PS3 pad's rumble grumble

May 9th, 2006, 18:29 Posted By: wraggster

Via CVG

Like the throb of something rumbling in the palm of your hand? Alas, you won't be getting your kicks out of the new PS3 controller then, after it emerged that Sony has removed the vibration function from its DualShock 2-alike design.

The reason for its omission? It's because it interferes with the controller's own innovative smart new sensor system. So instead of rumbles, you'll get a '3-posture-axis' of roll, pitch and a '3-dimension acceleration information (X, Y, and Z)', which can be detected in high-precision and in real-time. As the press blurb proudly claims, "more natural and more intuitive play will become possible as if the controller has become part of your body."

Sony has also opted for a design that looks strikingly similar to the PS2's own DualShock 2 - as reported earlier today - losing the Boomerang prototype that was recently bandied about. The L2/R2 buttons have been enlarged and feature increased depth for more subtle control, and the tilting angle of the analog sticks have also been broadened for "more delicate manipulation". All this with an increase of information detection from 8 bit to 10 bit.

Sony has also revealed that the pads will feature Bluetooth technology for the option of wireless gaming. Alternatively, a USB port will provide the option of wired gaming and charging.

Finally, in related news, the exact sacrifices of buying the second, cheaper configuration PS3 console have been revealed . Reportedly, the reduced price option, announced yesterday at a US RRP of $499 (or about 340 quid), will not only offer a reduced capacity hard drive of 20GB (compared to the 'bigger' 60GB model), but it will also be missing Wi-Fi capabilities, inputs for Memory Stick and SD and Compact Flash memory cards and any HDMI output. You pays your money...

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