Dual Shock 2

UPC: 711719706304

Platform: PlayStation 2

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc.

Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (Japan)

Category: Controller

Style(s): Gamepad

Synopsis: This gamepad model is the standard, "first-party" controller that Sony produces for its PlayStation 2 console. The molded plastic body of the Dual Shock 2 controller is symmetrical and designed to be held evenly between both hands. A small motor inside the unit will cause it to vibrate when prompted by a game in the console, providing tactile feedback to the user. Four "trigger" buttons at the top of the unit, two on each side, are accessed with the index fingers as the other fingers wrap around the wing-like handles extending from the bottom of the controller. A conventional, cross-shaped D-Pad on the left side of the controller's face is accessed with the left thumb. Four PlayStation action buttons are located in a diamond pattern on the right side of the face of the unit, with the "Triangle" button on top, the "X" button on the bottom, the "Square" button to the left, and the "Circle" button to the right. These are accessed with the right thumb. Two slightly larger analog joysticks are located toward the center bottom of the unit's face, one below and to the right of the D-Pad, one below and to the left of the four action buttons. The joysticks are capped with wide, round handles that are somewhat larger than the other buttons. They move freely in all directions to provide gradated ("analog") control and will spring back to their centered positions when released. The analog joysticks can also function as additional "L3" and "R3" buttons by pushing directly down on them. On the face of the unit between the two joysticks is the smaller "Analog" button, which is usually used to toggle between the digital and analog modes of the trigger buttons and regular action buttons. The "Select" button is located to the right of the D-Pad, in the middle of the controller. The "Start" button is also in the middle, to the left of the regular game buttons. Controllers designed for the PlayStation 2 are compatible with the original PlayStation console and controllers made for the original PlayStation that have analog sticks will work with the PS2, though certain pressure-sensitivity features may not function properly in some games. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide