Advice on PS2 controllers?

April 21, 2006 12:04 PM

I need a PS2 controller that won't cripple my hands.

I hate the PS2 controller that comes with console. It's really uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time. (In fact, when I started console gaming a few years ago, one of the reasons I bought an Xbox was because of the controller. I wanted to play something right out of the box, and not spend more money on third party items.) I've been playing Onimusha:Dawn of Dreams a lot lately, and the game requires near constant use of the L1 and R1 buttons, which is starting to cause some serious pain in my index fingers and thumbs.

I really like the standard Xbox controller (small size). It's far more comfortable to hold for extended gaming. Is there something like this for the PS2? I'd rather not buy a bunch of controllers just to try them out.

And, another video game question...Is Link from the Ocarina of Time and Wind Waker games the only left-handed video game character? I don't have extensive gaming experience, but he's the only left-handed character I can think of.

posted by luneray to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (7 answers total)

You could use this box to plug your Xbox controller into your PS2. It may give you trouble, unless you can remap the buttons in the game, though: For some reason they mapped L1 and R1 to the black and white buttons making alot of games nearly unplayable.
posted by zsazsa at 12:16 PM on April 21, 2006

Also, don't forget to take regular breaks! Carpal tunnel is a bitch.
posted by agregoli at 12:31 PM on April 21, 2006

I bought a miniature "Mad Catz" brand controller used at GameStop for about $6. It's about 3/4 the size of the standard controller, and I find it much more comfortable.

Caveat: the analog sticks are really springy. Flying the planes in GTA:SA is a little tricky, but now that I'm playing Burnout3 almost exclusively I haven't noticed any big problems.
posted by chazlarson at 12:58 PM on April 21, 2006

I second the "Mad Catz" controller. I haven't touched the original since I got it.
posted by gummi at 2:14 PM on April 21, 2006

I've sat here and had a good think about left-handed game characters, and the only one I can come up with is Ulala from Space Channel 5 - she always carries the microphone in her left hand, and I'm pretty sure she plays a left-handed guitar in the second game.
posted by terpsichoria at 3:25 PM on April 21, 2006

Response by poster: I'd read that Mario is left handed too, but I haven't really played any of the games that feature him.
posted by luneray at 4:01 PM on April 21, 2006

Best answer: lefty video game characters
posted by neda at 5:20 PM on April 21, 2006