PlayStation Analog Joystick

PlayStation Analog Joystick

Sony's Analog Joystick (SCPH-1110)
Developer	Sony Computer Entertainment
Manufacturer	Sony
Type	Video game controller
Generation	Fifth generation era
Lifespan	April 1996

The PlayStation Analog Joystick (SCPH-1110) is Sony's first analog controller for the PlayStation, and is the precursor to the PlayStation Dual Analog Controller. It is often incorrectly referred to as the "Sony Flightstick" (not to be confused with the Flightstick line of joysticks for PlayStation consoles by third-party peripheral manufacturer Hori).

History

Announced to the public in August 1995, the Analog Joystick was released to the public in Japan in early April 1996.

Features

The Analog Joystick used potentiometer technology previously used on consoles such as the Vectrex; instead of relying on binary eight-way switches, the controller can detect minute angular changes through the entire range of motion. The stick also features a thumb-operated digital hat switch on the right joystick, corresponding to the traditional D-pad, and used for instances when simple digital movements were necessary.

A compatibility mode for the Analog Joystick was included in the Dual Analog Controller, Sony's first analog revision of its original gamepad design.

PS1 games that support the PS1 Analog Joystick have an "Analog Joystick Compatible" icon on the back cover.

The Analog Joystick has a switch to select either Analog or Digital mode. When in the Digital mode, both sticks function as the gamepad on a regular PS1 controller. Older PS1 games that do not support the PS1 DualShock sticks can work with the Analog Joystick.

List of games with Analog Joystick support

PlayStation

• Ace Combat 2 & 3
• Armored Trooper Votoms (Japan)
• Asteroids
• Atari Anniversary Edition Redux
• Atari Collection 2 (Paperboy, RoadBlasters, Marble Madness)
• Bogey Dead 6 ( Japan as Sidewinder / Europe as Raging Skies) released at the same time as the Analog Joystick
• Centipede
• Car & Driver Grand Tour Racing '98
• Choro Q Jet: Rainbow Wings (Japan)
• Colony Wars (Series, but not Red Sun)
• Cyberia
• Descent and Descent 2 (Descent Maximum on the PlayStation)
• Digital Glider Airman (Japan)
• Elemental Gearbolt
• EOS: Edge of Skyhigh (Japan)
• Formula 1 97 (known as Formula 1 Championship Edition in USA and Canada)
• Galaxian 3 (Japan & Europe)
• Independence Day (video game)
• Macross Digital Mission VF-X (Japan)
• Macross Digital Mission VF-X 2 (Japan)
• MDK
• MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat (Arcade Combat Edition)
• Midway Arcade´s Greatest Hits 2 (useful in Blaster)
• Missile Command
• Namco Museum Vol. 4 (Assault and Assault Plus only)
• Newman / Haas Racing
• Pilot Ni Narou! (Japan) (Europe as Wing Over 2)
• Project Gaiairy (Japan)
• Rise 2: Resurrection
• R/C Stunt Copter
• Shadow Master
• Sidewinder 2
• Slamscape
• Steel Reign
• The Need for Speed (supports digital mode only)
• Top Gun: Fire at Will
• Treasures of the Deep
• Vigilante 8
• Gunship
• Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom
• Zero Pilot (Japan)

PlayStation 2

• R-Type Final (Both Analog and Digital mode)
• XG3: Extreme G Racing (Both Analog and Digital Mode)

There are other PS2 games that also can use the PS1 Analog Joystick, but only in Digital Mode. Metal Slug Anthology, Gradius III, Gradius IV Fukkatsu and other games that normally use just the Gamepad and Buttons for controls. XGIII: Extreme G Racing is the only PS2 game that utilizes true Analog with the Analog Joystick. The further the stick is pushed, the more the motorcycle will lean.

Reception

GamePro's The Rat Baron praised the controller for its comfort, tight control, button layout, and analog movement, though he expressed doubt that most gamers would go for it given the high price tag.

Other

The Analog Joystick can be connected to the PC via a USB adapter and also via a DirectPad Pro style parallel port interface which can be accessed under Windows using the DirectPad or other drivers. The Allegro library provides the same functionality for developers.