The Sixaxis Wireless Controller was the official controller for the Playstation 3 from the system's launch in 2006, until it was replaced by the Dual Shock 3 in 2008. All Dual Shock 3 controllers also incorporate the Sixaxis technology.
It was officially unveiled at E3 2006 as the controller for the PS3, mimicing the design of the past controllers for Playstation consoles. It was bundled with all new systems from launch and until the 80GB HDD PS3 models. It was later phased out completely and replaced by the Dual Shock 3.
The controller uses motion sensing technology along six axes, hence the name Sixaxis. It has two analog sticks, two analog triggers (L2 and R2), as well as 6 pressure sensitive buttons (face buttons and L1/R1). The directional pad is also pressure sensitive, and the rest of the buttons not mention ("PS," L3, R3, Start and Select) are all digital.
The lack of a rumble feature was due to Sony being successfully sued by Immersion Corporation for patent infringement. This was later settled in 2007 and Sony would introduce the Dual Shock 3 in the same year. The Sixaxis was discontinued in April of 2008, where it is not sold new in any regions where the Playstation 3 is sold.
The Sixaxis incorporates Bluetooth technology, allowing wireless play, but it cannot connect to any device like standard Bluetooth devices. It is powered by an internal 3.7 V Li-ion battery, which can provide up to 30 hours of continuous use on a full charge. There's a USB mini-B connector on top of the controller that can be used in conjunction with the provided USB cable to connect to the PS3, which can be used to recharge the controller.
There is a row of 4 numbered LED lights on top of the controller, which distinguishes the number of the controller when more than one is used. The PS3 can support up to 7 controllers at one time, with controllers 5, 6, and 7 being indicated by more than one LED light being lit.
