I have a older PS3 that didn't come with the Dualshock controller. Am I missing out on a better gaming experience or stick with my plain Jane?

I love when the DS when there is a big explosion...In Killzone 2,...when you shoot,..it rumbles too. Imo it adds a lot.

Agreed..
;)

Imo it adds a lot.

yes, get one

For most games I do not think it's a huge deal, but there are some games that make really good use of the rumble function. Metal Gear Solid 4 and Uncharted 2 come to mind.

the combination of rumble and the way u2 shakes the sub is really cool. I'm not one that swears by rumble, or even force feedback on steering wheels that's too agressive. I have one plain jane non rumble stick, and one rumble one, and I find myself grabbing the rumble more now as games are making better use of it. Earlier games not so much.

Go treat yourself to a new toy. Tell the woman it "vibrates" . Second thought, maybe you shouldn't say that.

Frankly, even if you turn off Rumble you're missing out. I personally feel that the SixAxis feels very light, even "fake" at times. The DS3 has weight to it, feels stronger and sturdier in the hand. That alone is worth it.

Add to that the rumble feature that makes it fantastic. Thunder in GTA IV off in the distance, your in game phone vibrating will vibrate your controller. In MLB 09, you'll feel the rumble when you're facing a big name hitter late in the game with the game on the line, it beats like a heartbeat to show you he's nervous. Even games like Crash Commando which just patched in rumbling.

It's amazing.

Frankly, even if you turn off Rumble you're missing out. I personally feel that the SixAxis feels very light, even "fake" at times. The DS3 has weight to it, feels stronger and sturdier in the hand. That alone is worth it.

Add to that the rumble feature that makes it fantastic. Thunder in GTA IV off in the distance, your in game phone vibrating will vibrate your controller. In MLB 09, you'll feel the rumble when you're facing a big name hitter late in the game with the game on the line, it beats like a heartbeat to show you he's nervous. Even games like Crash Commando which just patched in rumbling.

It's amazing.

I like the rumble for exactly these reasons. Vibrations when there's an explosion are kind of gimmicky and don't do a lot for me. However, the additional sensory feedback in some games really heightens the immersion; heartbeats that indicate a grave injury, for instance, or vibrations that indicate you're being shot, are both more effective and immersive than any on-screen indications.

I had only used Sixaxis until about three weeks ago when I got my first DS. At first I found the vibrations annoying, oftentimes thinking, "WTF, is a vibration there really necessary?" Now that I've gotten used to them, they're kind of cool, but still lame when overused in a game.

All that aside, I agree that the DS controller feels heavier, sturdier, and more solid. The analog sticks even feel tighter. It also seems the battery lasts a lot longer (which surprised due to the extra juice I figured the vibrations would consume). I'm still on my initial charge!

I am a big fan of immersion in video games. Big screen, no distractions, lights off, good audio with LFE and the final touch... rumble.

So to me, yes you're missing out.

i ave an older ps3 also and i finally decided to get a ds. Much better feel to gameplay imo. Definately worth the expense...well kinda lol

the combination of rumble and the way u2 shakes the sub is really cool. I'm not one that swears by rumble, or even force feedback on steering wheels that's too agressive. I have one plain jane non rumble stick, and one rumble one, and I find myself grabbing the rumble more now as games are making better use of it. Earlier games not so much.

Go treat yourself to a new toy. Tell the woman it "vibrates" . Second thought, maybe you shouldn't say that.

Yeah....right. Tell the woman it takes two hands to operate AND it vibrates at multible frequencies.....that's a guarantee you'll never see her or your DS3.

I have been considering picking a DS up also but wasn't sure if it would be worth it. After reading this post I think I'm going to place an order for one today... Thanks for making me spend more money forum, if my wife gives me any crap I'm going to blame it on you guys.

Like above it just feels better in your hands IMO. The motors and weights in it that create the vibrations give it some additional weight that the super light SIXAXIS didn't have. Personally, i prefer that.

SIXAXIS controllers also go for about $30 on Ebay, so you always can blunt some of the cost by unloading them there if you don't need 4 controllers.

Never played with the original 6axis. The DS is nice, (although it could be a little bigger) and the heft is pretty good for substance. Rumbles sometimes add to the gameplay, sometimes they feel like they are just added distraction.

Personally, if it was a money issue, I’d rather spend the $50 or so on a new game than on a new controller. Although it would be nice to have two controllers, for the rare times when a friend is over and it would be fun to do split screen gaming, etc.

-Suntan

Love mine, I also like the heavier feel and the feedback is great for any game, sports, hack and flash and action games.

Although it would be nice to have two controllers, for the rare times when a friend is over and it would be fun to do split screen gaming, etc.

-Suntan

best thing about 2 controllers is that you can always have one charging, while the other is in use. When my controller dies, I just swap em and keep gaming.

With games like Uncharted, not being forced to stop and wait as it charges can be a good (or bad) thing.

:)

best thing about 2 controllers is that you can always have one charging,

I don’t game 24 hours a day so this has never been an issue for me.

-Suntan

best thing about 2 controllers is that you can always have one charging, while the other is in use. When my controller dies, I just swap em and keep gaming.

With games like Uncharted, not being forced to stop and wait as it charges can be a good (or bad) thing.

:)

I have two controllers too, but if worse comes to worse, the controller works plugged in while charging. (Never thought the USB extension cable I originally bought for my printer would come in so handy. :D)

Similar the posts above, I prefer the DS over the Sixaxis controller for the sturdier feel and of course, the rumble. As for recharging, I got thisPS3 Controller Charge Station (http://www.amazon.com/PS3-Controller-Charge-Station-Playstation-3/dp/B001611WHW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1255972780&sr=8-5) at Target. Keeps them topped off, just drop the controller on - no plugging in a usb cable. It plugs into a wall outlet so I can power off the PS3 when not in use. Also, cleaner look with no USB cables adding to the clutter and can recharge/store the controllers farther away from the PS3.