Wireless Controller (SIXAXIS)

Description

Introduced alongside the PlayStation 3, the SIXAXIS retained the familiar DualShock‑style shape but incorporated a ‘six‑axis’ motion‑sensing system, which is really a three‑axis gyroscope plus a three‑axis accelerometer. This enabled games to respond to tilting, twisting, and other controller movements. It connected wirelessly via Bluetooth, with a USB Mini‑B port for charging and wired play, and offered finer analog sensitivity than the PS2’s DualShock 2.

The absence of rumble motors was due to an ongoing patent dispute at the time, making the SIXAXIS lighter than later PS3 controllers. In 2007–2008 it was succeeded by the DualShock 3, which kept the motion controls and wireless design but restored vibration feedback. The SIXAXIS can also be paired with devices like PSP Go and PlayStation TV via Bluetooth after initial registration on a PS3.

Although most bemoaned the lack of vibration feature, it did offer a very lightweight, modern control pad with the lack of internal motors. These remained compatible with all PS3 titles as the first motion‑sensing controller in the PlayStation line.