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Different Kinds of PS3 Controllers

With the introduction of the PlayStation 3 came a whole host of new controllers, though the standard controller remains the most common. Most controllers for the PlayStation 3 are motion sensitive and give players the chance to translate real-world motion into their games. Specialized controllers bring more realism to gaming, either through the use of specific peripherals or by capturing body movement. You should choose a controller compatible with the games you play most frequently.

SixAxis
- The SixAxis controller was the first to come with the PlayStation 3 system. In design the SixAxis controller looks very similar, with minimal changes from the PS2's Dualshock 2, though the joysticks and the shoulder buttons are slightly tilted from the previous design. SixAxis controllers use motion-sensitive technology to bring miniscule movements into the game; some games, such as Flower and Flow, use only the motion of the SixAxis controller for gameplay. The SixAxis controllers use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly and feature a rechargeable battery; the battery charges via USB.
DualShock 3
- The DualShock 3 controller takes the motion sensitivity and design of SixAxis controllers and adds vibration. The buttons on DualShock 3 controllers respond to pressure and vibrations in response to stimulus in the game you're playing. Due to this feature, DualShock 3 controllers are slightly heavier than their SixAxis brethren.
PlayStation Move
- PlayStation Move uses two controllers, the motion controller and the navigation controller, as well as the PlayStation Eye peripheral to create a more immersive gaming experience. Both controllers are wireless. The motion controller translates player motion into the gaming environment; it has an orb on the end that changes color, features all four standard PlayStation buttons -- "x," circle, triangle and square -- and has built-in vibration. The navigation controller is supplemental, and uses a joystick and d-pad for games that require more accurate controls within a game.
Game-Specific Controllers
- Some games have their own controllers, such as the popular Rock Band series, which uses musical peripherals for the PS3. Sony also sells wired microphones for the SingStar karaoke game. Game-specific controllers are typically sold with the game, and are only compatible with that game.
Third-Party Controllers
- Any gaming store or major retailer sells third-party controllers for the PlayStation 3. Third-party controllers are ones manufacturer by companies other than Sony. Third-party controllers are generally less expensive, but may not offer full support for all the PlayStation 3 features. It's best to check reviews for third-party controllers before making a buy from a manufacturer you do not know or trust, as quality varies between manufacturers.

PlayStation 3