Product Description

The standard controller for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the DUALSHOCK 2 analog controller delivers a more intuitive gaming experience, with pressure sensitivity on every action button (up to 255 levels of sensitivity!) and the enhanced mobility of the analog thumbsticks. So, accelerate, decelerate, and maneuver through a course with surgical precision or unlock even more fighting moves and secret weapons. Either way, the DUALSHOCK 2 revolutionizes the way games are played.This controller is compatible with any game, including PlayStation format software, that supports digital control, analog control, vibration function and/or pressure sensitive function, and on any system including the PlayStation game console and the PS one console; however, pressure-sensitive button features work only with the PlayStation 2 system.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #299 in Video Games
• Color: Black
• Brand: Sony
• Model: 711719702603
• Released on: 2006-06-15
• Platform: PlayStation2
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 3.25" h x 5.25" w x 8.25" l, .80 pounds

Features

• Stunning environments with tracks modeled after the rugged, snow-covered Alaskan landscape creating the most treacherous racing conditions yet.
• Eight vehicle classes, including the nimble Snow Cat and more forceful Snow Plow designed to help you tackle the Alaskan terrain.
• Robust vehicle customization lets you upgrade various parts including wheels, exhaust, spoilers, sponsorship stickers, and liveries.

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.

Customer Reviews

I hate unintelligent reviews...
The fact is, although the shape was not modified from the original DualShock (Sony figured, "Why change a popular, perfect design?"), most of the innards are completely different. Also, 'Analog' for the DualShock2 not only describes the controller sticks, but also applies to all of the buttons. This means the buttons are pressure sensitive and actually have an effect on game play. This will especially show for games like GT3, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Final Fantasy X. (Example: The amount of pressure you use to press a button dictates the speed of you drawing your gun in MGS2.)You will NOT get the same effect by using a PSOne DualShock.

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.

Not amazing, but it works.
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.

THE BEST CONTROLLER JUST GOT BETTER
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!