Sixaxis

The Sixaxis, also known as the SixAxis Wireless Controller, is Sony's wireless game controller for the PlayStation 3. It was introduced at the PS3's launch in 2006 and marked Sony's first foray into built-in motion sensing in a PlayStation controller. It connects via Bluetooth and is powered by a removable battery.

Hardware: The Sixaxis includes a three-axis accelerometer to detect motion along X, Y, and Z. It does not include a gyroscope; hence the device does not measure rotational rates. The controller lacks rumble feedback, a design choice intended to preserve battery life for motion sensing. It features standard PS3 controls: two analog sticks, a D-pad, four face buttons, shoulder triggers, and the PlayStation button; charged via a USB connection.

Usage and reception: The Sixaxis' motion sensing enabled a range of features in certain titles but its lack of rumble and marketing naming prompted some criticism. In 2007, Sony released the DualShock 3, which retained motion sensing but added rumble vibration while continuing to support Sixaxis motion features. In practice, many games allowed either controller to be used, with some mapping differences.

Legacy: The Sixaxis is now primarily of historical interest as Sony's first motion-sensing PS3 controller. The Sixaxis naming was largely superseded by DualShock branding, and later generations of PlayStation controllers (DualShock 4, DualSense) built on the motion-sensing concept with improved sensors and feedback.