iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The main difference is vibration: the original PS3 SIXAXIS controller does not rumble, while DUALSHOCK 3 adds vibration and keeps SIXAXIS motion sensing. Both are listed as compatible with PS3 systems. Choose DUALSHOCK 3 if you want rumble, bearing in mind that the game must support it and the vibration setting must be on.
What’s the difference between DUALSHOCK 3 and SIXAXIS?
| Feature | Original SIXAXIS | DUALSHOCK 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Six-axis motion sensing | Yes | Yes; it retains the SIXAXIS system |
| Vibration or rumble | No | Yes, when enabled and supported by the game |
| PS3 compatibility | Listed for the PS3 families in Sony’s compatibility table | Listed for the PS3 families in Sony’s compatibility table |
| Example model marking in Sony’s Japanese table | CECHZC1J | CECHZC2J |
SIXAXIS refers to the controller’s motion-sensing capability, not a feature exclusive to the controller named SIXAXIS. Sony described the original controller as sensing roll, pitch, yaw, and acceleration along the X, Y, and Z axes. When Sony announced DUALSHOCK 3, it said the controller kept that motion system and added rumble. Sony’s September 20, 2007 announcement describes the change.
Does the PS3 SIXAXIS controller vibrate?
No. The original PS3 SIXAXIS has no vibration hardware, so changing a setting or using a different game cannot make it rumble. Sony’s May 8, 2006 announcement said vibration was removed from the new controller because it interfered with information detected by its motion sensor.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
DUALSHOCK 3 is the rumble-equipped PS3 controller. Its vibration works only when all three conditions are met:
#1 Best Overall
- Made in United States
- The controller is a vibration-capable model such as DUALSHOCK 3.
- The game supports vibration; not every PS3 game does.
- Vibration is enabled in the controller settings.
How do you turn DUALSHOCK 3 vibration on or off?
- Press the controller’s PS button to open the menu.
- Open the controller settings and switch the vibration function on or off. The exact menu wording can vary by system software.
Sony’s PS3 user guide notes that the system’s vibration setting is available only when a connected controller supports vibration. The setting controls supported hardware; it cannot add rumble to SIXAXIS.
Will a DUALSHOCK 3 work on my PS3?
Sony’s compatibility table lists both SIXAXIS and DUALSHOCK 3 for the PS3 console families shown. The example model numbers in that table are Japanese regional identifiers: CECHZC1J for SIXAXIS and CECHZC2J for DUALSHOCK 3. Do not assume those suffixes apply to controllers sold in other regions. See PlayStation Japan’s compatibility table.
Rank #2
- The 2 pack wireless controller is fully compatible with PS3/Slim.
- Feel every hit, crash, and explosion with controller dual vibration response. Truly intuitive game play through the 6-axis motion sensing technology.
- Our controller has undergone a comprehensive upgrade to close to the original version. It has refined thumbsticks, precise triggers, responsive action buttons and a 4-way directional pad.
- The controller uses high-quality materials and exquisite craftsmanship, and passed 12,000,000 durability tests.
- What You Get: wireless controller * 2, USB charging cable * 2, User Manual * 1 (NOTE: Please activate device with USB charging cable for the first match connection).
Controller compatibility is separate from whether a particular game or disc works on a particular PS3. Sony cautions that some original PlayStation and PS2 software may behave differently or may not work properly on PS3, and some PS3 models cannot play PS2-format discs.
How can you tell which controller you have?
Check the model marking on the controller rather than relying only on its appearance or a seller’s description. The Japanese compatibility table identifies SIXAXIS as CECHZC1J and DUALSHOCK 3 as CECHZC2J; markings differ by region. If you are buying a used controller, confirm its exact marking and condition, and check that the title you plan to play supports vibration if rumble is important to you.
Rank #3
- 【Design for PS-3】Diswoe wireless controller gamepad with upgraded precise joysticks, double shock, motion sensing compatible with Play_station 3.
- 【Bluetooth Wireless Connection】With wireless transmission technology, you will not suffer from data loss and signal interference. Direct Bluetooth connection eliminates any lag and delay. 10 meter wireless connection, give you more freedom. Bluetooth connection is more stable than 2.4GHz connection.
- 【Dual Vibration Feedback】New PS-3 wireless controller motors contribute to intense vibration feedback. Highly sensitive motion control system makes every hit, crash and explosion more realistic, you will feel the sound in the palm of your hand.
- 【6-Axis Support】Diswoe PS-3 wireless controller has intuitive 6-axis motion sensor; The highly responsive motion control system detects your every move and characters and in-game objects will move and react as you tilt, push and shake the controller. Truly intuitive gameplay through 6-Axis motion detection technology.
- 【What You Get】Diswoe wireless controller compatible with PS-3, a charging cable and user manual. 12 months of unconditional return&refund service is provided for the controller wireless for Diswoe Play-station 3.
What DUALSHOCK 3 specifications does Sony document?
Sony’s 2012 European instruction manual for model CECHZC2E lists PS3 system software 2.50 or later as a requirement. The figures below are manufacturer specifications in that manual, not results from comparative testing; they should not be generalized to every regional package or revision.
- Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery: 610 mAh
- Approximate mass: 180 g
- Operating temperature: 5–35°C
- Power input: DC 5 V / 500 mA; battery rating: 3.7 V
The manual instructs users to connect an A-to-Mini-B USB cable supplied with the PS3 system. Its listed controller package contents do not include a USB cable. See Sony’s CECHZC2E instruction manual.
Rank #4
- 【Compatible with Sony Playstation 3 and PC Windows 7/8/10】Controller wireless for Sony PlayStation 3/PS3. Plug and Play. No installation is required. To use it on a PC, a USB cable is required (included).
- 【Double Shock 3 & Motion Sensor Supported】The controller wireless for Sony PS3 supports the double shock 3 function. The grips vibrate with each explosion, shocking, firing in supported games, giving you more fun and a more immersive gaming experience. 6-axis motion sensing function is also supported for the remote controller for PS3 so that you can control the games freely with the moving of your hands.
- 【Long Battery Life & Long Bluetooth Connection Distance】Remote for PS3 with a large battery capacity of 600mAh, providing 5~8h long playtime (auto-sleep function is provided for saving power).
- 【Sensitive Buttons Passed 10,000,000 Strokes Test】The high-quality controllers 2 pack for PS3 are upgraded to be close to the original. It has a zero-delay quick response. The control for PS3 uses first-class material and is of first-class craftsmanship. It has passed a strict durability test of 10,000,000 times of strokes. The two 360 degree analog joysticks of the controller wireless for PS3 enable you to control the games effortlessly and precisely. No dead zone.
- 【Package Content & Lifetime Carefree After-sales Service】The delivery package includes 2 Controllers Wireless for PS3, 2 USB Charging Cables (2.5 feet), 1 User Manual; The wireless controllers for Sony PlayStation 3 offer a lifetime unconditional return and refund service.
Why are the controllers named differently?
Sony announced the motion-sensing PS3 controller on May 8, 2006, with vibration removed. On September 20, 2007, Sony announced DUALSHOCK 3 as a rumble-equipped controller that retained six-axis sensing. The 2007 announcement described a planned November introduction in Japan and expected introductions in North America and Europe in spring 2008; those were historical rollout plans, not statements about current availability.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteQuick Recap
Best Value
- 🎮【Compatible with Playstation3 】The wireless controller is fully compatible with PS3/Slim.
- 🎮【Double Vibration and Shock& Motion Sensor Supported】 Feel every hit, crash, and explosion with PS3 controller dual vibration response. Truly intuitive game play through the 6-axis motion sensing technology
- 🎮【Long Battery Life & Long Bluetooth Connection Distance】The controller is design with perfect sensitive buttons and product shape, more comfortable playing feeling to press the buttons with suitable hand-held size and with a large battery capacity,allowing you to have great fun in games for longer time.
- 🎮【Upgraded Version】The buttons are with high sensitivity and provide an accurate gaming experience. The layout of controller buttons is optimized with excellent dual analog gamepad design.
- 🎮【Package Content /What You Get】wireless controller * 2, USB charging cable * 2, User Manual * 1 (NOTE: Please activate device with USB charging cable for the first match connection).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
