looks and feels like the worst no-name "Made in China" crap that you could buy 20 years ago: cheap plastic, doesn't weigh anything, uncomfrotable, etc. If you had been given this as a birthday present from you mom, you'd have returned it the next day. Unfortunately this is Sony's default controller for their upmarket, high-tech PS3. This must be the worst combination in console history.
Prof_Chaos @ Apr 2nd 2007 1:54PM
I thought Boomerang looked stupid, but if it was comfortable I think we all would have gotten over it, just like people got over the Wii name (for the most part. However, I hate the Dual Shock design. I hate the d-pad vs. analog positions and I hate the placement of the triggers. I can understand killing the boomerang after the outcry, but could they not have at least softened the Dual Shock? Something akin to the design upgrade from Xbox to 360 controllers.
Neal @ Apr 2nd 2007 1:55PM
Just because a controller is light doesn't mean its shitty.
Keep in mind the PS3 controller lacks Rumble, which I believe is caused by spinning weights in the controller...
I wonder where the weight went.
I've had no problems with the controller. Im not picky though. I like the 360s controller, and also the Wii controller.
James @ Apr 2nd 2007 1:57PM
I think it's all personal preference. I'm fine with the dual-shock but the 360 analog sticks drive me nuts.
Phil @ Apr 2nd 2007 1:59PM
One reason I don't plan on getting another Playstation is because of the controller. Way too uncomfortable. I have been spoiled by the xbox S-type controller and the new 360 pad takes the cake for comfort. I tried going back to play PS2 games and I just can't do it.
Genius @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:01PM
Personally Ive always liked the PS controller design. Even after Dual Shock controllers were introduced I was always a fan of the design and how comfortable they felt even after hours of gameplay. Personally, I think some people just like to randomly complain, because Ive never ever gotten a hand cramp playing an analog heavy game, Ive played hours of ace combat with no issues.
Anyway, If I was going to complain about a controller it would either be the original Xbox controller, or the original Gamecube controller. One was too small while the other was too big. And appearance wise my complaint would be against the N64 controller, that thing was ugly as sin.
Unit @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:05PM
the boomerang controller did look more comfortagble than the current one and it would have been nice to have a different controller. But the playstation gamers have spoken and they said they're afraid of change!
jp @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:06PM
ps controller is perfect not too big and not too small
not everyone has big hands
the majority have regular size hands
screw u big handed people
Derbeste @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:11PM
Hey Tony (The author),
Were you hired exclusively to bitch about controllers?
I'm interested to hear your inevitable beaf with the xbox controller (past or present) next.
theDude @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:15PM
Wow! Amazing amount of anti-Sony sentiment on the site today. Good for you fanboys. You don't come across as ignorant at all.
astro @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:18PM
I love the OG Dual Shock and even ps1 controllers.
Couldn't live through any fighting games without it.
For some reason.. unless it's an arcade, I can't handle home arcade sticks, and I'm better with the Dual Shocks dpad and button layout.
You wanna put your skills to the test, meet me on xbl and i'll whoop you with my ibuki usign my ps2 controller >=D
Zoob @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:17PM
Nothing will every compare to the perfection that was the Gamecube controller. That controller fits perfectly to the contours of my hands. Then again, that could just be because of how many hours I've spent holding it.
deaftly @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:16PM
if the 360 controller had a better dpad, it would be the perfect controller, sony needs learn from ms (or steal) where the analogs need to be
arrrgh @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:18PM
Yeah I would have liked to at least SEE how the boomerang handled...the PS1 controller was ok when it was just a DPAD...controllers moved on...sony didnt. Dual shock was a horrible step in the wrong direction, made FPS style controls harder and more uncomfortable to control than any of us had thought possible. Luckily MS brought out the s-type affffter that giant bear like controller debuted for the xbox
Jake @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:25PM
Way to go, theDude. People are voicing their honest opinions of the Playstation controller in a Playstation controller thread, and you make a mindless "you're ignorant fanboys" post.
I don't like the PS controller very much either. The 360 is the best dual analog controller I've ever used. Very comfortable. I think the PS controller design is weak because it was originally a d-pad controller that they added analogs to without much thought. Now they've added motion as well. Both additions were made without changing the controller.
The sixaxis is light and not proportioned that well for my hands. I mean, it is alright and gets the job done, but I prefer the 360 controller by far. The sixaxis certainly isn't the worst controller in recent memory. *cough*the Duke*cough*
The 84th @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:30PM
my opinion; best controller was the genesis (simple, and comfortable). after that id go with original, dpad only ps1 (the sticks on the the ps controllers are not comfortable). after that, well xbox s type and 360 are pretty close to perfect (triggers have been my personal fav. over just shoulder buttons, thank you dreamcast).
Blazur @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:36PM
I've always found the PS controllers to be quite ergonomic (never used the SixAxis tho), but that boomerang looks like it would cause serious strain.
The Wii's nunchuk, however...that thing is damn uncomfortable to use after a while. When I played Zelda for an extended period of time my left hand would noticeably ache.
Blazur @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:38PM
Oh, and I actually prefer the D-pad in many cases as well. It just seems more exact than analog. I used to always struggle playing fighting games in arcades when I got used to the D-pad.
JodyAnthony @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:39PM
dreamcast was the most comfortable controller ever.
my opinion of the top 5 controllers (on a comfort level)
Dreamcast
Wii
XBox (original, not S)
SNES/Saturn (tied)
DualShock
JodyAnthony @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:40PM
nevermind, I forgot N64 which takes the 5th slot, making the DualShock #6
You wanna know uncomfortable, lets talk about the non-dogbone NES controller.
samfish @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:42PM
I talked to a guy once who was standing in line with me while camping out for black Friday back in November...and he said that he'd used a 3rd party PS2 controller very similar to the boomerang design and that it was a HELL of a lot better.
Anybody know what that controller might be?
Anyway, it's not hard to be more comfortable than the Dual Shock design. That really is an awful controller. They LEAST they could have done is flip the d-pad and main analog stick's positions.
My two favorite controllers ever would have to be the Gamecube's Wavebird or the Genesis controller. I don't much care for the regular Gamecube controller, but I think the Wavebird is the best. I guess I just like the extra weight and the fact that the battery pack kinda acts as a wall between my hands.
Rob Holiday @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:48PM
What happened to the phrase "SUXASSES"? I keep using that term. If someone thinks the SUXASSES is a perfect size, you have the hands of a 10 year old.
Try putting your thumbs on the analog sticks. Not the tips of your thumbs. Lay them on comfortably, around the center of your fingerprint. How many of you can fully move the right stick left, and the left stick right without interfering? (Not including kids 10 and under). Some of you might say "but I don't put my thumbs that way". Well, a LOT of us do!
What is up with the concave triggers? When was the last time you saw a trigger that was shaped concave? Someone needs to teach Sony the meaning of ERGONOMICS!
DON'T EVEN get me started on the lack of rumble and gimmicky motion controls!
BTW... I still own a PS3 and like it. I would like it even more if I could use my wireless 360 controller!
Rob Holiday @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:51PM
oops... i meant Convex. Was in a hurry...
Adam Fields @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:58PM
The boomerang actually looked very similar to the most comfortable controller I've ever used - the original Logitech cordless controller (which has since been replaced with a different, inferior-in-most-ways model):
http://www.us.playstation.com/PS2/Accessories/SLUH-00077
AirIntake @ Apr 2nd 2007 2:58PM
@JodyAnthony
Dreamcast controller #1? I know it's your opinion and that's just fine, but don't you find that your hands are a bit to parallel (and not in line with your arms)? I always get wrist cramps when using mine for more than 30min.
||
JodyAnthony @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:02PM
My whole list was wrong. The real top 5 is as follows:
Wavebird
Wii
Dreamcast
XBox
SNES/Saturn
(i knocked Dreamcast down a notch, and had forgotten all about the wavebird which is definintely the best controller ever)
Geo @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:03PM
Genesis controller? Really? The buttons would jam against each other. No space between buttons. Not my favorite by a long shot.
I loved the feel of the N64 controller. Z trigger was huge. I think the wavebird is very ergonomic. I like how nintendo figured out that a lot of games require pushing one button a lot more than others, and made it big and comfy. I don't know what is up with the z button on there, though.
Digi Smalls @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:05PM
the PS3 "triggers" are the worst thing ever. its the perfect shape to have your finger slip off when holding it down as an accelerator or brake in driving games. just brilliant.
if there's even been a lobotimized frankenstein controller, the sixaxis is it. they just keep adding (and removing) stuff not in the original design.
those red (why not blue??) lights look like charge lights, the PS button is unresponsive, and is it just me or does the connection drop once every 20 minutes?
.
SuicideNInja @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:05PM
I wrote an article some time ago on how the boomerang design made a lot more sense. When it first came out, we really didn't know about the motion control part of the design. For two handed motion control, longer grips and a steering-wheel shape make a lot more sense.
Now that I have a PS3, I wish it had the boomerang for those few instances when I decide to torture myself and play it.
http://suicideninja.blogspot.com/2006/08/maybe-ps3-boomerang-controller-wasnt.html
Jonathan Tran @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:09PM
sorry all but best controller was the Saturn Analog.
I have to agree about the 360 controller. Just bought one yesterday for my PC and it ROX. Analogs are a *little* loose but otherwise, perfect!
Matthew @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:13PM
I honestly like the boomerang, it is basically the same controller with longer hand grips. Imagine taking hold of one of those smooth nubs and swinging the controller around and around. Try to do that with your six axis.
lol, grabbing smooth nubs
baby sea tuna @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:14PM
I
baby sea tuna @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:18PM
...okay...
That was supposed to say: I
baby sea tuna @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:18PM
WTF?!
Ugh.
Edge of Blade @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:19PM
I defended the PS3 boomerang from the getgo. I used to use a wireless Wideye controller for the old Xbox. If you can find one of these increasingly rare controllers, you will have one of the most comfortable and accurate pads that were made. It looks weird at first, but it really was comfortable.
[url=http://www.amazon.com/Wideye-Xbox-Live-Wireless-Controller/dp/B0002VRP2I/ref=sr_1_187/002-0096809-8688858?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1175541480&sr=1-187]Link[/url]
Yayaja @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:19PM
That is totally BS. Sony would like you to think that they changed the design of the controller because of public outcry, but thats not the truth. Just reading the above is proof enough that people weren't really pissed, how could they be at something they had never even tried? They did it to save money, plain and simple. By keeping the same design, they save a ton on machining costs, they can use the same mochines they've been using SINCE THE EARLY 90's (if they still run ha ha). Besides look at the public outcryr over the price... about a million times more intense then that of the controller, and sony did NOTHING about it.
Ted @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:24PM
Ross P. mentioned the Alps controller for the PS1. I owned one and it was the most comfortable controller I've ever used. I still have dreams of hacking a Sixaxis into it.
old guy @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:30PM
People seem to love the dual shock design but they forget that it's an after-the-thought design. They added the analog sticks wherever they would fit to the old PS1 controller and have kept it the same ever since.
Despite how people feel about this controller, though, it is objectively a poor ergonomic design for games that primarily use the analog sticks. This isn't opinion, it's fact. The reason is that good ergonomic design revolves around reducing strain, especially in "at rest" states. Look at any of the ergonomic tips given when you buy a mouse or keyboard or office chair these days. If a muscle is strained unnecessarily, it will eventually fatigue. That's why they say keep your forearms at the same level as your keyboard, for example. And that's why the dualshock is a bad design. If you are holding the controller and resting your thumbs on top of the analog sticks, your muscles are already being used just to keep your thumbs in the zero position, without even moving the sticks. Compare this to the 360 or gamecube controllers, where your thumbs aren't strained until they actually move the sticks. I'm not talking heavy duty strain here, but if there's any muscular exertion necessary to keep the thumbs in the zero state, eventually you'll have unnecessary fatigue, and that's bad design.
Now people's mileage may vary with this. Some people are used to it more than others and my not experience fatigue. But that's a subjective response to an objectively bad ergonomic design.
Velops @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:47PM
My biggest gripe is that Sony still uses the pseudo-d-pad. There isn't a single first or third party manufacturer who would design a d-pad by splitting it into 4 separate angled buttons. It's madness I tell you. Not only is it difficult to do diagonal input, it creates a lot of thumb strain from prolonged use. The only reason it hasn't become a bigger problem is because most games opt for analog input instead.