PS3 Has Secret Controller Trick That Fans Are Just Now Discovering

PS3 Has Secret Controller Trick That Fans Are Just Now Discovering

Key Takeaways

  • The PS3’s XMB interface was lauded back in the day for its ease of use, and it still impresses PlayStation fans with hidden design features.
  • It was recently discovered that the particles in the XMB interface react to physical movements with the PS3’s controller in real-time.
  • While not a highly notable feature, it’s still a cool demonstration of the PS3 controller’s Sixaxis gyro controls.

As a long-time PlayStation enthusiast who still remembers the thrill of unboxing my PS3 back in 2006, I must say that recent findings about the XMB interface have brought back fond memories. The fact that the particles in the XMB menu respond to physical movements with the PS3 controller is a delightful surprise, even after all these years. It’s a testament to Sony’s attention to detail and the sheer genius of the PS3’s design.


A PlayStation fan recently discovered that physically moving the PS3 controller can affect the console’s home menu in a fun way. The PS3 is nearly 20 years old at this point, yet it somehow continues to be a source of cool Easter eggs for the devout PlayStation enthusiasts who still use the console in 2024.

The sleek and streamlined user interface of the PS5 is often praised by many PlayStation enthusiasts, but it’s important to note that its design can be traced back to the iconic XMB menu from the PS3. This abbreviation stands for Xross (pronounced “Cross”) Media Bar, which some might find an unusual name choice by Sony, yet the user-friendly nature of this layout is still highly revered among PS3 fans. The interface’s functions and related sub-functions are arranged in columns that span horizontally across the PS3, making for a straightforward and hassle-free user experience.

Although many PS3 users appreciate its operating system, unfortunately Sony chose not to continue using the XMB during the development of the PS Vita, and this trend continued with the PS4 and PS5. While the XMB is exclusive to the PS3, it still has numerous undiscovered design elements that fans are still finding, as recently demonstrated by a tweet from PlayStation enthusiast realradec showcasing the movement of particles in the XMB’s background when waving a DualShock 3 controller in front of a TV.

The PS3’s UI Particles Respond to Physical Motions of the Controller in Real-Time

While directionally controlled particles may not offer significant user interface benefits in the XMB, they do underscore Sony’s meticulous attention to detail when designing the XMB. Furthermore, these particles serve as an impressive demonstration of the PS3’s Sixaxis gyro controls seamlessly integrating with its UI in real-time. Given that the DualSense controller for the PS5 is compatible with the PS3 and boasts gyro control capabilities like the PS3, it will be intriguing to observe if it can manipulate XMB particles similarly.

It’s unfortunate that we might never see the PS3’s XMB interface again, and we can only cross our fingers that Sony uses it as a guiding influence when creating operating systems for future PlayStation devices. Interestingly, the XMB interface is currently more advanced than the PS5’s in one significant aspect: custom themes. Despite numerous updates since its launch, the PS5 still doesn’t support custom system-level themes. As of now, it’s uncertain if Sony intends to introduce themes for the PS5, but until they do, the XMB interface on the PS3 maintains a distinct advantage in this area.

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2024-11-09 20:44