D U A L S H O C K 2 F A Q

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D U A L S H O C K 2 F A Q
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FAQ for the Playstation 2 Dual Shock 2 Controller
Version 1.0
Model: SCPH-10010
By: "A" Tadeo
Created: May 8, 2001
Date last Updated: n/a
Mail me at: [email protected]
Home Page: http://surf.to/aaronph

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INTRODUCTION
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Greetings again! Here I am exploring new horizons again. I’ll just explain to
you what you need to know about the Sony Playstation 2 Dual Shock 2
Controller (SCPH-10010). How to use it and how to take care of it for your
gaming pleasure. Hopefully, I’ll be able to go as in-depth as I can to
explain it. If ever I commit any mistake, please feel free to send in your
corrections/suggestions. They will be most welcome.

Now, my goals in writing this FAQ is to let owners of PS2s to have a greater
experience by knowing more about the Dual Shock 2 Controller. Take note that
I’m putting everything in my own words. That means, I’ll be explaining almost
everything from experience. Also, the layout I’ll be using would be
Frequently Asked Questions Style. Here we go.

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CONTENTS
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I. Updates/Revisions
II. The Dual Shock 2 Controller
A. Why is it called Dual Shock 2?
B. How do I use it?
C. What does Analog Control mean?
D. What does Analog Buttons mean?
E. How do I know if I have an Original Controller?
F. Some issues regarding the Dual Shock 2 Controller
1. Third-party Controllers
2. Compatibility
3. Warranty
III. Taking Care of your Controller/Troubleshooting
IV. Credits and Acknowledgements

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THE DUAL SHOCK 2 CONTROLLER
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Manufacturer: Sony
For use with: Sony Playstation 2 (tm) Console, Sony Playstation and PS One
Consoles
Model no: SCPH-10010 u / 97026
Retail Price: $24.99

WHY IS IT CALLED DUAL SHOCK 2
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Just like its predecessor, the Dual Shock controller for the PS, the Dual
Shock 2 controller features vibration function and analog controls for the
Sony Playstation 2 Console. But then, the Dual Shock 2 looks the same as the
Dual Shock controller. They both have 2 Analog Sticks, X, Triangle, Square,
Circle, L and R buttons and a D-Pad all in the same location. The only
difference is the Analog Buttons (see its section below).

HOW DO I USE THE CONTROLLER?
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It’s quite simple, just plug in your Controller in the Controller Slot 1 or 2
at the front of the console. 2 Grips are available for comfort in playing and
the buttons are well-placed so that you’ll have easy access to all of them.
Now, with regards to the games, you can easily customize them (on most games)
within the game itself. If you want to switch to Analog Control, press the
Analog button in the center of the controller. The LED display will light up
beneath the button.

WHAT DOES ANALOG CONTROL MEAN?
==============================

Analog controls will give you much stability and precision in your games.
Example, your character in a game will walk if you slightly push the analog
stick and runs when you push the stick all the way. Most likely, the Analog
functions work in harmony with the Directional Pad. Let’s say you move using
the D-Pad and change the camera view using the Analog Stick.

WHAT DOES ANALOG BUTTON MEAN?
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This is a cool feature of the Dual Shock 2 Controller. Just like the Analog
Sticks, the Analog Buttons (X, Triangle, Square, etc.) will give you much
precision while playing. A perfect example would be racing games, where how
hard you press the button determines how the gas pedal is forced down. Unlike
in the PS, the buttons will only function 2 ways. Either activated or not.
The PS2 will let you take absolute control of the game. Although this is only
a supported feature, some games may not utilize it.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE AN ORIGINAL CONTROLLER?
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First of all, consider where you bought your Controller. If you bought it
from respectable stores (or online stores for that matter) you need not
worry. Samples are Toys ‘r Us, Electronics Boutique, Amazon.com, and much
more.

Now, to know if your controller is an original by looking at the controller
and packaging itself, you can do it in many ways. First, Original controllers
comes with your PS2 consoles so if you have only one controller, it’s an
original one if it came from the console. Now, for retail controllers (those
that are sold separately), you can check it packaging by looking at the Sony
logo as well as the Playstation logos. You should also check the Model
number. The model number is SCPH-10010. Also, buying from friends or other
non-retail or wholesale person may net you a controller that isn’t original.
So, don’t be afraid to ask if it is an original one and ask them a proof that
it is definitely an original one.

SOME ISSUES REGARDING DUAL SHOCK 2 CONTROLLERS
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1. Third Party Controllers
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Right now, there are lots of third-party companies that make Dual Shock 2
controllers. Examples are Nyko, Pelican, Mad Catz, etc. These controllers
have their own design and thus they have their own advantages and
disadvantages from the Original Dual Shock 2.

Some advantages are Turbo Functions that enables your button to be pressed
numerous times by just holding the button. Another advantage is the
programmable function. You can program a button to function as 2 or more
buttons pressed at the same time. One more advantage is that some Controllers
are remote controlled so you can just relax and finally forget worrying about
tripping the cord of the controller. But most likely, the controls are
sluggish. That’s the disadvantage. Another disadvantage would be comfort.
Some controllers (no offense) are designed improperly and will give you
discomfort in holding them. Examples are: buttons are far away from each
other, the grips are too big, the grips are short, the buttons doesn’t work
sometimes, the Analog Controls aren’t precise, and sometimes the rubber of
the buttons wear out quickly.

It would hurt to buy third-party controller as they give new ideas on how to
control your game. What’s not good is to buy bootleg controllers. Those that
try to copy the Dual Shock 2. First, they aren’t supported by Sony in any
way, and most likely their performance is very much substandard.

2. Compatibility
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If you may ask, the Dual Shock 2 CAN be used, I repeat, can be used on your
Playstation or PS One consoles. It works pretty much the same except for the
fact that PS games aren’t capable of Analog button function as the PS2 does.
But you can just take it for fun and try it on your PS. =)

3. Warranty
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The Memory Card has a 90-day warranty from Sony. It is stated that it is only
applicable in the US or Canada only and factory defects are the only ones
covered by the warranty. Accidents aren’t covered in most cases but it’s rare
(examples are: when you have your Controller shipped through a Courier
Service and the damage was incurred during its delivery).

What will void your warranty? Here are some instances. Opening up the
controller and modifying or replacing the contents of the controller,
accidents such are tripped cord (by tripping from it or cutting it
deliberately) and button wear out. Basically, just do what the Dual Shock 2
is intended for and you’ll be just fine. Dual Shock and Dual Shock 2s are
known for longevity.

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TAKING CARE OF YOUR CONTROLLER
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Proper care of your Playstation 2 Dual Shock 2 Controller will ensure long
life. I’ll enumerate everything in this section according to what you should
do and what you must not do.

Things you should do...
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1. Before playing, plug in your controller firmly and gently in and out the
controller port of the Playstation 2 console.
2. When storing your PS2, remove the controller from the controller port.
3. Keep it in a safe place after usage where it has room temperature.
4. Placing the controller in the case or inside the PS2 box is also
advisable.

Things that you must not do are...
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1. Do not yank the controller by the cord.
2. Do not forcefully plug-in or pull-out the controller from the port.
3. Do not experiment on opening up your controller and mess around with
what’s inside.
4. Do not dump/submerge it in liquids.
5. Do not try to cut the cord at any time.
6. Don’t throw your controller or step on it when you lose.
7. Finally, do not try to cut the cord and do something that will enable it
on other systems.

As you can see there are a more things that you should not do than the things
you should do. There your have it, just follow these and I’m sure your Dual
Shock 2 Controller will live a happy long life.

TROUBLESHOOTING
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Sometimes the inevitable happens and something weird happen to your
controller. There are lots of things involved here and I’ll list the most
common problems you might encounter.

Problem: The controls aren’t responding
Probable Causes: The controller is not plugged-in correctly. The controller
is damaged. You forgot to initialize the button setting for this
particular game.
Solution: Check that the controller is firmly placed in the controller port
and the best way to check if it is damaged is to test it in the
menu of the Sony Playstation 2. If it works, try to set the button
configuration in your game.

Problem: My controller doesn’t fit in the controller port
Probable Causes: You’re using a non-PS2 controller
Solution: Read the manual of your controller and make sure it is compatible
with your console.

Problem: The controls are sluggish and respond quite late
Probable Causes: The controller may be worn-out
Solution: First, check with various games if the controller is still
sluggish. If it is, then there’s a possibility that you need a
replacement for your controller. Of course, this happens very
rarely and will be likely to occur after years of usage.

Problem: The vibration function doesn’t work
Probable Causes: The controller is damaged, you didn’t activate the vibration
function in a particular game you’re playing.
Solution: Check if you enabled the vibration function within the game you’re
playing. Take note that some does not support vibration function.
If it is enabled and the controller doesn’t vibrate during times
when it should be, the controller is most likely to be already
worn-out. You may need to buy a new controller to have a vibration
function.

Problem: The cord accidentally fell off, or cut
Probable Causes: accidents or the one you bought is substandard
Solution: When the cord is cut, you can still repair it yourself by
connecting the different wires with matching colors. If it doesn’t
work, you’ll need to buy a new controller. Also, some bootleg, or
even third-party controllers, have substandard controller where the
wires aren’t attached correctly and might induce the falling off of
your controller’s cord.

Problem: My Dual Shock 2 doesn’t work on my PS
Probable Causes: Third-party or bootleg controllers
Solution: This happens mostly on third-party or bootleg controllers. So my
advice is, use an original one from Sony.

Problem: The Analog stick doesn’t work and the indicator isn’t lit
Probable Causes: The controller is damaged. You forgot to activate the analog
function.
Solution: Check the Analog function of your sticks on various games and
configure them to use Analog controls. If you can’t activate it in
the game, or even by pressing the button in the indicator, your
controller’s analog functions might be defective. But most of the
time, when this happens, you can still use the other buttons.

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CREDITS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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- Very Special thanks to Sony for bringing to us the best gaming console and
for their excellent Dual Shock 2 controller, now with Analog Buttons.

- And last but absolutely not the least, thanks to GameFAQs where you can
view and download this FAQ. CjayC deserves all the credits given to him.
Congratulations!

These are all that I would like to thank as of now. If I happen to forget
anyone, please inform me. I’ll check it out on my inbox if you really have
something to be credited (I never delete important ones). Note, that if there
are same info sent to me, it is on a first come first serve basis. Any
suggestions, comments, additions, etc. will be duly credited to you once
you’ve submitted one to me through my e-mail address written at the very top
of this FAQ. Thank you very much!

Playstation 2, Playstation, PS One and their accessories(tm)
Are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment

All other images and instances are registered trademarks
of their respective owners

The Unofficial Sony Playstation 2 Memory Card FAQ
May 8, 2001, "A" Tadeo