The new Playstation 3 controller features motion sensing technology and is a refined version of the PS2’s popular DualShock design. Sony made the announcement at its pre-E3 press conference where PS3 price and launch details were also revealed.

The controller will have six-axis sensing capabilities and could be used for driving cars, flying planes and other related movements.

In reference to its controller, Sony said in a statement:

“In addition to the “3-posture-axis” of roll, pitch and yaw, “3-dimension acceleration information (X, Y, and Z)” can be detected in high-precision and in real-time.”

The downside to the new six-axis sensing system is that it does not support the vibration feature that is available on current-generation controllers because of interference with the sensor.

Aside from the motion sensing technology, Sony has updated the DualShock in other ways, including making it lighter, enlarging the L2 and R2 buttons and slightly broadening the tilting angle of the analog joy sticks “to enable more delicate and more dynamic manipulation.”

The PS3 controller can be played wireless and wired via a USB connection to the console. The controller is charged automatically when using the USB cable.

Sony decided to redesign the Playstation 3’s controller after it received criticism for its original ‘boomerang’ design, which it unveiled at the previous E3 expo.

While it features motion sensing technology similar to that of the Nintendo Wii, the controller will not have the same functionality - Wii’s remote can also point, and comes equipped with a speaker and microphone.

The new PS3 controller will be on show at this year’s E3 expo, available to trial from May 10 to 12.

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