PS3 Gets Keyboard and Mouse Support

[normyk]

theINQUIRER is reporting (http://www.theinquirer.net?article=25858) from GDC Europe that Sony has revealed not only 6 USB slots on the upcoming PS3 but support for keyboards and mice as well!
The company representative added that you will be able to play games such as Unreal Tournament 2007 with the keyboard and the mouse.
With a keyboard and mouse attached can we expect more PC functionality from the PS3 as well? And will a feature like this move old-school pc gamers from sitting in front of the monitor to sitting in front of the TV?

[Varsity]

Let's not forget the Linux HD. If they manage to pull this off...

[Deathbane27]

That would be sweet.

I'm actually thinking of moving from the monitor to the TV on my PC anyway. Just pipe out the S-video to my TV for a second monitor.

The problem for either setup (keyboard+mouse on PS3, playing PC games on the TV screen) is you'd (I'd) have to have a desk to set the keyboard and mouse on that's an appropriate distance from the TV and facing it. Without the monitor in the way. Not sure I've got room in here. :/

[Reanimated]

How will this splinter online players?

Are we going to have KB/M users up against people using controllers?

[atariv8]

I used to play the original Unreal Tournament on PS2 with a Mac keyboard and mouse. It's not really a big hardware issue, the developers need to support it more. Getting a proper sitting position using keyboard and mouse with the console is kind of problematic.

[The Iron Weasel]

i doubt it will be used for games online, it would give to much of an edge online to the people with it, also something tells me it'll be redonkulously expensive, and i'll be getting the PC version of UT 2k7 anyway, not the ps3 or 360 version.

[Nesta]

How will this splinter online players?

Are we going to have KB/M users up against people using controllers?

KB/M pwnage is the only thing that will be happening. I have a co-worker who swears he could work me over with his controller in Halo2 if I had a KB/M vs him. I laugh quite heartily at him everytime he says this.

[earthworm48]

I was going to post this but I didn't know how to turn my text into a link to the report.

This is great though, Sony are taking some good steps so far. I thought "Ooooh UT 2007 without the expensive system upgrade! damn controller on a UT game?" but it seems like that problems gone.

On the other hand Microsoft are just.... well the HDD non HDD is nothing as the PS3 will be the same, probably without the 2 bundles, the 360 value pack is just the machine with extras so is like an official bundle. The worst things is this HD-DVD thing though. They will annoy early adopters unless they have some free upgrade thing, and its quite possible the price of the machine will go back up or not drop due to increased HD-DVD drive costs.

[Ernst_Jager]

When are they going to add the Juicer!

[Nesta]

When are they going to add the Juicer!

No, I'm afraid it will be the Fruit Fucker instead.

[Rafer]

I used to play the original Unreal Tournament on PS2 with a Mac keyboard and mouse. It's not really a big hardware issue, the developers need to support it more. Getting a proper sitting position using keyboard and mouse with the console is kind of problematic.

Yeah I don't understand why more PS2 games support keyboard and mouse (also Resident Evil: Dead Aim). Like most racing games support wheel controllers even though they're rare. Actually I'd like to see more keyboard/mouse support since next gen I'll probably be hooking these things up to my PC monitor until HDTVs get cheaper.

[Paranoia]

Quote from The Inquirer:

With a keyboard and a mouse, the Playstation 3 might be a real threat to the PC.


OMG...PC is doomed!!

[Dirty Harry]

Hah, if they make it a requirement that the keyboard and mouse is supported for all fps games, man just wow. :D WOOOOOOOOOOOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWOW

[fozy]

It will be nice if you can use a wireless kb and mouse...mmmmm...real nice.

[lost]

Hah, if they make it a requirement that the keyboard and mouse is supported for all fps games, man just wow. :D WOOOOOOOOOOOWOWOWOWOWOOWOWOW

Sony doesn't seem to be in the habit of doing stuff like that and I always thought that was cool.....but....maybe.....this once.

Whole thing fits in with Sonys vision of this ultimo-unit that does everything. Linux with a controller? No thanks...

Oooh if it all comes together, the PS3 is going to be sweet, go on, admit it.

[Ajezz]

this'd be where the lap keyboard/mouse thingy for the phantom could be put to good use

[earthworm48]

Well I got a wooden fold out TV tray table for doing paperwork in fromt of the TV and it cost me about £3-5, and I could easily have my M+ KB on that. So there are cheap solutions if you don't have a table that mean I don't have to worry about it on my lap.

[Kamalot]

Didn't the PS2 have keyboard mouse support?

Didn't the Dreamcast?

This is special...why?

[lost]

Because so far neither the 360 nor Revolution has announced anything similar. It's a differential in the console war and thus deserves to be discussed.

[H.Bogard]

SAWEET!

This is the First factor that has made me consider buying this console . Kudos! Finally no bullshit talk and atleast SOME walk.

[Kelegacy]

How will this splinter online players?

Are we going to have KB/M users up against people using controllers?

HAHA, feel their wrath! That should put the KB/M haters ill at ease.

For pure ease of control, the KB/M rules hands down. I still find it hard to aim or look sometimes with the thumbsticks of a controller, especially in a frantic firefight where precision is important.

[Morrolan]

A standardized, Sony-made PS3 keyboard/mouse would be fantastic. If MS launches without one (as I think they've said that they would,) they'll take a big hit, in my book. I guess it makes more sense for Sony to attack the PC gaming market, than Microsoft, since PC gaming is essentially WINDOWS gaming. Still...

FPS control issues are one thing, but my main reason for wanting keyboard/mouse controls is for things like RTS games. Not to mention just more sane interfaces for just about all games. Controllers will still have their proper place, of course, but if a keyboard/mouse combo got good market penetration, I could forsee a LOT of companies supporting them in a big way. It would just make things so much easier.

[DaedalusFolly]

If software developers limit the maximum turning/looking speed of characters in FPS, I think controller vs. mouse would be a relatively even fight. I don't personally think I'm all that much better with a mouse, I can just aim many times quicker.

[Demo_Boy]

WOAH WOAH WOAH GUYS slow down!!!

M/K on PS3 will only be for MMO text entry and compatibility.
FPS games won't support M/K for steering the avatar.
Sorry!

[RandomViolence]

I like the idea of extra control options. What I don't like is the idea that KB/M will be available for gameplay. Games will have to be designed for two input devices, and unless a keyboard comes standard I think it'll split the userbase into the haves/have nots unless there's some kind of counter to mouse sensitivity like mentioned above.

I like the use of thumbsticks as an FPS controller because there are some limitations. It makes me feel more in-character. I know it's not supposed to be about fighting controls, but I've grown very tired of the CS/Quake style shooter where you can jump around while headshotting people across the map. I think it adds a big tactical element to some shooters and would be a wonderful thing for horror FPSes. The Call of Cthulhu game comes to mind, and it helped Rainbow Six 3 immensely. I'm probably in the vast minority, but I like the lack of responsiveness. It makes me feel more human in the game.

That said, I think options are a good thing. I'm not sure how I'd like this to pan out.

[normyk]

WOAH WOAH WOAH GUYS slow down!!!

M/K on PS3 will only be for MMO text entry and compatibility.
FPS games won't support M/K for steering the avatar.
Sorry!


Ummm....
The company representative added that you will be able to play games such as Unreal Tournament 2007 with the keyboard and the mouse.
So I'll just be chatting in UT2K7?

[Kelegacy]

I like the idea of extra control options. What I don't like is the idea that KB/M will be available for gameplay. Games will have to be designed for two input devices, and unless a keyboard comes standard I think it'll split the userbase into the haves/have nots unless there's some kind of counter to mouse sensitivity like mentioned above.

I like the use of thumbsticks as an FPS controller because there are some limitations. It makes me feel more in-character. I know it's not supposed to be about fighting controls, but I've grown very tired of the CS/Quake style shooter where you can jump around while headshotting people across the map. I think it adds a big tactical element to some shooters and would be a wonderful thing for horror FPSes. The Call of Cthulhu game comes to mind, and it helped Rainbow Six 3 immensely. I'm probably in the vast minority, but I like the lack of responsiveness. It makes me feel more human in the game.

That said, I think options are a good thing. I'm not sure how I'd like this to pan out.

Options ARE a good thing. But are you saying that poorer control makes for more realistic games? Me, I'd rather control a game as easy as I can. Yeah, I might aim easier and faster, but it's a game, and I want to have fun playing a game, not be frustrated. You grow used to any controller over time, no matter how bad it is, but ease always equals better for me. I probably wouldnt buy a kb/m peripheral, but I can respect that it CAN make gaming more enjoyable and more intuitive.

[bapenguin]

KB/M pwnage is the only thing that will be happening. I have a co-worker who swears he could work me over with his controller in Halo2 if I had a KB/M vs him. I laugh quite heartily at him everytime he says this.

Possibly...the thing is. Halo 2 was designed for a controller. MOst likely, you'd get schooled...and schooled hard. There's definite design differences when a game has two vastly different sets of input controls like a mouse and keyboard vs. a gamepad. Subtle things like how exactly the aiming works, etc will all need to be worked out.

[TheKeck]

Possibly...the thing is. Halo 2 was designed for a controller. MOst likely, you'd get schooled...and schooled hard. There's definite design differences when a game has two vastly different sets of input controls like a mouse and keyboard vs. a gamepad. Subtle things like how exactly the aiming works, etc will all need to be worked out.

I just don't buy that. Sure, someone who knows Halo inside and out would probably school me pretty easily if I just jumped in with a KB/M, but I strongly believe that you could achieve a much higher ability in the long run. At the very least, I know that if I played MYSELF (you know, my evil goateed self with a KB/M) the mouse self would win hands down.

[TheKeck]

WOAH WOAH WOAH GUYS slow down!!!

M/K on PS3 will only be for MMO text entry and compatibility.
FPS games won't support M/K for steering the avatar.
Sorry!

Are you making a joke or thinking of the 360 "keyboard"?

[Zanzibar]

Sony should buy Infinium for their KB/M contraption.

[Chandler]

Possibly...the thing is. Halo 2 was designed for a controller. MOst likely, you'd get schooled...and schooled hard. There's definite design differences when a game has two vastly different sets of input controls like a mouse and keyboard vs. a gamepad. Subtle things like how exactly the aiming works, etc will all need to be worked out.

Halo PC was configured so the enemies were harder to kill, precisely because of the fact that the aiming was much much easier.

What subtle things ? =) throwing grenades?, recoil?, trust me, its easier on a kb/m with the kb/m adaptor on xbox. Its just too bad it wont happen at all on xbox360 because of the 3rd party peripherals being locked out unless licensed.

[RandomViolence]

Options ARE a good thing. But are you saying that poorer control makes for more realistic games? Me, I'd rather control a game as easy as I can. Yeah, I might aim easier and faster, but it's a game, and I want to have fun playing a game, not be frustrated. You grow used to any controller over time, no matter how bad it is, but ease always equals better for me. I probably wouldnt buy a kb/m peripheral, but I can respect that it CAN make gaming more enjoyable and more intuitive.

I'm not saying that poorer controls are good. Not at all. I don't feel that controls in console FPSes are poorer than those their PC brethren. Not by choice of input, anyway. Some games on both platforms obviously suck balls due to bad programming. I do think they both lend themselves to different play styles in an FPS. Thumbstick input works better for slower paced, more tactical games, where mouse input is better for faster-paced reflex-based games. Programming can fill in to adapt both to different circumstances. For example, the first Rainbox Six for PC came up with a clever scheme to counter the spontaneity of mouse input by reducing accuracy after quick movements. Conversely, Halo uses auto-aim to help with player accuracy and to give it a faster-paced feel, though it never reaches the freneticism of an Unreal Tournament or Quake game, and I don't think it should. I'm saying I think both control methods work well, and with proper programming they can be adapted to different situations, but to me each shows its strength in different circumstances.

Perhaps it's the slower paced shooters that I like, regardless of how I look around in them, but I feel like thumbsticks provide good accuracy and responsiveness, while introducing a subtle restriction on how instantaneously people can respond. I like that this can be done that way without more arbitrary restrictions like in certain PC games. It feels right to me. As does mouse input for other titles.

[Fonz]

This might actually make me change to console, So i can pwn all the console kiddies who say they own with their thumbs and analog sticks lol. Yeah right and pigs can fly

[bobbler]

Sony should buy Infinium for their KB/M contraption.

That KB/M contraption is probably the best thing coming out of Infinium Labs... I wouldn't mind one of them.

[Kamalot]

Because so far neither the 360 nor Revolution has announced anything similar. It's a differential in the console war and thus deserves to be discussed.
Good point!

I wonder if the revolution will be anything mouse-like such as a trackball or touch-pad.

[Frogleg Special]

I do think they both lend themselves to different play styles in an FPS. Thumbstick input works better for slower paced, more tactical games, where mouse input is better for faster-paced reflex-based games.

But which platform spawned some of the more renowned of tactical games like Rainbow 6, Ghost Recon, Swat, etc? Xbox on the other hand, spawned spray firing bastardization form of the above games. I think k/m just can take you more on FPS gaming.

[Buddha Lotus]

THANK GOD!!!!!!!

Now at least .. FPSers can be REALLY played on a console.

[Morratut]

I wouldn't get excited guys. Sony said exactly the same thing with the PS2.

If someones designing a game they need to know whether people are using a mouse or controller.

This would be a nightmare if some people had mouse and others had controllers. It would also split the multiplayer audience.

[El Gato]

This could be a bit of a problem in single and multi. The game would either be too hard for the controller players or too easy for the mousers.

Multi would be fine if you could limit games to mouse/controller only - but then you split the players.

Personally, I like mouse control, but not when I'm sat on my sofa in front of the TV. I just want to pick up my controller, slump into a comfy chair, and play - not fiddle about with tables or trays.

[Malovech]

If this is properly supported, the Xbox is as good as dead. If you can convert the hardcore FPSers to console by giving us our precious kb/m setup than Xbox either has to follow along or be forgotten. It won't, be supported of course.

[Frogleg Special]

Haha, hardcore FPSers turn to PS2... That's funny.

Everyone knows the chart of gaming hardcoreness:
PC > Xbox > GC > PS

[Kelegacy]

Haha, hardcore FPSers turn to PS2... That's funny.

Everyone knows the chart of gaming hardcoreness:
PC > Xbox > GC > PS

That's just plain ridiculous. PC at the top, probably. But the rest are a little disjointed.

[Kamalot]

Sony will only have have half-ass support for it and then leave it up to game developers to use.

In short, don't expect anything different than how it is today. This isn't a keyboard/mouse console revolution or anything.

[RandomViolence]

But which platform spawned some of the more renowned of tactical games like Rainbow 6, Ghost Recon, Swat, etc? Xbox on the other hand, spawned spray firing bastardization form of the above games. I think k/m just can take you more on FPS gaming.

I'm not sure which one you're referring to, but I'm pretty sure Rainbow Six 3 for Xbox was not a "spray-firing bastardization" as you put it. I thought it was actually one of the best games of the series, especially due to the somewhat gimmicky but very immersive voice chat with your AI teammates. Ghost Recon 1 for Xbox had a cult following, as did the PC version, but the addition of voice chat turned GR1 into one of the most gripping multiplayer experiences online as far as early Xbox titles. Swat I can't speak for, as I didn't play it, but my point is that of the games you've mentioned, they didn't suffer for being console ports but instead actually benefited from some of the unique features in addition to working fine from a control standpoint.

[Xerxes]

LOL the PSViao

[Zanzibar]

That KB/M contraption is probably the best thing coming out of Infinium Labs... I wouldn't mind one of them.

I bet Sony could buy Infinium for about a buck-fifty. Timothy Roberts probably needs any money he can get right about now.

I jest, of course, but they can't ask all THAT much for it. It's a damned good design.

[DoubleUranium]

Wow!! I can't wait to have 4-5 friends come over and play some Unreal 2007 on my PS3. I can't wait to hook up 5-6 mouse and keyboards in my living room. That sounds awesome! I know, I can put some desks in my living room, one for each friend. Woot!

[Shifteh]

With a keyboard and mouse attached can we expect more PC functionality from the PS3 as well? And will a feature like this move old-school pc gamers from sitting in front of the monitor to sitting in front of the TV?

No, it really won't.