PlayStation 2 Dualshock Controller Black

Amazon.com Product Description
The layout of PlayStation2's Dual Shock 2 controller is nearly identical to that of the original PlayStation's Dual Shock controller, which is good news for most gamers. The main new feature is that, when the buttons are pushed, the controller can register how much pressure is being exerted. This adds a completely new dimension to sports, racing, fighting, and more games. Aside from the Start and Select buttons, all of the functions are analog for greater control, a wider variety of operations, and a more compelling interactive experience. Two convex analog thumb pads and two force-feedback solenoid rumblers round out the features. This controller is also compatible with all software that supports the original Dual Shock controller.

I have not had any bad luck with this controller, and I've owned as many as 3. This controller is far better than the controllers for Dreamcast or Nintendo 64. It is also VERY durable. I've slammed my personal controler into the ground (carpet lined cement) MANY times after frustrating licence tests in GT3, and the controller remains in perfect shape. This controller is far better than any third party fodder.


THE BEST CONTROLLER JUST GOT BETTER   December 27, 2001
EMAN NEP
20 out of 21 found this review helpful

The way I see it, the best controllers are the NES, SNES, and Playstation controllers. All three of these have one thing in common: ridiculously simple button lay-out. Play with any of these three and you'll notice that you NEVER have to take your eyes off the screen to find the right button.

I see a lot of people complaining about the price on this controller, but let's look at what you're getting. First of all, this controller has the vibration function, which makes the controller literally shake around. This is especially fun when you're shooting guns in games like Metal Gear Solid 2. Then there's the two analog controllers. However, just because they're there, doesn't mean that you are forced to use them--like with that dumb N64 controller. Every Playstation 2 game I've played so far still lets you use the D-pad--which an old-school gamer like me prefers. But if you want to use the analog controller, go right ahead, it's just a thumb-flick away.

Everything I've mentioned up to here is pretty much common knowledge, but there are a few features on this controller that you weren't aware of: 1) This controller has AN EXTRA FOOT OF CORD when you compare it to the generic Playstation One controller. Now I can relax on the COUCH instead of the FLOOR. 2) The R2 and L2 shoulder buttons are LARGER, making it sooooo much easier to find them in the heat of battle. And 3) I recently saw a magazine advertising a product that lets you use the Playstation 2 controller on the Gamecube because "the Gamecube controller won't be ideal for all games." See, I told you the Playstation 2 controller was the best.

So far I haven't had any problems with buttons sticking, and quite frankly, the only way I can see that happening is if you make a habit of dripping pancake syrup onto your controller, or throwing your controller at the wall. Controll yourself!


Not amazing, but it works.   October 28, 2000
LG (Redwood City, CA United States)
53 out of 63 found this review helpful

When magazines described the Dual Shock 2 as having all analog buttons I sort of expected a mushy button feel so you knew how far you were pressing, etc... Instead, the buttons feel like normal PS1 Dual Shock buttons but depending on how hard you push them it can give a different reaction in the game.

This is a kind of nice feature since the buttons feel the same as the old PS1 controller but it has an extra level of sensitivity. The only time it is a pain though is if you just tap it sometimes it won't register.

All in all, I would say buy the Sony controller and skip out on the 3rd parties. All the people I know who have bought 3rd party controllers sold them and bought Sony within the next day.


Don't buy anything else.   December 15, 2000
Chris (Johnston, RI United States)
24 out of 27 found this review helpful

There are a lot of PlayStation 2 controllers out there, and because the PS2 is backwards compatible with PlayStation, there are even more. However, none can even come close to this controller. With its analog buttons that can tell how hard you are pressing, to it's dual shock emitters, nothing can top it. The analog buttons come in especially handy for sports and fighting games, and the shocks are very fun to play with. Even though there are controllers with other features on them, such as wireless and different shapes, they are not as good as this one! Plus, they are not guaranteed to work perfectly, unlike this one, because they are not made by Sony, and some aren't even endorsed by Sony. Only buy this controller! It's the best!


After Trying Many Gamepads, Sony's Is Best.   December 24, 2001
David E. Weekly (Cupertino, CA USA)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

I've had my PS2 for over a year now and have played with several different brands and varieties of gamepads for it, figuring that Sony probably didn't have a monopoly on good style and solid construction. Seeing the other pads available for a considerably lower price than the Sony, I bought a few and played with them.

After months of heavy gaming with SSX, though, they broke, wore down, buttons stopped working, and the controls became rather unresponsive. Disappointed, I went and grabbed two fresh Sony pads and the difference is amazing. The quality is really far superior to any of the other pads out there in terms of strength, comfortability, feel, and durability.

The only complaint I have is that the edges to the directional pad and button pad are the tiniest bit too sharp -- several hours of sliding your fingers across them quickly will give you some serious blisters -- I actually built up callouses during my most intense periods of gameplay! I haven't seen a gamepad that's more comfortable, however.

The short of it: get the Sony controllers. Don't bother with the others; you'll just get frustrated.