I think Sony needs to update thier controller...

Every developer updates thier controller from gen to gen. Nintendo went from the nes pad, to the more curved and ergonomic snes pad, to the very odd but molded N64 controller, to the gamecube controller (probably the best controller of last gen due to a lack of effort from Sony, and Microsoft's overly large entry)

Microsoft entered with a rather bad design... they later refined it during the same gen, and released a totally different controller this gen. Probably the best standard controllerof this gen seeing as again, Sonyeffectivly re-used a 3 generation old design, and Nintendo took a completely different rout. I'd say the 360 pad is even better then the GC pad thanks to nicer (and more) shoulder buttons and a more comfortable and textured shell.

Meanwhile, Sony is still using exactly the same design as they have from the beginning, with no ergonomic updates. They basically added a control stick to the PS1 to cover a feature the N64 had, and then later added2 extra trigger buttons. The shape and old-style ergonomics remain the same.

The largest issue in my opinion is the control sticks.Ignoring the fact thatthe XBox controller has an indented design for extra grip, look at where the buttons for your right thumb lie on the PS3 controller. They're positioned where your thumb will naturally fall in order to make it easy to work with those buttons. Now look at your left thumb. The d-pad has been placed in the primary position rather then the thumb stick. Sony is the only manufacturer to have ever done this since the N64/PS1 era. Both Microsoft and Nintendo realised the thumb stick would be the main method of control. Sony didn't originally have a thumb stick, when they incorporated one, rather then modifying the design, they simply tacked it on underneath. They've not gone back to the drawing board since. The current design of the playstation controller can be seen as a resultresult ofthis oversight 3 generations ago.

There are many brilliant games on Sony's consoles, I've recently bought myself a PS2 (skiped the PS1), but I can't help but think they really need to update the controller to today's standards. If the Playstation range was never developed, and they came out now with those controllers, they'd seem very old fashioned compared to the current trend in ergonomics by the other brands on the market. The trouble is, a number of gamers have become so used to the design, they'll no doubt be adverse to change. This is no doubt Sony's fault for never upgrading in the first place, however as the generations go on, and Nintendo and Microsoft continue to innovate, I can't help but think Sony is going to be left behind.

No they don't, they'd piss off more people then they'd please, the Dualshock is perfect, the only thing I'd change is the triggers, curve them up, that's it. It has an awesome D-pad, the face buttons are great + they're push senstive, they have the sixaxis gimmick which isn't anything special but it doesn't take away at all from the controller cause it's hidden, and when used well it's neat, like reloading in GTA, or driving in Motorstorm. The PS3 controller is of much higher quality then the 360 controller that's for sure, some people just prefer the layout of the 360 controller.

The Dualshock is just fine, sure I wouldn't mind a few tweaks here and there. Maybe next gen.

+ Sony did create a concept boomerang controller which looked very comfortable unfortunately it was mocked for it's design

Sony can't help that they got the design right so many years ago, it's not their fault.;)

The controller is amazing...C-Ya!

My point is, they're using a design from the first 3D gen, they've simply added new features now and then. To say they hit the perfect design firt time round while Microsoft and Nintendo are still working on it is kind of stretching it... As I said, I believe people have gotten used to it raher then the controller actually being "perfect".

If Microsoft or Nintendo changed thier controller next gen, as they've been doing every gen, nobody would complain. We're used to change and advancement. No Sony gamer would have complained if Sony changed the design for the PS2, in fact, it would have been expeced following market trends. Fact is, they didn't, and Playstation gamers simply arn't used to the standard change of controller each gen, and hence, are still using a controller from back then. I have no doubt they've gotten used to it, but for new gamers the old style is definetly noticaeble.

EDIT: I'm not saying the design is bad, the controller is definetly good for fighting designs, with a d-pad second to none. However you can keep those features even if you upgrade. THe buttons are fine (other then the shoulders), but the actual shell is... bad

If the time comes to change the already great controller I highly doubt Sony will be left behind. As for your comments on current PS3 controller aspects - that's your opinion and generalisation, nothing wrong with it, it's however not something I personally have any problems with and I grew up on PlayStation controller.

This is exactly why am use to it and really don't see any issue with it.

As we go into future it's very possible that Sony will, even if slightly, re-design their next PlayStation controller, I don't dispute that.

If they don't however I'm perfectly fine with current design.

My point is, they're using a design from the first 3D gen, they've simply added new features now and then. To say they hit the perfect design firt time round while Microsoft and Nintendo are still working on it is kind of stretching it... As I said, I believe people have gotten used to it raher then the controller actually being "perfect".

If Microsoft or Nintendo changed thier controller next gen, as they've been doing every gen, nobody would complain. We're used to change and advancement. No Sony gamer would have complained if Sony changed the design for the PS2, in fact, it would have been expeced following market trends. Fact is, they didn't, and Playstation gamers simply arn't used to the standard change of controller each gen, and hence, are still using a controller from back then. I have no doubt they've gotten used to it, but for new gamers the old style is definetly noticaeble.

DriftRS

why fix what aint broke? it only needs a few tweaks.

Also to be honest its became iconic in gaming for so many reasons.

why fix what aint broke? it only needs a few tweaks.

Also to be honest its became iconic in gaming for so many reasons.

hmm, yeah I'm thinking Sony simply got everyone used to thier controller design to the point no one needs or even wants to have it updated. Personally, and I think all non-playstation gamers will second this, one of the best things about a new generation is a new controller. ASide from the new input device, there's nothing different other then graphics. The controller is really the only change that influences new gameplay and such. I remember going to a store to try out the newgamecube pad, the 360 pad, and most definetly the Wii controllers. It's always exciting to see how the new controllers will stack up. So far it's always been awsome, but I suppose unless you've been around for at least 2 or 3 gens and have been buying consoles other then the playstation range you wouldn't have that whole thing anyway : /

If it's not broke, don't fix it.

hmm, yeah I'm thinking Sony simply got everyone used to thier controller design to the point no one needs or even wants to have it updated. Personally, and I think all non-playstation gamers will second this, one of the best things about a new generation is a new controller. ASide from the new input device, there's nothing different other then graphics. The controller is really the only change that influences new gameplay and such. I remember going to a store to try out the newgamecube pad, the 360 pad, and most definetly the Wii controllers. It's always exciting to see how the new controllers will stack up. So far it's always been awsome, but I suppose unless you've been around for at least 2 or 3 gens and have been buying consoles other then the playstation range you wouldn't have that whole thing anyway : /

DriftRS

hmm, yeah I'm thinking Sony simply got everyone used to thier controller design to the point no one needs or even wants to have it updated. Personally, and I think all non-playstation gamers will second this, one of the best things about a new generation is a new controller. ASide from the new input device, there's nothing different other then graphics. The controller is really the only change that influences new gameplay and such. I remember going to a store to try out the newgamecube pad, the 360 pad, and most definetly the Wii controllers. It's always exciting to see how the new controllers will stack up. So far it's always been awsome, but I suppose unless you've been around for at least 2 or 3 gens and have been buying consoles other then the playstation range you wouldn't have that whole thing anyway : /

[QUOTE="110million"][QUOTE="DriftRS"]

hmm, yeah I'm thinking Sony simply got everyone used to thier controller design to the point no one needs or even wants to have it updated. Personally, and I think all non-playstation gamers will second this, one of the best things about a new generation is a new controller. ASide from the new input device, there's nothing different other then graphics. The controller is really the only change that influences new gameplay and such. I remember going to a store to try out the newgamecube pad, the 360 pad, and most definetly the Wii controllers. It's always exciting to see how the new controllers will stack up. So far it's always been awsome, but I suppose unless you've been around for at least 2 or 3 gens and have been buying consoles other then the playstation range you wouldn't have that whole thing anyway : /

DriftRS

All these problems, too bulky, too many buttons, lacking crucial features, etc did not effect the PS1 controller design by the end, at first when it had no analogs or rumble, there was room for complaint, but after all that was added, I see nothing to really complain about, it might not be perfect, and they messed up the R2/L2 buttons for the PS3 controller, you know how they could have fixed that? By making it more like the PS2 controller and evolving less.

I know what you mean. Dualshock isn't bad, but the truth is that 360 controller is better overall.

I know what you mean. Dualshock isn't bad, but the truth is that 360 controller is better overall.

Icarian

just no. have you played SF4 or Marvel vs Capcom 2 using the 360 controller? lmao. using the D-pad and face buttons is so awkward. yea, some wil lsay, just use a fighting stick as an excuse. bleh.

just no. have you played SF4 or Marvel vs Capcom 2 using the 360 controller? lmao. using the D-pad and face buttons is so awkward. yea, some wil lsay, just use a fighting stick as an excuse. bleh.

roddollente

Come on now...the ball on the stick is the next evolution in sony controller design ;)

I wish sony would change at least the shell of the DS. Something more contoured would be better. The button and stick layout is fine. If I play on the DS for any real length of time my hands start to hurt. I don't have this with the 360 controller. I can only guess it is that the 360's controller is more contoured to fit the human hand.

The Dualshock controller for the Playstation is fined, so any major changes or overhaul is unnecessary and a waste of time personally for me. What they need are minor changes to make a already good controller become a great/awesome controller. I would like to see they change the shape of the trigger and maybe the placement of their analog stick.

[QUOTE="roddollente"]

just no. have you played SF4 or Marvel vs Capcom 2 using the 360 controller? lmao. using the D-pad and face buttons is so awkward. yea, some wil lsay, just use a fighting stick as an excuse. bleh.

racing1750

While I do agree a stick is nice, there is actually quite a few reasons :

1. Convience : My Sticks are all the way upstairs in my Gameroom, and I just want to play a few games online real quick in my livingroom
   
2. Money : Some people don't want to buy addons, peripherals for games, and should be able to enjoy the game with the standard pad
3. History : While I am a hardcore gamer from the Arcades...many gamers have a history with console controllers, and find arcade sticks daunting.

no!!! cant build on perfection

They might be afraid of change, I mean they did try to change the controller and it ended up as a joke like that boomerang controller so they just went back to their old controller design. I think next gen we'll still have the same controller but they'll change one or two features on the controller, probably just the layout and the triggers.

Don't fix what isn't broken. DS controller designer is great. I love the symetry and the balance. If there was a problem with the ds sony would've changed it but it remains great after 3 gens. I disagree with the gamecube controller being the best last gen. I think it is one of the worst controller designers ever. The sticks lack functionality and there is no balance at all to anything on that controller.

the PS controller is absolutely horrible to use for FPS, everything else is fine but if you say it's perfect for FPS then you're dumb and lying to yourself (fact)theBeorn

[QUOTE="theBeorn"]the PS controller is absolutely horrible to use for FPS, everything else is fine but if you say it's perfect for FPS then you're dumb and lying to yourself (fact)jyoung312

[QUOTE="jyoung312"][QUOTE="theBeorn"]the PS controller is absolutely horrible to use for FPS, everything else is fine but if you say it's perfect for FPS then you're dumb and lying to yourself (fact)thetruespin

Sony can't help that they got the design right so many years ago, it's not their fault.;)

The controller is amazing...C-Ya!

SolidTy

[QUOTE="theBeorn"]the PS controller is absolutely horrible to use for FPS, everything else is fine but if you say it's perfect for FPS then you're dumb and lying to yourself (fact)jyoung312

Sony can't help that they got the design right so many years ago, it's not their fault.;)

The controller is amazing...C-Ya!

Sony can't help that they got the design right so many years ago, it's not their fault.;)

The controller is amazing...C-Ya!

SolidTy

The position of the sticks are ergonomically incorrect and the Triggers should be concave, but i personaly have no major issues with it. Its a good looking controller.Thunderdrone

[QUOTE="SolidTy"]

Sony can't help that they got the design right so many years ago, it's not their fault.;)

The controller is amazing...C-Ya!

Rockman999

My thoughts exacly. While I perfer the DS3 this gen I can easly switch between controls with ease.

My only issue with the PS3 controller is the position of the analog sticks. The staggered placement on the Xbox 360 is just way more comfortable.

How in hell people feel comfortable with the thumb stick in front fo the buttons, its so wierd