The original PS3 SIXAXIS senses motion but does not vibrate. DUALSHOCK 3 adds vibration feedback while retaining SIXAXIS motion sensing. Both are listed by Sony as compatible with PS3 families in its compatibility table, but rumble works only with a vibration-capable controller, a game that supports it, and the vibration setting enabled.
What’s the difference between DUALSHOCK 3 and SIXAXIS?
The main difference is vibration. Sony’s original SIXAXIS controller has six-axis motion sensing but no rumble; DUALSHOCK 3 combines that motion-sensing system with vibration feedback. The name can be misleading: SIXAXIS is not a motion feature that DUALSHOCK 3 lacks. Sony said DUALSHOCK 3 kept the six-axis sensing system when it added rumble.
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| Feature | Original SIXAXIS | DUALSHOCK 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Six-axis motion sensing | Yes | Yes |
| Vibration/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 number in Sony’s Japanese table | CECHZC1J | CECHZC2J |
Sony’s model examples are Japanese regional identifiers, not universal suffixes. Check the marking on the specific controller rather than assuming those exact numbers apply in every region.
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No. The original SIXAXIS does not have vibration feedback. In its May 8, 2006 announcement, Sony said vibration was removed from the new PS3 controller because vibration interfered with information detected by its motion sensor: Sony’s SIXAXIS announcement.
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Sony announced DUALSHOCK 3 on September 20, 2007, describing a rumble-equipped controller that retained six-axis motion sensing. That announcement said Japan would receive it in November, with North American and European introductions expected in spring 2008; those were plans stated at the time, not information about current availability. Sony’s DUALSHOCK 3 announcement.
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 Japanese table identifies them as CECHZC1J and CECHZC2J respectively. PlayStation’s controller compatibility table.
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- 【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.
Controller compatibility is separate from whether a particular game or disc works on a particular console. Sony notes that some original PlayStation and PS2 software may behave differently or may not work properly on PS3, and that some PS3 models cannot play PS2-format discs. Those are console and software compatibility limits, not a difference between SIXAXIS and DUALSHOCK 3. Sony’s PS3 user guide.
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Why might a DUALSHOCK 3 not rumble?
Having the right controller is only one requirement. Vibration also depends on whether the game supports it and whether the controller’s vibration function is switched on. Sony’s guide says the PS3 vibration setting is available only when a connected controller supports vibration.
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- 【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.
- Press the PS button to open the controller menu.
- Open the vibration-function setting and turn vibration on. The DUALSHOCK 3 manual describes this control in the menu displayed after pressing the PS button.
- Check the game’s own settings or documentation to confirm that it supports vibration.
Turning on the setting cannot add rumble to an original SIXAXIS; it has no vibration hardware. Sony’s DUALSHOCK 3 instruction manual.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check when choosing between them
- Want vibration feedback? Choose DUALSHOCK 3. The original SIXAXIS does not vibrate.
- Only need motion sensing? Both controllers have the six-axis motion-sensing system.
- Buying a used controller? Check its exact model marking and physical condition. The Japanese identifiers above are regional examples; the cited sources do not establish current stock, prices, seller authenticity, or condition.
- Need a particular game to rumble? Confirm vibration support for that game and make sure vibration is enabled on the controller.
DUALSHOCK 3 manual specifications
Sony’s cited manual covers model CECHZC2E and compatibility with PS3 system software version 2.50 or later. These are specifications from that manual revision and model scope, not a guarantee that every regional package or revision is identical.
| Specification | CECHZC2E manual |
|---|---|
| Input | DC 5 V / 500 mA |
| Battery | Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion, 3.7 V, 610 mAh |
| Approximate mass | 180 g |
| Operating temperature | 5–35°C |
| USB cable described | A-to-Mini-B cable supplied with the PS3 system |
The manual’s supplied-items list does not include a USB cable with the controller. Consult the documentation for the exact regional model if package contents or specifications matter.
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