The original Sixaxis. In bright light, the casing is slightly see-through, producing a little bit of a cheap-o look.
The new DualShock 3. Notice the solid black casing, unlike the slightly see-through Sixaxis. It's 40% heavier than the Sixaxis, giving it a more sturdy feel.
In regard to how it plays, the DualShock 3 (top) feels slightly weaker than the PS2's DualShock 2 vibration--likely a concession to prolong battery life--but it's strong enough to give you a solid jolt. The DualShock 3 also feels weightier and more satisfying than the original Sixaxis (bottom). Overall, it's clearly the definitive version of a classic controller that's seen over 10 years of action.
They look the same, but once you hold the DualShock 3, there's no going back.
Inside the original Sixaxis. Notice the lack of rumble packs in the palm grips on the right and left. This is why it's so light.
Inside the new DualShock 3. The rumble devices in the left and right palms give the controller a solid feel. The battery pack is also a bit smaller and has a sturdier housing.
A closeup look at the lack of rumble in the Sixaxis palm.
A closeup look at the new rumble pack in the DualShock 3's palm.
A look at the left side rumble pack in the DualShock 3. It has less weight than the right. The weight difference gives the controller the capability to produce a wider variety of rumble effects, from weak to strong and in between.
That little chip inside the Sixaxis (attached to the center of the board) is apparently what gives the controller the capability to recognize motion-based gestures.
An upclose view of the Sixaxis motion-sensing device. It's about the size of a fingernail.
Now, for comparison, here's the PS2 DualShock 2 controller. Notice how different the inside is, with the exception of the rumble packs, which have a surprisingly similar structure.
Here's a look inside the original PS2 DualShock 2 controller. We've come a long way, huh? Notice the rumble packs in the side palm areas. A little different than the Dual Shock 3, but the same general design.
Inside the DualShock 3.
Here's a closer look at the DualShock 2 right side rumble pack.
Again, here's the right side rumble pack in the DualShock 3.