DualShock Review: The Controller That Defined PlayStation
8.5/10 — Sony DualShock Analog Controller
Works with: PlayStation, PS2
Pros
- Twin analogue sticks and rumble
- Iconic design copied for decades
- Works on PS2 as well
Cons
- No pressure-sensitive buttons (unlike the DualShock 2)
- Sticks wear over time
- Wired only
The DualShock, launched in 1997, is one of the most important controllers ever made. Its twin analogue sticks and rumble became the template for every PlayStation pad since.
Design and features
It built on the Dual Analog Controller with rumble, which Sony called “Dual Shock”, and refined sticks. Games like Ape Escape required it, and many others used it for smoother 3D movement and tactile feedback. It also works on the PS2.
Verdict
The DualShock is a landmark controller and the best way to play original PlayStation games. Its design has barely changed in over two decades, which says everything about how right Sony got it.
