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 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.
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'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 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.
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 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.
*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
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.
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
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.
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 TH-cam 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 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.
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
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
This is a remarkably impressive effort; great that it has sixaxis and pressure sensitivity support - there are plenty of games that are actually unplayable without those features. Impressive compatibility, too. Definitely room to expand that battery dramatically, though, and it's lacking nice extra features like mappable back buttons... and the big one, not using Hall Effect sticks. Hopefully if they don't improve this further, it will be the catalyst for someone like 8bitdo to bring out a competitor that does make those changes.
@@zkdr6278 Hall effect sticks are a solution to a mechanical problem that I and others had been advocating for WELL before the first current ones hit the market. Not just a "Reddit Trend"... whatever that's supposed to mean.
@@TheDanaAddams I know I was just joking. I want them on everything too. I don't know why it isn't easy to just make a replacement for several different types of controllers that uses hall effect instead of potentiometers
@@zkdr6278 The primary issues are going to be interfacing and fitment. To make a drop-in replacement for old pot-based sticks, you need a piece with the same footprint and range of motion. From my understanding, it's reasonably simple to convert the signals from Hall sticks to what is expected from the pots, so that's not a huge problem... but it's not very practical for a business to manufacture a new Hall stick unit to the larger standard of older controllers, and making the smaller ones designed for modern controllers work in the space that expects a larger unit and greater travel is going to require complicated calculations of unit placement and adaptor interfaces to raise the distance from the pivot and correct the arc of the stick so it works without shell modifications or just feeling awkward and uncomfortable to use.
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.
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’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
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 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
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'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
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
The problem I’m having with the 2.4G model the face and L are R buttons don’t always work. Light clicks don’t always respond and the pressure required is a lot more for input.
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 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.
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
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’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
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 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
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.
I have 5 PS3 Controllers and for some reason i keep getting that weird effect when the controller starts pressing buttons by its self and doing its own thing on all of the controllers. I've looked it up and turn out you have to open them and put a lil piece of like paper on a connecter but like come on i don't want to have to keep doing that over and over. I am going to need this !!
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.
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.
The only issue I have with the defender controller is the shoulder buttons. On mine the left shoulder was sticking and had to shave off some plastic and there is a noticeable difference (clicky) between L/R.
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.
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 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.
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?)
Do you or does anyone here know or can test if this controller works in the PS3 Recovery Menu that you typically need to use and access with a controller connected via USB Cable to the system? Thanks!
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.
*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 (:*
Still using a ribbon connector for the rest of the buttons? I am getting a little tired with all my controllers dying because some foam is getting deteriorated. Still looking for a full board controller for my PS3/PS4...
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).
How is the input from the sticks? I returned my original Defenders because the sticks didn't provide smooth rotation in-game; when rolling the stick in a circle, it would "snap" between the 8 cardinal directions, it was terrible.
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 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.
the dpad is terrible and needs a fix, any chance you can do a dapd fix vifeo? its the only thing wrong with it other than that its a great controller, the issue with the dpad is it registers diagnols inputs far too easily so you press up and almost always get a diagnol input
Weird how the ps1, ps2, ps3 version of the defender doesn't have sixaxis. Don't know why they couldn't have just put it all in one controller with bluetooth and just had a button to switch from bluetooth to receiver.
I bought the Brawler64 and original Defender about a month or so ago. The Brawler64 says the battery only lasts 10 hours yet, in this entire time I haven't had to charge it again since the first day I got it. The Defender on the other hand, I got mainly to have a wireless PS2 controller. But my question with this new Defender is did they fix L2 and R2? I found playing PS3 games with my Defender that L2 and R2 are INSANELY sensitive...like it takes absolutely nothing to set them off, the most minute amount of pressure...and because my fingers naturally rest over those triggers, I was doing things I didn't mean to do because of the most minuscule amount of pressure I was accidentally applying (trying to convey that it's not hyperbole when I say insanely sensitive). Awesome controller otherwise, but that was something that needed to be addressed.
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
@@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.
I got the ps1/2/3 version and my only complaint was that the L2 and R2 buttons were extremely sensitive and I would frequently trigger those buttons accidentally from just resting my fingers on the controller. Wonder if it's the same for this model.
I wonder if this controller works with the ViGEm DsHidMini and BthPS3 drivers, as I use those to play with my emulated PS3 games on RPCS3. This driver gives SIXAXIS and pressure sensitive buttons from my original Dual Shock 3 to RPCS3, and I wonder if this controller could be a nice backup/replacement for that. The driver usually only works with authentic controllers, so I wonder if this one fully tries to represent itself as one, or if it just won't be picked up by the driver.
Update: it will not connect wirelessly with PC, as there is no sync button and you're intended to connect it to a PS3 using USB to sync it. It doesn't want to connect with Windows wirelessly and in wired mode, it shows up as an Xinput controller.
Does this controller make the old god of war easier for the quick time events? As someone who has some trouble with their hands I couldn’t get past the hydra
Not happy with their customer service. Ordered a pc USB n64 pad from Amazon to which I had an issue with, and was going to return. Contacted RF customer service and was told they'd send out a different version. I even asked if I should send the pad I had back but was told to keep it. This all happened in August, and last I heard was in November that the controller would ship in about 4 weeks. Wish I had returned to Amazon within the window.
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.
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)
Sounds awesome, do you know of any ps3 controllers that may incorporate the hall sensor analog sticks that prevent drifting issues. My old ps3 controller started to drift, so any info would be great.
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.
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 ^-^
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.
You opinion?
Was it?
Did you get it?
How is it?
@@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
It depends on the type of charger. I have the stand and can charge it that way. It's dependent on the type of cable input going into the controller.
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.
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'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.
I would want to get the Brook since I have a few controllers I like to use on PS4.
@@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.
@@Psmgamer You can get the Magic-S adapter, same thing and alot cheaper
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.
could do what some cheap speaker companies do and hot glue some weights inside XD
@@VEN0M415 I put clay inside my cheapo controllers that I smash every month or two when they die. (Cheapo as in 2.50-3.00 $ cheapo controllers)
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.
Then get an adapter and use your PS5 controllers with it, it's only like $20/$25
@@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.
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 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.
The 2.4 GHz with the dongle doesn't, but the new bluetooth model does.
The most important thing does it have Sixaxis without that you can't play some games.
FINALLY! A decent PS3 controller and it only took 16 years! I just wonder how long those sticks will hold up before stick drift sets in.
*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.*
@asmongoldsmouth9839 correct sir. 1 thing all PS3 controllers suffer with is massive dead zone on the analog sticks
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
Same, as 8bitdo has the BEST switch pro-like controller and could make the best gamecube or wii u, or even a xbox 360 controller.
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.
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
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.
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 TH-cam 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 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.
Did you get it?
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
😬😬
Dude is using an affiliate link so you know he's just trying to sell this crap 😂
True, better off getting an adapter that gives rumble and ps button functions. Cheaper too
2:40
Spawnwave: "Ontop we do have our USB type _C_ "
Controller: .-.
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
This is a remarkably impressive effort; great that it has sixaxis and pressure sensitivity support - there are plenty of games that are actually unplayable without those features.
Impressive compatibility, too.
Definitely room to expand that battery dramatically, though, and it's lacking nice extra features like mappable back buttons... and the big one, not using Hall Effect sticks.
Hopefully if they don't improve this further, it will be the catalyst for someone like 8bitdo to bring out a competitor that does make those changes.
hall effect sticks are a reddit trend
@@zkdr6278 Hall effect sticks are a solution to a mechanical problem that I and others had been advocating for WELL before the first current ones hit the market. Not just a "Reddit Trend"... whatever that's supposed to mean.
@@TheDanaAddams I know I was just joking. I want them on everything too. I don't know why it isn't easy to just make a replacement for several different types of controllers that uses hall effect instead of potentiometers
@@zkdr6278 The primary issues are going to be interfacing and fitment. To make a drop-in replacement for old pot-based sticks, you need a piece with the same footprint and range of motion. From my understanding, it's reasonably simple to convert the signals from Hall sticks to what is expected from the pots, so that's not a huge problem... but it's not very practical for a business to manufacture a new Hall stick unit to the larger standard of older controllers, and making the smaller ones designed for modern controllers work in the space that expects a larger unit and greater travel is going to require complicated calculations of unit placement and adaptor interfaces to raise the distance from the pivot and correct the arc of the stick so it works without shell modifications or just feeling awkward and uncomfortable to use.
@Dana The Elf It's literally just a marketing buzzword. Not because it has hall effect sticks, it means the controller will never drift.
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.
Did you try one of these? Was curious if its good or not
@@LowestDifficulty yes
@@haroldtorres2710 does it hold up?
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’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
fun fact smackdown vs raw 07 is kinda rare as its the last game with chris benoit
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
Dude! You have no idea how long I have been looking for a controller like this! Thank you so much!
There are still many PS3 games I haven’t play, trying to get a DualShock 3 in good condition is very slim, thanks for the review
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.
Same! I hate this bulky ass shit controllers. You don't have the control over Xbox controllers. They control YOU...
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
Is this going to be available in the UK?? Its way too hard to find a genuine Dualshock controller here that isn't broke in some way.
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'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
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
The problem I’m having with the 2.4G model the face and L are R buttons don’t always work. Light clicks don’t always respond and the pressure required is a lot more for input.
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 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.
@Real_spawn_wave
Dude. Stop already. No one is falling for this BS scam.
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
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.
You can gain this functionality by updating the controller firmware! Available on their website
@@1swhile that's great to hear
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
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 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
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.
Just ordered one of these. I’ve always said that Sony put all their money into the PS3 console itself and skimped out on the controller.
SvR 2007?!!!
Where did the years go?
😟
Thanks for the videos my dude
I have 5 PS3 Controllers and for some reason i keep getting that weird effect when the controller starts pressing buttons by its self and doing its own thing on all of the controllers. I've looked it up and turn out you have to open them and put a lil piece of like paper on a connecter but like come on i don't want to have to keep doing that over and over. I am going to need this !!
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.
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.
Does the homebutton work within PS3 games?
The only issue I have with the defender controller is the shoulder buttons. On mine the left shoulder was sticking and had to shave off some plastic and there is a noticeable difference (clicky) between L/R.
I really wish they just added native support for DS4 as a Bluetooth 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.
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 have the original defender and the only issue i have with it is related to the super sensitive L2 and R2 triggers.
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.
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?)
Do you or does anyone here know or can test if this controller works in the PS3 Recovery Menu that you typically need to use and access with a controller connected via USB Cable to the system? Thanks!
I finally bought this controller. It's probably the best option out there as third party PS3 controllers go.
On their website the Bluetooth version says its not compatible with PS1/PS2 whereas the normal Defender is but doesn't have six axis support.
Ordered one based on this review. A rare thumbs up from me. Thank you. Don’t get used to this from me.
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.
What is the hack-and-slash game around 8:47? It looks fun!
Heavenly Sword, an early PS3 title
@@pedrosobral4335 Thanks!
Bluetooth does not exist on PC?
*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 (:*
How are deadzones? Most adapters ive used make deadzones square
Still using a ribbon connector for the rest of the buttons? I am getting a little tired with all my controllers dying because some foam is getting deteriorated. Still looking for a full board controller for my PS3/PS4...
So the older Defender model with the dongle won't support all the PS3 features? Six axis? I do have a Mayflash converter
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).
How is the input from the sticks? I returned my original Defenders because the sticks didn't provide smooth rotation in-game; when rolling the stick in a circle, it would "snap" between the 8 cardinal directions, it was terrible.
I have the previous Defender for the PS1 & PS2, I’m wondering how much different this one is?
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.
I been through like four or five PS3 controllers since 2008 so this is a great option plus Dender BT has better battery life and SixAxis built in.
Where did you find one? I can't find any.
@@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.
@@M.sami12
Newegg is where I got mine for $12.
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'm curious to know if you can somehow place the original ps3 controller buttons in that controller.
Spawn would you say a 2000mah battery measuring 50x34x10mm would fit?
the dpad is terrible and needs a fix, any chance you can do a dapd fix vifeo? its the only thing wrong with it other than that its a great controller,
the issue with the dpad is it registers diagnols inputs far too easily so you press up and almost always get a diagnol input
What about safe mode? If it can't operate while in safe mode then it can't be a full replacement?
Was going to buy two of these but their shipping costs are expensive. Only expedited and Rush shipping? Cmon RetroFighter
Finally a PS3 third Party controller that works like the original :') I've been looking for this for years.
Can you use the controller to exit out of games? The PS4 controller doesn't allow you to do that on PS3.
Weird how the ps1, ps2, ps3 version of the defender doesn't have sixaxis. Don't know why they couldn't have just put it all in one controller with bluetooth and just had a button to switch from bluetooth to receiver.
What's that hack and slash game at around 8:39 ? It looks familiar, but I can't put my finger on it.
Heavenly sword
I bought the Brawler64 and original Defender about a month or so ago. The Brawler64 says the battery only lasts 10 hours yet, in this entire time I haven't had to charge it again since the first day I got it. The Defender on the other hand, I got mainly to have a wireless PS2 controller. But my question with this new Defender is did they fix L2 and R2? I found playing PS3 games with my Defender that L2 and R2 are INSANELY sensitive...like it takes absolutely nothing to set them off, the most minute amount of pressure...and because my fingers naturally rest over those triggers, I was doing things I didn't mean to do because of the most minuscule amount of pressure I was accidentally applying (trying to convey that it's not hyperbole when I say insanely sensitive). Awesome controller otherwise, but that was something that needed to be addressed.
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
The problem I've had with PlayStation controllers in general is there tendency to break, seemingly on their own, even when left untouched.
I remember going through like PS1 and PS2 controllers and having to go third party.
@@Psmgamer Christ, and third party controllers really wren't great back then, at least in terms of feel and usability.
@@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.
Retro Fighters makes really good controllers.
Does this controller work in the PS3's safe mode?
I got the ps1/2/3 version and my only complaint was that the L2 and R2 buttons were extremely sensitive and I would frequently trigger those buttons accidentally from just resting my fingers on the controller. Wonder if it's the same for this model.
I noticed something similar except it was my fat index fingers unintentionally triggering L1 and R1
I wonder if this controller works with the ViGEm DsHidMini and BthPS3 drivers, as I use those to play with my emulated PS3 games on RPCS3. This driver gives SIXAXIS and pressure sensitive buttons from my original Dual Shock 3 to RPCS3, and I wonder if this controller could be a nice backup/replacement for that. The driver usually only works with authentic controllers, so I wonder if this one fully tries to represent itself as one, or if it just won't be picked up by the driver.
Update: it will not connect wirelessly with PC, as there is no sync button and you're intended to connect it to a PS3 using USB to sync it. It doesn't want to connect with Windows wirelessly and in wired mode, it shows up as an Xinput controller.
Does this controller make the old god of war easier for the quick time events? As someone who has some trouble with their hands I couldn’t get past the hydra
Not happy with their customer service. Ordered a pc USB n64 pad from Amazon to which I had an issue with, and was going to return. Contacted RF customer service and was told they'd send out a different version. I even asked if I should send the pad I had back but was told to keep it.
This all happened in August, and last I heard was in November that the controller would ship in about 4 weeks. Wish I had returned to Amazon within the window.
I’m getting massive The Office flashbacks just from some of your wording. *Urkelnomically* and *X-axix* come to mind 😅
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.
@@haitianxu I think you were trying to answer something else, because it has nothing to do with what I said.
@@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.
@@haitianxuNo
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)
You can't connect it to ps3 wirless right?
@@M.sami12 I believe you actually can. you just have to go into the ps3 settings and manually pair it I believe.
I’ve always been fond of the Dualshock control stick layout. I wish Nintendo would adopt the symmetrical sticks.
they did during the Wii U era with both the Gamepad and the Pro controller, it wasn't that good
What game were you playing 'round 8:35?
Does that home button work as the PS button? PS4 and PS5 stock PlayStation controllers ps button does on work on the PS3
How do the triggers feel? The previous version gave me issues with how sensitive they were.
Sounds awesome, do you know of any ps3 controllers that may incorporate the hall sensor analog sticks that prevent drifting issues. My old ps3 controller started to drift, so any info would be great.
The one I would like to know is can you pair it to a psp go, the fake ones I have won't???
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.
Looks cool!! Can you turn the vibration off?
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 ^-^