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Controller:DualShock

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DualShock
DualShock cover
XInput support
Connection method
Wired adapter
Predecessor
PlayStation Controller
Dual Analog Controller
Successor
DualShock 2
PlayStation Classic Controller
DualShock on Wikipedia

The DualShock is a game controller developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment and manufactured by Sony, released on November 20, 1997. It replaced the PlayStation Controller as the primary controller for the PlayStation console.

The DualShock added two analogue joysticks in symmetrical layout and an analogue mode button on the center. Those analogue sticks are supported in games that support it, while the analogue mode button switch the controller between digital and analogue mode. Two rumble motors were also added. The controller layout of DualShock would be reused (albeit with variations) for PlayStation controllers to come.

The DualShock has a predecessor in the form of the Dual Analog controller, which was released on 25 April 1997. Just like the DualShock, the Dual Analog has dual analogue sticks that would later carry over to the former. The American and European releases of Dual Analog lacked the rumble motors.

Because it has a proprietary PlayStation controller port, it requires a third-party adapter for connecting to the PC, but even then, it only work as a DirectInput controller with most adapters, requiring the use of wrappers in games that only use XInput API.

Inputs

  • 2 × clickable analog sticks (8-bit precision): L3, R3
  • 4 × digital shoulder buttons: L1, R1, L2, R2
  • 4 × digital action buttons: △ ᴛʀɪᴀɴɢʟᴇ, ○ ᴄɪʀᴄʟᴇ, × ᴄʀᴏss, □ sᴏ̨ᴜᴀʀᴇ
  • 4 × digital directional buttons (d-pad): , , ,
  • 3 × digital buttons: ► sᴛᴀʀᴛ, ◼ sᴇʟᴇᴄᴛ, ᴀɴᴀʟᴏɢ

Controller variations

The Dual Analog Controller is an earlier variant of the DualShock controller, having different L2 and R2 buttons and different rumble circuit (not available in European and American markets). See Dual Analog Controller.

Use with PC platforms

Windows

Supported features Steam Gamepad Phoenix reWASD
Virtual Xbox controller emulation ~ [N 1]
Virtual DualShock emulation ~ [N 1]
Vibrations ~ [N 1]
Dead-zone adjustment ~ [N 1]
Multiple controllers ~ [N 1]
Keyboard & Mouse input emulation ~ [N 1]
Virtual Nintendo controller emulation ~ [N 1]
Retro DInput/WinMM compatibility
  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Requires XInput wrapper

XInput wrapping

With certain adapters and/or software it acts as a DirectInput controller, making it possible to use any of the generic wrappers. See the controller article for those.

Hardware

Adapters

Mayflash 3 in 1 Magic Joy Box

Just plug and play, no driver needed.
Compatible with Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7, Windows 8 32 bit and 64 bit, Windows 10.
Support all buttons on the game controller.
Three players can play simultaneously (but requires Xbox and GameCube controllers).
Only for one player.

Mayflash Super Dual Box Pro

Converts any PS/PS2 game controller for use on PC. Compatible with Windows XP/2000/ME/9X.
Works with PS/PS2 gamepads, steering wheels and dancing mats.
Supports Auto-fire function for all buttons via PC interface.
Re-maps all the buttons as you need.
Allows 2 players to play at the same time.
Supports vibration (Rumble/Force Feedback).

Bliss-Box Gamer-Pro

Has an optional cable for peripherals that use the PlayStation controller port.
In the 1.0 firmware, user can assign a limited numbers of analog inputs and pressure-sensitive buttons. Starting with the 2.0 firmware, it support all available analog inputs and pressure-sensitive buttons on the controller but must be supported by supported software[1].
Allow hot swapping the controller while the adapter is connected, and has auto pause function which pause the game when it detect that the controller is unplugged.
Support vibrations and analog inputs.
The API tool software for the adapter has numerous functions available, including turbo, manual button mappings, swap around the D-pads and analog stick(s) and other features.
Has updatable firmware, which can be updated using the Bliss-Box Flasher software.
Different button mappings for each type of controllers which automatically switch depending on the connected controller, but only with the 3.0 firmware and later.
Has Low Level API support where it is applicable.
It is plug and play and directly compatible with Windows, OSX, Linux, Raspberry Pi and most Android devices....
...but only act as a DirectInput device, requiring a third-party wrapper for XInput games on Windows.
Requires a Combo Fix for the rumble motors on the DualShock.

Support in games

Games with generic DirectInput support are supported by the controller, however button placements may be out of place and need to be rebound. Refer to game-specific articles for rebinding support.

Games with DualShock button prompts

List of games with Sony button prompts


References

  1. Dual shock 2 and analog buttons? - last accessed on June 2023