The PlayStation 3 has a great controller: It’s got Sixaxis control allowing for precise, three-dimensional control; a comfortable grip and the best directional pad I’ve ever used. The standard Sony controller is perfect for the system, especially considering its built-in battery pack and USB 2.0 charging cable that makes the use of external batteries obsolete. But which controller is right for you?
We’ve gathered a list of the best-selling PS3 controllers out there. Read on to find the perfect fit.
1. PlayStation 3 DualShock 3 Wireless Controller
It doesn’t get any more standard fare than Sony’s official PlayStation 3 wireless controller. Being a DualShock 3, this controller has Sixaxis control and built-in vibration to add immersion to your gaming experience. The buttons are solid and pressure-sensitive, and the directional pad is second to none. Although the shape of the triggers and analog sticks make it difficult to hold sometimes, you can’t beat this quality or price. Just make sure you don’t buy one of the many fakes floating around in cyberspace.
Price: $29.99 (45 percent off MSRP)
Buy the PlayStation 3 DualShock 3 Wireless Controller here.
Pros:
- Nearly half off
- DualShock 3 includes Sixaxis
- Built-in battery pack and charging cable
- Official Sony product
Cons:
- Lots of counterfeits out there
- Convex analog sticks are hard to grip
- Fingers slip off L2/R2 triggers
Find more PlayStation 3 DualShock 3 Wireless Controller information and reviews here.
2. Generic Wireless Gold PS3 Controller
If you don’t want to throw down $30 for a Sony controller, this Generic PS3 controller makes a decent alternative. At first glance, it looks just like Sony’s official controller, but the PlayStation Home features a “P3” instead of the PlayStation logo. That and the golden color are about the only differences in physical design. However, be warned: At such a cheap price, you may be sacrificing quality, and defective controllers can be a real issue. If you’re willing to take a gamble, however, you might find yourself with an excellent product at a dirt-cheap price.
Price: $10.50
Buy the Generic Wireless Gold PS3 Controller here.
Pros:
- Cool golden color
- Dirt cheap
- Looks just like Sony’s PS3 controller
Cons:
- Poor quality in some units
- Convex analog sticks are hard to grip
- Fingers slip off L2/R2 triggers
Find more Generic Wireless Gold PS3 Controller information and reviews here.
3. PlayStation 3 DualShock 3 Wireless Metallic Gold Controller
If you’re not willing to risk buying the Generic PS3 controller but envy that golden color, the metallic gold controller from Sony is worth a look. Sure, it’s more expensive, but because it’s a Sony product, you know it’s going to last. It functions just like the standard black controller, but the unique design means it costs $10 more. If you’ve got money to burn, though, you can game in style. If gold’s not your color, other options such as blue, red, pink and white are available, too.
Price: $39.45 (28 percent off MSRP)
Buy the PlayStation 3 DualShock 3 Wireless Metallic Gold Controller here.
Pros:
- DualShock 3 includes Sixaxis
- Built-in battery pack and charging cable
- Official Sony product
- Unique color options
Cons:
- More expensive than black controller
- Convex analog sticks are hard to grip
- Fingers slip off L2/R2 triggers
Find more PlayStation 3 DualShock 3 Wireless Metallic Gold Controller information and reviews here.
4. DragonPad Wireless PlayStation 3 Controller
Like the Generic controller above, the DragonPad PS3 controller isn’t an official Sony product, but it sure looks like one on the outside. The DragonPad features that “P3” symbol on the PlayStation Home button to differentiate it from the PlayStation logo on official controllers, but that’s the only real difference in appearance. Despite its familiar look, the DragonPad features more rigid analog sticks that make aiming in first-person shooters a bit more difficult, and the battery life isn’t as great as Sony’s controller.
Price: $10.88 (73 percent off MSRP)
Buy the DragonPad Wireless PlayStation 3 Controller here.
Pros:
- Dirt cheap
- Looks just like Sony’s PS3 controller
- Built solid
Cons:
- Turns off after minutes of inactivity
- Convex analog sticks are hard to grip
- Fingers slip off L2/R2 triggers
- Stiff analog sticks
Find more DragonPad Wireless PlayStation 3 Controller information and reviews here.
5. Pro EX PS3 Controller
The Pro EX controller is the one controller on this list that doesn’t look like a clone. It’s bigger, resembling an Xbox 360 or Xbox One controller, with a textured surface and convex analog sticks and triggers for easy grip. Despite being a third party controller, the Pro EX holds a four-star rating on Amazon, a testament to its quality. Some buyers reported issues with its analog sticks not functioning that well, but the majority of users are happy with the Pro EX. If you don’t like the design of Sony’s controller, this is your best alternative.
Price: $17.50 (12 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Pro EX PS3 Controller here.
Pros:
- Different shape
- Better analog nubs and triggers
- Buttons glow
- Cheap
Cons:
- Not wireless
- Some may not prefer the Xbox-inspired design
- Analog drift reported after extended use
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Top 5 Best PS3 Controllers