Anything goes (so long proprietary peripherals) (PS3 delight #002)

by James Ransom-Wiley on Nov 20th 2006 11:05AM

Microsoft's been doing the talking, Sony is doing the walking. PlayStation 3 is the console for those that value choice. From a standard three-pronged power cord to a standard hard drive bay, Sony's hardware is compatible with a vast range of products, including additional operating systems (e.g., Linux).

Already own a USB headset? What about a web cam? As Microsoft forces us to buy into -- often inferior -- proprietary devices, Sony welcomes us to use those peripherals we might already have lying around. Bravo!

PS3 delights vs. PS3 annoyances
Wii delights vs. Wii annoyances
Xbox 360 delights vs. Xbox 360 annoyances

Tags: had drive, HadDrive, HDD, headset, keyboard, Linux, power cord, PowerCord, PS3, ps3delight, USB, web cam, WebCam

Reader Comments (64)

This is great and fits perfectly with the new philosofy of Sony for the PS3.

I cant wait to see what kind of user made OS add ons that will be out for the PS3. The PS3 is the true console for the geeks.

Does this mean old PS2 stuff might work with USB adapters? I've got one for my PS2 controller and dance pad so I can use it on my PC.

I think it will be both a problem for Sony and a blessing. They have seemingly taken the road of the Xbox modding commmunity and this will cause them to lose a lot of money because people simply will buy the console without purchasing that many games, especially once they can start loading homebrew, MAME, etc. on the console.

On the flip side, they are encouraging people to do new and great things with the hardware, but again, taking such a huge loss on the hardware will hurt them at least for the next year or two until costs come down.

Also, don't count Microsoft out on this either. Although I don't see them ever allowing Linux to run on a 360, I do see them opening up and allowing additional hardware and allowing development on the system using a free or low cost development system to compete with the Sony community.

#2
I connected a PS2 controller by USB, and it worked in the Cross Media Bar, but didn't work when I tried MGS3...you might have some luck with DDR though. Hopefully Sony can update it so all games function with old controllers by USB.

Yep.... I totally agree!

Now have some fun with the wires!

hey guys. let spend 660 dollars on a dumbed down computer that is limited to browsing the web, video/chat communications and mediocre games!!!

yeah i can't wait to see what the open source community will do with the ps3.

"Also, don't count Microsoft out on this either. Although I don't see them ever allowing Linux to run on a 360, I do see them opening up and allowing additional hardware and allowing development on the system using a free or low cost development system to compete with the Sony community."

Nope, not gonna happen.

MS (esp. their gaming div.) is under a lot of pressure to make money; opening up the 360 to royaly free peripherals or other uses is the last thing they want to do. Thats why theres no wireless GH guitar.

Anyone know if the ps3 can run windows?

MS want to keep things as closed as possible so they can keep punters buying MS branded goods.. given how they've operated in the past i can't see them changing that at all. After all why would they want to lose that revenue?

Sony on the other hand want as many PS3s in homes as possible not only for the game sales but probably more so for Blu Ray adoption. I like the choices Sony are giving us.

I can see this ending up as a bad thing for Sony. By allowing people to use any peripherals they want with the console Sony is not making any money on add-ons which they have in the past. I also imagine that it won't take long for the hacking community to crack the games and make it so that you no longer need to purchase them. Both of these things spell trouble when Sony is losing money on every unit sold.

"Anyone know if the ps3 can run windows?"

I think the PS3 crashes enough as it is.

@ roguestorm...the 360 has been the only next-gen console for a year, what are they waiting for? Did they want to screw everyone as long as they could before giving in to pressure due to competition? It seems that MS really screwed up their one year head start.

Power cord, not chord.

PS3 will NEVER run Windows, unless someone recompiles the kernel to run on the Cell processor.

The 360 may not let you use a USB headset, but almost any cell phone headset will plug right into the controller. Any USB keyboard will also work for what few things you can use a keyboard for. I would hate using a USB headset with my system anyway. I don't need a long cord connecting me to the system, when I can use my cell phone headset connected directly to my controller.

Well, the 360 already can use standard USB keyboards and USB WiFi. The hard drive in it is a standard 2.5" AFAIK, so they would only need a firmware update to allow you to use any hard drive (it's not hard to open up the HD case). Competition from Sony will force MS to allow HD upgrades etc or to come out with larger HDs at a reasonable price. > is right, in that MS is under a lot of pressure to make money off of peripherals, however, they are under even more pressure to not let Sony win, so I'm sure MS will support more in the near future.

I'm surprised the Sony has managed to have so many drivers for 3rd party devices out of the box. That's not exactly a skill of theirs.

More like Sony did not have the time to develop their own because MS forced them to rush their console out.

@ your left nut
Microsoft has done a lot of things recently to level the playing field with Sony's console offerings. If what's been reported is true, Microsoft is now starting to make money on their console hardware as well, which means that they will be profitable much sooner than Sony, pretty much no matter what they do. The interesting thing here is what will happen with PS3 games. Will their open standards with the gaming community allow the games to be pirated easier? Large hard drives plus Linux boot options almost always equal piracy, that's just the nature of the beast.

Microsoft could afford to play conservative in the first year because they had little or no competition. Now, however, they WILL adapt to market changes. They said from the start that they built many features of the 360 as a concession to the Xbox modding community, so they have already been where Sony is treading now. Time will tell.

So, in other words, the PS3 is a Sony brand PC that doesn't require an installation of games onto the Hard Drive.

Amirite?

Oh cool, but it's $600.

Any USB keyboard works with 360 I believe as well. Cameras, no.

This is great and all, but why the hell couldn't they make the dual shock 2 compatible with at least the PS2 games??? because they want to make us buy the suxaxis, that's why. Maybe the reason why they made it so that it can use most usb peripherals is because they don't have the time to do the r&d on additional peripherals right now, they have enough problems trying to get the damn console off the line as it is (also, I don't think there are any games that requiere them, yet). Also, who said that the third party pheripherals will work with future software/games made for the ps3? it would be cool if they did but I wouldn't surprise me one bit if they don't.

It'll be interesting to see if Sony uses the PS3's compatibility with Linux and these peripherals as a means of classing the PS3 as a home computer, therefore avoiding European taxes.

Good luck with it this time, Ken. ;)

I think it's cool, but it's really a minor thing. My questions are: someone reported that you couldn't use any old Bluetooth headset. Can you use any 2.5" drive? If yes to the latter...that's great...but is likely to be the first doorway for the modders.

It's already obvious the PS3 is going to get hacked (all consoles do), and it's likely to be just as easy as the PSP is. That just means more modders and annoying people online than before.

Exciting.

"The interesting thing here is what will happen with PS3 games. Will their open standards with the gaming community allow the games to be pirated easier? Large hard drives plus Linux boot options almost always equal piracy, that's just the nature of the beast."

Have you been living under a rock? Piracy is already rampant on the 360.. you can get your 360 dvd firmware flashed for next to nothing which allows backups to be played. There is a thriving 360 piracy scene already, all games are available for download if you know where to look. Gears of War was available before it went on sale!

Blu Ray will slow down piracy and if they have to be chipped then that will also put people off but firmware flashing on the 360 is simple.

"From a standard three-pronged power chord"

What chord is it? Perhaps a D? Power chords are rockin!

Sony...rockin' the power chords! Yeah! Rock out!

So the PS3 will work with any webcam?

Damn you kiwi, and your fast typery.

@ maximus

No, I know that the 360 can run backup copies of games, however, it is still a fairly difficult and risky process to mod the firmware on the drive(s). Microsoft is working to combat it with epoxy on the chips, etc. however, the point is, Sony seems to have opened the front door wide open. BluRay won't stop it as long as large hard drives can be easily attached. Basically, what I'm trying to say is this, Sony isn't requiring even that in order to run Nintendo games, etc. on the system.

"a standard three-pronged power chord"

But I thought the Guitar Hero PS2 controllers won't work with the PS3.

There's nothing like plugging in a bunch of wired items to a PS3. Why that's way an above better than all the wireless items (controllers, headset, steering wheel) that I'm using on the 360

The only item I do plug in is a iPod, which we all know the PS3 can do t... or wait, can it?

I... don't they really, really need to recoup expenses on this thing, and isn't this more or less the only way not to do it?

I mean, yeah it's a good idea and all, especially in direct contrast to Microsoft (who are apparently 2D-indie darlings now let's not forget) but honestly can they afford this?

how to bluetooth headset and your ps3

http://subvida.com/compatibility-playstation-3-and-bluetooth-jabra-jx10-headsetmicrophone/18/11/2006/

Sony won't care less if Nintendo games or other emulators can be used on the PS3.. why should they, it's a nice feature and something PC users have enjoyed for years! What they will care about and will try to combat is backup PS3 games.

As for the 360 flashing it's not risky at all. In fact you can buy a pre-flashed drive on ebay.

I see Sony is already planning on Guitar Hero for the PS3, since power chords already work.

"This is great and all, but why the hell couldn't they make the dual shock 2 compatible with at least the PS2 games??? because they want to make us buy the suxaxis, that's why."

Or maybe it's because the courts have found repeatedly that Sony violated Immersion's patents for the technique they used to make the Dual Shock 2, and are prohibited from utilizing either the hardware or software to run said hardware unless they formalize a deal with Immersion (or find another way, but the only other way known is patented by Nintendo, and I seriously doubt Sony wants to pay Nintendo for controller technology).

I honestly suspect PS2 controller ports aren't on the PS3 because of said legal difficulties, and as such we'll never be able to officially use our old controllers on the PS3 (even ones like the taiko drum, the Guitar Hero SG controller, and the various floor pads that don't use Dual Shock at all).

The big problem with all this is the more power you give the people, the more it's abused.

Have fun playing online games in an environment that's hacked to shit by various communities.

As for the article, I tend to agree with the author. Being able to buy any off the shelf peripheral for your console beats being forced into a propriatery equivalent any day of the week.

Oh...wait. You don't NEED a USB headset with the 360. It will work with any cellphone headset. And wait, I can plug in an iPod? How proprietary. Wait, what do I really need a keyboard for if I have nice and easy voice chat throughout EVERY game. And I don't have some ridiculous cellphone keypad.

The Xbox Camera is the only proprietary device... and I guess the wireless headset...

So now I HAVE to go buy a USB Keyboard to type efficiently on the PS3. I HAVE to go buy a USB headset to talk... if anybody will talk back. And I care about next-gen gaming, not Linux. Seriously.

HELLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Its pretty sad that this is the only thing to be excited about for the PS3 launch. The PS3's value is in the toilet right now until it can actually produce a great game.

"Or maybe it's because the courts have found repeatedly that Sony violated Immersion's patents for the technique they used to make the Dual Shock 2, and are prohibited from utilizing either the hardware or software to run said hardware unless they formalize a deal with Immersion (or find another way, but the only other way known is patented by Nintendo, and I seriously doubt Sony wants to pay Nintendo for controller technology)."

I had forgotten about that, that's a good point, BUT, has Sony stopped manufacturing PS2s? or do they come with new software/revised rumbleless version of the ds2 (dualshockless2 now?)?? and if so, original DS2 controllers shouldn't work with the new PS2 either, right?

I don't think they would forbid Sony from making the PS3 compatible with the DS2 but still allow them to manufacture and sell PS2s that are.

I think Sony feels they've somewhat one-upped the pirates; if the pirates have to use Blu-Ray, then Sony wins regardless.

"Sony won't care less if Nintendo games or other emulators can be used on the PS3.. why should they, it's a nice feature and something PC users have enjoyed for years!"

Oh, Sony would care lots. One of the few times Sony gets along with Nintendo is when the topic of video game piracy and emulation come up. They pool resources to help fight the problem.

Not only that, but Sony wouldn't want to give carte blanche to people running Nintendo software on their machine - because they'd be afraid of Nintendo basically looking the other way while people did the same thing for PS1/PS2 games on the Wii.

And let's face it - if people found a way to emulate the PS1 and PS2 on the Wii (probably using GC controllers), every Sony executive would collectively shit a brick, because that would sway a ton of gamer opinions on which console was needed right now.

Fair enough Sony wants everyone to go Blu-Ray, but if MS win then EVERYTHING will be MS-Format. Gamepads, "Media Centre" remotes, etc, etc. Because MS are the worst for demanding everyone adopts their standards whilst ignoring those already established. I hate MS, purely because of this reason. I hate Sony as well, but after learning this fact, I am warming to them. I want Sony to Win the Next Gen war. Any MS fanboys disagree and will kick shit out of you. Period.

"34. HELLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Its pretty sad that this is the only thing to be excited about for the PS3 launch. The PS3's value is in the toilet right now until it can actually produce a great game."

The PS3 doesn't produce games, that's down to the developers/publishers. Anyone who buys a console based purely on what's available at launch is a pratt, you buy a console for what will be available for it over it's lifespan. The PS2 launched with a meagre lineup of games and is now far and away the most popular console with the best library of games.

This is something that drives me nuts about MS. Sony is usually the one doing this, but not in this case. MS really needs to get their act together if they want any chance of beating Sony in this console war. As of right now, they are poised to take the hardcore gamer market from Sony, and Nintendo is set to get the casual.

Meh, all of that is useless to me, and I still tink allowing mice and keyboards for online gaming is probably not a great thing in the long run.

But I applaud Sony for doing all of it (again, aside from the mouse and keyboard, it unbalances things too much.) It's a nice change.

The only thing that would really get me to jump to a 360, though, is old Nintendo games. I own dozens, but I genuinely feel the VC is charging me too much to play them. I'd rather throw them onto the PS3, in the long run it'd balance out the cost, haha, assuming the games still held my interest more than 5 minutes.

I'd say kudos to Sony, since I've been keen to paying a premium over the console price instead of paying for a premium for low quality first party accessories. At least until last-gen.

But, this generation (next-gen is here, isn't it?), the only low quality accessory I can think of is the Xbox360 hard drive. I'd expect to put my fried laptop's 120Gb disk in there.

Although, quite frankly, the thing that pisses me off about MSFT is that I can't attach one of my billions of external HDs to the system and use it for games. Demos add up very quickly on that HD.

Let me ask everyone a question... PS3 or 360 aside... why would anyone care about running Linux or connecting weird other peripherals to their systems? Isn't it about the games? I know some people have commented about PS2 joysticks for their PS3... well the PS3 comes with cool wireless joysticks so why would you want to connect your worn out PS2 wired joysticks? I have a 360 and it is a pretty good system for playing games. The PS3 also looks cool for playing games and for that matter so does the Wii and your run of the mill computer.
I think we need to stop debating which feature of what system is better and get the console manufacturers and the game developers to all let us play together I think that would be the best. I would love to jump into CoD3 and see my friends who have PS3 or Wii all in the game with me. I know some games are exclusive to a particular system but for those that are the same it would be great if we could all just come together and play! Am I just preaching here or are there others out there who agree with me?

im impressed with sony here! i wish microsoft would follow suit (which they could with a software update). i would particularly love to be able to configure my keyboard and mouse as a controller for cod3! and a web browser (yes even IE7) woldnt go a miss

also itd be cool if microsoft made the video codecs available for free over xbox live the way they have done with the ipod

and the ability to use a USB drive such as an ipod to store games on

i love my xbox but its things like this that tempt me to go with the delightfully expensive PS3

http://www.petitiononline.com/ps3/petition.html

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Anything goes (so long proprietary peripherals) (PS3 delight #002)

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