What is the one thing that the Xbox 360 has and the PS3 doesn’t? Well, that thing is a small attachment for the console’s controller that features a QWERTY keypad. PS3 gamers were expecting something like it from Sony soon! Now SCEI has sent word about the Wireless Keypad for the PS3 DualShock 3 controllers.
The PS3 Wireless Keypad has been made in such a way that it fits precisely into the distinctive shape of the wireless controllers of Sony’s present generation console. The device can be easily attached and removed and gamers will be able to use it as an alternative of the on-screen keyboard. The keypad supports text chat in PlayStation Home.
As for the connectivity, the PS3 Wireless Keypad has Bluetooth functionality and can be paired to the console by connecting it to the USB cable. There are two shortcut buttons on the device, one is the Communication Button, the other, a Message Box Button. These will let gamers go to pre-set features on XMB (XrossMediaBar) like ‘Friends’ and ‘Message Box’ during game play. It also has a Touch Pad Button, which allows gamers to use the entire surface of the keypad as a touch pad.
The Wireless Keypad for the PS3 Controller is expected to be out in North America in November 2008 and Japan, Europe and Asia too will get it by the end of this year. Sony will announce the prices in some time. The PS3 Wireless Keypad is powered by a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery and SCEI has said that more games will start supporting text chat. LittleBigPlanet is one of them.