"RUMBLE" returns on the PlayStation 3 with Sony's all new PlayStation 3 DualShock 3 Wireless Controller which many gamers have missing on this high end console. Although the controller has been making its rounds in Japan, it is now time for Australia to feature "Rumble" that truly adds to the gaming experience by allowing you to feel each hit, crash and explosion.

Although the controller looks almost identical to the unit which came with the PlayStation 3, there are some subtle differences. The first thing you will notice is that the controller is slightly heavier (Original SIXAXIS Controller 135g, DualShock 3 Controller 190g) and from a purely cosmetic point of view, it feels sturdier and is lighter than the XBox 360 controller which comes in at a hefty weight of 255grams. As the unit is almost identical to previous incarnations, this is great news because Sony's controllers are probably the best designed controllers in the market.

Key Features

• Pressure sensors that rumble with each action making every impact feel like you're right in the game

• SIXAXIS (tm) highly sensitive motion control system senses your every move

• Bluetooth technology for wireless game play; the PS3 system can support up to seven wireless controllers at one time

• Ability to be charged at any time through the PS3 system using the controller's USB cable

Before you can enjoy the pleasures of "Rumble", you must connect the controller to your PS3 via the original USB cable which came with the PlayStation 3 and once it has been charged, you are ready to Rumble. This process also allows the PS3 to recognise the controller and is a painless experience. It should be noted that the battery life of the controller is quite impressive, however this is dependent on how much of the controllers features are used.

Once the controller was charged, one of the most sorely missed features on the PlayStation 3 was now available once again for the masses. The first game off the mark was Devil May Cry 3 and ironically, maybe it was the lengthy break since I played it or with the inclusion of Rumble, I actually completed the titled. However back into the real world, Devil May Cry 3 allowed me to experience every bump, knock and feel which my character was experiencing in the game. It was a return to gaming as I knew and will allow for the penultimate gaming experience on the PS3 as features both SIXAXIS and DUALSHOCK. 

Next off the bat was Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, the ultimate car game on the PlayStation 3 and with that addition of DUALSHOCK to the controller, every crash and hit felt just right through the Rumble technology. When compared to the original DUALSHOCK on the PlayStation 2, the PS3 version feels a little "lighter" which is due to the wireless technology and battery life, however, it is a moot point and gamers will not even notice this as it balances games perfectly.

DualShock with Heavenly Sword made an awesome game even better and as mentioned, rumble is a much needed addition to the PlayStation 3 as it does make the gaming experience that one step better. Using SIXAXIS and DUALSHOCK does feel a little strange but once developers start using both aspects of these technologies, gaming can only get better.

For a list of titles which support rumble, gamers can check out the official PlayStation 3 website at (http://au.playstation.com/news/dualshock3.jhtml) The other good news is that there is quite a few of games available which supports this feature (see list below)

List of PLAYSTATION 3 titles compatible with DUALSHOCK 3 in Europe
As of September 20, 2007

(Courtesy of Sony Australia)

The controller comes at a recommended retail price of $99.95 in Australia and $109.95 in New Zealand which was made available on the 24th of April 2008 in Australia. Probably the only con which I can find out about this controller is the lack of USB cable as you must use your existing USB cable from your original controller to charge the unit. Given the price of the unit, I believe that the USB cable should have been included, however Sony are a known offender for add-ons.

However at the end of the day, it's very hard to complain about this controller as it finally returns rumble to the PlayStation 3 which has been a sorely missed feature and best of all, SIXAXIS remains as does that famous DualShock controller shape which is synonymous to gaming. Bluetooth, cordless, SIXAXIS and DualShock, Sony's new PlayStation 3 DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless Controller has arrived and games will take on a new experience on the PS3. Brilliant!