GC 2008: PS3 wireless keypad with mouse input [update]

by James Ransom-Wiley { Aug 20th 2008 at 11:40AM }

click for extreme closeup

At its Leipzig Games Convention press conference today, Sony unveiled a wireless keypad peripheral that attaches to the top of the PlayStation 3 controller (presumably into the mini-USB port). The keypad also features a "touchpad mode" for mouse input. Pricing was not revealed, but the device will be released in 8 different languages.

It's worth noting that MadCatz released an attachable thumbpad for PS3 in April 2007.

Update: Added official keypad images (see gallery below). Does this thing double as a codpiece?

PlayStation.Blog clarifies that the Wireless Kepad includes a mode that turns the key area into a touchpad, allowing users to control an on-screen cursor with their fingertips, tapping to activate a link. The keypad also features two short-cut buttons, enabling quick access to the XMB's "Friends" icon and the "Message Box." The pad also can be paired with other Bluetooth devices (e.g., a smart phone) and will be released in late November.

Gallery: PS3 Wireless Keypad

Tags: bluetooth, breakingnews, keypad, leipzig-08, ps3-keypad, ps3-wireless-keypad, wireless-keypad

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Bad Mojo @ Aug 20th 2008 11:42AM

From what I hear it is NOT worth noting the MadCatz attempt :P

I do hope this is pretty functional though since I've been eyeing that sexy Logitech PS3 Mediaboard doodad.

Duke @ Aug 20th 2008 1:15PM

I have the madcatz one and it really isn't a very nice device. In fact, I used it twice and then never attached it again.

This new pad looks like a winner to me!

Fullmetal Salchemist @ Aug 20th 2008 4:33PM

Well, it's not worth noting because MadCatz is a terrible, terrible company.

kingofwale @ Aug 20th 2008 11:43AM

can I play all my games with keyboard and month?

Marty @ Aug 20th 2008 2:23PM

Keyboard: yes
Month: no

SoCoolCurt (PSN: KillaKornbread) @ Aug 20th 2008 6:26PM

lol @ Marty

Vidikron (FU) @ Aug 20th 2008 11:49AM

AFAIK the USB port on the controller hasn't been used for anything other than charging. If this does use the port for data then that is very interesting. The MadCatz pad doesn't actually use the port. It requires an RF receiver to be plugged into the system.

why not the LS2LS7? @ Aug 20th 2008 11:56AM

Same as how the USB port on your digital camera doesn't get any use.

USB is not symmetric. Most devices are either a host or a device and devices cannot talk to other devices, only hosts. So the port on a device doesn't usually turn double-duty.

Vidikron (FU) @ Aug 20th 2008 12:02PM

That's why I said this would be interesting. I think Joystiq may be incorrect in their presumption that it attachs to the USB port.

Vidikron (FU) @ Aug 20th 2008 12:03PM

Unless, of course, the attachment was for simply securing the physical connection.

Nate @ Aug 20th 2008 12:08PM

The USB port on PSPs is dual purpose, just like this. They use it for the camera, the GPS, and for charging and data transfer.

Vidikron (FU) @ Aug 20th 2008 12:10PM

@Nate

That's what I would hope, but if it is dual purpose then why haven't we seen anything that makes use of it yet? Why aren't there any cheap $15 USB headsets that plug directly into the controller? Seems like the port has been woefully under used up to this point if it indeed capable of more than power transfer.

tuaamin13 @ Aug 20th 2008 2:41PM

It's a bluetooth device. Says so on Sony's blog. It just attaches, so I would assume there's USB passthrough so you can charge your controller with this thing attached.

My question is, are the start/select buttons on the pad? First they show it with, then it goes on top of the controller. Wouldn't that be pushing Start/Select/PS all the time?

Josh @ Aug 20th 2008 5:48PM

You're able to plug the PS3 controller into a PC and, with a driver, use it like a regular PC gamepad.

Jacksons @ Aug 20th 2008 11:49AM

E3 is starting to look like a joke.

Tez (PSN: Tezasaurus) @ Aug 20th 2008 5:25PM

lol, starting.

Ayrkain @ Aug 20th 2008 11:51AM

Let's go to the Kellistrator!

koehler83 @ Aug 20th 2008 11:52AM

I don't get it.

ANTCEP @ Aug 20th 2008 11:54AM

if it looks good, im sold.

Jonathan Nguyen @ Aug 20th 2008 11:56AM

same here! Hope it's not more expensive than $30.. wonder when the release date is.

SoCoolCurt (PSN: KillaKornbread) @ Aug 20th 2008 6:32PM

yea looks good to me too. i still think the 360 Chatpad looks more functional but ill take this.

Jakka - Banned again!!1 @ Aug 20th 2008 12:00PM

Now, considering that PS3 has a full m/k support, who the fuck needs that thing?And judging by the way Sony prices their items you're simply better off by buying Logitech Value set at the nearest electronic store anyway.

ANTCEP @ Aug 20th 2008 12:03PM

think xbox 360 chatpad, rather than a full keyboard

Aaron @ Aug 20th 2008 12:03PM

I just wanted to note, that arrow is pro.

Bad Mojo @ Aug 20th 2008 12:07PM

Will it have rumble? If not, I'm skipping it for Rev. 2 :P

Hyams @ Aug 20th 2008 12:10PM

Personally, I think you'd be better off buying a cheap USB keyboard and just using that. But then, I hate keypads; the buttons are so small.

required @ Aug 20th 2008 12:26PM

Don't forget: They said they had one for the PSP way back when they announced the PSP.

FOXHOUND @ Aug 20th 2008 12:47PM

Nice. My DUALSHOCK3 will have a strap-on.

Spartacus @ Aug 20th 2008 12:53PM

Not trying to rain on anyone's parade here, but if the MadCatz keypad is any indication, this keypad would SUCK compared to the 360's Chatpad.

Why?

Because of the physical location. The Chatpad on the 360 is in an ergonomically ideal location- between your thumbs, while this add on will be above the home button- quite a stretch for any normal sized hand and an awkward position regardless.

Granted, I've never used the MadCatz add on, but the first time I saw it at BestBuy, I almost laughed because it seemed impossible to actually use while holding the controller.

Vidikron (FU) @ Aug 20th 2008 1:15PM

You can actually just hold the Madcatz pad in your hands. It's doesn't actually have to be attached to the controller. This device appears to be the same way. Not as convenient as the 360's chat pad, but if you're just lookng to avoid using a full size keyboard and mouse then this may work for some people.

Duke @ Aug 20th 2008 1:20PM

Yes you can hold it in your hands, but the attachment to the controller is what makes it super convenient. He is right, the 360 one does sit in a much better position for actual use. The madcatz one right now is very uncomfortable and heavy to have on the controller.

It seems to me you buy these little pads to attach to the controller, otherwise why wouldn't you just have a keyboard sitting next to you rather than buying the pad.