The PS3 Controller: A Missed Opportunity

PS3 Boomerang controller

The Unveiling: Take 1

Over a year ago, Sony unveiled the controller for their upcoming PlayStation 3 and everyone cringed. The PS2 Dual-Shock controller was well refined and much loved, so why was shaping it like a boomerang making it something better?

Sony took note and quietly retreated to the labs to work on something new.

The Unveiling: Take 2

While Microsoft refined their already good S controller and Nintendo sought to reinvent the controller, Sony gave us the following.
PS3 Final controller

A wireless version of what we already know, minus the rumble and with a lame motion sensor that can only do a fraction of what Nintendo’s controller can. Not only is it underwhelming, but the loss of rumble is simply disappointing.

With the rumble gone, the controller felt too light in my hands and cheap as a result. The joysticks also seemed far too sensitive, an issue that I assume will be worked out before final production kicks in.

There was an opportunity here to do something impressive and Sony missed it. It’s unfortunate.