Get Silky with New Raven PS3 Controllers

Nyko is back at it again with another peripheral and this time they are bringing out all the stops with their brand new Raven line of controllers for the PlayStation 3. The line, which is being described as silky, will include your standard PS3 layout and a 360 inspired alternate layout. The controllers are set to release this summer at the sweet price of $35 and if your not sold on them yet, check out this awesome video after the break.

[DontShoot-Me-Bro]

Ahh umm no thanks i think i'll stick with my official sony dualshock 3 controller.

But i guess it will be good for those tards that complain about the Playstation controller because its not like xbox's.

I dunno why i got a disagree, there are those idiots that say 'oh xbox controllers are better for FPS, because the trigger is closer to my finger which gives me the 0000.123 milisecond advantage than the ps3 controler' or whatever the god damn reason why people say it, but atleast now they have no reason to complain.

[Newtype]

It's not that, it's mostly because the PS3 controller is small. Americans like the 360 controller because it accommodates(sp?) their huge hands. PS3 was made in Japan after all and typically have small hands.

[NYPunkster]

large hands? more like fat hands/fingers. lol

[MazzingerZ]

Yeah, Americans are gigants...rest of the world are just dwarfs...so I guess there is a special PC mouse for the US and the Xbox chatpad for the X360 controller is of the size of a real keyword, etc

it's known from day one that any excuse is good to bash the DS and glorify the Xbox controller...to bash a controller that almost 200 millions had been using since its first version was first released...and award-winning design as well.

[Non_sequitur]

I'm fine with both controllers. My hands are very capable as most human hands are.

[Rumor]

***

[Newtype]

People with huge hands tend to like the Xbox 360 controller over the PS3 controller. Imagine a person with big hands using the PS3's controller, their hands would hurt after long use. I have some friends that don't like the size of the PS3's controller, but love the console.

Don't you guys know why the DS XL was made? Same reason people prefer the 360's size of controller.

[DJexs]

ok kayne apparently your the voice of all Americans.

Newtype I have what my friends refer to ape hands The are huge and the ps3 controller feels fantastic I can barley move my hands and hit every button because the buttons are all so close together but far enough apart where I do not hit unwanted buttons. Where as the 360 controller is so big that the only thing it is good for is a paper weight or training gorillas to run around like assholes shooting ppl with dual shotguns. There got a hit in on MW2 aswell.

O and you have problems with stereotypes didn't you ever learn it is wrong to stereotype it is only one small step away from racism.

[RememberThe357]

All my homeboys say the same thing; they like the 360 controller because it's bigger and it feels better. Obviously Newtype is not speaking for every single person on earth, lets be real here.

I feel like the 360 controller fits better in my hands but I'm so used to the Dualshock that it's still my preferred controller.

[jjohan35]

Not sure why Newtype is getting so much hate for reporting what a lot of my friends say. I personally prefer the PS3 controller more than 360 controller, but the number one complaint I hear is that the PS3 controller is too small for them. This is regardless if they're fat, skinny, tall, or short. Personal preference man, so take it easy.

[RememberThe357]

What are you talking about?

[-Alpha]

@Has

If you are going to childishly call people tards at least make sure you understand why some people say they prefer the 360 controller.

The triggers have much better resistance than on the dualshock, which are designed so puzzlingly. For some reason, they are designed to make slipping easier. It's a common-sense design choice that Sony didn't get. I also believe this was the reason most shooters resorted to using R1 and L1 for shooting instead of the triggers like on the Xbox. Additionally, the controller is bigger, and the analog sticks are depressed in so once again, it's more slip resistant. In fact, look at the Move controller and you see Sony has fixed this mistake with the triggers.

It has nothing to do with millisecond precision, get it straight before you decide to insult people just because they prefer something from the 360. It never ceases to surprise me that anytime the 360 is preferred in some shape or form anyone can get more agrees than disagrees for pretty much resorting to juvenile insults or mocking of a PREFERENCE.

[ryhanon]

Why on earth is this getting everyone's panties in a twist?

So a third party controller is being offered for the PS3 that shares some similarities to the 360 controller, big damn deal. There is no reason to get defensive and snarky about it. I get it, a lot of people like the Dual Shock. They've used basically the same controller for the last 13 years and are very familiar and comfortable with it. It *is* a good controller.

The 360 controller is a good controller too though and, whether you like it or not, lots of people think it does a few things better than the Dual Shock. Personally I'm very fond of both controllers.

With the 360 I really like the offset thumb-sticks as well as the concave triggers (call them R2/L2 if you like, they're still "triggers"), not because of some silly "0.123 millisecond advantage" but because my fingers do not slip off them and because they are more comfortable to hold down for longer periods. The body of the 360 controller also has very few straight edges, which I feel makes it more comfortable in the hands.

With the Dual Shock, I prefer the feel of the convex thumbsticks, the d-pad (let's face it, the d-pad on the 360 controller might as well stand for "disfunctional"), as well as the ability to charge via any USB powered device. I also prefer the lighter weight of the PS3 controller.

The bottom line is, there are good and bad things about both the 360 and PS3 controllers and if you can't recognize that it's because you're a fanboy twit. Frankly, if the two controllers had a sordid affair and spawned a freakish love-child, with the best features of each, I would *love* to get my hands on it.

[PoSTedUP]

buy the separate triggers for ps3 you will thank me ; ), they are concave and fit your fingers perfectly feels so comfortable.

ups for ps3 controller: sixaxis, rechargeable bluetooth wireless, fully analogue (all buttons are pressure sensitive), awesome dpad for fighters.

downs for ps3: ppl complain its to small, triggers, didnt have rumble early on.

ups for 360 controller: triggers are right, came with rumble, its comfortable.

downs for 360: only analogue sticks and triggers are pressure sensitive, needs batteries, also still has cord, Dpad sux

i prefer the ps3 controller, it stayed almost the same for 16 years for a reason.

[Elwenil]

I honestly have never had an issue with the DS3 triggers. I honestly think it has to do with how people hold the controller. Since the original Playstation, I've always held my Playstation controller at about a 35° angle with my wrists very relaxed. At this angle, the R2 and L2 triggers are very natural for me to pull then straight in towards my body. In the last generation, I've noticed that a lot of my friends, for whatever reason, try to hold their controllers very flat. I'm not trying to get in on the 360 vs DS3 controller debate, but if I play a friend's 360, I find holding the controller near flat feels pretty natural, but the offset sticks have always been an issue for me and makes my left hand hurt after an hour or so. When I go back to the DS3, if I try to hold it flat, I find that my fingers do not press on the R2/L2 triggers in a way that follows the arc of the triggers and it doesn't feel very secure. I can play the DS3 like that, but I have to force myself to do it and it feels a little weird. My cousin recently bought a PS3 after playing the 360 since it's launch and had to have the extra triggers added to make the DS3 comfortable for him and he keeps saying that I need them but honestly, I can't play a DS3 with those damn things on there. The ramp on the trigger feels like it's pushing my fingers to bend the wrong way at the joint at the angle I'm comfortable with holding the controller. So rather than buy a $5 add on to the DS3, I would suggest anyone not comfortable with the DS3 triggers change the angle of the controller in their hands so that their finger moves in a more natural arc with the trigger rather than pushing on them at an odd angle and slipping down the face of the button. Just my .02

[Hideo_Kojima]

The advert is so cheese like an advert from the 70s

I like the DS3 anyway I am so used to it that when I go to my friends the 360 controller feels weird.

[Gue1]

If you put a X360 controller side by side with PS3 controller you're going to see that both controllers are of the same size... The thing is that the X360 is more ergonomic not bigger.

http://farm2.static.flickr....

Another thing is that american is not a race, there's too much diversity and immigrants in America to simply say, "americans has large hands!". Who? The mexican or the asian that lives next to you?

[Spydr07]

@Wiimaniac
You must first understand how stupid people in the world are...see, just by moving to the U.S., a former resident of England is no longer English, their D.N.A. has been tainted so bad and pulluted to the point they no longer represent what they once were. The only word hideous enough to describe them is "American". The same happens with most European and Middle Eastern countries with the inclusion of Australia and some others.

Soon, the hatred for the "American Race" will become so rampant they will work on a spray similar to that of Raid which will eliminate the evil Americans by the millions. It will effectively target and kill them, but Americans are like cockroaches and will keep coming back.

The American race will be hunted to the ends of the Earth until they are completely driven underground never to be seen again. All people who've been affiliated with the evil nation will lose their citizenship and be hanged or killed by firing squad. They may even bring back beheadings and stonings for such an offense.

It is truly a crime to be American.

[JumpNPlayBon]

I have no idea why you idiots are fighting over preference. there is no superior controller, a controller that beats all for everybody. If you are like me and have large hands with long fingers the 360 controller works alot better for shooters, which is why I buy most of my shooters for my 360.

with other games it doesn't make a difference so they get bought for my ps3. simple as that. whoever thought to make r1/l1 the primary triggers are retards in my book. however with the after market triggers the r2/l2 are great for shooters, unfortunate these devs don't even give you the OPTION to switch the layouts around, which is a complete fail in my book.

[Arnon]

No, it's because the 360 controller (like the original Xbox and Xbox slim controller, gamecube controller, Dreamcast controller, etc.) is ergonomic. The thumbs natural position is not what the Dualshock accommodates. As you can see by these images the thumb stick is in the exact same position.

Dreamcast:
http://www.syntaxerror.nu/j...
Gamecube:
http://continuousfire.files...
Original Xbox (Ver.1 & 2):
http://upload.wikimedia.org...
Xbox 360:
http://greysquare.org/blog/...

All of these support the natural thumb position as shown below:

http://www.jennifercluff.co...

However, the Dualshock controller has never had this design, and technically, has never been ergonomic.

http://www.pspworld.com/son...

[Spydr07]

The ergonomics would depend on the game since you're basing it off of the position of the thumbstick. What about games where the d-pad is more effective? Then the PS3 shines. There have been so many arguments over which controller is better, but really, it all comes down to preference.

I'm more accustomed to the Sony's controller than any other, but I wouldn't say it's better. The two biggest flaws I see are the shape of the triggers on Sony's controller and the horrible d-pad on the 360's controller.

[Elwenil]

How in the hell are offset thumb sticks more ergonomic? I don't know about you, but my thumbs are in the exact same place on both hands. So if my hands are a mirror image of each other, why is an asymmetrical designed controller more ergonomic? To me it's all preference and what you are used to but don't try and come up with some BS to justify one or the other in some half-assed scientific way.

[Jab-dees-nuts]

i speak for myself but after playing for a long period of time i kinda get the same feeling i get when i play my psp (not the very same but simliar to the psp hands) idk might be nice to try out for those with larger hands

[morganfell]

Alpha,

You are correct in that it is player preference. Yet you seem to deny that preference to those of us that actually prefer the DS3.

[IaMs12]

@MazzingerZ

Well yes 200 million people because half the time they didnt even have a choice if you know what i mean. Xbox came out later and much much later then the PS1... so therefore yes you are correct to a certain extent.
Ive always preferred the Xbox controller but thats just me, they suit FPS a lot better which is the type of game i like to play. But that doesnt mean the PS3 controller sucks.

Its matter of preference thats all who cares. Any article arguing which is better is a fail article.

[Spydr07]

@Elwenil
The reason MS's controller is considered more ergonomic (for games where the d-pad isn't the primary focus) is because of the placement of the LEFT thumbstick. Like many point out, it IS better designed for FPS games. Why? Because you are going to use the left thumbstick way more than the d-pad. No questions. As such, the left thumbstick is placed more closely to where your thumb naturally rests.

On the DS3, the d-pad occupies that spot and is much better for fighting games or any other game where the d-pad is the primary focus. It is more ergonomic for those games. Hence arguing ergonomics behind a controller is going to keep you talking in circles as one is better for some games and the other will be better for some games.

The right side of the controller is never really discussed or changed because both controllers have done a good job with it. You're not likely to see the right analog stick ever placed higher simply because the vast majority of games will use the buttons either considerably more or barely less than the right stick. Making their placement where your thumb naturally rests the better option. There simply isn't enough demand for it to ever be switched.

Controller preference will ultimately come down to your preference of games and whether or not you truly care about the ergonomic aspect--which I feel most don't. It's more of a fanboy tool than anything. In the end, we like the controller we like because it just feels better to us.

Only real arguments are concave vs convex thumbsticks/triggers, resistance of them, and the d-pad. Other than that, I think it's just fanboy talking reaching for something to make them feel better.

@Morgan
Where did Alpha deny any such preference? He simply, in an objectional matter, defended those who prefer the 360 controller. Read Hasj's comment and see the fanboyness in it. You'll see why.

" there are those idiots that say 'oh xbox controllers are better for FPS..."

Right there says all you need to read. He cannot come up with a decent argument, so he just insults because he doesn't have a full understanding of what he's talking about. The 360 controller, from a purely technical aspect WILL have some advantage over the DS3 for FPS. Tigher resistance and better thumbstick placement along with their concave design would give you more control. Not arguable. It in no way means that it's a big enough advantage to say they are going to beat someone just because they use a DS3. In the end, skill will/would decide.

Example, I play Tekken a lot. Now, from a purely technical standpoint, in terms of tech-traps, damage output, punishment, guaranteed followups,etc., Steve Fox is better than Nina (who I mainly use), but I beat the majority of Steve's I play. Why? Because player skill will trump a slight technical advantage.

So, people need to stop getting so butthurt over MS's controller being better at ____ and the DS3 being better at ____. It's not personal, it's just a fact. Different designs come with their advantages. Play whatever you prefer.

See, Hasj, objectional reasoning. I'm pro-Sony and only own a PS3, but I don't let it blind me into thinking Sony === Teh 1337 and can do no wrong.

[PoSTedUP]

its really preference. i like my controller to be symmetrical, have great features such as every button being pressure sensitive and sixaxis etc. the controller has to fit in my hands because they are a little bigger then normal but not funny-looking-huge like some people claim they have that complain about the ps3 controller. they are all rechargeable and wireless bluetooth

360 controller is good to though.

nintendo was always ahead of its time, with the nintendo glove, and the virtual boy? cmon you know it. they had some great ideas.

i use to love the controllers that madcatz made for the ps2 that had fans built in to keep your hands from getting sweaty , i would jump all over a ps3 one. just not as bulky.

[f789790]

The virtual boy was a horrible idea. No thought put into its practical use.

[OneSneakyMofo]

This controller looks like ass.

[talltony]

And I can use the dualshock 3 perfectly for fps or any game. Its not smaller its just shaped differently. The only difference is that you have to hold it differently. I can confirm that their is nothing wrong with the dualshock 3.

[ico92]

i find the DS more comfortable than the 360 controler which i find to be big and lunky (if thats a real word)

[MNicholas]

You don't develop what you hope to market as a premium product, attempt to cast a "classy" looking girl, write a decent narration, then film the thing with a $200 camcorder in your basement on a lazy saturday afternoon.

[Tomdc]

i disagreed because your too ignorant to accept another opinion on such a subjective matter.

[RyuCloudStrife]

i hate xbox controll

[ECM0NEY]

May I ask why?

[sikbeta]

It looks a lot of like the Gamecube Controller...

[Newtype]

I don't like them...3rd party controllers usually break easy.

[EastCoastSB]

I've never been a fan of 3rd party peripherals/controllers, especially Nyko. The quality just never seems to be there.

[PirosThe4th]

Last time i bought a third party controller was in the psone era...

Then i got an extra one for ps3 because it came with a pack with hdmi and vertical stand. None of them work anymore... lulz

[ECM0NEY]

Just pre ordered alt layout version on amazon. Now shooters will be legit on playstation.

[DarkSpawnClone]

soo , whats so good about the Alternate Layout just,i have used a 360 controller before but its been a long time i forget,why would it be better then the dual shock layout ?

[ECM0NEY]

My thumbs hit each other on the dualshock. I have never been comfortable using it. Dont get me wrong i have owned every PS device at some point in my life but i just delt with the DS which was designed for smaller hands. ie the rest of the world. Also i like having the triggers. Ever since Dreamcast ive been all about the triggers. Also im not a huge fighting game fan. Which the DS is awesome for.

PS: I cant wait to play MAG with this thing.

[DarkSpawnClone]

ahh i see,yeah I'm not a huge fighting game fan my self..i have never had problems with my thumbs hitting each other but i like the shape of the Raven control and i agree with the triggers, every one i know has a problem with the triggers rofl(not saying the ds3 is bad)...hope gamestop/eb games gets the raven ,well thanks for the reply dude

[Active Reload]

Me too A..clown20 ha! I've had my own on these for a few weeks now and I'll be getting one as soon as I get my hands back on a ps3.

[mantisimo]

See my Avatar :)
The triggers are just right.

[adamx]

best eva!!

[DarkSpawnClone]

actually i think i kinda like this controller, i have been looking for a controller thats a little different and more ergonomic cant wait to see some reviews if there good I'm going to pick this up,not that there's any thing wrong with the dual shock .

Edit:

I agree herukuti the size of it isn't really that big of a problem for me but i am looking for more comfort,yeah I'm getting move as well,i want to get this gun attachment too if i can
http://www.amazon.com/PlayS...

[herukuti]

i agree this controller looks larger than the small ds3. i would switch and if i had to chose between either i would choose the raven. i doubt ill switch though, im weening myself off of ds3 based games as the ds3 is just to uncomfortable; as im hoping the move will be fully supported.

[cool cole]

That looks basically like a 360 controller. No thanks.

[CryofSilence]

I prefer convex joysticks. No thanks.

[BYE]

Finally someone makes it.

As mentioned before, the DS3 is really not suited for people with long fingers. It's just like a jacket that doesn't fit anyone, no reason to go into defense mode guys...

[tomsau]

Really? I find it's not suited for people with short fingers, playing FPS games really needs you to stretch your hand out

[the-show-stopper]

a agree
i got a little bro who tries to use the controller properly but cant whereas my long fingers work perfectly

[PirosThe4th]

I don't see how the 360 controller is. MY fingers get all cramped at the back because of the battery pack. Then they get numb and I can't mode them properly. But with DS3 I never had that problem and I got relatively big hands.

[Scottyabanks]

I haven't bothered with 3rd party controllers since the ps2. Its not about button layout or ergonomic design to me, it's the accuracy of the joysticks that matter. And in this case it's the OEM controllers that feel right. 3rd party sticks tend to get real loose and often are the first parts to break. If I really wanted to save a few, I'd buy a logitech, they have an official license from sony and their stuff is pretty good quality. Also, I don't know what you call it, but the "bowl" shaped sticks are the sole reason I don't like the 360s pad. I play using the tips of my thumb, and after extended periods of time, they will hurt from the lip of the sticks putting constant pressure on them.

[tomsau]

360 has concaved sticks, dualshock has convexed
I hate them too
If you can be bothered, all it takes is to open up a ps3 controller and a 360 controller, and put the ps3 nubs onto the 360

You'll need to file down the base of the ps3 nub a little so it doesn't rub

[BannedForNineYears]

What 25 hours?! There's no way that can be right!!!

[ALFAxD_CENTAURO]

The DS3 hold 30 Hours.

[PopEmUp]

how come mine run out like 7 hours? maybe because I shoot too much lol

[BannedForNineYears]

What 30 hours?! There's no way that can be right!
Srsly, 30 hours?
Lies.
Mine last about 10 hours at max.

[Hideo_Kojima]

30 hours if your watching a movie etc...

30 hours is the max.

Obviously if your using the rumble a lot on high intensity its going to go down a lot faster.

Mine tend to last around 10 hours but sometimes I can use them for like 2 weeks if all I do is watch movies and go on BBC iPlayer for an hour or 2 a day.

[Basil-Rathboner]

I would enjoy playing with this raven controller.

But i sure would enjoy playing with that raven haired little minx in the video a whole lot more.

[Colonel-Killzone]

I like both of them. I can adjust to both of them so it doesn't really matter to me.

[stuntman_mike]

i always find 3rd party controllers never feel that solid compared to thier official counter-parts. good 3rd party controllers are few and far apart.

[tomsau]

I like staggered joysticks... so this may be good for me
But if it's much bigger than the ds3 then it won't be worth it, might aswell mod my controllers myself

[il-mouzer]

I have no problem with both controllers, but if I had to choose I guess I'd go for the PS controller. Apart from that I don't play much FPS :L

[gamingisnotacrime]

i had a wireless PS2 controller that was an official PS controller made by Katana (not Sony) and the sensitivity was MIA, hate those 3rd party controller. Other than that this would be a nice deal

[SpinalRemains138]

Most above me are bashing the controller because the triggers resemble a 360 controller. Are you kidding? You hate 360 so much that you wont buy the better controller? This place is full of children.

[skrug]

wait, so this Raven controller is the better controller? O_O

[ikral]

Idd play with her buttons...

[adamx]

xbox needs to shrink that batt pack, put the left stick in the right spot, I hate the fact thier misaligned, and the dpad is pure crap fromn hell. The actual shape is good just all the lil b.s things thats wrong with it. Also for some reason the 360 controller makes my hands sweat? Wtf? Maybe its just my ps3 blood telling me to put that poo down.

[never_waste_a_bullet]

I love the ps3 but ive got big hands... id love a bigger ps3 controller, but this raven looks stupid

[CellularAutomata]

Beautiful. And the 25 hours battery life... damm.

[BigRedBall]

DS3 has 30.

[Sagetech]

The triggers look way better than the Dualshock 3's triggers but that d-pad look godawful

[JasonX43]

I'm happy that at least one third party supporter made a controller that isn't just a cheap usb one that takes AA batteries! Now if only Capcom had let Nyko make the Street Fighter 3 controllers!

[fullmetal297]

Ewww, the Dpad.

[BigRedBall]

Ill stick with Ds3.

[TEFL0N_D0N_81]

HELL YEAH this looks tight. I'll give it a shot. If only that d-pad and left analog stick could swap places. Oh well, can't ask for everything. I'm still gonna check it out if I see it.

[FragMnTagM]

one with the 360 stick layout and one with the DS3 layout.

[TEFL0N_D0N_81]

Hell yeah I'm getting the 360 layout for It

[xTHRASHx]

uh... thats an Xbox 360 controller's retarded cousin.

[DirtyLary]

How is the lag? Any 3rd party controller using USB always has a delay.

Crap for serious gamers.

[C L O U D]

Seems like a pretty cool controller to me.

[bjornbear]

you just took away all the ergonomic form of the dualshock

@ anyone thats uncomfortable with the dualshock and complains that its sh!t

yea? well if it was, it wouldn't have won an emmy for being so damn consistent =P you are a minority, sorry. its all about ergonomics, there's always 10%-20 that get left out (the upper and lower percentile of a group) its sad but true.

[Gago]

i like the triggers alot better on this

[bjornbear]

http://media.teamxbox.com/d...

[TheBuIIetSponge]

I'll buy one when I get a PS3 soon, I hate the PS3 controller.

[lonix]

at xtards

[GeoramA]

That's the ugliest damn thing I ever saw.

$35? haha

[Hazmat13]

looks kinda old skool, idk why but want 2 try this out. where can i buy this?

[Paradise Lost]

I find the ps3 slightly more comfy where the analogs are placed.

[Statix]

It really pisses me off that some PS3 games like MAG and Uncharted force you to use the L1/R1 buttons and not the L2/R2 triggers. I so much prefer using the triggers, especially now that I installed the "Real Triggers" attachments on my controller. Using the L1/R1 buttons for shooters just doesn't feel natural or satisfying to me, and puts my fingers in an awkward position.

At least COD4 and MW2 let me change the shoulder controls to my liking.

This controller looks good, but I'd have to test it to see if the analog sticks have the precision and accuracy that's required to handle shooters.