Reviewing hardware isn't something we do all too often but the people from D3MON were so kind to send us their new DualForce Wireless PS3 controller and we of course don't want to let that pass.

In the box we find the controller, a 2,4Ghz USB receiver to put in your PS3 and a small piece that allows to charge the controller in the Duo Charger from the same company. Next to that there's only a simple piece of paper that describes how to use the hardware.

Luckily that's pretty simple: you plug the receiver in a USB port of your PS3 and seconds later you can get going. There's a built-in Lithium battery (hurray!) that works for quite a long time and gives the controller (which is sturdy and feels well-made) a weight that seems perfect. Only downpoint is that there's no mini-USB cable delivered to charge your controller with.

As I said the controller really feels nice in your hands and personally I found him better to use because it's a bit bigger than Sony's default one. Apart from being bigger the controller is almost identical to the one from Sony. Also the rumble works perfectly but you won't be able to use the motion-sensing options as these aren't supported.

As such not a real problem when knowing that these are hardly ever used in PS3 games (and it will only decrease in the future) but still something to think about when you decide which pad to buy. Added plus to this controller is that you can also use it on the PC and can therefore save quite some money.

While playing a couple of things quickly got noticed. First, and quite annoying, was that the connection between the controller and the PS3 often dropped (shown by the flashing light on the receiver) and your input didn't come through. If this happens while playing some online warfare or trying a difficult jump in a platform game you'll be cursing quite hard, I assure you. Possibly this had something to do with my setup or the fact that my appartment is fill with wireless stuff, but best to test this at home first.

What I liked very much were the thumbsticks that hurt your thumbs less, thanks to the shape of the top, and also seems to have a smaller dead zone in the middle. Also it's easy to keep the four main directions without the sticks becoming sticky. Also the face buttons feel solid and precise (and there's a turbo function), just like the four analog triggers that can be better dosed than those of the standard controller. This does mean they're a bit more sturdy and will fatigue your trigger fingers a bit more. It's all about preferences of course.

The D-pad reacts lightningfast but seems a bit too loose to convince the pros that this can be a replacement for real fight sticks. There's also a PS-button centrally on the controller and this doesn't work as it should but it allows to turn on your PS3 without having to get out of your seat to push the button on your console.