Firstly, I was exited to hear a rap on the door this A.M. and discover that my Dualshock 3 straight from Hong Kong (thank you ebay) had arrived! I have been testing its vibration "skillz" for the better part of the day and I have some positive feedback.

FIRSTLY- it is definately HEAVIER than the original.. makes it feel more solid in my personal opinion, and is definately NOT too heavy by any stretch of the word.

Secondly, the plastic is black.. but not TRANSPARANT black like the sixaxis controllers. "What the hell are you talking about?" might be running through your head. If you have access to a sixaxis.. hold it up to a light and notice that while the plastic appears to be solid black, it is in fact semi-transparant. The Dualshock 3 is not. The buttons are even very VERY slightly textured in comparison to the sixaxis.. not sure if this is due to a manufacturing difference or due to some planning on Sony's part.

Thirdly- I'm probably just picking the thing apart.. but the "tips" of the controller (the long parts on either side that rest in your palms) are slightly shorter than the sixaxis.. I can honestly say however... I didn't notice it while playing.

The Vibration:

I have only tested it on Warhawk as I have come to realize that there is no compatibility for The Orange Box and Oblivion GOTY... yet.

There seem to be hundreds of variations of the rumble feature that range from a faint "buzz" felt from shoting the service pistol.. to the hard to explain "rapping" of the assault rifle, to the thunderous shake felt in the shoulders of the controller when I put on the thrustes.

I will admit that this may be to the fact that I haven't felt the rumble feature in this game EVER before.. but I am very satisfied with how it works.

I reccomend people check Ebay out for some sweeet controller hookups.. I got mine for less than the expected retail price of 55 (usd).. and thats WITH shipping.

THE NEXT PS3 FIRMWARE UPDATE:

Late this month, or early next month Sony is releasing the next wave of updates for the Playstation 3 in the form of a system update. Many sites are talking about various features, but I decided to cut and paste the WHOLE news article that Sony released. The main thing is that it will convert the system into a Blu-ray 2.0 Player in time for the first wave of Blu-Ray 2.0 discs (Walk Hard- The Dewy Cox Story etc.)

***Spoiler Alert***

... no in-game XMB yet.. DAMN!

BUT! Divx files larger than 2gb will be supported.

Here it is:

"PLAYSTATION(R)3 To Support New Interactive Blu-ray Movie Features (BD-LIVE) With Upcoming System Software Update
PS3(TM) Owners Will Soon Enjoy Downloadable Movie Content, Games And More With Blu-ray Disc(TM) Profile 2.0; PS3's Interoperability With PSP(R) Will Also Be Enhanced

FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced that the next system software update for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system, slated for release in late March, will add Blu-ray Disc(TM) (BD) Profile 2.0 or BD-LIVE, enabling PS3 owners to experience interactive features, such as downloadable video content, ringtones, games, and more. In addition to BD-LIVE, the system software update (v. 2.20) will enable photo and music playlists on PS3 to be copied to PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system, among other new features. These updates demonstrate how PS3 continues to evolve as a home entertainment hub with the flexibility to deliver the newest technology innovations that benefit PS3
owners.

"With Blu-ray established as the high-definition optical disc standard, more consumers are ready to jump in and take advantage of everything the format offers," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. "Whether you want to download movie extras, send ringtones to your phone, or play interactive games, BD-LIVE will offer exciting new ways to enjoy a Blu-ray movie. With these regular firmware updates and future-proofed technology, SCEA is making the 10-year lifecycle of PS3 possible."

BD Profile 2.0 requires an Internet connection and at least 1GB of local storage. The following features have all been demonstrated as possibilities with BD-Live and will vary by movie title.

-- A variety of downloadable content can be offered, including bonus scenes, shorts, trailers, subtitles, ringtones that can be sent to mobile phones, images, and more.
-- Interactive movie-based games can pit players who are sitting in the same room, or are across the world and online, against each other.

In conjunction with the PS3 firmware update, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) is pleased to announce two BD-LIVE enabled titles to be released on April 8 - Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and The 6th Day. Both titles will include exclusive downloadable content that goes beyond what is available on the actual Blu-ray discs. These initial releases preview some of the exciting new developments that will soon be available from BD-LIVE on Blu- ray disc.

Beyond BD-LIVE, the new system software update enhances PS3 system's interoperability with PSP system, enabling users to take their favorite music and photo playlists with them on-the-go with their PSP. To copy a playlist, PSP and PS3 must first be connected with a USB cable, and the PSP must be in USB mode. Then, on PS3, select "Copy" in the option menu of each music or photo playlist, and choose PSP as the destination. Now the playlist order, and the songs or photos themselves, will be accessible on the PSP's Memory Stick PRO Duo anytime, anywhere. This new functionality makes it easer than ever to share media content between the two systems.

The following new features will also be included in the system software update.
-- "Resume play" will enable PS3 system to start playing a Blu-ray disc and DVD at the point it was stopped, even if the disc had been removed.(*1)
-- "Audio Output Device" will be a new Remote Play setting, enabling PSP to serve as a remote control for music played through PS3.
-- PS3 system's Internet browser will be enhanced: Video files directly linked from a Web page will be able to be streamed, and the browser's view speed will be improved.
-- DivX and WMV format videos that are larger than 2GB will be playable.
-- "Mosquito Noise Reduction" will be added as an AV setting in the control panel of the DVD/BD player for improved movie playback.(*2)

*1 BD-J format disc is not supported.
*2 BD discs recorded with BDMV format are not supported.

About PS3 and PSP System Software Updates

PS3 and PSP systems were designed to continually evolve with regular system software updates that deliver new features. There's no additional investment required from consumers, who simply update their systems and can immediately enjoy the benefits of the added functionality. This process lengthens the lifecycle of PS3 and PSP, and consumers no longer have to worry about their hardware becoming outdated or missing out on exciting new capabilities. SCEA will continue to release system software updates on an ongoing basis. For further details and instructions on how to update the PS3 and PSP system software, please visit us.playstation.com.
PLAYSTATION(R)3 To Support New Interactive Blu-ray Movie Features (BD-LIVE) With Upcoming System Software Update
PS3(TM) Owners Will Soon Enjoy Downloadable Movie Content, Games And More With Blu-ray Disc(TM) Profile 2.0; PS3's Interoperability With PSP(R) Will Also Be Enhanced

FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced that the next system software update for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system, slated for release in late March, will add Blu-ray Disc(TM) (BD) Profile 2.0 or BD-LIVE, enabling PS3 owners to experience interactive features, such as downloadable video content, ringtones, games, and more. In addition to BD-LIVE, the system software update (v. 2.20) will enable photo and music playlists on PS3 to be copied to PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system, among other new features. These updates demonstrate how PS3 continues to evolve as a home entertainment hub with the flexibility to deliver the newest technology innovations that benefit PS3
owners.

"With Blu-ray established as the high-definition optical disc standard, more consumers are ready to jump in and take advantage of everything the format offers," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. "Whether you want to download movie extras, send ringtones to your phone, or play interactive games, BD-LIVE will offer exciting new ways to enjoy a Blu-ray movie. With these regular firmware updates and future-proofed technology, SCEA is making the 10-year lifecycle of PS3 possible."

BD Profile 2.0 requires an Internet connection and at least 1GB of local storage. The following features have all been demonstrated as possibilities with BD-Live and will vary by movie title.

-- A variety of downloadable content can be offered, including bonus scenes, shorts, trailers, subtitles, ringtones that can be sent to mobile phones, images, and more.
-- Interactive movie-based games can pit players who are sitting in the same room, or are across the world and online, against each other.

In conjunction with the PS3 firmware update, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) is pleased to announce two BD-LIVE enabled titles to be released on April 8 - Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and The 6th Day. Both titles will include exclusive downloadable content that goes beyond what is available on the actual Blu-ray discs. These initial releases preview some of the exciting new developments that will soon be available from BD-LIVE on Blu- ray disc.

Beyond BD-LIVE, the new system software update enhances PS3 system's interoperability with PSP system, enabling users to take their favorite music and photo playlists with them on-the-go with their PSP. To copy a playlist, PSP and PS3 must first be connected with a USB cable, and the PSP must be in USB mode. Then, on PS3, select "Copy" in the option menu of each music or photo playlist, and choose PSP as the destination. Now the playlist order, and the songs or photos themselves, will be accessible on the PSP's Memory Stick PRO Duo anytime, anywhere. This new functionality makes it easer than ever to share media content between the two systems.

The following new features will also be included in the system software update.
-- "Resume play" will enable PS3 system to start playing a Blu-ray disc and DVD at the point it was stopped, even if the disc had been removed.(*1)
-- "Audio Output Device" will be a new Remote Play setting, enabling PSP to serve as a remote control for music played through PS3.
-- PS3 system's Internet browser will be enhanced: Video files directly linked from a Web page will be able to be streamed, and the browser's view speed will be improved.
-- DivX and WMV format videos that are larger than 2GB will be playable.
-- "Mosquito Noise Reduction" will be added as an AV setting in the control panel of the DVD/BD player for improved movie playback.(*2)

*1 BD-J format disc is not supported.
*2 BD discs recorded with BDMV format are not supported.

About PS3 and PSP System Software Updates

PS3 and PSP systems were designed to continually evolve with regular system software updates that deliver new features. There's no additional investment required from consumers, who simply update their systems and can immediately enjoy the benefits of the added functionality. This process lengthens the lifecycle of PS3 and PSP, and consumers no longer have to worry about their hardware becoming outdated or missing out on exciting new capabilities. SCEA will continue to release system software updates on an ongoing basis. For further details and instructions on how to update the PS3 and PSP system software, please visit us.playstation.com."

Tags : Blu-Ray 2.0 : DualShock 3 : Firmware Update : PlayStation 3 : ps3

Comments

By: EvilxBunny On: 04:16 Mar 20th, 2008 Offline	nice stuff comin from sony!.. and btw.. there are 2 Firstlys

By: ManicGamer On: 08:32 Mar 21st, 2008 Offline	HAHA... yeah I just noticed that too!.. I think its funny though so I will leave it. Good call though. I still want the in-game XMB. There is some speculation that the recent firmware update that "fixed some bugs" may have added some behind the scenes features that sony is using to test XMB functionality. .. whatever that means.

By: Dragonfly On: 08:50 Mar 21st, 2008 Online	The lack of in-game XMB is just ridiculous on Sony's part. I mean... a gaming console where you can't communicate with friends outside of the game while playing?! What the hell? That's like creating a car with no wheel. Good move on some of the other firmware update, especially video streaming. I've been hoping for that for a while. I'm uber jealous of the fact that you have a Dual Shock 3. That's another sorely missed thing. You know, it seems like something so superficial, but when there's no force feedback in a controller, it's only then you realise how much it added to the experience. It not only gives the players physical signals in their hand that not only immerse you in the experience more, but work as a great sensory cue for tactics and strategies. Keep it up Sony, and I might just start liking you again.

By: ManicGamer On: 08:59 Mar 21st, 2008 Offline	Yes.. in-game xmb is a NECESSITY!! but on the other hand most games allow you to reference your buddy list from the XMB in order to play with a friend who is already "in game" I know warhawk lets you do this pretty easy.. its basic at best but it at the very least allows me to meet up with clanmates without having to exit the game and then GO BACK to the game after checking messages. OOOP! Just found this tid-bit: "Sony�s gaming division might have a small showing at this year�s CES, but that isn�t keep Paul Purdy from dropping some big PS3 news: in-game Xross Media Bar (XMB) access is confirmed for 2008. When pressed for a specific timeframe, the Sony rep simply relayed that Sony�s focus at CES is on hardware." Lets hope this happens soooooooooon!

By: Corrine On: 10:43 Mar 21st, 2008 Offline	Finally they have DS3. I couldn't imagine playing games without rumble. And... this is a lot of PS3 jargon I don't mostly tune into because I don't have a PS3. But I will say I like where the PS3 is going for the most part. =o

By: ManicGamer On: 08:55 Mar 26th, 2008 Offline	Now that I have installed this update... I must say that the Browser works much better. It will play almost any embedded video and now it plays them full screen and buffers it cinema style! I like this update. .. would have liked it better with the in-game XMB

By: Dragonfly On: 12:43 Apr 9th, 2008 Online	http://www.videogamechat.net/tokyo-game-show/TGS-2007-PS3-Dual-Shock-3-Compatible-Games-List-316 BTW, this list should be useful to anyone who want to know if their current games collection will have existing support for the rumble functionality re-introduced in the Dual Shock 3.

By: deanogee On: 02:12 Apr 9th, 2008 Offline	hmm a long time coming - the biggest rumble ive ever got on a playstation controller was in Metal Gear Solid on the PS1. The bit with the HIND D? helicopter with liquid in, i happened to leave it on the wooden floor up stairs so it sounded like an earthquake..