Joystiq

{ Jun 25th 2009 at 4:15PM }

If you've been looking to color up your PS3 controller collection, you'll be glad to know that silver DualShock 3 controllers are now available nationwide at GameStop. This new color will set you back $54.99, which is the same MSRP as the standard black controller.

[Via Twitter]

{ May 12th 2009 at 4:30PM }

click to enlarge

We first saw evidence that Sony might be planning to expand the selection of DualShock 3 colors in the US last month, when retailer GameStop listed a silver version of the controller for release on June 24. Now we have a photo, via a tipster, of what's purportedly a US model of the white DualShock 3 already available in Japan -- purchased at a Wal-Mart in Florida. Henry, who sent in the photo, says it was the only one left at the store where he bought it. He also included additional pics showing the rest of the seemingly North American packaging, complete with bilingual English / French adorning the front and back.

Naturally, we got in touch with Sony to ask about this find ... and were told it doesn't exist. Specifically, when we inquired whether this was some sort of "stealth" release, an SCEA hardware PR rep told us, "We have no plans to release a white Dualshock 3." No plans? Did someone not get the memo, or, as our tipster suggests, accidentally ship out something that's not due to be announced until E3?

This is where you come in. If you spot a white, official first-party DualShock 3 in US packaging, send us a photo along with info on when and where you saw it. Better yet, if you find and buy one, send us a photo of the receipt, too. You know how to reach us.

[Thanks, Henry!]

Gallery: White DualShock 3 (US version) -- or is it?

{ Apr 17th 2009 at 3:00PM }

Tired of your black DualShock 3 controller? Well, it looks like SCEA may finally start introducing new colors of the rumble-ready PS3 controller. Games retailer GameStop now features a listing for a silver DualShock 3 controller, with a MSRP of $54.99 and a June 24th release.

A retail listing is far from official confirmation, but GameStop has been a rather reliable source of early product listings. We're all for controller color diversity, so we're hoping this one is real.

[Via NeoGAF]

{ Jan 12th 2009 at 7:00AM }

People have been using Sixaxis controllers on PCs for a long time now. But, what about DualShock 3s with rumble support? Apparently, it's now possible. A Japanese coder has released four drivers which allow Windows users to play games on PC with a DS3, tweak some of the controller parameters and subsequently employ rumble. It sounds like a fun experiment to play around with, though, from the looks of it, the driver menus are mostly in Japanese. Check DCEmu UK for instructions in English.

[Via Engadget]

{ Dec 1st 2008 at 10:30AM }

Not liking the clutter of USB cables used to charge your controllers in front of your PS3? Psyclone has a more elegant solution for you -- their TouchCharge kit allows you to charge two DualShock 3/SIXAXIS controllers on a contact-based charge pad via one AC adapter.

Unlike the version Psyclone offers for the Xbox 360 and the Wii, no third-party battery is required as the pad is able to charge the battery inside the official controllers. An added bonus is that at $49.99, the kit will cost $20 less than the 360 version. Gizmodo took the peripheral for a spin and gave it a thumbs-up.

Best Buy has the TouchCharge Kit for sale, but it is currently backordered.

[Via Engadget Simplified Chinese]

{ Nov 11th 2008 at 4:30PM }

Red Octane is having a sale on the Guitar Hero III Wireless Les Paul Bundle for only $39.99. Shipping will vary but it shouldn't be more than $10. The sale is today only and will end at 6PM PT / 9 PM ET. As Gamestooge noted, even if you just want an extra guitar, you can always just sell the game. You can find this limited-time offer here.

In other bargain hunting related news, Amazon has put up their stock of official DualShock 3 controllers on sale. Originally retailing for $54.99, these are now on sale for $40.96 with free shipping. Take advantage of the deal here.

Source -- Red Octane via Gamestooge
Source -- Amazon

[Thanks, Jonah F. and burandon!]

{ Oct 10th 2008 at 11:00AM }

Those of you with only two USB ports can now rejoice -- Sony is releasing the above AC Adapter for the Japanese market on December 18th for 2,800 yen (about $28 USD). This peripheral will allow you to charge your DualShock 3/SIXAXIS controllers or any other accessories independent of your PS3, thereby freeing up those precious USB ports. The wireless keypad will also debut in Japan on the same day for 5,500 yen (about $55 USD). Keep in mind prices in Japan tend to be higher, so when these products debut in the US, they will likely retail for less.

[Via Engadget Japanese]

{ Oct 9th 2008 at 2:55AM }

One of Sony's upcoming PSP games, Resistance Retribution, will utilize a newly developed technology called "PSP Plus." The feature will allow players of Retribution to connect their systems to the PS3, in order to enable use of PS3 wireless controllers. Using the DualShock will enable dual-analog control in the game. In addition, rumble will be supported. This potential use of connectivity was hinted at in a patent filed over a year ago.

Other games may be able to potentially utilize PSP Plus -- however, it is currently a Retribution-only tech. Stay tuned as we reveal the exciting additions PS3's Resistance 2 and PSP's Resistance Retribution will bring (together!).

{ Oct 9th 2008 at 2:55AM }

The upcoming PSP game will utilize a newly developed technology called "PSP Plus." The feature will allow players of Resistance Retribution to connect their systems to the PS3 to enable use of PS3 wireless controllers. Using the DualShock will enable dual-analog control in the game. In addition, rumble will be supported. This potential use of connectivity was hinted at in a patent filed over a year ago.

Other games may be able to potentially utilize PSP Plus -- however, it is currently a Retribution-only tech. Stay tuned as we reveal the exciting additions connecting PS3's Resistance 2 and PSP's Resistance Retribution will bring.

{ Oct 8th 2008 at 9:30AM }

Famitsu reports (via IGN) that Sony will release the 80GB PS3 in Japan for the same price as the current 40GB model. For a limited time the company will also include Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec III with the system.

Sony will also offer an 80GB PS3 LittleBigPlanet bundle with extra DualShock 3 controller for about $50 more than the standard 80GB version. The company also plans to have a LittleBigPlanet and DualShock 3 bundle for about $80. All the new 80GB models, including the LBP controller bundle, will be offered in black, white and silver color varieties (already available for the 40GB as well). Remember, all this information applies only to Japan, so don't go thinking it's going to be a white 80GB PS3 Christmas.

{ Jul 24th 2008 at 11:30AM }

~~Not quite as good as the deal offered before~~Thought the previous deal of $42 plus shipping is good? How about $43.99 including shipping for a DualShock 3 controller? Considering it retails for $55, this is pretty awesome. Besides, most games just ain't the same without that rumblin' action going on, catch our drift? Head over to buy.com now for this deal. Update: Get an additional 5% off with this coupon.

[Thanks, Goonchy and Jason!]

{ Jul 11th 2008 at 10:30PM }

It was a sad day indeed when the rumor that Eternal Sonata might not see the light of day outside of Japan. Thankfully, that rumor may be just another one to stick on the "Not Gonna Happen" pile, as the game has been spotted on the official UK DualShock 3 compatibility list. The list itself was updated on July 8th, only two days ago, along with a whole host of games including some which are due to come out in the next year or so, such as Edge Of Twilight and Brutal Legend.

Does this mean it's headed West at some point in the future? Our guess is yes, which really makes our day (as if the iPhone launch wasn't enough). Hopefully an official announcement will be made by Namco Bandai soon. Wait, what's that just around the corner? E3? Fingers crossed.

[Via PS3Forums]

{ Jul 1st 2008 at 9:55AM }

GoGamer.com is offering the rumble-ready DualShock 3 controller for 25% off its retail price. You can snag one for $41.49, a pretty sizable discount from its $55 MSRP. Games, like Metal Gear Solid 4, just feel so much better with rumble. Whatever it takes, make sure you try to snag one.

[Thanks, Greg P.!]

{ Jun 30th 2008 at 5:30AM }

Yes, you read that correctly. We've just received word from Sony that the long-awaited European release of the DualShock 3 is coming soon. We'll have our hands clasped around the buzzing wonders from Friday the 4th of July and they will cost £39.99 (we've requested a price in Euros too, because we know how much you love those).

There's no word on whether any different colours will be available, so we're going to assumed that you'll have a choice between black and black. You can count on SCEE to announce something so long-awaited without a modicum of pomp or ceremony. Despite the lack of a fanfare, we're happy to see DualShock 3s finally becoming standard everywhere in the world. All that's left is to phase out the SIXAXIS models and start bundling DS3s with all PS3s. Here's hoping.

[UPDATE] To clarify: DualShock 3s will be made available on the 2nd of July on the Continent and on the 4th of July in the UK.

[Via Press Release]

{ May 16th 2008 at 9:10AM }

Apparently, rumble does matter to a lot of Americans. According to SCEA, the feedback-giving DualShock 3 had $10.9 million in sales during the month of April, meaning that about 200,000 Americans were ready to put down $55 for some vibration from their PS3 controller.

As we learned from our initial impression of the DualShock 3: Yes, it's worth it. We do know that the Sixaxis is on its way out, but at this point only the MGS bundles come with the DS3. We're still waiting for the "official" changeover to occur with regular PS3 consoles.