Sixaxis

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

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.

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. Going to the phone and choosing "Sixaxis Tutorial" will take the player to the 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.

The SISAXIS feature can be used for:

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

Sixaxis Tutorial

The Sixaxis Tutorial is training level offered in the PS3 version of GTA IV. 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 as a general opportunity to practice flying in general. 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. (Note: 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, but if you go too far the tutorial fails.
• There is no traffic or NPC pedestrians in the vicinity as long as the tutorial is actuve.
• Although pigeons cannot be found, it is possible climb one of the control towers and access a shotgun pickup during the tutorial.
• The tutorial can be repeated as desired.