Game Stooge

E3 ‘07: Rumblings of a “SHOCK”AXIS

• Scribbled on July 12th, 2007 by Devin Grimes
• Filed in E3, Hardware Mods, Hardware Peripherals, Rumor Mill, Sony PlayStation 3

The lawsuit between Sony and Immersion over their patented rumble technology was recently resolved, leaving us scratching our heads as to whether or not we would be receiving a version of the SIXAXIS controller complete with rumble. Rumors have been cumulating ever since, recently culminating into what seems to be a pretty convincing batch of evidence that we’ll be seeing a “SHOCK”AXIS later this year.

Today, a Sony Computer Entertainment employee confirmed directly to me that the SIXAXIS with rumble is coming. Nothing like getting something that’s been taken away!

Normally a quote like that would be dismissed as pure nonsense; but it comes from a pretty respected source, Kotaku’s Brian Ashcraft.

Combine that with Immersion dealing out press releases left and right stating that they’ve licensed out their technology to third-party controller and peripheral producers Hori and Katana specifically for “Playstation products”, and you’ve got yourself a pretty convincing idea of what’s in store for the PS3’s future.

This “future” isn’t too far ahead of us, according to the press release. It states:

Katana designs, manufactures, and in September 2007, will begin distributing peripherals for Sony PlayStation products in North America.

Is it too late in the PS3’s life cycle? Heck, it’s better late than never. While it’s not a game-breaking feature, it’s one less thing that people can dog on Sony for.

PRESS RELEASE:

Immersion Issues Patent Licenses for Tactile Feedback Video Game Console Peripherals

SAN JOSE, Calif., Jul 11, 2007 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Immersion Corporation (Nasdaq:IMMR), a leading developer and licensor of touch feedback technology, today announced that gaming peripheral manufacturers Hori (U.S.A.) and Katana Game Accessories have both entered into patent licenses with Immersion, including rights for advanced vibro-tactile, spinning mass gaming technologies for dedicated portable gaming devices and computer and console video gaming peripherals. Hori develops peripherals and accessories for gaming consoles such as the Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo products. Katana designs, manufactures, and in September 2007, will begin distributing peripherals for Sony PlayStation products in North America. Under the terms of the license, these products will now bear Immersion’s Feel The Game® TouchSense® Technology logo.

“All our products are built with the strictest standard of quality,” said Yuuki Mizutani, of Hori (U.S.A.). “Rumble technology is one of the key features that makes playing racing and flight simulator games on Hori controllers easier and more realistic.”

“As a company that has just entered the console accessory business, Katana is focused on providing very high-quality products to enhance the Sony PlayStation gaming experience,” said Katana President Chris McGlynn. “We consider Immersion’s technology a key ingredient and look forward to putting it to work for PlayStation gamers.”