New Hori PS3 controller has rotating D-pad, so many other options

by JC Fletcher on Jun 21st 2011 6:00PM

Peripheral maker Hori put a countdown page on its site leading to the reveal of an exciting mystery product ... and it's a new PS3 controller! Maybe the Hori Pad 3 Pro isn't the dramatic reveal we expected, but it looks like a pretty nice device.

The Hori Pad 3 Pro builds on previous Hori controller offerings with a d-pad that can be rotated to provide the most comfortable position, as well as customizable d-pad input range. We don't really understand how that last one works, though it seems to involve setting the range between two directions at which a diagonal input is registered.

It also features customizable analog stick sensitivity, three levels of turbo fire with a quick activation button on the back of the controller ... and, unfortunately, a wire. The Horipad Pro will be released in Japan on July 21. Odds are pretty good you'll be able to get one soon after; Amazon stocks previous Hori Pad variants.

Via: Andriasang
Source: Hori

Tags: controller, hori, hori-pad-3, japan, peripherals, playstation, ps3

Reader Comments (44)

so hideous...

@PR0F3TA
man it is so ugly

i have 6 ps3 controller's and since I'm stupid there's a good chance i will buy it

damn, why can't someone make a PS3 controllers where the analog sticks are ergonomic? That is such a dumb design this day and age. Why do you want your thumbs hitting each other all the time.

@kcswanko

My thumbs never hit each other with the PS2 and don't with the DS3 either. Are you putting your thumb or your first knuckle on the stick?

@kcswanko Next time will be the first time.

@kcswanko

I've never had that problem, but if you want a PS3 controller with a 360 layout, then you need to go to http://www.powera.com.

@kcswanko - You know, I agree with you that the PS3's controller design does need some work (ergonomic grips, concave triggers, D-Pad/Left Analog switched), and my thumbs will (rarely) hit each other as well, but only if they're slipping. Sadly, I downvoted you simply because of the way to pronounced yourself.

With all this said, I'm actually trying to find a PS3 controller that fits/works/looks like a 360 controller (without going Ben Heck). And for those who say "then go play your Xbox", I can't play Infamous or Uncharted on a 360, now can I?

@kcswanko Check out the Power A Pro Elite or the Nyko Raven.

@Nintendo Tim yeah I know, I just get frustrated. Bad design is bad design and yes I can't do Uncharted on the Xbox so I will probably checkout other controllers.

Yes it's just me slipping but whats worse is driving games and having to hold down the right trigger so far down. ahh.

@WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot IO think thats the problem they arent for our big ass America hands.

@WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot I also think it's pretty telling with the huge amount of Xbox type controllers for the PS3 then Xbox controls like a PS3, so Im not alone.

@barrit

We dont.

@kcswanko
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Nyko+-+Raven+Motion-Sensing+Wireless+Controller+for+PlayStation+3/1971372.p?id=1218303650749&skuId=1971372

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/POWER+A+-+Pro+Elite+Wireless+Controller+for+PlayStation+3/1403213.p?id=1218255563608&skuId=1403213

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pelican+Accessories+-+Afterglow+Pro+Controller+for+PlayStation+3/8648216.p?id=1195599766901&skuId=8648216

@kcswanko I actually don't like the 360 layout. My thumbs aren't designed with my left thumb up higher than my right thumb. I find the PS3 controller perfect to use, and quite comfortable, as opposed to the 360, but to each their own.

@WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot

your thumbs must be effed up if that's the most comfortable position for you. MOST people's thumbs naturally hang closer to the hand, so the upper/outer controls are more comfortable to use.

@kcswanko

One key point that people seem to be ignoring is that the original Playstation had proper placement of the left thumb pad. Unfortunately, analog sticks were pretty new for consoles at the time, and Sony stuck with a d-pad for their standard controller.

After controller analog sticks became popular (thanks to the N64), Sony bolted some joysticks to the bottom of the controller body to avoid messing up people who still wanted to use the original layout. Due to the popularity of the controller (being the default option for games that needed analog controls), they've kept roughly the same controller body ever since.

I bet that if Sony designed an analog controller from the beginning, they would've placed the left analog stick in the place of the d-pad.

@barrit

Wow, that controller looks great! Proper left joystick position, concave triggers, supports motion controls (used to be rare for 3rd party controllers) and everything!

Thanks for everyone who mentioned it.

The d-pad on the PS3 controller is already plenty comfy so I'm not really sure what the market for this is.

If anything it's the analog stick "comfiness" they need to work on. Swap spots with the d-pad and make the top concave plz.

the start and select buttons look like eyes, the ps button like a nose and the turbo button like someone smiling and giving you the tongue . hehe

@Esir Can't unsee...

@Esir
GO AWAY!!!

I wonder where they got that rotating d-pad idea. Oh wai-

@Schlecht

"The Hori Pad 3 Pro builds on previous Hori controller offerings with a d-pad that can be rotated to provide the most comfortable position"

Dont be an Xbox troll.

@Schlecht

The new 360 dpad has two positions, it just rotates to get to those positions. This Hori dpad, the entire dpad rotates to different angles so you can actually play with it at your preferred angle.

Next time use some reading comprehension and don't be an xbox troll.

Automatically interested if Hori is making it. They make the best third-party stuff available. Every Wii owner should have a Hori Classic.

Nothing wrong much wrong with the DS3 that RealTriggers and a couple of concave stick caps won't fix, then you have the perfect controller.

Sod this 'wonky sticks' lark that the others have. I had a Gamecube and an Xbox for years, and never could get used to the sticks. Give me a symmetrical pad any day.

A wire? Stringer Bell disapproves

More like HORIble!

Don't see the point in rotating the D-pad, but it's nice that it's a single button rather than four like in official controllers. However, it's a pity that they didn't address the main problem with official controllers: the left analog stick's ridiculous position. Most sensible people would made it ergonomic by comparison with the main face buttons rather than the other stick, as most of the time you'll have your left thumb in the left stick and the right one in the right face buttons.

@Ericss

rotating d-pad is for fighting game folks. For those that prefer a fight pad instead of a stick, being able to choose a d-pad angle that more comfy for you can help a lot in pulling moves off with more ease. It's also wired because of the fighting game tournament scene.

@WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot you hit it right on target. This is a fight pad. I don't think people realized that. One of the reasons why it is wired is because EVO banned PS3 wireless controllers of any kind. It must be wired.

I just don't see why people complain about the DS3 stick layout. there is nothing wrong with them. I've been gaming with the DS style for well over a decade. Logging in thousands of hours and never had thumb fatigue due to the left stick position. If you want the 360 style layout go buy one. Power A and Nyko has them. Could the DS use some tweaks? yes and so could the 360 controller.

" Leave my Dual Shock sticks Alone"

At least this Hori controller doesn't have the terribly small sticks like the last wireless horipad 3. God those were a craptastic design.

haha HORI, is not a good word for marketing in NZ. You would call something like gutter tramp, Lada or 360's build quality "hori". Never something you would like to pass as "good quality"

@Scuba Steve

I was going to point out the same thing.. Meaning in general "not very good'...

@Scuba Steve
It's Japanese, more specifically "ほり".
Such logic does not apply to foreign words and names.

@Scuba Steve

HEY, LADAS ARE GOOD CARS.

@Kyouya Doesn't anyone know you can just take a paper clip and hit the reset button the back of the official PlayStation 3 controllers?

finally a decent ergonomic controller for my playstation.

I like Hori. For third-party products, they're very professional and sturdy. Hell, even Nintendo likes them. If I had a PS3, i'd definitely get this as a controller.

Y U NO LIKE WIRED?

Seriously, what's the dilly yo? It certainly counts in a lot of online gaming, and you don't have to worry about the thing running out of juice.

I don't mind that it's wired. There is only so much bluetooth capacity on the PS3 anyways.

I don't mind the analog stick placement, but the triggers are mushy, the sticks should be concave, and they have a strange dead zone.

The 360 controller is better for me, except the wonky d-pad. I can totally see how the fatty wings bother people used to smaller controllers though.

im glad they didn't move the analog sticks to that awkward position most 3rd party controllers have [where the d-pad belongs], i never understand how people can hold those and not feel silly.

New Hori PS3 controller has rotating D-pad, so many other options

Reader Comments (44)

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 6:04PM PR0F3TA said

Posted: Jun 22nd 2011 8:42AM Twlvfngrs said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 6:06PM ThrashN7 said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 6:09PM kcswanko said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 6:14PM SisypheanLife said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 6:18PM koehler83 said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 6:29PM barrit said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 6:38PM Nintendo Tim said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 6:38PM Fuzunga said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 7:19PM kcswanko said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 7:20PM kcswanko said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 7:25PM kcswanko said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 7:42PM DigitalEmporer said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 9:29PM KingOfGods said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 9:42PM drone said

Posted: Jun 22nd 2011 1:49AM maveric101 said

Posted: Jun 22nd 2011 2:07PM FraGNeM said

Posted: Jun 22nd 2011 2:12PM FraGNeM said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 6:23PM Vcize said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 6:24PM Esir said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 6:39PM Fuzunga said

Posted: Jun 22nd 2011 12:48AM eNriqeu said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 6:30PM Schlecht said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 6:52PM Wazzup4567 said

Posted: Jun 22nd 2011 9:20AM smidget said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 6:36PM Fuzunga said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 7:02PM Paranoimia said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 7:05PM Trilancer said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 7:08PM RichieT said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 7:11PM Ericss said

Posted: Jun 22nd 2011 9:26AM smidget said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 7:31PM Kyouya said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 7:45PM Steve R said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 8:07PM Scuba Steve said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 8:34PM Veetzs said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 8:45PM The Only Girl said

Posted: Jun 22nd 2011 4:19PM IAmTheBabyJeezus said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 8:31PM Crashpro3 said

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Posted: Jun 21st 2011 8:43PM The Only Girl said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 9:13PM Robot Bastard said

Posted: Jun 21st 2011 11:59PM JRMG said

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Posted: Jun 22nd 2011 4:39PM Roxas560 said

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