Original PlayStation Controller Review: Where It All Began
7/10 — Sony PlayStation Controller (1994)
Works with: PlayStation, PS2
Pros
- Iconic design with grips and four shoulder buttons
- Excellent D-pad for 2D games
- Light and comfortable
Cons
- No analogue sticks
- No rumble
- Short cable
The original PlayStation controller, launched in 1994, introduced the shapes that became PlayStation’s identity: the triangle, circle, cross and square.
Design
Compared with the SNES pad it built on, it added two handles for a more comfortable grip and four shoulder buttons, which suited the 3D games of the era. Its split D-pad is excellent for 2D games, but it has no analogue sticks or rumble, which arrived later with the Dual Analog and DualShock.
Verdict
The original PlayStation controller is a classic, and still great for 2D games and early PS1 titles. For games designed for analogue control, the DualShock is the better choice.
