Sony preparing 'break apart' Wii-like controller?

Sony preparing 'break apart' Wii-like controller?
According to developing partners, it appears that Sony is preparing a new controller for its PlayStation 3 console, one which can "break apart" into two units each of which have Wii-mote-like motion sensing functionality.

Although not officially announced by Sony, the controller has been sent off to a few developer partners already meaning an E3 launch is possible.



If true, the controller could help bring the casual or family gamer over to the PlayStation 3. The Nintendo Wii currently dominates the casual gaming audience.

The original PS3 controller, the Sixaxis did include some motion sensing ability but nowhere near the freedom of movement a Wii-Mote allows.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 14 Jun 2008 18:22
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  • 22 comments
  • embo22000

    nice.....wii like games with ps3 graphics = perfection

    14.6.2008 18:28 #1

  • SDF_GR

    If sony continuous to move like that, very soon both nintedo and MS will have to release a new console to keep up.
    360 is already doomed in europe and japan, and if sony can adopt some of wii fun staff i think that very soon PS3 will be at the top to the US too.

    14.6.2008 21:20 #2

  • SProdigy

    To allow the freedom that the Wiimote has, I think Sony is staring down at a possible lawsuit. I don't see how it would be possible to add more to the sixaxis motion without possibly violating a patent somewhere along the line.

    This also wouldn't mark the first time Sony made a controller that "borrowed" from the Big N, when they put rumble and analog controls into the first DualShock.

    Think about it, the Wiimote has an infrared transmitter on the front of the controller, and an IR bar that sits at the top or bottom of your TV. To add either, plus "break" the controller into two parts, I think even Stevie Wonder could see the similarities.

    Also, how will they break up the buttons and analog sticks? You have 2 sticks, L1, L2, R1, R2, X... well, you get my point. If current games, such as FPS that use all of the buttons were to be compatible, they may be a nightmare to play.

    If Sony does come through on this, it's the 3rd controller since the PS3 launch, and I feel most of us will in fact see it as a gimmick, like the Eye Toy, with limited use, limited games, and it will ultimately fail IMHO.

    Oh, and if Nintendo is suing Nyko for making a 3rd party Wii nunchuck that in their opinion, hits too close to home, then I think Sony won't have a chance.

    14.6.2008 21:52 #3

  • Vr0cK

    I believe that Sony is only thinking of this as a back up to compete with Xbox360 because didnt Xbox360 started coming up with a controller like this as well? As all competetive companys should do, just trying to be prepared in case thats all. I think the sixaxis has great potential still so before Sony starts producing this new controller try optimizing the sixaxis first plz. I loved it in such games like Heavenly Sword where you can move and aim the arrow etc. When i hear "break-apart" controller im imagining the DS3 snap in half and each hand with an anolog stick.

    15.6.2008 01:40 #4

  • DSWarrior

    I believe there'll be a patent violation somewhere. Why don't Sony think of something original for a change? X360 is already doomed to becoming a very nice doorstop in most houses. PS3 is cool the way it is...why do they need to copy Nintendo?...I own a Wii and I love it, but Sony has no need to copy or try to copy anything...they should put their minds to work and actually invent something...

    15.6.2008 07:24 #5

  • chaos_zzz

    Originally posted by embo22000: nice.....wii like games with ps3 graphics = perfection
    100% true

    15.6.2008 10:15 #6

  • SProdigy

    I know I came to Nintendo's defense in the last post, but why does everyone feel that the 360 is becoming useless? They still have more consoles out the door than PS3 for one, and it's not like there's a huge difference in graphics or the gaming library at this time.

    I think Sony realizes that most gamers are willing to buy another console (ie. Wii) to get a different gaming experience. If you look at the game libraries and releases it's mostly categorized as XB360/PS3 and Wii. The Wii is in a category all itself, and it's wise on Sony's behalf to try to slice into that pie, because devs know that multi-console releases mean more money.

    15.6.2008 10:22 #7

  • Oner

    Sony has had controller devices like this in development since the early PS2 days, mainly with their Eye Toy which had you interacting with items on screen with your arms/hands etc. I don't see how Nintendo would win a law suit when it comes to "copyrights" since they themselves blatantly ripped off the company Xavix who has quite a few titles that pre date Nintendo's offerings

    XaviX Sports - Baseball, Bowling, Golf, Tennis

    Jackie Chan Studio Fitness - Fitness & Boxing games with the J-mat (pre cursor to the Wii Fit Balance board)

    15.6.2008 11:18 #8

  • ZippyDSM

    Sounds good as long as they pay the IP/CP on the design this time (nin dose not hold the rights to the motion setup FYI).

    If they can get all the buttons/Dpad and analog sticks distributed out between then you'd have not only a full controller but motion senceing as well that would be great for gameplay advancement...but we still need default button mapping in the console.....

    15.6.2008 12:01 #9

  • Mr_Pink

    What I don't understand is why people get bent out of shape when these consoles start developing something similar (or even an exact replica) to its competitor. Haven't we seen similar products since the beginning of business? From Pepsi and Coke, to car manufacturers, and computers, two rival companies with similar products is not new.

    Furthermore, are these whiners not aware that the essence of competition benefits the consumer? When one company comes out with product A, and it's great, and its competitor comes out with product A1, improving upon A, it only benefits the consumer.

    Who the hell cares if the PS3 is "copying" the wiimote? If it'll improve upon, or even provide the family-like fun of the Wii on the PS3, more power to Sony.

    15.6.2008 12:38 #10

  • ZippyDSM

    Mr_Pink

    mmmmmmmm I don't think sony could focus on the family, if they make a down graded separated pad like the wii mote sadly is (not enough buttons for real games) and then focus thier dev houses on spaming out party games they could.....oh...thinking about it its cheaper to dev party games silly me LOL

    15.6.2008 12:46 #11

  • SDF_GR

    Originally posted by SProdigy: I think Sony is staring down at a possible lawsuit. I don't see how it would be possible to add more to the sixaxis motion without possibly violating a patent somewhere along the line.I think they must have think of that for sure. They know what they are doing.

    Originally posted by SProdigy:
    Also, how will they break up the buttons and analog sticks? You have 2 sticks, L1, L2, R1, R2, X... well, you get my point. If current games, such as FPS that use all of the buttons were to be compatible, they may be a nightmare to play.
    I think it would be something like a Pistol, that you use it only for specific games, not an all around controller, and in that case nintedo wont be able to do nothing.

    15.6.2008 14:42 #12

  • o0cynix0o

    Originally posted by SDF_GR: If sony continuous to move like that, very soon both nintedo and MS will have to release a new console to keep up.
    360 is already doomed in europe and japan, and if sony can adopt some of wii fun staff i think that very soon PS3 will be at the top to the US too.
    But with all the "casual gaming" good stuff comes the bad. Most of the "casual games" for the Wii aren't the best by anyones standards. And if you like the PS3 then that should be the last thing you would want. It's the only downfall I can really see for the Wii. The amount of crap out weighs the amount of good.

    stupid are you this read you if

    16.6.2008 00:31 #13

  • o0cynix0o

    Quote:Originally posted by embo22000: nice.....wii like games with ps3 graphics = perfection
    100% true
    Not true. Good looking crap is still crap. Don't get me wrong I own and like my Wii, but like I said above most of the casual crap for the Wii is still crap.

    16.6.2008 00:36 #14

  • ZippyDSM

    Quote:Originally posted by SDF_GR: If sony continuous to move like that, very soon both nintedo and MS will have to release a new console to keep up.
    360 is already doomed in europe and japan, and if sony can adopt some of wii fun staff i think that very soon PS3 will be at the top to the US too.
    But with all the "casual gaming" good stuff comes the bad. Most of the "casual games" for the Wii aren't the best by anyones standards. And if you like the PS3 then that should be the last thing you would want. It's the only downfall I can really see for the Wii. The amount of crap out weighs the amount of good.
    Hate to tell you but normal gaming the cht they poo out for "normal" gamers? thats casual gaming too the qaulity in game dev has took a dev int he last 8 years the mass market focus has deicmented it the up side for the PS3 is that everyone would make sht for it and you can try and find the gems in the poo on one system.... doing on 3 makes you living in the world of 2 girls one cup....

    16.6.2008 00:52 #15

  • Vr0cK

    To anybody that thinks Sony would be copying Nintendo i thought that Nintendo had copied Sony from the Onimusha 3 game with the sword controller.

    http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/on...tml?sid=6086540

    And that was released like 2004? Unless there's something that Nintedo had before this that i dont know about then i could be wrong. Otherwise Sony already had that gameplay idea, just nintendo based the wii soley on it unlike Sony.

    16.6.2008 08:16 #16

  • SProdigy

    Agreed: good looking crap is still crap (Soldier of Fortune.)

    Why not just come out with another Steel Battalion controller? LOL

    16.6.2008 10:37 #17

  • Oner

    Wow you pulled out Steel Battalion! Nice lol!

    16.6.2008 12:15 #18

  • lynchGOP

    Originally posted by embo22000: nice.....wii like games with ps3 graphics = perfection
    AGREED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Too bad XBox 360 has graphics and lighting that BLOWS PS3 away and puts their programmers to shame! All that money, time, and dedication by Sony just to put out (by comparison to XBox 360) crappy looking games.

    16.6.2008 13:24 #19

  • embo22000

    Quote:Originally posted by embo22000: nice.....wii like games with ps3 graphics = perfection
    AGREED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Too bad XBox 360 has graphics and lighting that BLOWS PS3 away and puts their programmers to shame! All that money, time, and dedication by Sony just to put out (by comparison to XBox 360) crappy looking games.

    I have most of my games on the 360 because of xbox live actually every game that comes out for both ps3 and 360 i've gotten for 360 because of live. But the PS3 is way ahead of the 360 period i only have 3 games for it lol it was collecting dust for months after i finished rachet and clanck. Finally playing again cause of metal geat amazing game wow. I dont think the 360 could match those graphics period. The only reason that games seem better on 360 is cause of live and its easier to program on 360. By the way i'm not a retarded fanboy i love all my systems wii fun stupid games,ps3 great ps3 games only and the true this generation entertainment system and 360 love xbox live and its 360 only games roch exept halo 3 wich was a disappointment. :)

    16.6.2008 19:57 #20

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