Entertainment

PlayStation 3 Dualshock 3 controller

Grade: A-

$54

GETTING IT RIGHT: When the PS3 first launched in 2006, gamers were puzzled that the controllers didn't include vibration and force feedback, tactile features that had become standard. Sony executives claimed rumble was a "last generation" technology and insisted that the motion-sensitive Sixaxis controller was the wave of the future. But now Sony has released the new-and-improved Dualshock 3 controller with rumble for the PS3.

SHAKE IT ALL ABOUT: The Dualshock 3 works as a regular controller with every PS3 game, but not every game already released supports the vibration. Expect every new game from here on out to support the technology, though, and it's a welcome return. Resistance: Fall of Man , for example, requires a download to use the Dualshock, but it makes the game much more impressive, as you can now feel the recoil of machine gun fire, for example.

WEIGHT GAIN: The vibration motors also add some welcome heft to the controller. The Sixaxis always felt like a cheap, flimsy piece of plastic.

BOTTOM LINE: Sony is way overcharging for the Dualshock 3, but there's no denying that it is a huge upgrade over the Sixaxis.

Victor Godinez