PS3 Controller Tech: DualShock, Sixaxis, and the "6-Axis" Myth

Let's clear up the terminology around the PlayStation 3 controller (often called the DualShock 3 or Sixaxis).

The Short Answer

The PS3 controller features dual analog sticks (DualShock) and motion sensing via a 3-axis accelerometer + 3-axis gyroscope (Sixaxis). It does not have "6-axis" functionality in the sense of six independent physical control axes.

Terminology Breakdown

Term	Meaning
DualShock	Refers to the two analog sticks (left + right) and dual vibration motors. Present on all DS3 controllers.
Sixaxis	Sony's branding for the motion-sensing suite: a 3-axis accelerometer (linear motion) + 3-axis gyroscope (rotation). Six axes of motion data, not six control sticks.
"6-Axis" (Misnomer)	Often used incorrectly to describe the Sixaxis sensor. The Wii Remote (with MotionPlus) also uses a 3+3 sensor suite. No mainstream console controller has six physical analog axes.

Model Notes

Original Sixaxis (2006): Motion sensing only, no vibration, lighter weight.
DualShock 3 (2008): Adds rumble/vibration, slightly heavier. Retains Sixaxis motion sensors.
There is no distinct "80G" retail model; this likely refers to a weight spec or a mislabeled listing. All standard PS3 controllers share the same sensor suite.

Practical Implications

Motion controls are used sparingly (e.g., Flower, Heavy Rain, steering in MotorStorm).
Most games rely on the dual analog sticks for movement and camera.
On PC, the DS3 requires third-party drivers (e.g., SCP Toolkit, DS3Windows) for full XInput + motion support.

Bottom line: Your PS3 controller has DualShock (sticks + rumble) and Sixaxis (6-degree-of-freedom motion sensing)—not a mythical "6-axis" stick layout.

PS3 Games