PlayStation 2 accessories
Accessories for the PlayStation 2 include controllers, microphones, dance mats, and cables.
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The PlayStation 2 had a wide range of accessories made by Sony and other companies. These included controllers, microphones, video cameras, and cables for improved audio and video.
Game Controllers
DualShock 2
The standard controller for the system was the DualShock 2 Analog Controller (SCPH-10010). It looked almost exactly like the original PlayStation’s DualShock, with a few changes.
All buttons except L3, R3, and the “Analog” button were pressure-sensitive. The cable was slightly longer, black instead of grey, and had a squarer connector. The controller had “DualShock 2” printed on top and offered two extra levels of vibration feedback.
Logitech Cordless Action Controller
Logitech made two officially licensed wireless controllers. The Logitech Cordless Action Controller had all the inputs of a standard DualShock 2, including ten pressure-sensitive buttons, three digital buttons, and two analog sticks. It had two vibration motors that could be turned off to save power, ran on two AA batteries, and connected to the console via a proprietary 2.4 GHz RF dongle plugged into the controller port. The Logitech Cordless Controller was similar, with the same button layout, analog support, AA batteries, a vibration-off switch, and a 2.4 GHz RF dongle.
Sega Saturn PS2 Controller
The Sega Saturn PS2 Controller was based on the Japanese-style Saturn controller. It was officially licensed by both Sony and Sega.
The first version came in black and was exclusive to Japan. A second purple version was made for the launch of Vampire: Darkstalkers Collection. It was nearly identical to the original Saturn controller, except the start button was replaced with PlayStation-style start and select buttons, and the labels above the X, Y, Z, L, and R buttons were changed to match PlayStation button names.
Other controllers included the Logitech Driving Force GT wheel and pedals, arcade sticks, and rhythm game controllers.
Microphones
Rhythm game controllers
Several microphones worked with the PS2 for rhythm games like SingStar and Rock Band. SingStar microphones came in wired and wireless versions, both connecting via USB.
Dance Mats/Pads
Dance pads were used with games such as Dance Dance Revolution, letting players follow on-screen actions by stepping on the pad.
The Buzz! Buzzer was made for the Buzz! quiz series. It had a large red buzzer button and four smaller colored buttons for answers.
Lore & Background
The DualShock 2 is the standard controller for the PlayStation 2, nearly identical to the original DualShock for the original PlayStation with minor changes: all buttons except L3, R3 and Analog feature analog pressure sensitivity; the cable is longer and black; the connector is squarer; and it has two more levels of vibration feedback. Logitech produced two officially licensed wireless controllers: the Cordless Action Controller and the Cordless Controller, both powered by two AA batteries with a vibration on/off button, communicating via a proprietary 2.4 GHz RF dongle. The Sega Saturn PS2 Controller, based on the Saturn type-2/Japanese style controller, was released in black exclusively in Japan in 2005, with a purple version produced for Vampire: Darkstalkers Collection. It replaces the Saturn start button with indented PlayStation-style start and select buttons and removes the original labels above the X, Y, Z, L and R buttons.
Reader's Guide
The PlayStation 2 accessory ecosystem was extensive, covering controllers, audio/video input devices, and cables. The DualShock 2 remained the standard, while Logitech offered wireless alternatives with pressure-sensitive buttons and vibration, compatible with DualShock 2 games. The Sega Saturn PS2 Controller catered to retro enthusiasts, officially licensed by both Sony and Sega. For rhythm games, microphones (wired and wireless, connecting via USB) and dance mats were available.
The Buzz! Buzzer, designed for the Buzz! quiz series, came in wired and wireless versions, with a four-buzzer set acting as a single USB device; wireless versions used a dongle supporting up to four buzzers, with a second dongle for eight-player games. The DVD Remote Control, an infrared remote, came in two models, with the later version adding eject and reset/power buttons. A/V cables ranged from the included composite cable to S-Video, RGB SCART, and component cables, with the component cable required for progressive scan and 1080i modes. The RFU adapter provided mono audio and video via RF signal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the default controller for the PlayStation 2?
The standard pad was the DualShock 2 Analog Controller, identified by model number SCPH-10010. It closely resembled the original PlayStation's DualShock but added pressure sensitivity to nearly every button except L3, R3, and the Analog key.
What was the Sega Saturn PS2 Controller?
It was a specialty pad co-licensed by Sony and Sega that brought Saturn-style controls to the PlayStation 2. The device was released exclusively in Japan in 2005 and was only available in black.
What kinds of accessories existed beyond controllers on the PS2?
Sony and third parties offered microphones, video cameras, dedicated audio and video cables, DVD remote controls (such as the SCPH-10150 and SCPH-10420U), and an RFU adapter among other peripherals.
More in Game Controllers and Accessories
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: PlayStation 2 accessories (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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