Background

The DualShock 3 was released by Sony as a controller for their PlayStation 3 game console. The controller was released in November 2007 for Japanese markets as a replacement to the Sixaxis controller which originally shipped with early PlayStation 3 consoles. The DualShock 3 was released to the rest of the world in 2008. Until 2013, the controller was sold in a variety of colors, with some being limited editions or available only with the purchase of a limited edition console.

Sony originally released the PlayStation 3 with the Sixaxis controller with its namesake ability to detect motion in six directions: three linear axes and three directions for rotation. After settling a patent infringement lawsuit with Immersion (a producer of haptic technology), Sony added the rumble motors featured in earlier DualShock controllers to the Sixaxis and released the new controller as the DualShock 3.

Identification

You can identify this controller by looking on the back for the model number “CECHZC2x.“ Unlike Sony’s previous controllers, the DualShock 3 can connect to devices using Bluetooth and has an internal battery so you can use it without a cable. It can be charged or connected directly to a console or computer with the mini-B USB port on the rear of the controller. Otherwise, the new revision is very similar on the exterior to the DualShock 1 and DualShock 2.

Technical Specifications

Buttons

• Left and right joysticks (analog 10-bit precision) with digital buttons activated by pressing inward

• Left and right triggers (analog)

• Left and right shoulder buttons (pressure sensitive)

• 4 directional buttons (pressure sensitive)

• 4 action buttons (pressure sensitive)

• “Select,” “Start,” and “PlayStation” digital buttons

Motion controls

• Linear motion in three axes

• Rotation in three directions

Connections

• USB mini-B

Wireless

• Bluetooth

Power

• Charging via USB

• 570 mAh

Dimensions

• 192 grams (6.77 oz)

Additional Information

DualShock 3 on Wikipedia

DualShock 3 on the PS3 Developer Wiki

Sixaxis on Wikipedia

PlayStation 3 on Wikipedia

PlayStation website