Dual Analog Controller

This article is about the Sony controller. For the dual analog control scheme, see Analog stick § Dual analog sticks.

Dual Analog

File:PS1DualAnalogController.jpg The Dual Analog Controller
Manufacturer	Sony Computer Entertainment
Type	Video game controller
Generation	Fifth generation era
Lifespan	April 25, 1997
Discontinued	Mid-1998
Connectivity	PlayStation Port

The PlayStation Dual Analog Controller (SCPH-1150 in Japan, SCPH-1180 in the United States and SCPH-1180e in Europe) is Sony's first attempt at a handheld analog controller for the PlayStation, and the predecessor to the DualShock. Their first official analog controller was the PlayStation Analog Joystick (SCPH-1110).

History

Initially announced in a press release in late 1995, the Dual Analog Controller was first displayed under glass at the PlayStation Expo 96-97 which was held from November 1 to November 4, 1996. It was released in Japan in April 1997, coincident with the Japanese releases of analog-capable titles Tobal 2 and Bushido Blade. It was advertised as allowing for more precise and fluid control of the games' fighters, with the rumble feature contributing to a more realistic experience.

Before its release in the United States, Sony revealed that vibration feedback would be removed from the controller. According to a Sony spokeperson, "We evaluated all the features and decided, for manufacturing reasons, that what was most important to gamers was the analog feature."

It was released in the United States on August 27, 1997; and in Europe in later 1997 with little promotion. A few months later, the first DualShock controller was released in Japan on November 20, 1997.

Namco had already released an analog controller for PlayStation called NeGcon. Sony's Dual Analog Controller's analog mode was not compatible with the NeGcon-compatible games such as WipEout and Ridge Racer. However, Need for Speed II, Gran Turismo, and Gran Turismo 2 feature compatibility with both NeGcon and Dual Analog control schemes.

Fans of a smaller form factor, Japanese gamers complained that the longer grips made the controller too large to be comfortable and the lack of a rumble feature in the U.S. and European models are the most commonly cited reasons that Sony decided to end production of this controller and redesign it.

The Dual Analog Controller was discontinued in all three markets in 1998 to be replaced by the DualShock, although some gamers still regard it as the better gamepad, mostly due to its longer hand grips and ridged shoulder buttons. Further, its rarity has made it highly sought after among collectors.

Features

If a game was compatible with the Dual Analog Controller, the player would be able to press the "Analog" button located between the analog sticks to activate the analog mode. This was indicated by a red LED. If a game was not analog-compatible, and was switched to analog mode, it simply wouldn't register any button presses or, in some cases, the PlayStation would consider the controller to be detached.

The ability to emulate Sony's own FlightStick by pressing the "Analog" button a second time to reveal a green LED (this was commonly referred to as "FlightStick Mode") provided a less expensive alternative to the FlightStick Analog Joystick and retailed for an average of $35 compared to the Flightstick's retail price of $70.

MechWarrior 2, Ace Combat 2, Descent Maximum, and Colony Wars were among the short list of FlightStick compatible games.

Distinguishing features

Clockwise from top left, DualShock, Dual Analog Controller and original PlayStation control pad.

Downwards from top, original PlayStation control pad, Dual Analog Controller and DualShock.

The Dual Analog Controller features several aspects that remain unique only to it, and were scrapped or redesigned for the release of Sony's DualShock controller.

• Only the Japanese version features a vibration feedback function (not to be confused with the DualShock's dual-motor feedback, this controller only has one motor and is rumored to be faulty and capable of damaging the PlayStation itself). The US version of the controller is simply missing the rumble motor. The US controller does have circuitry and mounts for a rumble motor, and installing the motor is a simple process. Due to a lack of vibration-compatible games at the time, the U.S. and European versions were not shipped with rumble feedback and, as a result, weigh significantly less than their overseas counterpart - and fall somewhere between the weights of the standard digital controller and the DualShock.
• The Japanese version was available in both gray and black, while the U.S. and European versions were only available in gray.
• The hand grips are 1.5 cm longer than the original PlayStation controller and the later DualShock controller. The body of the controller is also wider, spacing the pads slightly farther apart. This wider controller body has been retained on the DualShock and all later PlayStation controllers.
• The analog sticks have a concave design and are made completely of plastic, with no rubber grips on top.
• The L2 and R2 buttons have ridges at the top edge to easily distinguish them from the L1 and R1 buttons and are spaced farther apart than the original controller or DualShock.
• In addition to the standard digital mode and the regular "red LED" Analog mode, there is a third mode that emulates the layout of Sony's own PlayStation Analog Joystick, and is indicated by a green LED. This is commonly referred to as "Flightstick Mode."
• The "Analog" button, used for switching modes, is raised instead of recessed like the DualShock's button and can more easily be hit accidentally while playing a game.
• The Analog mode cannot be changed or locked by software, this feature was introduced with the DualShock controller.
• The Dual Analog's rumble circuit will not respond to PlayStation 2 software, even with a rumble motor installed.

External links

• "Was this long-lost relative of the Dual Shock a better controller?" by The Next Level.
• ncsx.com product page
• Review by vidgames.com