DualShock
Encyclopedia
The DualShock is a line of vibration-feedback gamepad
s by Sony
for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2
, and PlayStation 3
video game console
s. The DualShock was introduced in Japan in late 1997, and launched in the North American market in May 1998. First introduced as a secondary peripheral
for the original PlayStation, a revised PlayStation version came with the controller and Sony subsequently phased out the digital controller that was originally included with the console, as well as the Sony Dual Analog Controller
. As of June 2008, over 28 million controllers have been sold in the DualShock line (excluding bundled controllers).
computer entertainment system was announced, the DualShock 2 Analog Controller (SCPH-10010) included with it was almost exactly the same externally as the previous DualShock analog controller, except that it was black (other colors came later), had different screw positioning in the back which counted one fewer screws, and the DualShock 2 logo was added. Another way to tell the DualShock and the DualShock 2 controllers apart is that the connector that plugs into the console matches that console's memory card shape; the DualShock’s connector has rounded shoulders and DualShock 2’s is squared off. The analog sticks were also noticeably stiffer for more accurate movements.
Internally, the DualShock 2 was lighter and all of the buttons (except for the Analog mode, start, select, L3 and R3 buttons) were readable as analog values (pressure sensitive).
The DualShock 2 has been made available in various colors such as: black, satin silver, pink, white, transparent grey, blue, green, and red.
The DualShock 2 is also backwards compatible with the original PlayStation.
, the DualShock 3 Wireless Controller (SCPH-98050/CECHZC2) is a gamepad for the PlayStation 3
that incorporates the design and features of the Sixaxis
wireless controller with the haptic feedback capabilities of the DualShock and DualShock 2. The vibration function on the DualShock 3 does not interfere with the motion sensing function of the controller and both functions can be used at once, leading to speculation that the Immersion v. Sony
lawsuit was a reason why the original Sixaxis did not have rumble capabilities. Like the Sixaxis, it is a wireless controller that uses both analog and digital signals simultaneously at all times and has a USB mini-B port for charging, as well as for playing while charging. It can also be used on a PSP Go
via Bluetooth
, but the controller and the PSP Go must be registered using a PS3.
The DualShock 3 is identifiable by the top labeling which incorporates both "DualShock 3" and "Sixaxis" markings. It is also easily noticeable when lifting the controller, as the DualShock 3, at 192g, weighs 40% more than the Sixaxis’s 137.1g. Additionally, the DualShock 3 is made from opaque plastic rather than the Sixaxis's slightly translucent plastic.
The rear markings indicate the DualShock 3 draws up to 300 mA
of current at 3.7 V
for a power consumption of 1.11 W
, an order of magnitude
increase from the 30 mA of current at 3.7 V (0.111 W) listed on the Sixaxis. However, this current is not drawn constantly and is the maximum current when the rumble is active. Its main power source is an internal 3.7 V Li-ion battery, which provides up to 30 hours of continuous gaming on a full charge. Third party replacement batteries are also available. Like the Sixaxis, the DualShock 3 comes with instructions on how to remove and replace the battery. The DualShock 3 can also draw power over a USB cable via a USB mini-B connector on the top of the controller. This allows the controller to be used when the battery is low and is also used for charging the battery. When connected via USB, the controller communicates with the console through the USB cable, rather than Bluetooth.
While the DualShock 3 is compatible with any standard USB mini-B cable and many USB chargers, official charging cables are available from Sony. These include an official cable, the USB 2.0 Cable Pack and a wall charger, the AC adapter charging kit. Any third-party USB charger used must act as a USB host device, rather than simply providing power over the appropriate pins, since both the Sixaxis and DualShock 3 require a host signal to "wake up" and begin charging.
A Sony representative confirmed on April 2, 2008 that the original Sixaxis controller would officially be discontinued with the release of the force-feedback enabled DualShock 3 in mid-April 2008. The Sixaxis is no longer being produced and is no longer in stock in most stores.
The DualShock 3 has been made available in various colors: black, satin silver, ceramic white, classic white, metallic blue, deep red, pink, "jungle green", "candy blue" (light blue) and "urban camouflage" (three-color digital camouflage). Not all colors have been made available in all markets or at all times. Additional colors have also been made available alongside limited edition consoles, including gun-metal grey and "cloud black" (dark grey). A limited edition baseball themed DualShock 3 controller was released on March 8, 2011 to coincide with the release of MLB 11: The Show
.
free demo made available in the Japanese PlayStation Store
on October 20, 2007. A partial list of software that includes rumble support including patches (downloadable add-ons from the PlayStation Store
to add rumble to software released before September 2007) was announced by SCEI
at the TGS 2007
. Support was added to MotorStorm
with an online version 3.0 patch in October, 2007. In consoles with backwards compatibility, the DualShock 3 controller vibration function can be used in appropriate PS2 and PS1 titles. Future releases of games that support DualShock 3 capability will be labeled with an icon of the controller and "DualShock 3 Compatible".
America. It is also bundled with the Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
themed 80 GB PlayStation 3, which was released on June 12, 2008. Hands-on accounts at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show described the controller as being capable of vibration forces comparable to the DualShock 2. According to GameSpot
, DualShock 3’s "rumble was a touch weak but stuck close to PlayStation 2's force feedback"; while various others reported more refined vibration effects than the DualShock 2, particularly with the Metal Gear Solid 4 demonstration.
for "Peripheral Development and Technological Impact of Video Game Controllers" by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences on January 8, 2007. Sony initially reported that the Sixaxis had received this award before issuing a correction.
Gamepad
A gamepad , is a type of game controller held in two hands, where the digits are used to provide input. Gamepads generally feature a set of action buttons handled with the right thumb and a direction controller handled with the left...
s by Sony
Sony
, commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues....
for the PlayStation, PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
, and PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
video game console
Video game console
A video game console is an interactive entertainment computer or customized computer system that produces a video display signal which can be used with a display device to display a video game...
s. The DualShock was introduced in Japan in late 1997, and launched in the North American market in May 1998. First introduced as a secondary peripheral
Peripheral
A peripheral is a device attached to a host computer, but not part of it, and is more or less dependent on the host. It expands the host's capabilities, but does not form part of the core computer architecture....
for the original PlayStation, a revised PlayStation version came with the controller and Sony subsequently phased out the digital controller that was originally included with the console, as well as the Sony Dual Analog Controller
Dual Analog Controller
The PlayStation Dual Analog Controller was Sony's first attempt at a handheld analog controller for the PlayStation, and the predecessor to the DualShock...
. As of June 2008, over 28 million controllers have been sold in the DualShock line (excluding bundled controllers).
DualShock
When the PlayStation 2PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
computer entertainment system was announced, the DualShock 2 Analog Controller (SCPH-10010) included with it was almost exactly the same externally as the previous DualShock analog controller, except that it was black (other colors came later), had different screw positioning in the back which counted one fewer screws, and the DualShock 2 logo was added. Another way to tell the DualShock and the DualShock 2 controllers apart is that the connector that plugs into the console matches that console's memory card shape; the DualShock’s connector has rounded shoulders and DualShock 2’s is squared off. The analog sticks were also noticeably stiffer for more accurate movements.
Internally, the DualShock 2 was lighter and all of the buttons (except for the Analog mode, start, select, L3 and R3 buttons) were readable as analog values (pressure sensitive).
The DualShock 2 has been made available in various colors such as: black, satin silver, pink, white, transparent grey, blue, green, and red.
The DualShock 2 is also backwards compatible with the original PlayStation.
DualShock 3
Announced at the 2007 Tokyo Game ShowTokyo Game Show
The , commonly known as TGS, is a video game expo / convention held annually in the Makuhari Messe, in Chiba, Japan. It is presented by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association and the Nikkei Business Publications, Inc...
, the DualShock 3 Wireless Controller (SCPH-98050/CECHZC2) is a gamepad for the PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
that incorporates the design and features of the Sixaxis
Sixaxis
The Sixaxis Wireless Controller was the official gamepad for the Sony PlayStation 3 from launch until 2008 when it was succeeded by the DualShock 3....
wireless controller with the haptic feedback capabilities of the DualShock and DualShock 2. The vibration function on the DualShock 3 does not interfere with the motion sensing function of the controller and both functions can be used at once, leading to speculation that the Immersion v. Sony
Immersion v. Sony
In 2002, Sony and Microsoft were sued by Immersion for patent infringement for the use of vibration functions in their gaming controllers. Specifically, they were accused of infringing on claims in and...
lawsuit was a reason why the original Sixaxis did not have rumble capabilities. Like the Sixaxis, it is a wireless controller that uses both analog and digital signals simultaneously at all times and has a USB mini-B port for charging, as well as for playing while charging. It can also be used on a PSP Go
PSP Go
The PSP Go is a version of the PlayStation Portable handheld game console manufactured by Sony. It was released on October 1, 2009 in American and European territories, and on November 1 in Japan. It was revealed prior to E3 2009 through Sony's Qore VOD service...
via Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
, but the controller and the PSP Go must be registered using a PS3.
The DualShock 3 is identifiable by the top labeling which incorporates both "DualShock 3" and "Sixaxis" markings. It is also easily noticeable when lifting the controller, as the DualShock 3, at 192g, weighs 40% more than the Sixaxis’s 137.1g. Additionally, the DualShock 3 is made from opaque plastic rather than the Sixaxis's slightly translucent plastic.
The rear markings indicate the DualShock 3 draws up to 300 mA
Ampere
The ampere , often shortened to amp, is the SI unit of electric current and is one of the seven SI base units. It is named after André-Marie Ampère , French mathematician and physicist, considered the father of electrodynamics...
of current at 3.7 V
Voltage
Voltage, otherwise known as electrical potential difference or electric tension is the difference in electric potential between two points — or the difference in electric potential energy per unit charge between two points...
for a power consumption of 1.11 W
Watt
The watt is a derived unit of power in the International System of Units , named after the Scottish engineer James Watt . The unit, defined as one joule per second, measures the rate of energy conversion.-Definition:...
, an order of magnitude
Order of magnitude
An order of magnitude is the class of scale or magnitude of any amount, where each class contains values of a fixed ratio to the class preceding it. In its most common usage, the amount being scaled is 10 and the scale is the exponent being applied to this amount...
increase from the 30 mA of current at 3.7 V (0.111 W) listed on the Sixaxis. However, this current is not drawn constantly and is the maximum current when the rumble is active. Its main power source is an internal 3.7 V Li-ion battery, which provides up to 30 hours of continuous gaming on a full charge. Third party replacement batteries are also available. Like the Sixaxis, the DualShock 3 comes with instructions on how to remove and replace the battery. The DualShock 3 can also draw power over a USB cable via a USB mini-B connector on the top of the controller. This allows the controller to be used when the battery is low and is also used for charging the battery. When connected via USB, the controller communicates with the console through the USB cable, rather than Bluetooth.
While the DualShock 3 is compatible with any standard USB mini-B cable and many USB chargers, official charging cables are available from Sony. These include an official cable, the USB 2.0 Cable Pack and a wall charger, the AC adapter charging kit. Any third-party USB charger used must act as a USB host device, rather than simply providing power over the appropriate pins, since both the Sixaxis and DualShock 3 require a host signal to "wake up" and begin charging.
A Sony representative confirmed on April 2, 2008 that the original Sixaxis controller would officially be discontinued with the release of the force-feedback enabled DualShock 3 in mid-April 2008. The Sixaxis is no longer being produced and is no longer in stock in most stores.
The DualShock 3 has been made available in various colors: black, satin silver, ceramic white, classic white, metallic blue, deep red, pink, "jungle green", "candy blue" (light blue) and "urban camouflage" (three-color digital camouflage). Not all colors have been made available in all markets or at all times. Additional colors have also been made available alongside limited edition consoles, including gun-metal grey and "cloud black" (dark grey). A limited edition baseball themed DualShock 3 controller was released on March 8, 2011 to coincide with the release of MLB 11: The Show
MLB 11: The Show
MLB 11: The Show is a Major League Baseball video game published by Sony Computer Entertainment and developed by Sony San Diego. The game was released on March 8, 2011 for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 2...
.
Software requirements
PlayStation 3 firmware 1.94 or higher is required to use the DualShock 3 in compatible PlayStation 3 format software. Firmware 2.00 or higher is required to use the DualShock 3 in compatible PlayStation and PlayStation 2 format software. The first software content release supporting the DualShock 3 was the Gran Turismo 5 PrologueGran Turismo 5 Prologue
Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is a PlayStation 3 exclusive title which was announced at the E3 2007. This short version title was a precursor and sampling of Gran Turismo 5 and replaced Gran Turismo HD Concept...
free demo made available in the Japanese PlayStation Store
PlayStation Store
The PlayStation Store is an online virtual market available to users of Sony's PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable game consoles via the PlayStation Network. The Store offers a range of downloadable content both for purchase and available free of charge. Available content includes full games,...
on October 20, 2007. A partial list of software that includes rumble support including patches (downloadable add-ons from the PlayStation Store
PlayStation Store
The PlayStation Store is an online virtual market available to users of Sony's PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable game consoles via the PlayStation Network. The Store offers a range of downloadable content both for purchase and available free of charge. Available content includes full games,...
to add rumble to software released before September 2007) was announced by SCEI
Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. is a major video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry, and is a wholly owned subsidiary and part of the Consumer Products & Services Group of Sony...
at the TGS 2007
Tokyo Game Show
The , commonly known as TGS, is a video game expo / convention held annually in the Makuhari Messe, in Chiba, Japan. It is presented by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association and the Nikkei Business Publications, Inc...
. Support was added to MotorStorm
MotorStorm
MotorStorm is a 2006 racing video game developed by Evolution Studios and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the Sony PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system. First announced at E3 2005, the game was released in Japan on 14 December 2006 and the rest of the world in March 2007....
with an online version 3.0 patch in October, 2007. In consoles with backwards compatibility, the DualShock 3 controller vibration function can be used in appropriate PS2 and PS1 titles. Future releases of games that support DualShock 3 capability will be labeled with an icon of the controller and "DualShock 3 Compatible".
Reception
The DualShock 3 generated sales of over $10.9 million in April 2008, according to Sony Computer EntertainmentSony Computer Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. is a major video game company specializing in a variety of areas in the video game industry, and is a wholly owned subsidiary and part of the Consumer Products & Services Group of Sony...
America. It is also bundled with the Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
is a video game developed by Kojima Productions for the PlayStation 3 console. The game was directed by Hideo Kojima and made its worldwide release on June 12, 2008, ten years after the release of Metal Gear Solid and twenty years after the North American release of Metal Gear.Guns of the Patriots...
themed 80 GB PlayStation 3, which was released on June 12, 2008. Hands-on accounts at the 2007 Tokyo Game Show described the controller as being capable of vibration forces comparable to the DualShock 2. According to GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
, DualShock 3’s "rumble was a touch weak but stuck close to PlayStation 2's force feedback"; while various others reported more refined vibration effects than the DualShock 2, particularly with the Metal Gear Solid 4 demonstration.
Layout
Emmy Award
The DualShock controller was given an Emmy AwardEmmy Award
An Emmy Award, often referred to simply as the Emmy, is a television production award, similar in nature to the Peabody Awards but more focused on entertainment, and is considered the television equivalent to the Academy Awards and the Grammy Awards .A majority of Emmys are presented in various...
for "Peripheral Development and Technological Impact of Video Game Controllers" by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences on January 8, 2007. Sony initially reported that the Sixaxis had received this award before issuing a correction.