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











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.
Vidikron (FU) @ Aug 20th 2008 1:32PM
@Duke
Well, I actually already addressed eveything you said. First, I agreed that the position of the 360 was more convenient. Second, the reason you might want one of the pads is to avoid the physical size of a full size keyboard.
TaylorF @ Aug 20th 2008 4:28PM
srsly, going between fragging and sending an IM will be near impossible in contrast with the Chatpad
j.howlett @ Aug 20th 2008 12:57PM
this looks nice and i'm interested but i also had my eye on a BT key board i saw on aots
juju187 @ Aug 20th 2008 1:04PM
this looks uncomfortable, i use the 360 one and it makes more sense being at the bottom of the control where as the top look like a stretch...
why not the LS2LS7? @ Aug 20th 2008 1:14PM
Now seeing the pic, I hate the physical design. It looks useless, it's in the wrong spot, my thumbs aren't long enough to type on it.
James @ Aug 20th 2008 1:22PM
FAIL
riggs @ Aug 20th 2008 1:35PM
or you could just slide your hands up a inch or two?
deaftly @ Aug 20th 2008 1:40PM
This is totally my new belt buckle
Jim Halpert DM @ Aug 20th 2008 1:45PM
With the keypad on to top of the controller...I'm going to need to grow bigger thumbs.
Bleu @ Aug 20th 2008 2:08PM
im buyin it no questions asked
Marty @ Aug 20th 2008 2:25PM
Were they worries that people would complain about copying Microsoft if they put it in the more logical space at the bottom between the handles on the controller, or what?
dephik8 @ Aug 20th 2008 3:31PM
now if we could only get rid of the garbage web browser...
Nate @ Aug 20th 2008 3:46PM
Better than no web browser. But, yeah.
Draco @ Aug 20th 2008 4:03PM
What is wrong with the web browser? I use it from time to time, other then flash and java support it gets the job done.
Better then the alternative non-PC browsers.
Tez (PSN: Tezasaurus) @ Aug 20th 2008 5:44PM
Haha, "other than Flash and Java" the browser is great! Good thing there isn't too much of THAT on the internet, yeah?
Josh @ Aug 20th 2008 5:49PM
It's so horrible looking, but potentially so useful.
Red Leader @ Aug 20th 2008 6:31PM
I can actually see myself buying one of these soon. Good job Sony.
XGM @ Aug 20th 2008 6:47PM
Whoever designed this must have been holding the controller upside-down or something. Man if thats final, ill be sticking to my cheap 20$ USB keyboard
gara @ Aug 21st 2008 9:36AM
LOOKS RATHER NEAT....ME HAVE BIG HANDS THOUGH MIGHT BE PROBLEM