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

by James Ransom-Wiley on Aug 20th 2008 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.

PS3 Wireless Keypad

Tags: bluetooth, breakingnews, keypad, leipzig-08, PS3, ps3-keypad, ps3-wireless-keypad, wireless-keypad

Reader Comments (52)

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.

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!

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

can I play all my games with keyboard and month?

Keyboard: yes
Month: no

lol @ Marty

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

@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.

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?

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

E3 is starting to look like a joke.

lol, starting.

I don't get it.

Let's go to the Kellistrator!

if it looks good, im sold.

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

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

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.

think xbox 360 chatpad, rather than a full keyboard

I just wanted to note, that arrow is pro.

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

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.

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

Nice. My DUALSHOCK3 will have a strap-on.

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.

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.

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.

@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.

srsly, going between fragging and sending an IM will be near impossible in contrast with the Chatpad

this looks nice and i'm interested but i also had my eye on a BT key board i saw on aots

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...

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.

FAIL

or you could just slide your hands up a inch or two?

This is totally my new belt buckle

With the keypad on to top of the controller...I'm going to need to grow bigger thumbs.

Why not use the motion control for the mouse...!?

im buyin it no questions asked

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?

now if we could only get rid of the garbage web browser...

Better than no web browser. But, yeah.

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.

Haha, "other than Flash and Java" the browser is great! Good thing there isn't too much of THAT on the internet, yeah?

It's so horrible looking, but potentially so useful.

I can actually see myself buying one of these soon. Good job Sony.

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

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

PS3 Wireless Keypad

Reader Comments (52)

Posted: Aug 20th 2008 11:42AM (Unverified) said

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