I don’t think enough people realize how much of a game changer this might be. DualShock 3s that are in good condition and work are hard to come by. The best 3rd party controller for it(the ps3 afterglow) doesn’t even have sixaxis. Making it impossible to play some games. Just ordered. Hope it’s good.
@@Jahycore Imo it's not worth the money. The design is terrible and it doesn't function nearly as well as an actual DS3. (e.g sticks have noticeably bigger dead zones)
What I don’t like about the ps3 controller is how you can’t charge it with the ps3 if the system is off/on standby since it had to do the data handshake too
I've been considering the brook since it allows you to use dualshock / dualsense with these same features. This looks like another great option as well. Nice to see more options for PS3 since the dualshock 3 genuine controllers can be somewhat expensive
I have a brook it's absolutely the best! It allows all functions even backwards compatibility with PS2 games works! The only thing you can't do is power on the PS3 with it
I also recommend it. I hate that it is pink and is a bit loose when plugged in, but it works with all games, XMB works, and it feels great playing a DS4 on the PS3 wirelessly.
@@dolurosu there amount of games that actually require pressure sensitive buttons is minuscule. You can beat like 95% of ps2+ps3 library without it. DS3 (for those 5%) + Brook adapter and a PROPER controller (ds4 or ds5) is a and more versatile better option.
I remember there being a lot of complaints about the DS3 back in day. Sony had been using the same controller virtually unchanged for a decade and three console gens at that point, so it was getting a bit long in the tooth. Most of the gripes seemed to have been around it being too light and too small. I personally didn't have a problem with it, other than the thumb sticks not being indented. That and it has to be plugged into a USB with an active data signal, or else it won't charge. With third party controllers, I distinctly remember Sony pushing out a firmware update that broke a lot of them. I had a third party Rock Band guitar that stopped working after that.
The controller is HORRIBLE, the bumpers are 99% unresponsive, it’s harder to press the analog sticks, and sometimes the analog sticks bug out if u move them too fast
Glad to hear all the features work properly. I just got their Brawler64 NSO controller and I'm pretty happy with it, and your review makes me even more confident in their products. Gonna have to snag me some of those Defenders at some point.
I use this Retro Fighters controller for the PS2. It has USB C and very nice in my hands. My only problem is that it feels way too light, after gaming on the Dualsense so much, its definitely noticable how light the PS2 retro Fighters controller feels.
That's the thing isn't it, what is it about weight that makes a controller feel more premium. I feel the exact same but I can't explain what it is other than the fact that anytime I've used a basically light seemingly empty controller it's almost always garbage.
@@JohnDoe-wq5eu Dualsense feels amazing..it has just the right amount of weight to feel great in my hands. The retro fighters controller feels empty. Thats the best way I can describe it.
I had a Ghost Recon theamed controller, it had a dongle but the thing i liked about it was the extra programable back buttons meant in twisted metal I could spin on the spot and shoot missiles at the same time giving me an unfair advantage over my friends.
I backed this on Kickstarter (2.4GHz) and like it a lot. Downfalls are that the d-pad is just ok and the trigger buttons are way too sensitive. The dongle will allow you to play wirelessly on the PC too, where I use it a lot. Don't think it has Sixaxis though.
Damn, fully compatible? Makes me wish I waited for a 60GB replacement back in 2009. When I talked to Sony on the phone, they said the wait for a refurbished 60GB like my launch one, would take 5-6 months. I was addicted to CoD back then and couldn't afford buying a new one. The wait for a 80GB at the time was 1-2 months which ended up being a lie. I went for it since it was quicker but it arrived in 5 days! I should've chose a 60GB. But at least I still own my 80GB. So beautiful. I keep it boxed as I have a PS3 Slim I bought years later.
*I had 3 different PS3s from day 1 of release up until now. I've only owned 6 controllers. 2 for each console. I've only owned 3 after-market controllers for the PS3. NONE have given me stick drift.*
Finally a reliable youtuber covering this controller! Nice! I'd love to see Retro-Fighters or 8bitdo do a modern reimplementation of the Gamecube controller, fully bluetooth & authentic to the original
Thanks for showing this controller been trying to find a solution for the PS3 six axis. I've had so many PS2 PS3 controllers break down from analog issues. I'll be looking into getting one of these next month along with the n64 replacement.
Honestly, I've been waiting for a good dualshock 3 replacement since both of mine stopped working. All I've had for the last 6 years is a wired power A controller with pressure sensitive buttons, which is nice, but it doesn't have sixaxis or rumble make some games less enjoyable. I might give this controller a shot when I get the chance.
I'm actually in the works of trying to find that Perfect Replacement for a PS3 controller so this sounds up my alley! Thank you for this review spawn wave.
You literally did the review i always wanted on this controller and awnsered every question i had for it thank you I will definitely buy 4 of these now
I've always felt that the PS controllers improved with each generation. I still like all of them because they fit my hands well, although I am more used to the newer models. The original bulky xbox controller was the first thing that made me a PS guy back in the day.
alright but what about people who ain't built like a 14 y/o vietnamize kid? Is there other alternatives besides microsoft's stupid clicker controllers? Like I was hoping he would compare size differences, but he gave the same info for 5 mins
Seems like a great option for emulation. I love playing PS2 games on my PC and Steam Deck but the lack of pressure sensitivity makes it a bust, and the fact that I'm not so hot on the feel of the PS controllers for the most part makes me not want to buy a (likely used, and in need of repair) DS3 controller just for emulation compatibility
7:10 I remember you perform aereal combos and direct projectiles in Heavenly Sword via sixaxis. Some games released early in that generation tried to implement "the novel" function the PS3 had (I wish they didn't, it ended up being a mistake). So even though it's really not relevant nor appealing, if you don't have a controller with a sixaxis you miss part of some game's experience.
I’ve a huge fan of your channel for like a year or so, and I’ve been searching for a PS3 controller for almost 3 years now. Decided to search RU-vid on a whim and found this and I am so thankful I could cry 😭 I have almost 40 PS3 games from my teenage years I’ve been trying to play with no success… very excited!
Thanks for this Spawn Wave. good functional PS3 controllers have been very hard to find for the past two decades. I will be picking these up for my PS3 and thr older n model version for my ps1 and ps2
now this is something i could see getting in the future, since my ps3 will be played after i go through homebrew on wii. ima need more space on ps3 tho, tb or 2
I’ve always wondered why no one tried making a real improved PS3 controller. It was good for its time but going back to it is tough. I don’t like the stiff triggers, convex sticks, or small size
Every single one of my dualshock controller for this system have always ended up broken in one way or another. Always sooner than I would expect. Wether it has to do with the battery, analog, or problems with connectivity.
Yeah ever since I got my PS5, I've been using the dualsense on PS3 with a wire. It's really wacky because the share button is select and you can't use the PlayStation button.
I'm just glad it has pressure sensitive buttons. That's something that these retro controllers tend to miss like the last controller that had PS1/PS2/PS3 Defender controller and not the new bluetooth one. I'm glad they came out with this bluetooth one for real
When Retro Fighter announced three years ago that they are making PS2 wireless controllers I have been following their news and development very closely! I didn't have a good PS2 controller and I couldn't find one that works well, third party or any other wireless options! Finally one year ago they have finished controllers and they have started selling it! I have bought one controller to try it first! It works flawlessly! I have ordered three more in different colors! Works well for PS One, PS2, PS3 and Nintendo Switch but I have good controllers for those systems already so I am using it for my PS2 only! Battery life is around 10 hours or little more on my PS2! Excellent controllers
I love it with the exception of the Dpad but is a non issue since I bought this for PS2&3. Smooth sticks with nice rubber grip (Think PS4), great ergonomics, and the most responsive 3rd party triggers I’ve played with. Looking forward to going though the Resistances and Killzones with it.
Did you find that the Killzone games were super sensitive when aiming with the dualshock 3? I played them for the first time not too long ago and thought I must have lost all my first person shooter skills lol. My crosshairs were flying all over the screen. I just ordered this controller, hopefully it's good!
@@professoroak9721 Had to turn it down sensitivity if I remember correctly. This controller is better but does not fix how wonky/janky part 2&3 are. Resistance 2 was spot on so am assuming 1&3 are also. I hope the new "Hunter" for the OG Xbox is as good as this one in Oct.
I do like the controller for PS2, but one grip that's stopping me from really loving the controller is the fact that I can't rest my fingers on the triggers without pressing them. It has very sensitive triggers and it's caused quite the annoyance for me personally, I'm not sure if it's just my controller or it's just how they are.
I have the original Defender and I love using it on my PS2 and PS3. They sit side by side so it's easy to have a dongle in each and it just connects to what is powered on. I don't necessarily need six axis
Hmmmm. Before I commit to it as a full replacement, I'd check to see how the rumble feedback is with Metal Gear Solid 4 specifically. I never see it get brought up at all, but that game delivered perfect feedback from everything in game that *really* made you feel immersed when paired with the sound design. If this controller can give the same experience with all the subtle touches that the first party dual shock 3 does...then I'd say this controller seems perfect. (I don't suppose you could test this out yourself?)
I’ve been needing a ps3 controller that has motion controls and pressure sensitive buttons. Finding official ones have been a nightmare. Edit: Smackdown vs Raw 2007 was my childhood
The PS3 controllers did have Hall Effect joysticks, Gyro motion controls, wireless, pressure sensitive face and shoulder buttons. It's actually the most complete controller that ever released at the time.
Interesting, I have the same challenge as I learned to hate the PS3 Controller, also… it became sticky (no dirt). What now was a good solution for me, is to use the PS5 Controller (needs cable, but it’s the best controller).
Nice, I bought one of the older versions of this controller and was upset to find out that I couldn't use it to play PS2 games on my PS3. Glad to hear they improved it.
I already have the first release of this controller with the PS2 and USB dongles, but the fact that it turns on the PS3 and works with backwards compatible games is a big win. Gonna go ahead and order them.
Yeah, I don't like the Dual Shock 1-3. I got the Retro Fighters Defender for my PS2 and it's a dream. I'd like to get the PS3 controller as it has the same design/layout and it has the sixaxis as you mentioned. Right now I'm using an imported Hori FPS Plus. It's wired with no sixaxis or rumble, but it feels great to use.
Using it on your PC or if it has switch compatibility is just a bonus over its intended function. I actually thought that the PS4 controller had enough extra features that if I needed a PC controller that the PS4 controller look like the one to pick up but I instead went with an 8-bitdo SN30Pro + because I could use that on the Switch and it's cheaper than getting a PS4 controller and an adapter for Switch.
I just picked up a PS3 and was lucky enough to find a dualshock 3 in great shape, but I have been wondering what I was going to do once it kicks the bucket. This seems like a good option.
@@M.sami12 where did I find the good dualshock 3? ebay. but I feel like there's a bit of luck involved in going that route. and anyone with a DS3 in decent shape isn't going to let it go for less than 50 bucks either.
I love the PS3, I loved the controller… but the problem is the shelf life! They died to quick and/or started drifting hard among other issues. Lucky PS4 wired can help on most games, but some requiere the sixaxis movement so it’s not a complete replacement.
Honestly the biggest issue with the controller now is bad batterys. I personally think that the ps3 controllers is a nightmare to put back together. I wish Sony made an official Wired Controller like Microsoft did with the 360.
@@theshadowdirector My brother would always use the Dualshock 2 controllers when he went to friends house. I was stuck with MadCatz which was horrible. Luckily when I saved up money was able to get a Dualshock 2 for myself. I even remember having a PS1 controller that broke after 4 years of use that was third party. I also remember having Pelican Xbox controllers that broke easily with the analog sticks drifting and sticky buttons.
Sorry i'm having a very hard time believing this controller is actually better than DS3. Previous retrofighter stuff always had some quirks that made it inferior option, especially the defender for ps1\ps2 had a lot of to be desired in it's design. At least the d-pad and buttons are not the same size\style as original which is in itself is a minus.
The only controller I’ve purchased of theirs was the wired brawler64, and I did not like it at all. I got the 1st batch of the controller from their kickstarter, and it had a major design flaw. If you held down the left shoulder button, it would interfere with the travel of the analog stick. The company, to their credit, did send out a revamped replacement part to fix this issue. But, in the process of replacing the offending part in question, the shoddily soldered wires to the right shoulder button’s pcb come off and I had to resolder them back on. Then after a few months of use, the B and A buttons started sticking and not springing back up. I took the controller apart again to try fixing this issue, but I noticed the button membranes were the thinnest and cheapest membranes I’ve ever seen on any controller. I ended up buying the hyperkin admiral controller instead, and to me, it’s infinitely better. I would not recommend any of retrofghter’s products to anyone under any circumstance.
@@dustinkinard7431 wow that is sad to hear. Membranes going bad just in short time is something i haven't encountered in first party controllers for last 15 years.
I have the non Bluetooth version and I love it for PS1/PS2 and PC, looking forward to picking this one up for the PS3 because I never liked the Dual Shock 3 controller it always felt cheap and brittle with bad shoulder buttons.
I JUST yesterday started going into backlog on PS3 with FF XIII-2 and had some controller issues. Less than 24 hours the man posts a new controller review for it. Are you magic
I use the last version of this controller for PS2. Hope this one feels better. Not bad but I don’t love it. On the PS3, I play with a DualShock 4 controller and it is great.
I bought a Retro Fighters DC controller and a trigger broke within a month. I emailed them and they immediately sent me a new one. Now that I also have my PS3 up to spec I'm gonna grab this as well, they deserve the money and the product's been great so far.
This is pretty cool. I always use my ps5 controller on ps3 which works great most of the time, but a few issues like motion and home button don't work (and I guess the Rumble would be an issue but I never use Rumble and hate Rumble on older consoles)
The only deal breaker to this is no pressure sensitive button functionality that hooking up literally any other controller including the Dualshock 4/Dualsense controllers. Glad to see this controller has that functionality across the board.
I just got a $20 wireless adapter and I use PS5 controllers on my PS3, you can use nearly any of them though with it, PS4, Xbox, switch pro controller, PS4 fight sticks, etc, can use wired ones as well. It's called the Magic-S , I also use this adapter to properly use the PS5 controller with the PS4
I have one, and I HATE IT!!! The triggers are hyper sensitive and activate even if the controller is barely wobbled... Had same issue with one of their dreamcast controller...
*it's still pretty cool that ANY wired controller works on the ps3, i use a powerA wired xbox one controller on mine, PS4 controllers also work wired or wireless through the Bluetooth settings (:*
I cannot fucking stand Sony's thumbstick layout, and as someone who's education and profession is in biomechanics, it absolutely _baffles_ me that anyone thought that was an acceptable controller design for a global market. It's fine for people with tiny Asian hands, but I have larger hands and cannot even play with any variety of Dualshock controller for more than like 15 minutes without being in physical pain unless I rotate my wrists up and grip with just my fingertips, which compromises on fine motor control and makes anything even remotely demanding, mechanically, almost impossible to play with any kind of precision. Does this controller shell at least mitigate that to some degree so that someone with larger hands can reach the thumbsticks without having to dislocate their thumbs?
In this comment section, in a more recent comment than yours, someone stated that the thumbsricks were close together and they were "smashing" their thumbs together while playing.
for all the thought and effort that went into this controller, its a shame how on the second iteration they still haven't implemented a bumper/trigger swap function, as almost every single shooter on the PS3 defaulted to L1/R1 for aiming and shooting instead of using the actual triggers. The majority of those games don't allow you to swap those functions to L2/R2 natively. From Uncharted to Battlefield, the ergonomics of this controller feel awkward with 70% of the PS3's shooting games because of it.
Are they joking? You can't play the best titles of Ps3 because they dont implement an option to switch the triggers? What a shame.. I was on they way to order one for me to play uncharted, the last of us etc... If it's not possible to swap the triggers it's useless
@@aesthetic8780 I know, right!? its insane to me how no one in any reviews of this product seems to be bringing this detail up and how this fact didn't occur to anyone at retro fighters while they developed this. The best you can do with these nice new triggers is toss a grenade. Does no one play shooters on ps3?
Sidenote because I do know some people don't know. Ps3 plays ps1 games no matter which version. It was just the original model that played ps2 games, hence "full backwards compatibility". That said I have been waiting for something like this ^-^
It's impossible to find a functional PS3 controller these days, and when you do, you can only charge them with the PS3 on or leave them plugged in permanently.
If you already own a back compact ps3, just play PS2 on it to preserve. Get a slim for your ps3 titles and after every game session just leave it on for an hour to charge all you need. These DS3 controllers have 8hrs of life dependingz
Excellent TechWave Video Jon(SW). This Retro Fighters Defender Controller for the PS3 is looking top notch, the Dualshock 3 isn't bad and is very much usable but it isn't the best either. I do still have a PS3 Console, I might check this Controller so I can Play all the Games on the System better.
Horipad FPS Plus PS3/PS4 is the best controller of all time, officially licensed by PlayStation What controller is better then the Horipad FPS Plus. Great things that the controller is capable of 1. Turbo / Rapid Fire Type 01 Hold Turbo + pick the button you want and press one time - This allows the controller to auto click the button when you hold the desired button 2. Turbo / Rapid Fire Type 02 Hold Turbo + pick the button you want and press two times - This allows the controller to auto click the button without touching the controller 3. Slow Down Aiming Sensitivity only activated when holding a special custom made Rear Trigger button which slows down aiming on the right analog with 3 settings to toggle using a switch on the bottom of the controller 4. Swap buttons with the assign button 5. Change the Speed of Rapid Fire / Turbo Change the speed of the auto clicking by Holding Turbo and push up for faster on the right analog or down for slower with settings, you can check how fast the auto clicking is by looking at how fast the turbo light indicator flashes There are 3 speed settings 6. Toggle switch on bottom of the controller to switch to PS3 / PS4 mode Bonus - This works with Xbox One and Xbox Series through Titan Two and Cronus It does work for PS5 also but only on PS4 games
Ps3 still has an active community on some games that haven't shut down. There's also an age gap having a mature community. Even though I own both the PS5/series s I still prefer to play cod and battlefield on my PS3 just because of the demographic that play.
Will definitely be checking this out. I've always hated PlayStation controllers going all the way back to the original. The ps5 got it pretty good by finally making it feel bigger. I've always used 3rd party controllers for my PlayStation systems including the ps4 because the controllers feel like they are made for child or woman hands not for a full grown man lol. I always get controllers with the Xbox layout as well because they got it practically perfect
Coming from someone who liked the DS3 back then and still kind of likes the DS3 now, I'm glad companies are making modern controllers. Because if they didn't make new controllers that probably are better than the OEM controller, then that means if you wanna play your old games, you either gotta find an OEM controller or you gotta get one of those generic brandless rip-off controllers that most of the time don't even work as good as an officially licensed third-party controller let alone an OEM controller.
1. Does SixAxis and especially button sensitivity work with PCSX2 (PC/Steam Deck) 2. Is there any jank to the SixAxis controls or is it smooth? 3. How quick is the auto turn off, if it has one? 3a. Can you change this timing, lights, or rumble to increase battery life? 4. How strong is the rumble? Reason I ask is GCBattler has weak rumble.
I've been thinking a lot about buying this controller and it looks really cool, but the only thing that makes me hesitate to buy it is if the joysticks are as good as the Sixaxis/DualShock 3 ones, because all 3rd party controllers have the same problem and that is that they have a huge dead zone on the joysticks, and I hope this is not the case.
Look up the Brooks Wingman XE adapter. It lets you use the DS4 and DualSense on the PS3 wired or wirelessly with full functionality (gyro, PS button functionality, even works in safe mode). It's a much more versatile solution than getting a specific controller. Even the Xbox controllers work with the Wingman XE except gyro functionality.
@@zeg132 No, I'm saying get an adapter and you won't have to choose between official vs third party controllers, with an adapter you can use DS4 and DualSense with full functionality on the PS3.
I agree! fantastic controller. The negatives however, are substantial, and you didnt seem to notice or simply didn't have them in your unit. The thumbsticks are 3rd party execution; they feel great but do not control as accurately as SONY always somehow achieves. Then the worst is the R/L 2 buttons being too sensitive and getting accidentally pressed. The Sony controller is fine with similar triggers because they arent designed for you to rest your fingers on them; this controller does do that so I pressed those on accident a lot when I first got kt
I recently got the retrofighters gamecube battler controller, it’s really good. I’ll need to try this one on my ps3, I’ve had the same issue you talk about finding a good ps3 controller. Some people say they like the ds3 better, but after using the ds4 and DualSense it makes it painfuly obvious how inferior a design the ds3 was. Also I won’t buy a used oem ds3 just too risky, and I’m definitely not paying over $100 for a new one.
Yep picked one of these up fairly recently and love it, I picked grey to suit PS1, if I got another one I'd consider one of the cool clear colours, blue or teal probably. My only 'compliant' isn't legitimate, the Xbox doesn't pick it up since it's D-Input so I can't play PS1/PS2 games on Xbox with it.
