PlayStation Move Teardown

Teardown

Teardown

Teardowns provide a look inside a device and should not be used as disassembly instructions.

Sony has finally stepped up to the motion controlled video gaming stage, where the Nintendo Wii has sat alone since 2006.

In case you missed it, recently we celebrated a major milestone. We now have parts and repair manuals for most game consoles!

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Add Note Edit Step 1 — PlayStation Move Teardown  ¶ 

  • Our PlayStation Move arrived this morning, and we can't wait to see what's inside.

  • Tech Specs:

    • Three-axis gyroscope

    • Three-axis accelerometer

    • Terrestrial magnetic field sensor

    • Bluetooth 2.0

  • Look at that price tag: $99.99. The bundle includes the PlayStation Eye camera, a single Move motion controller, and the Wii Sports Resort doppelgänger, Sports Champions. The wireless Navigation controllers are $29.99 each, and additional motion controllers are $49.99. It's safe to say that PlayStation Move is definitely not a cheap alternative to the Wii.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • A quick side-by-side comparison of the Wii Remote controller and the Sony PlayStation Move motion controller.

  • The Wii and the PlayStation use different methods of locating their controllers.

    • The Wii Remote has an infrared (IR) sensor built into the controller, and uses triangulation from the IR emitters on the sensor bar placed near the TV to locate itself.

    • The PlayStation Move, unlike the Wii, can locate the motion controller in 3D space. The PlayStation Eye camera visually recognizes the X/Y position as well as the relative size of the glowing orb on the motion controller to pinpoint the controller's location.

  • The strap design on the Wii Remote and the motion controller are strikingly similar...

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Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • The motion controller features nine input buttons: the standard four control buttons (O, ☐, ∆, X), the standard start and select buttons on the side, a standard PS button, a trigger button, and a large Move button.

  • The PlayStation Eye camera has actually been around for quite some time, being released in October of 2007. It has had minimal success, with only thirty compatible games since its release.

    • It features two focus modes: close up (for web-cam use) and far field (for gameplay).

  • The PlayStation Move's motion controller lithium-ion battery is charged via a USB Mini-B controller port located on the bottom of the controller.

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Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • Let's see what's inside shall we?

  • Removing a few Phillips screws allows us to detach the rear cover of the motion controller.

  • A simple tug of the rear cover reveals the innards of the PlayStation Move motion controller.

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • The orb at the head of the motion controller simply lifts right off the assembly.

    • Unsurprisingly, the orb is made of a pliable rubber/vinyl. It would have been pretty sweet if it was glass, though.

  • Three LEDs are responsible for the glowing of the orb, and they are capable of putting out a full spectrum of colors.

    • They light up different colors to differentiate between different players, and can change colors mid-game, creating another source of user feedback. The color of the orb also changes in response to its environment, ensuring optimal visibility and detection by the PlayStation Eye.

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Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • What's this? "IPOD"? Is it possible the Sony PlayStation Move motion controller is a byproduct of Apple's most successful hand-held device?

  • Ha! "TRIPOD"! Whew...for a minute there we thought Apple had a patent on the Move motion controller...not today Apple...not today.

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Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

  • The battery gets brownie points for being able to be disconnected from the Move without any soldering. Just unplug the connector and plug the new one in.

  • The internal lithium-ion rechargeable battery lists a minimum capacity of 1320 mAh at 3.7 Volts.

    • Not wanting to shortchange any battery analysts out there, Sony decided to list the minimum capacity of the battery as well as its typical capacity of 1520 mAh.

  • At this capacity, Sony lists a maximum playing time of 10 hours on a full charge.

  • The length of the Move's Li-Ion battery is about the same as a AA battery, but is about 35% larger in diameter.

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Add Note Edit Step 8  ¶ 

  • We continue delving deeper into the motion controller by removing the single Phillips screw securing the battery housing to the motherboard.

  • The vibrator motor lifts off, however it still remains connected to the motherboard.

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