Console Controller news - PS3 guitars, keypads, 360 gets new d-pad, but not!

[Azazel]

Sony tackles music game compatibility
PS3 News | Multiple plastic guitars may soon be a thing of the past.
The days of your living room being flooded by a sea of plastic peripherals may soon be a thing of the past for PlayStation 3 owners with Michael Shorrock, Director of Publisher Relations at SCEA posting some interesting news on the PlayStation blog.

According to Shorrock, cross-compatibility of music game peripherals is currently in the works for Rock Band 2, Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Revolution. Shorrock also stated that there is the possibility for compatibility between the peripherals of the current crop of Guitar Hero and Rock Band products already on the market.

"We're still working hard to ensure compatibility between the Guitar Hero and Rock Band titles currently on the market, and we hope to have an announcement on that shortly. Of course each of these great games have their own specific cool features that may not be compatible with the other controllers, but this is our first big step in bringing a level of compatibility to music games that is sure to benefit PlayStation 3 consumers," Shorrock stated.

While not every peripheral will be universally compatible with all titles, Shorrock cited the following as examples of what controllers will offer compatibility:
Rock Band 2's guitar and drum set will work with Guitar Hero: World Tour and with Rock Revolution.
Rock Revolution's drum set will work with both Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Band 2.
Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Band 2 will both support the SingStar microphones.
With Sony showing signs of listening to fed-up consumers, one can only hope that Microsoft will also jump on the bandwagon to abolish the litany of guitar peripherals that plague the Xbox 360.

http://palgn.com.au/article.php?mail=1&id=12497
http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/08/18/ps3-music-peripheral-compatibility-update/

PS3 Wireless keypad details announced
PS3 News | Getting gamers texting by the end of the year.
A wireless keypad for Playstation 3 owners is scheduled for release by the end of the year, according to a press release issued by Sony today.

The new accessory will fit precisely into the top of the Dual Shock 3, giving players a miniature QWERTY keyboard which they can use instead of the system's on-screen keyboard. A unique feature to the keypad is a touch pad button, which allows players to use the entire surface of the keypad as a touchpad. This feature will be primarily used for controlling the on-screen pointer while web browsing. The keypad also includes several shortcut keys and operates over Bluetooth, just like all Playstation 3 controllers.

Sony have announced that the device will be supported for regular text communication, as well as in Home, LittleBigPlanet and several other titles. The wireless keypad will be launched in North America in November, and around the world 'by the end of this year.'

http://palgn.com.au/article.php?mail=1&id=12536

Xbox 360 controller with enhanced d-pad confirmed
360 News | Limited edition promotional release.
Speaking to Eurogamer at the Leipzig Games Convention, Microsoft have confirmed reports of a new green wireless Xbox 360 controller that features an enhanced directional pad.

While at first glance appearing to look identical to the current controller (apart from colour), this revised version features a d-pad capable of registering 32 different directional positions, as opposed to the current one which relies on four-way input.

Based on "feedback from gamers", Microsoft says the changes will "add to the experience of playing games where the d-Pad is the primary control mechanism", and is a "limited edition promotional item that is only available in Europe, Asia and Latin America while supplies last".

The controller was first spotted at the Konami stand, and while it is 'optimised' for use as a tie-in promotion with the upcoming Pro Evolution Soccer 2009, it is highly likely that games relying on responsive and precise d-pad input such as Street Fighter IV will benefit from such improvements.

Kotaku reports that the controller will be available on October 24.

http://palgn.com.au/article.php?mail=1&id=12522


=============
Seems kinda pointless if it's not going to get a general release...
The PS3 stuff all looks good to decent, though.

[ezrast]

While at first glance appearing to look identical to the current controller (apart from colour), this revised version features a d-pad capable of registering 32 different directional positions, as opposed to the current one which relies on four-way input.

Wait, what? I thought the whole point of a d-pad was that you used it in settings where you would only want to go in the cardinal directions - navigating menus, tile-based games, whatever. If you need finer control than that, you use the analog stick. And I already hate hate hate Microsoft's (and most PC gamepad manufacturers') mushy d-pads that don't have clear tactile distinction between orthogonal and diagonal d-pad input. This change will just make it even more impossible to push in the direction I want.

Then again my background is pretty firmly rooted in PC gaming and a lot of non-keyboard-and-mouse controller conventions never quite clicked with me. Is there something I'm missing? Because I really don't see how being able to press down-forward-but-mostly-forward is going to enhance the Street Fighter experience.

[Margalis]

A 4 way dpad actually supports 8 directions, so the 32 way supports 64.

It's basically analog, but only radially. A typical analog controller measures angle and distance, this super dpad is essentially analog angle but fixed distance. (Pressing harder doesn't do anything)

Useful for a very small range of games I imagine.

[Azazel]

I really don't see the point. Perhaps that the d-pad has to "move less far" than the thumbstick?

[schild]

Ahhhh, Microsoft. Taking something PERFECTED a decade ago (Dreamcast) (or even further, Saturn) AND TOTALLY FUCKING IT UP.

WTG team.

[HAMMER FRENZY]

Ahhhh, Microsoft. Taking something PERFECTED a decade ago (Dreamcast) (or even further, Saturn) AND TOTALLY FUCKING IT UP.

WTG team.

The DC D-Pad was Shit. The Saturn D-Pad on the other hand.. Pure GOLD...To be honest, anytime you need flawless digital input, you should be using an arcade stick. I think having at least one arcade stick for every system you own is a smart investment. I get a lot more enjoyment out of my old-school/arcade style games because of my arcade sticks. We are luckier this generation cause there are many damn fine sticks out for all the systems, but especially for the 360. Those Hori Sticks are pretty nice for the price. I gots me two of em'.

On that note, for all you folks who were not digging on the SoulCalibur 4, that game was made to be played on an arcade stick, and it is infinitely more enjoyable with an arcade stick, so much so, that there are SC4 sticks made by Hori that are pretty decently priced, ($60) and would fall under that "smart investment" category I was talking about. Seriously, everyone should own an arcade stick, and if it is the DOA sticks, they should own other ones cause those sticks have an absurdly high gay-factor. That is right Schild, no love for you DOA "Whorey" arcade sticks. Poo on that game and the horse it rode in on. 

[Trippy]

I really don't see the point. Perhaps that the d-pad has to "move less far" than the thumbstick?

I don't get it either.

[schild]

Ahhhh, Microsoft. Taking something PERFECTED a decade ago (Dreamcast) (or even further, Saturn) AND TOTALLY FUCKING IT UP.

WTG team.

The DC D-Pad was Shit. The Saturn D-Pad on the other hand.. Pure GOLD...To be honest, anytime you need flawless digital input, you should be using an arcade stick. I think having at least one arcade stick for every system you own is a smart investment. I get a lot more enjoyment out of my old-school/arcade style games because of my arcade sticks. We are luckier this generation cause there are many damn fine sticks out for all the systems, but especially for the 360. Those Hori Sticks are pretty nice for the price. I gots me two of em'.

On that note, for all you folks who were not digging on the SoulCalibur 4, that game was made to be played on an arcade stick, and it is infinitely more enjoyable with an arcade stick, so much so, that there are SC4 sticks made by Hori that are pretty decently priced, ($60) and would fall under that "smart investment" category I was talking about. Seriously, everyone should own an arcade stick, and if it is the DOA sticks, they should own other ones cause those sticks have an absurdly high gay-factor. That is right Schild, no love for you DOA "Whorey" arcade sticks. Poo on that game and the horse it rode in on. 

Huh. Funny. I have my DOA sticks packed away and use the vastly superior Hori PS3 sticks for SC4. How's that PS3 version working out for yo- oh shi-.

[Mrbloodworth]

Another shot of the PS3 keyboard. My only real question is about charging and the like. Do i now need two of the USB power cords? or do i get half the play time with it attached?

[Trippy]

Are there replacement shoulder buttons on the sides of the keypad?

[HAMMER FRENZY]

Th ps3 chat pad looks like ass. 

[Mrbloodworth]

Are there replacement shoulder buttons on the sides of the keypad?

I don't think it blocks them, seems comfortably above them, like a shelf.

[Trippy]

Are there replacement shoulder buttons on the sides of the keypad?

I don't think it blocks them, seems comfortably above them, like a shelf.

I wonder if it's scalloped on the underside. Even though it's raised that looks painful for people with fat fingers like myself.

[murdoc]

Isn't the fact that it's on top of the controller going to make it hard to type on?

[Mrbloodworth]

Are there replacement shoulder buttons on the sides of the keypad?

I don't think it blocks them, seems comfortably above them, like a shelf.

I wonder if it's scalloped on the underside. Even though it's raised that looks painful for people with fat fingers like myself.

My understanding, is that it can also be used separately from the controller, hence my charging question.

Link to other posting about the devices

Last but not least, the Wireless Keypad is a Bluetooth device that can not only be used with the PS3 system but with any other Bluetooth enabled device that has Keyboard functionality. You will be able to use it with your smart phones and other portable devices that are equipped with Bluetooth. With the PS3 system, it can be paired and charged seamlessly just by connecting them with a USB cable.

[MisterNoisy]

Making it a separate Bluetooth device seems like a really odd design decision, but no worse than copying MadCatz (of all people) for placement of the keypad.

[HAMMER FRENZY]

I thought the 360 keyboard was just riiiight...

[schild]

Yea, well, you were wrong. The keys on the Microsoft one are crap.

[HAMMER FRENZY]

Mine work fine. maybe you need to stop mistreating your belongings you damn barbarian. 

[schild]

I've seen your computer hardware, your standards for tech shit are poopy and don't line up with your effete gaming tastes.

[MahrinSkel]

Hopefully, if it is a standard Bluetooth keyboard, that means you'll be able to use any other Bluetooth keyboard with the system as well.  Because I'm trying to imagine my stubby fat fingers trying to thumb that pad, and I'm thinking it would be even worse than a Blackberry.  Especially since it is laid out in arcs that assume your thumbs are both pivoting at the same point right between the analog sticks.  Much as it sucks, at least the 360 thumbpad doesn't require you to change your grip on the controller.  If you have to do that, might as well set the controller down and use a real keyboard.

--Dave

[Lounge]

Hopefully, if it is a standard Bluetooth keyboard, that means you'll be able to use any other Bluetooth keyboard with the system as well.  Because I'm trying to imagine my stubby fat fingers trying to thumb that pad, and I'm thinking it would be even worse than a Blackberry.  Especially since it is laid out in arcs that assume your thumbs are both pivoting at the same point right between the analog sticks.  Much as it sucks, at least the 360 thumbpad doesn't require you to change your grip on the controller.  If you have to do that, might as well set the controller down and use a real keyboard.

--Dave

You already can do this.  Same thing with bluetooth mice.

[Azazel]

On that note, for all you folks who were not digging on the SoulCalibur 4, that game was made to be played on an arcade stick, and it is infinitely more enjoyable with an arcade stick, so much so, that there are SC4 sticks made by Hori that are pretty decently priced, ($60) and would fall under that "smart investment" category I was talking about. Seriously, everyone should own an arcade stick, and if it is the DOA sticks, they should own other ones cause those sticks have an absurdly high gay-factor. That is right Schild, no love for you DOA "Whorey" arcade sticks. Poo on that game and the horse it rode in on. 

I had an arcade stick made of arcade parts for the SNES. It's still back at my parents' place somewhere. It's called "The Tank". It was the best. joystick. ever. and replaced all the plasticky shit that went before.

When I got my PSX though, it wasn't usable.

Later, I got 2 giant arcade sticks that weigh about 2 or 4kg each, made out of real arcade parts that work on both the PS2 and XBox 1. It took me years to find them.

This thing: http://store.videogamecentral.com/un4062.html
And one that's clearly been made at the same factory, using many of the same parts, only black, and also has dual analog trackball-things.

They both make my PS1/2 Hori fighting stick and also my Sega CD Joysticks seem like a bunch of insignificant insects. The same applies to the 360 Hori stick.

When I can hook those up to my 360, I'll be happy. Until then, I'm not going backwards a second time...

[Yegolev]

More directions for the D-pad is moving in the wrong direction.  It's not what a D-pad is for.  Instead of a shitty D-pad, the 360 now has a super-shitty "analog" pad?  The D-pad is for when programmers don't or can't get the analog controls right for things like menus or weapon-switching, and allowing the software more room for error is an error.  To be perfectly clear, a D-pad is for unambiguous input of UP or DOWN or LEFT or RIGHT, which is why I dislike the hat-style D-pad on the 360 controller already.  The four-button D-pad on the DualShock 3 is vastly superior, because I and the controller and the software are ALWAYS sure of which direction I am giving.

Also, if I really wanted to type shit on my PS3, I'd just get a human-sized bluetooth keyboard.

[MisterNoisy]

I had an arcade stick made of arcade parts for the SNES. It's still back at my parents' place somewhere. It's called "The Tank". It was the best. joystick. ever. and replaced all the plasticky shit that went before.

When I got my PSX though, it wasn't usable.

Later, I got 2 giant arcade sticks that weigh about 2 or 4kg each, made out of real arcade parts that work on both the PS2 and XBox 1. It took me years to find them.

This thing: http://store.videogamecentral.com/un4062.html
And one that's clearly been made at the same factory, using many of the same parts, only black, and also has dual analog trackball-things.

They both make my PS1/2 Hori fighting stick and also my Sega CD Joysticks seem like a bunch of insignificant insects. The same applies to the 360 Hori stick.

When I can hook those up to my 360, I'll be happy. Until then, I'm not going backwards a second time...

Why not take one of those sticks and wire it to the PCB of a cheap MadCatz (or similar) controller?  I'm actually in the process of building an arcade stick from scratch using Happ parts, and the wiring is pretty simple.

[MahrinSkel]

If you hook up a mouse to a PS3 or 360, does an FPS work like it would on a PC?

--Dave

[Lounge]

If you hook up a mouse to a PS3 or 360, does an FPS work like it would on a PC?

--Dave

Don't believe so unless the game is specifically designed for it.  The only one that i know of off the top of my head is Unreal Tournament 3 for the PS3.

[Mrbloodworth]

If you hook up a mouse to a PS3 or 360, does an FPS work like it would on a PC?

--Dave

The real questions is, does the game support it, and a key part would also be, that most CONSOLE FPS, have aim helpers, so most times, that's a no. Aim helpers are also a skill equalizer ( inhibitor ) in use.

[Azazel]

Why not take one of those sticks and wire it to the PCB of a cheap MadCatz (or similar) controller?  I'm actually in the process of building an arcade stick from scratch using Happ parts, and the wiring is pretty simple.

I have neither the skill nor knowledge to do much more than fuck the thing up badly.

[Hoax]

Ahhhh, Microsoft. Taking something PERFECTED a decade ago (Dreamcast) (or even further, Saturn) AND TOTALLY FUCKING IT UP.

WTG team.

The DC D-Pad was Shit. The Saturn D-Pad on the other hand.. Pure GOLD...To be honest, anytime you need flawless digital input, you should be using an arcade stick. I think having at least one arcade stick for every system you own is a smart investment. I get a lot more enjoyment out of my old-school/arcade style games because of my arcade sticks. We are luckier this generation cause there are many damn fine sticks out for all the systems, but especially for the 360. Those Hori Sticks are pretty nice for the price. I gots me two of em'.

On that note, for all you folks who were not digging on the SoulCalibur 4, that game was made to be played on an arcade stick, and it is infinitely more enjoyable with an arcade stick, so much so, that there are SC4 sticks made by Hori that are pretty decently priced, ($60) and would fall under that "smart investment" category I was talking about. Seriously, everyone should own an arcade stick, and if it is the DOA sticks, they should own other ones cause those sticks have an absurdly high gay-factor. That is right Schild, no love for you DOA "Whorey" arcade sticks. Poo on that game and the horse it rode in on. 

Honest question, but where the hell do you put it?  I mean isn't the point of consoles that you are playing on a couch with the controller in your lap?  If I have to sit at my desk, I'll be on my pc??

[Azazel]

On your lap, or you can sit on the floor in front of the TV with it on the ground.

I play most of my 360/console games like that, alternating between sitting and laying on the couch and sitting or laying on the floor (on a doonah).

very doable with a pad or joystick, using a wheel on the other hand is a right pain in the arse.

[Hoax]

I dont get how a arcade stick could sit in my lap and be stable while I'm playing a fighting game.  Yall must play with some kind of economy of movement, zen shit going on?

You sit this in your lap?  Also nice choice of colors for the buttons.

[schild]

I've always put my arcade sticks on a hard surface when it's an option. But ya, in a pinch you can play on your lap - but only when absolutely necessary.