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{{Cleanup|Everything except the "SIXAXIS in GTA IV" section needs to be summarised, this is what the link to [[wp:SIXAXIS|Wikipedia]] is for, our article should be mainly about it's use in GTA IV.}}
[[File:Sixaxis2.jpg|thumb|The final Sixaxis Design]]
The '''Sixaxis Wireless Controller''' is the wireless controller for the [[Sony]] [[PlayStation 3]]. It is notable for being able to be tilted to further control games such as [[Grand Theft Auto IV]].


[[Image:Sixaxis2.jpg|thumb|The final Sixaxis Design]]
== Feature and Design Changes ==
The '''Sixaxis Wireless Controller''' is the official wireless controller for the [[Sony]] [[PlayStation 3]]. It can be used for specific fuctions in [[Grand Theft Auto IV]].
{{Wikipedia}}
The Sixaxis can operate wirelessly via Bluetooth; up to 7 simultaneous controllers are supported natively by the console.
 
The main new feature of the controller is the ability to sense both rotational orientation and translational acceleration along all three dimensional axes, providing a full six degrees of freedom.
 
The Sixaxis features finer analog sensitivity than the DualShock 2. The controller also features more trigger-like R2 and L2 buttons, with an increased range of depression. In the place of the "Analog" mode button switch of previous dual analog models is a jewel-like "PS button" with the PlayStation logo, which can be used to access the home menu and turn the console on or off.  


== History ==
Sony announced that because of the included motion sensors, the vibration feature of previous PlayStation controllers was removed, reasoning that the vibration would interfere with motion-sensing. Some have disputed Sony's reasoning, citing that the Wii Remote controller has both motion sensing and vibration capability. In late 2007 in Japan and 2008 for North America and Europe, Sony released the [[wp:DualShock#DualShock_3|DualShock 3]], which is similar in design to the Sixaxis; however, force-feedback was added to the controller. With the introduction of the DualShock 3, the Sixaxis was discontinued.
{{Wikipedia}}
At [[E³]] 2005, Sony showcased their "boomerang" design. Sony stated that the original controller ''"was very clearly designed as a design concept, and was never intended to be the final controller, despite what everybody said about it."'' This design was abandoned, possibly due to negative public feeling about it, and was replaced by an upgraded wireless version of the [[PlayStation 2]]'s DualShock 2 at E3 2006 - the SIXAXIS. Until Sony announced the name in early October, reviewers had been calling the controller "DualShake."


==Sixaxis in GTA IV==
In [[PlayStation 3]] version of [[Grand Theft Auto IV]] there is an option in the controller tab of the pause menu to turn on Sixaxis. Sixaxis can be used for a number of things, and each one can be turned on and off separately, so the player can use Sixaxis for what they want to use it for. Sixaxis is turned off by default. While Sixaxis is turned on, the button associated with the same action still work, so if the player is in trouble they can just hold the controller still and use the buttons.


== Feature and Design Changes ==
The SISAXIS feature can be used for:
The SIXAXIS can operate wirelessly via Bluetooth; up to 7 simultaneous controllers are supported natively by the console.
*Reloading a weapon
*Steering a bike
*Steering a boat
*Piloting a helicopter


A major feature of the controller is the ability to sense both rotational orientation and translational acceleration along all three dimensional axes, providing a full six degrees of freedom. This became a matter of controversy, as the circumstances of the announcement, made less than eight months after Nintendo revealed motion-sensing capabilities in its new game console controller, with only one game shown at E3 to demonstrate the motion-sensing feature, led to speculation that the addition of motion-sensing was a late-stage decision by Sony to follow Nintendo's move. Further fueling the speculation were comments from Incognito Entertainment, the developer behind the motion-sensing PlayStation 3 game, Warhawk, that it only received development controllers with the motion-sensing feature 10 days or so before [[E3]]. Developer Brian Upton from SCE Studios Santa Monica later clarified that the Incognito had been secretly working on the motion-sensing technology "for a while", but did not receive a working controller until "the last few weeks before E3".
Going to the [[Mobile Phone|phone]] and choosing "Sixaxis Tutorial" will activate a training side-mission; see below.


The SIXAXIS features finer analog sensitivity than the DualShock 2, increased to 10-bit precision from the 8-bit precision of the DualShock 2. The controller also features more trigger-like R2 and L2 buttons, with an increased range of depression. In the place of the "Analog" mode button switch of previous dual analog models is a jewel-like "PS button" with the PlayStation logo, which can be used to access the home menu and turn the console on or off. The PS button can be customized to light up if the controller is modified. A row of four numbered LED port indicators are on the top of the controller, to identify and distinguish multiple wireless controllers and can also display the remaining battery charge.
==Sixaxis Tutorial==
The Sixaxis Tutorial is training level offered in the PS3 version of GTA IV; it is available at anytime (except during missions) via Niko's [[Mobile Phone|cell phone]]. The 4-part mini-level places the player at [[Francis International Airport in GTA IV Era|Francis International Airport]] in the runway area (an area that usually triggers a 4-star Wanted Level in the regular game). The player goes through four training levels:


== Removal of Vibration Capability ==
===Reloading a weapon===
Sony announced that because of the included motion sensors, the vibration feature of previous PlayStation controllers was removed, reasoning that the vibration would interfere with motion-sensing. Some have disputed Sony's reasoning, citing that the Wii Remote controller has both motion sensing and vibration capability.
A very quick lesson in which the player learns how to shake the controller to reload. Afterwards, Niko walks into a beacon to move on.


Haptics developer Immersion Corporation, which had successfully sued Sony for patent infringement, expressed skepticism of Sony's rationale, with company president Victor Viegas stating in an interview, "I don’t believe it’s a very difficult problem to solve, and Immersion has experts that would be happy to solve that problem for them," under the condition that Sony withdraw its appeal of the patent infringement judgment. Immersion later emphasized compatibility with motion-sensing when introducing its next-generation vibration feedback technology.
===Riding a motorbike===
Niko rides through several beacons on the runway.


According to Sony, as a result of removing force feedback, PlayStation 3 games do not support force-feedback in steering wheel controllers: "All PS3 games are programmed for the SIXAXIS which doesn't have force feedback, therefore the force feedback in the wheels won't be recognized." This caused backlashes from some gamers, arguing that rumbling found in the DualShock controller and force feedback are not the same thing.
===Navigating a boat===
Niko pilots a boat offshore from the airport through several beacons. This is the first opportunity players have to use a boat.


In March 2007, Sony announced that both companies have agreed to end their patent litigation, and have entered a business agreement to explore using Immersion technology, and are considering using it in a future controller.
===Piloting a helicopter===
This lesson serves double duty: it serves not only as a primer on flying a helicopter with Sixaxis control, but also is an opportunity to practice flying in general since this is likely the player's first exposure to flight in the game. Niko has to pilot the helicopter through several rings, and then safely land back on the helipad. Note: unlike the other tutorials, it is possible for Niko to be injured for wasted if the helicopter crashes.


The DualShock 3 controller, which is identical to the SIXAXIS but it also offers a vibration feature. The DS3 offers the same vibration capabilities as the DS2, but it also vibrates in relation to what caused the vibration, for example, softly for a small crash by full for a larger crash
Following the tutorial, Niko finds himself standing outside the main terminal and is left to his own devices; any vehicle being driven when the tutorial is activated will be lost.


==SIXAXIS is GTA IV==
===Notes===
In [[PS3]] version of [[GTA IV]] there is an option in the controller tab of the pause menu to turn on SIXAXIS. SIXAXIS can be used for a number of things, and each one can be turned on and off separately, so the player can use SIXAXIS for what they want to use it for. SIXAXIS is turned off by default. While SIXAXIS is turned on, the button associated with the same action still work, so if the player is in trouble they can just hold the controller still and use the buttons. Going to the [[Cell Phone|phone]] and choosing "SIXAXIS Tutorial" will take the player to the [[Francis International Airport|airport]] and the game gives the player instructions for use of each SIXAXIS feature, and the player must complete a simple objective for each. This SIXAXIS tutorial is not available during a mission.
* It is possible to exit the runway area of the airport and travel a short distance from the airport using any of the transportation methods provided or on foot, but if you go too far the tutorial fails (a warning message is shown if Niko strays too far).
* There is no traffic, cops or NPC pedestrians in the vicinity as long as the tutorial is active.
* Although pigeons cannot be found, it is possible to climb one of the control towers and access a shotgun pickup during the tutorial; normally, attempting to access this pick-up triggers the wanted level.
* The tutorial can be repeated as desired, making it handy for repeating the shotgun pick-up or practicing flying, boating and motorcycle riding (using the Sixaxis controls is optional - the regular controls also work).
* Completing the training level isn't necessary for 100% completion.


The SISAXIS feature can be used for:
[[Category:Systems]]
*Reloading a weapon
*Steering a bike
*Steering a boat
*Piloting a helicopter

Revision as of 23:14, 12 November 2014

The final Sixaxis Design

The Sixaxis Wireless Controller is the wireless controller for the Sony PlayStation 3. It is notable for being able to be tilted to further control games such as Grand Theft Auto IV.

Feature and Design Changes

Wikipedia has an article on:

The Sixaxis can operate wirelessly via Bluetooth; up to 7 simultaneous controllers are supported natively by the console.

The main new feature of the controller is the ability to sense both rotational orientation and translational acceleration along all three dimensional axes, providing a full six degrees of freedom.

The Sixaxis features finer analog sensitivity than the DualShock 2. The controller also features more trigger-like R2 and L2 buttons, with an increased range of depression. In the place of the "Analog" mode button switch of previous dual analog models is a jewel-like "PS button" with the PlayStation logo, which can be used to access the home menu and turn the console on or off.

Sony announced that because of the included motion sensors, the vibration feature of previous PlayStation controllers was removed, reasoning that the vibration would interfere with motion-sensing. Some have disputed Sony's reasoning, citing that the Wii Remote controller has both motion sensing and vibration capability. In late 2007 in Japan and 2008 for North America and Europe, Sony released the DualShock 3, which is similar in design to the Sixaxis; however, force-feedback was added to the controller. With the introduction of the DualShock 3, the Sixaxis was discontinued.

Sixaxis in GTA IV

In PlayStation 3 version of Grand Theft Auto IV there is an option in the controller tab of the pause menu to turn on Sixaxis. Sixaxis can be used for a number of things, and each one can be turned on and off separately, so the player can use Sixaxis for what they want to use it for. Sixaxis is turned off by default. While Sixaxis is turned on, the button associated with the same action still work, so if the player is in trouble they can just hold the controller still and use the buttons.

The SISAXIS feature can be used for:

  • Reloading a weapon
  • Steering a bike
  • Steering a boat
  • Piloting a helicopter

Going to the phone and choosing "Sixaxis Tutorial" will activate a training side-mission; see below.

Sixaxis Tutorial

The Sixaxis Tutorial is training level offered in the PS3 version of GTA IV; it is available at anytime (except during missions) via Niko's cell phone. The 4-part mini-level places the player at Francis International Airport in the runway area (an area that usually triggers a 4-star Wanted Level in the regular game). The player goes through four training levels:

Reloading a weapon

A very quick lesson in which the player learns how to shake the controller to reload. Afterwards, Niko walks into a beacon to move on.

Riding a motorbike

Niko rides through several beacons on the runway.

Navigating a boat

Niko pilots a boat offshore from the airport through several beacons. This is the first opportunity players have to use a boat.

Piloting a helicopter

This lesson serves double duty: it serves not only as a primer on flying a helicopter with Sixaxis control, but also is an opportunity to practice flying in general since this is likely the player's first exposure to flight in the game. Niko has to pilot the helicopter through several rings, and then safely land back on the helipad. Note: unlike the other tutorials, it is possible for Niko to be injured for wasted if the helicopter crashes.

Following the tutorial, Niko finds himself standing outside the main terminal and is left to his own devices; any vehicle being driven when the tutorial is activated will be lost.

Notes

  • It is possible to exit the runway area of the airport and travel a short distance from the airport using any of the transportation methods provided or on foot, but if you go too far the tutorial fails (a warning message is shown if Niko strays too far).
  • There is no traffic, cops or NPC pedestrians in the vicinity as long as the tutorial is active.
  • Although pigeons cannot be found, it is possible to climb one of the control towers and access a shotgun pickup during the tutorial; normally, attempting to access this pick-up triggers the wanted level.
  • The tutorial can be repeated as desired, making it handy for repeating the shotgun pick-up or practicing flying, boating and motorcycle riding (using the Sixaxis controls is optional - the regular controls also work).
  • Completing the training level isn't necessary for 100% completion.