Button pushers: PS3 gets keypad

(Credit: Sony)

While Xbox 360 has had the option to type away on the Xbox 360 ChatPad, PS3 owners will soon have the same luxury with the announcement of the Wireless Keypad at the Leipzig Games Convention. The device can hook on to either a Sixaxis or DualShock 3 controller and allow gamers to send messages to friends over the PlayStation Network. This functionality will also come into play with the eminent release of PlayStation Home.

Most interesting is that the Wireless Keypad features a mode that converts the entire surface into a touch pad for use with something like navigating a Web page. Also built-in is Bluetooth support and two shortcut buttons that will make it easy for jumping over to the messaging features on the PlayStation 3.

While we don't currently have a price for the Wireless Keypad, it is set for release in late November. Expect our full review then as well.

[MasumX]

Looks good but I wonder how awkward it would be to type..

[Shaymojack]

Why would you put the keypad on the top of the controller...?

[08Rabbit]

I was thinking the same thing!

[Zarland]

Basic System Requirement
1.PS3
2.Very long fingers

Recommanded System Requirement
1.PS3
2.Super long fingers
3.4 hands (2 for the controller, 2 for the keyboard)

[Xanthus179]

I'm certainly interested, but standard "wait and see" applies.

[Kev50027]

I think it's taken so long for this to come out because anyone can plug any usb keyboard into the PSP and it just works. I don't think the ******y does that.

[celticbrewer]

Not bad. But if I was typing a lot, I'd just go with a normal keyboard that you can buy now (like Kev mentioned)

[mspotty]

I really like the Logitech Cordless MediaBoard for PlayStation 3. It's bluetooth and has a built in mouse pad for all in one functionality

[evanstm74]

The PlayStation Home release may be eminent, but I'm sure you meant to refer to it as imminent :)