PS3 keypad pushed to December

Sony's wireless, rechargeable text-input add-on slides beyond previously announced November window to the first week of next month.

At this year's Leipzig Games Convention in August, Sony was in no short supply of hardware-related announcements. Along with taking the lid off its latest PSP redesign, Sony provided launch details on the 160GB PlayStation 3 and gave European audiences an expanded look at PlayTV, a digital video recording service. The publisher also unveiled a new wireless keypad for the PS3, saying the device would arrive by the end of November.

PS3 keypad.

Those plans have apparently hit a bit of a snag. As part of the cavalcade of speakers at the BMO Capital Markets Interactive Entertainment Conference today, Sony's vice president of sales, Ian Jackson, confirmed that the keypad will surface sometime in December. When contacted by GameSpot, Sony confirmed that the keypad will now begin arriving on retailers' shelves during the first week of next month.

When it arrives, the rechargeable wireless PS3 keypad will snap onto either the Sixaxis or DualShock 3 controller, and features a touch pad mode for mouse input. Among other uses, the keypad will play a role in Sony's forthcoming PlayStation Home service, where gamers can use the device to text-message friends.

Curiously, Sony also announced that, over the last couple of months, it has launched its eight-year-old PlayStation 2 in Argentina, Chile, Columbia, and Peru. Sony expects to roll out the aging system in several other South American countries, including Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay by spring 2009.

159 Comments

  • braveheartofg

    Posted Nov 21, 2008 4:06 pm PT

    I just use my mac keyboard cos it's USB...
    360 doesn't have USB so I wouldn't be able to put my mini fan and light on either! Thank you Sony for being sensible!


    PeaS3 and Love

  • The_Weekend

    Posted Nov 20, 2008 9:07 am PT

    "Curiously, Sony also announced that, over the last couple of months, it has launched its eight-year-old PlayStation 2 in Argentina, Chile, Columbia, and Peru. Sony expects to roll out the aging system in several other South American countries, including Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay by spring 2009."

    WOW, does that mean that they have been playing with PS1 all this while? Oh my gosh!!

  • Onyx79

    Posted Nov 20, 2008 5:15 am PT

    What a surprise! More delays from Sony! Don't keep on announcing stuff if you can't roll it out. Where's "home"? I got my PS3 ready and willing but yet again asked to wait longer. No wonder more and more PS3 users are being put off and trading their PS3 for rival systems, I might do the same pretty soon if that keeps up.

  • grand17

    Posted Nov 19, 2008 10:40 pm PT

    for the right price, less then $25, id buy it

  • lil_menace

    Posted Nov 19, 2008 9:26 pm PT

    "postapocalyptic" -a comment from danny

  • rikoflishas

    Posted Nov 19, 2008 8:49 pm PT

    it may be useful but I prefer to use a keyboard

  • Rainbow_Lion

    Posted Nov 19, 2008 7:45 pm PT

    looks a bit pants to me. Typing on consoles is never a good idea

  • TSNAKE617

    Posted Nov 19, 2008 4:51 pm PT

    @ TehUndeadHorror IMO it looks pretty good when compared to the 360 controller's typing pad. But I don't want criticism because that is my opinion.

  • mattv888

    Posted Nov 19, 2008 1:38 pm PT

    mhmmmm i like.....

  • dreamcastdre

    Posted Nov 19, 2008 11:07 am PT

    It actually looks kinda cool to me but man, I couldn't imagine using the keypad in that position. Looks like it'd be extremely uncomfortable.

  • FUBAR24

    Posted Nov 19, 2008 8:16 am PT

    that looks like its gonna be so uncomfortable above the controller. just seems like an unnatural place for it

  • TehUndeadHorror

    Posted Nov 19, 2008 12:53 am PT

    I wish it was less ugly... it's just so... out of place looking.

  • gummy_joe

    Posted Nov 19, 2008 12:07 am PT

    Steel_rain777
    I know what you mean, they have to all release the best games at the exact same time, it put a massive hole in my wallet

  • phase4illini

    Posted Nov 18, 2008 10:05 pm PT

    Hope it comes in under $50, but I doubt it will...

  • Han411

    Posted Nov 18, 2008 8:23 pm PT

    how much does it cost?? did they announced dat yet??

  • Steel_Rain777

    Posted Nov 18, 2008 6:02 pm PT

    I agree with Becent, IT's fine with me that the keypad got delayed, I'm still trying to recover from al the games that have come out

  • Becent

    Posted Nov 18, 2008 5:57 pm PT

    Sucks about the keyboard delay, but i guess i got too many games to buy that maybe the delay is a bonus for me

    Oh and by the way Gamespot, its pronounced ColOmbia. Thanks for destroying the name of tha tpoor country

  • jeffgordonfan24

    Posted Nov 18, 2008 5:55 pm PT

    This will make messaging across PSN so much easier.

  • frazzle00

    Posted Nov 18, 2008 5:55 pm PT

    I hate the fact that it is located on the top of the pad. Not very comfortable imho.

  • Mini-15

    Posted Nov 18, 2008 3:36 pm PT

    im gonna get this 4 sure. my frend has it for the 360 nd its pretty cool. this will go well w/ playstation home and for mgs4(u kno wat i mean if u play it)

  • jk212

    Posted Nov 18, 2008 2:36 pm PT

    ebgame u right, ps2 just rules, 140 million copys sold = more then 360 ps3 and wii combined..nearly twice..amazing dude

  • ebgamesnake112

    Posted Nov 18, 2008 11:01 am PT

    Man, they're still releasing the PS2??? That's crazy, that system has to go down as the best system of all time. The PS2 is just massively amazing. (no fanboy here...)

  • bassmaniac20005

    Posted Nov 18, 2008 7:11 am PT

    I like it.

  • link631

    Posted Nov 17, 2008 8:07 pm PT

    ohh i want it

  • TSNAKE617

    Posted Nov 17, 2008 7:51 pm PT

    @ fionndruinne I think that the PS3 controller is way better than the 360 controller because the buttons are easy to press and are risen up a decent amount and why is the 360's pause so hard to reach. I actually don't have a 360 but I have played my friend's. Actually it all depends on which one you use more. Yes, I am a PS3 fan.

  • maverick_76

    Posted Nov 17, 2008 6:57 pm PT

    Yeah I have been waiting for this to come out so I can compare with the Logitech bluetooth keyboard they offer. I have read though that the keyboard does not have a home key, and no start/select button, whilst this one does. If this is cheaper I think I'll go with this instead of the keyboard.

  • rithonertage

    Posted Nov 17, 2008 1:42 pm PT

    Wow, this hasn't came out yet? I'm extremely lucky to have I found one of these things on the ground (no joke), unfortunately I don't have access to a Playstation 3 to use it. Though I did try it on one of my sister's PS2 controllers, and it isn't as awkward I first thought it to be. My thumbs just reached the top of the keyboard while still gripping the controller normally. It actually makes sense for the keypoad to be on top rather than to be on the bottom like the 360 version, especially when the keypad itself has shoulder bottons also.
    What doesn't make sense is that the keypad doesn't connect into the top USB connection on top of the PS3, either that or I'm missing something. Instead there is a hole leaving the USB connection open, and even to that, the keypad has a USB connection on the top also.

    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v339/rithonertage/IMG_0455.jpg
    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v339/rithonertage/IMG_0456.jpg

  • Fareru

    Posted Nov 17, 2008 11:24 am PT

    I have a headset... I thought they were invented for the purpose of getting rid of a need for key boards?

    When I play a gam I want to play, not type.

  • shabazz5th

    Posted Nov 17, 2008 8:54 am PT

    I had one of these for the 360, and it really was a waste of money, much like this.

  • rarson

    Posted Nov 16, 2008 6:48 pm PT

    I really hate text messaging. I use ten fingers when I type, not two.

    I'd rather use a bluetooth keyboard.

  • tudyniuz

    Posted Nov 16, 2008 12:44 pm PT

    I really need one,I'll surely get it

  • otanikun

    Posted Nov 16, 2008 8:07 am PT

    Bummer -_-

  • Thewbacca

    Posted Nov 15, 2008 11:26 pm PT

    That should actually be really useful with using my Ps3 as a web browser. Oh, and as the 360 version has no mouse support....yeah, thats called improvement. Ripping it off is what happens when you take something someone else did and make it worse, like when Microsoft ripped off Insomniacs Skill Points for Achievements.

    And aws for Headsets, like most things on the Ps3, you can use a third party one you can get from any electronics store.

  • gobbo00

    Posted Nov 15, 2008 8:41 pm PT

    sony should be pushing headsets, not text based chat how many PS3 owners own a headset? Not many with my time on PSN, with that in mind I dont think this should sell very well. I mean not many 360 owners have chatpads do they? Why have this for the web? USB keybord anyone!
    PS I know sony do a headset ( they should of came out with a cheap one, that's wired to the top mini usb port on the pad like the original xbox. )

  • xboxthree60 posted Nov 15, 2008 5:27 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    xboxthree60

    Posted Nov 15, 2008 5:27 pm PT (hide)

    OMG this is such a copy of 360s keyboard add on, as if its not as bad that they stole 360s achievements. 360 FTW !

  • trw534

    Posted Nov 15, 2008 5:22 pm PT

    cool keypad

  • darkgamex2k

    Posted Nov 15, 2008 4:54 pm PT

    ok, just to clarify, consoles arrive to latin america and south america at least two months after released on the US, but they arrive with a high price point because they are imported by retailers and Sony does not give tech support on that units. They "launched" the consoles in south america and latin america so that retailers don't have to import consoles and they have sony tech support.

  • Jose_Rizal

    Posted Nov 15, 2008 4:33 pm PT

    "9mmSpliff
    Posted Nov 16, 2008 10:24 am GMT -12

    Consoles overall have mediocre FPSs, its the PC where it shines."

    =================================

    Now if there is only a gaming PC that's worth less than $450 and that don't need to be upgraded every couple of years. That don't need to download patches or drivers every so often to make the game run properly. There is a reason why more gamers and developers are moving to consoles nowadays. There are more FPS games for consoles now and the trend shows PC getting lesser and lesser games in general. Maybe you meant SIMs are where the PC shines

  • 9mmSpliff

    Posted Nov 15, 2008 2:24 pm PT

    i like to laugh at bloodmist for his stupid comments. lol yeah SONY is making this controller to sway people to buy the PS3....its a major tool. hahahahaha, name the great FPSs on the 360? nothing that much better than PS3. Consoles overall have mediocre FPSs, its the PC where it shines.

  • fionndruinne posted Nov 15, 2008 11:39 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    fionndruinne

    Posted Nov 15, 2008 11:39 am PT (hide)

    Dumb design, just as the PS controller has always been dumb. Why Sony has to stick with something so awkward is beyond me.

  • BloodMist

    Posted Nov 15, 2008 11:02 am PT

    If Sony thinks this is gonna make me buy a PS3 for their rather, still, mediocre FPS's, they got another thing comin, at least with my dollars.Wish a lotta you chumps out there agreed but sadly for real gamers everywhere you don't.

  • KBABZ

    Posted Nov 15, 2008 5:10 am PT

    For those complaining that they can't reach the buttons, do you seriously expect to be doing anything ELSE while typing? Just pop the controller down your palms a bit and you'll be fine. This is useful, as I'm getting a bit frustrated having to leave a full size keyboard on my couch for the occasion I might get a message. That is has an instant link to the Friends and Inbox sections of the XMB means it pretty much trumps a keyboard as far as console use goes.

    When you're wanting to type out full paragraphs, however, keyboard is fine. Don't want thumb cramp like you get when texting/SMSing, ouch.

  • amber_jade

    Posted Nov 15, 2008 2:52 am PT

    After holding my Dualshock controller I would say it would be easier to use if the keypad was below the other buttons. However, I would imagine they expect you to use just one thumb to type, but that would still be easier if it was below rather than on top (with a gap so that you can still wrap your fingers around)...

  • tyzwain

    Posted Nov 15, 2008 2:33 am PT

    Stop with the usual crap of 360 was there first. This is great for the PS3, in fact with a touch pad on it it'll be even better for surfing the web on the PS3.

  • LiliShake

    Posted Nov 14, 2008 10:47 pm PT

    Wait, what? It's on top!? I know the usb port is on top, but having it plug in and wrap around to the bottom would be much smarter. I'm holding my ps2 controller trying to figure out how that could possibly be comfortable.

  • MagicOneUp posted Nov 14, 2008 9:07 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    MagicOneUp

    Posted Nov 14, 2008 9:07 pm PT (hide)

    Playing catch up again, Sony. its like they are bringing on everything exactly like the competitors... look at that key pad!

  • mbertoli

    Posted Nov 14, 2008 6:26 pm PT

    I live in Peru and I have a ps3 since early this year and a ps2 since like 6 years ago. The ps2 has been selling pretty good for the past years but now the best selling console is the wii, like all around the world. The ps3 costs like $700 and the ps2 costs $200.

  • Chief_Kuuni

    Posted Nov 14, 2008 5:04 pm PT

    gee sony is nice throwing the south american people a bone.

  • shani_boy101

    Posted Nov 14, 2008 4:27 pm PT

    for all those people complaining about the design of the keypad, where else could you put it? the 360 one isn't that great either. this is just an add-on and if you don't like it just plug in a mouse and key board instead.

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