E3 Hardware Report – The Controllers

Everybody realizes that E3 is a showcase for the latest and greatest in software, but there is also a huge hardware presence as well. During the days leading up to E3, we were practically inundated with requests to see some giant plastic gun or the latest take on the Wii remote.

Of course, we were there to focus on the games coming out, but I did take some time to check out what Nyko and POWER A were up to. Neither company had much to show for the Xbox 360, but they were out in force on the PS3 and Wii.

Both companies have pretty similar options coming out the the PS3. It turns out that there is a pretty big market for PS3 controllers with the Xbox 360 joystick layout. I’m not surprised. I’ve had my 360 since shortly after it came out, and only picked up a PS3 more recently. I’ve gotten so used to the Xbox controller that the side-by-side analog sticks on the dual shock just feel weird.

The feature list for POWER A’s “pro elite” controller and Nyko’s “Raven” are pretty similar: they are wireless, have six axis support, rumble, and have a built-in rechargeable battery. Both controllers have redesigned trigger buttons that feel and act more like the Xbox ones, and both are covered in this cool soft plastic that feels nice in your hands. POWER A’s controller also has these textured grips that are supposed to soak up sweat and help you keep a grip on the thing and slightly convex thumbsticks that you can sort of slot your thumbs into.

Both controllers are also available with the standard joystick layout. Nyko’s Raven controller comes out on July 27th for $35. POWER A’s controller costs $50, but there is also a $20 wired version (that also lacks six axis support) for those that just need a cheap extra controller. Both versions come out in September.

Now, the coolest PS3-related product on display at the show was definitely POWER A’s remote. In addition to the standard blu-ray remote stuff (play, pause, fast forward, display, etc), the remote can also be held sideways for use as a “classic controller” (that is, it has everything except the analog sticks). A bottom panel also slides out to reveal a miniature keyboard for sending quick messages or chatting. I’m still using the standard PS3 controller while watching movies, so I’ll probably have to try one of these remotes out when it comes out in September. This one retails for $40.

Nyko’s big push for the Wii is an upgraded version of their “Wand” controller. This thing is a pretty cool piece of technology – it’s smaller than the standard Wii remote, but had motion-plus built in. It also has this “trans-port” technology that lets you transfer the motion and button presses to peripherals that the wand is plugged into (basically, it makes gun and wheel attachments more responsive).

Like the PS3 controllers mentioned above, the Wand+ is covered in that comfy soft plastic coating. The 1 and 2 buttons are enlarged for games like New Super Mario Bros Wii, where you hold the controller sideways.

In my opinion, the thing is still pretty ugly, but it does contain some really neat tech. The Wand+ will set you back $45 and comes out on June 29th.

POWER A wants to make the Wii remote more comfortable and accessible for people with small hands. Their “MiniRemote” is 35% smaller than the standard Wii remote and has been rounded for a better grip. It has been covered with a special plastic for a better grip , and has larger A, 1, and 2 buttons. After soliciting customer feedback, they found that novice players will often hit the home, +, or – buttons on accident. To help avert that, they have lowered these buttons, placing them closer to the 1 and 2 buttons.

The set comes with a smaller nunchuck, which has been given the same sort of rounded, grippy treatment. It also has slightly-redesigned trigger buttons, designed to feel better in your fingers.

The “pro pack mini” set comes out in August for $50. It will be available in black and purple, with blue and pink versions to follow. After playing around with it a bit, I think that my hands are a little big for it. Still, there are some nice ergonomics going into the thing, and it looks pretty cool (the buttons glow).