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Your favorite third party PS3 Controller?

L

Lupin the Third

Member
First, full disclosure: I work for a locally owned video game store in Idaho. I've attempted to find comparable threads and only found one dating to before Sony's controller-banning firmware updates. As far as I could tell, there wasn't any rule against making this kind of thread, so here goes.

I'm looking at ordering some generic PS3 controllers to carry for our customers, and I want to get the best quality product for the price.

I understand Sony pushed out a firmware update some time ago (3.5? 3.55?) that banished multiple third party PS3 controllers (and most PS2>PS3 controller adapters) from working on the hardware. So, I'm looking specifically for controllers you guys know work on the newest firmware.

Some of the controllers I've looked into include the Komodo Shock-Wave and the Raven. The Shock Wave seemed like a reasonable price point (about $30, IIRC?) but the Raven looked like it might have been given a sturdier build quality. I was specifically looking at these because they looked like they were fully featured (or close to it) compared to the DS3, whereas a lot of clones are wired or are missing either SIXAXIS input or pressure sensitivity or rumble or something.

So, what do you guys suggest? What's the best DualShock 3 alternative out there right now? Thanks for all your feedback, guys!

EDIT: tl;dr Summary:

Looking for these criteria:
-Still being made and is commercially available
-Cheaper than the Dual Shock 3 at retail
-Works with current PS3 Firmware
-Has motion sensing/Sixaxis support
-Works as a standard DS3 alternative (Not a fightstick or fightpad)

Thanks for reading the OP!
 
2808076059_6109bb830c_z.jpg


Get it?
 
Sadly, that suggestion doesn't come in so handy when A) a customer is on a tighter budget, and/or B) when we don't have any used DualShock 3s in stock. A variety of options is not a bad thing for a game store to have.

But yes, I agree that the first party solution is most often the best solution.
 
THE xcm battle adapter is the only reason I still own a ps3. Playing anything that requires more dexterity than a menu is super uncomfortable on a dual shock, the sticks and triggers are basically the opposite it terms of ergonomic. The only way to make them worse would be to make them smaller or hide secret disease ridden needles.

Poor part is sometimes that means missing out on a good game because the controls aren't customizable enough. R1/rb to shoot/drive = don't even bother.
 
Jinfash said:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2808076059_6109bb830c_z.jpg/img]

[spoiler]Get it?[/spoiler][/quote]
Pretty much, nothing is as good as the original, others have bad build quality or huge dead zones. Try Amazon for cheaper prices, maybe CL.
Click to expand...
 
That's two votes for the XCM Cross Battle Adapter for the 360 controller...does it have a workaround solution for addressing Sixaxis motion stuff?
 
^Well as long as it doesn't have a huge deadzone it looks like a good controller, would have gotten more point if it had the PS3 sticks though.
 
Lupin the Wolf said:
That's two votes for the XCM Cross Battle Adapter for the 360 controller...does it have a workaround solution for addressing Sixaxis motion stuff?
Click to expand...

Not that I know of, I don't know any games that require sixaxis I care about though.
 
Anyone over in Europe ever used Speedlink controllers before. I'm really, really interested in that PS3 controller.

God, I want that controller.
 
mr stroke said:
is this for sale somewhere?
Click to expand...

Goes on sale in October, from what I've seen.

No Life, there's a PC version that has skittles buttons, the one pictures above is for the PS3 that isn't out yet.
 
I love the Pro Elite, but the dead zones suck.


Fire up the demo of MLB 2k11 and attempt to use the analog sticks to position pitches. It's a joke.

Do the same with a DS3 and you'll notice the difference.

I love the Power A stuff, but until they can figure out how to make minimal analog stick movements more precise I couldn't recommend using their PS3 products.

For now, real triggers and Grip its are enough to make the DS3 more enjoyable to use, but if you absolutely had to go third party I'd say the new Power A Air Flo controller is one to consider. It should be available now.
 
You'd be doing your customers a big disservice by stocking inferior 3rd party controllers that A) might not have the some functions as a DS3, and B) might not work much longer when Sony upgrades the firmware again. And the most you'd be saving with any product over the DS3 is about $10. Not worth it.
 
weekend_warrior said:
You'd be doing your customers a big disservice by stocking inferior 3rd party controllers that A) might not have the some functions as a DS3, and B) might not work much longer when Sony upgrades the firmware again. And the most you'd be saving with any product over the DS3 is about $10. Not worth it.
Click to expand...

What about licensed 3rd party controllers?
 
weekend_warrior said:
You'd be doing your customers a big disservice by stocking inferior 3rd party controllers that A) might not have the some functions as a DS3, and B) might not work much longer when Sony upgrades the firmware again. And the most you'd be saving with any product over the DS3 is about $10. Not worth it.
Click to expand...

DualShock 3s are still officially listed for about $50~55. I've seen at least one fully-featured clone priced at about $30. That's $20~25 off. To some people, that's the difference between multiplayer and solo play. Some customers simply do not value quality so high that they're unwilling to give a clone a chance.

Besides, we always try to inform our customers that first party controllers are almost always superior. We're not in the business of shoveling third party junk down their throat. However, like I said before, customers like having options. It's an important thing to have as a retailer. I'm just trying to give them the least-crappy option for the most reasonable price.

The Lamonster, Xplatformer: Does the Pro Elite have Sixaxis, rumble and work on current firmware?
 
I've got the EA comfort pack http://www.amazon.co.uk/Comfort-Play-Pack-Game-Technology/dp/B004322VEE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315549063&sr=8-1, its not a 3rd party controller but it does massively improve the feel of the standard PS3 controller, a much better and cheaper alternative than replacing it completely. The triggers supplied with it are a lot more sturdy than the giotec ones, i've had these fitted for a year now and they have not broken unlike the giotec's which i went through 2 sets of in the space of 4 months.
 
Xater said:
Does that work without any issues like input lag?
Click to expand...

Yes, I'm wondering about the same thing about lag. Is there a way to use the XCM Adapter for Killzone 2, 3, Uncharted, and other games that require the Sixaxis input at certain points? Or do you just have to give up and connect a DS3/Sixaxis?
 
Lupin the Wolf said:
The Lamonster, Xplatformer: Does the Pro Elite have Sixaxis, rumble and work on current firmware?
Click to expand...

The Pro Elite has SIXAXIS and rumble support. The only downside is the aforementioned dead zones and the fact that it needs a USB dongle. Other then that, its a pretty solid controller. There's different versions of the Power A controller. One is wired, another uses AA batteries and the Pro Elite uses a built-in battery.

Another one to look at is the Nyko Raven. Its not as good as the Power A though.

As for the PS3 update that killed 3rd party controller, if I recall correctly, Sony was directing that towards unlicensed 3rd party controllers. Mainly those generic DS3 clones from China that you find for cheap on Ebay. Any licensed controller shouldn't be effected by an update.
 
With the Neo Geo pad pretty much being unavailable, this looks to be another good fighting controller

hori_fighting_commander_3_pro_joystick.jpg


Its made by Hori.
 
linkboy said:
The Pro Elite has SIXAXIS and rumble support. The only downside is the aforementioned dead zones and the fact that it needs a USB dongle. Other then that, its a pretty solid controller. There's different versions of the Power A controller. One is wired, another uses AA batteries and the Pro Elite uses a built-in battery.

Another one to look at is the Nyko Raven. Its not as good as the Power A though.
Click to expand...

I really appreciate the feedback on the Pro Elite. What makes the Raven inferior? Build quality? Responsiveness? Worse dead zones?

Also, has nobody ever given the PS3 Shock Wave a spin? It's cheaper than either the Raven or the Pro Elite, so I don't expect miracles, but I just want to know what people have experienced. Here's a Google Shopping link for visual reference: http://www.google.com/products/cata...a=X&ei=CTJsTt75L6TWiAKcn6W8Dg&ved=0CFUQ8gIwAA

EDIT: Updated the OP to clarify what I'm looking for; this wasn't intended to be a "recommend your favorite oddball controller," although I'm always interested in seeing cool, rare and unique gaming hardware. I'm just looking for positive personal experiences with a particular type of product. Thanks again, everyone!
 
Lupin the Wolf said:
I really appreciate the feedback on the Pro Elite. What makes the Raven inferior? Build quality? Responsiveness? Worse dead zones?

Also, has nobody ever given the PS3 Shock Wave a spin? It's cheaper than either the Raven or the Pro Elite, so I don't expect miracles, but I just want to know what people have experienced. Here's a Google Shopping link for visual reference: http://www.google.com/products/cata...a=X&ei=CTJsTt75L6TWiAKcn6W8Dg&ved=0CFUQ8gIwAA

EDIT: Updated the OP to clarify what I'm looking for; this wasn't intended to be a "recommend your favorite oddball controller," although I'm always interested in seeing cool, rare and unique gaming hardware. I'm just looking for positive personal experiences with a particular type of product. Thanks again, everyone!
Click to expand...

The problems I had with the Raven were

A: The dpad is shit. How companies still screw up something so simple baffles me. Its just not responsive

B: The deadzones on the sticks are pretty bad

C: My X button was way to stiff. I pretty much had to jam it down to get it to register.

The Pro Elite on the other hand, the only two issues I had with it were

A: The dpad is pretty bad (not as bad as the Raven's, but nowhere near Nintendo or Sony level. Probably around the 360's level, works but could be better). It doesn't really press to the side, the whole entire pad just shifts in the direction you push it.

B: The textured grips kinda hurt my hands after long gaming sessions.
 
linkboy said:
With the Neo Geo pad pretty much being unavailable, this looks to be another good fighting controller

hori_fighting_commander_3_pro_joystick.jpg


Its made by Hori.
Click to expand...

Looks interesting; any impressions floating around besides amazon reviews?
 
Davidion said:
Looks interesting; any impressions floating around besides amazon reviews?
Click to expand...

Not that I've seen, but I'm not a fighting game fan, so its not on my radar. However, Hori is one of the best 3rd party companies.

Lupin, sorry if the thread is getting off-topic. For your customers, the Pro Elite is probably going to be the best bang for the buck. They'll get a solid controller with a few quirks. Don't mess with the Komodo controller, its not that great.

Also, keep in mind that 3rd party PS3 controllers are 2.4ghz as opposed to Bluetooth (except for the Datel controllers), so a dongle is going to be needed.
 
linkboy said:
Not that I've seen, but I'm not a fighting game fan, so its not on my radar. However, Hori is one of the best 3rd party companies.

Lupin, sorry if the thread is getting off-topic. For your customers, the Pro Elite is probably going to be the best bang for the buck. They'll get a solid controller with a few quirks. Don't mess with the Komodo controller, its not that great.

Also, keep in mind that 3rd party PS3 controllers are 2.4ghz as opposed to Bluetooth (except for the Datel controllers), so a dongle is going to be needed.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads-up on the Komodo thing. I figured as much. Do you have any particulars on why?

I knew about the dongle thing. Thanks for mentioning it. I didn't know there were ANY PS3 generics that tapped into Bluetooth. I can't imagine Datel is getting away with it officially, based on their past experience with MS. Anyway, most people don't seem to mind dongles. I'm guessing it's a minor inconvenience to save ten or twenty bucks. Although, these newer PS3 models with 2 USB instead of 4 kind of hurt your ability to have several plugged in at once. Has anyone ever tried a USB hub on third party controllers and do they work? Was the hub using its own, dedicated AC Adapter or just drawing on the PS3's?

EDIT: And frankly, I don't mind much if it goes off-topic to a degree, because it's more likely to get seen and get responses in the long run. Plus, like I said, I love seeing neat gaming stuff.
 
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