EA leaks SIXAXIS with rumble at Tokyo Game Show?

If you're a publisher trying to keep mum about a "brand new" controller functionality from Sony, it might be best not to put those controllers into the hands of members of the press and set 'em a rumblin'. The big sticker on the back that says "RUMBLE" doesn't exactly help either. IGN spotted the new, much rumored version of the SIXAXIS while at a pre-Tokyo Game Show event, playing a demo of Burnout Paradise. IGN says the controller is notably heavier than the SIXAXIS, but otherwise looks identical, and the rumble was comparative to a PS2 controller. An announcement is expected tomorrow at Kaz Hirai's keynote.

[Via Joystiq]

[Dualboot @ Sep 19th 2007 12:37PM]

Let's see how the rumble feature works when combined with the SIXAXIS tilt feature. I for one won't be buying a new controller, I can certainly do without it...

[nic @ Sep 19th 2007 12:39PM]

ive only got the one controller anyways, i wonder if all the old games will be patched

[Kurian @ Sep 19th 2007 12:45PM]

Old games might already support rumble.
They might have just made the API function do nothing.

[Andy @ Sep 19th 2007 12:47PM]

I hope its Touchsense and not just traditional rumble. Either way, good move by Sony to listen to the fanbase.

[Sam @ Sep 19th 2007 12:47PM]

I will welcome the heavier weight. I can't get used to how light the SIXAXIS remote is.

[Andir3.0 @ Sep 19th 2007 3:46PM]

I for one love the lighter Sixaxis controller (even though I still think it weighs the same as the PS2 controller)... but preferences are preferences.

[mike @ Sep 19th 2007 12:48PM]

that thing looks about as responsive as my wife!

[Stupidiot @ Sep 19th 2007 12:51PM]

Just how lazy are Sony? They've been using the same damned controller shape since they entered the games console market, it needs more than just rumble to compare favourably with the wii-mote or the 360's ergonomic controller.

[Key @ Sep 19th 2007 1:03PM]

I have never had a problem with the shape of Sony's controllers. Out of all of them *minus the Wii,as it is something I've no desire to play* i find it to be very comfortable. I've noticed mostly every time that I've played my 360 that my hands continuously fall asleep. Playing for longer than an hour or so is not very pleasant.

[mudlouse @ Sep 19th 2007 1:06PM]

i agree, the original put strain on my wrists because of the shape and the analogue sticks in later editions just made it arkward.

playstation fanboys were always complaining about the n64 controller, saying it was "too complicated" and "had too many buttons". it was one of the most comfortable controllers i've ever used and i'd welcome it over any crapaxis marlarky :)

[Pierce @ Sep 19th 2007 1:24PM]

I couldn't agree more! The PS1/2/3 controllers drive me crazy. My wrists hurt like hell after playing NHL08 on a friend's PS3. Trying to use both the joysticks at the same time is just awkward.

[Kozzi @ Sep 19th 2007 2:22PM]

It sure makes me wonder what would have happended if Sony used the Boomerang controller instead of the old/current one for PS3 (patent issue?), just look at how much critism Wiimote got before it arrived.

[Azsori @ Sep 19th 2007 2:32PM]

I think that is just a matter of opinion... There is a reason why the dualshock design is the most copied controller design. I would actually be disappointed if they changed it, I find it very comfortable, although the 360 controller certainly matches it.

But are you serious with the Wiimote? It is great for bowling and golf (anything that requires a grip like a normal remote), but did you ever play mario party or excite truck? Just try to hold that thing horizontally with both hands, and it becomes a horrible experience....

[MacGuru @ Sep 19th 2007 3:12PM]

Yeah, let's change the steering wheel on cars. I am so tired of that good ole' circular shape.

[Calviin @ Sep 19th 2007 3:28PM]

Key: you know, they recommend you don't play for more than an hour straight. Maybe your hands fall asleep after an hour of play, but it's time to rest your eyes and move your body at that point anyway. Get up for a few minutes and come back.

[moyayo @ Sep 19th 2007 3:40PM]

Wow, I am at a complete loss.

It (in my circle) has been longtime common knowledge that the playstation controller is the perfect design. long after the hours of top spin tennis on the xbox had hurt our thumbs, the playstation controllers were comforting like making hand love to an electronic woman.

ahem...

anyways, we've always felt that the controller was far superior and thats why it lasted thru three iterations of playstation. We were scared when they said they would change it, and quite happy when we saw it made it through the gauntlet.

That damn boomerang doesnt look comfy at all..
and the 360 thing is better than the xbox thing but...

nothing like that sony piece man. Its like two seperate hand grips.

anyways, my $.02, I just think its fascinating to see people didnt like it (hate) it

[mudlouse @ Sep 19th 2007 4:42PM]

moyayo,

the controller is being treated as part of the playstation brand and has been carried on because of this and not for the design. it's rather similar to the clickwheel on the ipod, some people don't like it but the manufacturers aren't going to change it because it's part of the image.

[Willen @ Sep 19th 2007 11:39PM]

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

The outcry over the "boomerang" PS3 controller was so deafening for a reason. Aside from usual small percentage of users, most people have no problems with design of the DualShocks or the original PS1 controllers. Even the X360 controller, which is considered one of the best designed, has its detractors.

If the standard PS1/PS2/PS3 controllers are uncomfortable for you to use, might I suggest switching to the many available 3rd party controllers?

[azayzel @ Sep 19th 2007 12:53PM]

Sweet! It's about time they brought back the rumble, esp. to a *nextgen* game system. One question I'll have to ask is how bad this will degrade the battery life. Guess I'll have to check this Saturday when I go to the TGS! There are gonna be a ton 'o cool things to see here, not to mention all the booth-babes missing/exorcised from E3, can't wait!

[Lou @ Sep 19th 2007 3:59PM]

that's exactly why i would never get rumble for a wireless controller. It will reduce battery life! the only way it won't is if the put in a bigger battery, in which case it would last much longer without rumble.

I could care less for rumble anyway.

[Barry @ Sep 19th 2007 1:05PM]

Wow that picture gives me a headache.

[beyond vision @ Sep 19th 2007 1:08PM]

looks like holding off on getting a ps3 could have been a good idea. lets hope sony doesn't push the price up a little for that extra rumble if they include it with future ps3's.

[Andrew @ Sep 19th 2007 10:14PM]

holding off was a bad idea. Enjoy your software emulation of PS2/1 games!!!

Seriously, early adoptors were the ones that got the good deal. I proudly threw down $636 (w/ tax) for my PS3 at launch. And now I'm even more glad I did, because I can now buy rumble controllers to go with my SHITAXIS ones. Whoops, I meant SIXAXIS ;)

Though Lair is nice (tilt control).

[Matthew Hilario @ Sep 19th 2007 1:49PM]

the dreamcast controller is the greatest controller in the universe.

[zezke @ Sep 19th 2007 1:52PM]

wow take a feature away and than add it again and you have a happy fanbase! Way to go sony. Hope you charge extra for it. Think of all the extra $'s you make because they need new controllers! You definitely outsmarted all the competition.

Ow, this was ironic.

[cduran01 @ Sep 19th 2007 2:14PM]

Just as ironic as MS saying HDMI is not needed, then turning around and making it standard on all their systems.

At least in this case, if you want rumble, you just go out and buy a rumble controler....no need to go out and buy a whole new console.

[tonybalogna @ Sep 26th 2007 7:16PM]

Think: New Coke

[Calviin @ Sep 19th 2007 3:33PM]

I don't know if 360 and HDMI is the same as PS3 and rumble. At least with 360, HDMI wasn't already and existing standard on game consoles for several years. Sony should have been including this feature from day one.

[andshewas @ Sep 19th 2007 2:20PM]

Gamecube controller FTW!

[Ruben @ Sep 19th 2007 4:07PM]

Ugh, really?

That controller is terrible.

Small nub on the c-stick was irritating.

The lack of uniformity on the face buttons, and the stupid-large A button, just one extra trigger button (z). That controller was terrible.

Gotta admit, theres 2 things it did right. A smooth analog that didnt tire you out on the left, and the triggers felt nice.

Otherwise, its garbage.

[Ty @ Sep 19th 2007 2:49PM]

I for one hope they keep the original, lighter rumble free sixaxis available. I'm not getting my ps3 til December so I may be SOL.

[Calviin @ Sep 19th 2007 3:34PM]

You'll be able to find hpards of cheap used Sixaxis controllers once everyone starts trading theirs in.

[oshean @ Sep 19th 2007 3:34PM]

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Pirates rule, ninjas drool!!!!

[James @ Sep 19th 2007 4:09PM]

Heh, I love the two-faced corporate-ness of this. It's like Nintendo back in 2006:

"We will not be redesigning the DS!"

(one week later)

"Announcing the new and improved DS Lite!"

I think Sony pulled the same thing with the PSP Slim (i.e., denying its existence up until the official announcement). They just don't want to cannibalize sales. The don't want people to hold off on getting a PS3 until they release new ones with rumble controllers bundled in. Of course, the *right* thing to do would have been to admit the problem up front and include rumble at the system's launch, but let's not pick nits.

[Ruben @ Sep 19th 2007 4:09PM]

Remember? The reason Sony didnt add rumble in was because it didnt work well with six-axis control, and had absolutely nothing to do with the lawsuit against them.

I guess they fixed it right? RIGHT????

[Andir3.0 @ Sep 19th 2007 5:58PM]

Considering that it's rumored to be a different mechanism than the previous DualShock which was just two motors with offset weights... it could very well be true.

[jj @ Sep 20th 2007 1:19AM]

Sony, you are a bunch of fools. Hello, it's the year 2007, update your friggin controller!!!!!

MAKE THE D-PAD CIRCULAR!!!!! All controllers should be made so you can play Street Fighter II. Don't you know the first rule of video game controllers??? Well I guess you don't since you're in last place, lol. Fools.

[Ian @ Sep 19th 2007 5:43PM]

Ok now dont get me wrong i like the whole rumble thing in the controllers, but i want to know how much of a feature is this really? and does it add all that much to the experence? dont hate i just want to know what other people think

[Andir3.0 @ Sep 19th 2007 6:00PM]

I usually turn it off on games, but as I stated earlier, people have preferences. (And usually they tend to show them [or make them up] when they want to hate on someone. Sony's had a target painted on them by many.)

[Andrew @ Sep 19th 2007 10:14PM]

I actually enjoy rumble. It didn't stop me from buying a PS3, and certainly doesn't stop me from enjoying it. But lets just say I will gladly drop the cash, no matter the cost, on a couple new rumblin' controllers.

[lord_of_hair @ Sep 19th 2007 6:13PM]

huh?
no NeGcon3, Cos that's what all the Fans want, a shiny new NeGcon!!!

well by fans I mean me and anyone whos used a NeGcon with the WipEout series come on Sony give some love to the NeGcon

oh and uh very pleased Sony got their act together, nows the time to buy a PS3, been waiting long enough.

[EdgarT @ Sep 19th 2007 11:44PM]

That thinking if I say to them that I have in hands the next step in the technology of the controls of video??? In 3 months it goes out to the light!!!