DualShock

The DualShock (also DUALSHOCK or Dual Shock ) is the standard controller of the Sony PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and after the production of the Sixaxis and the PlayStation 3 He was released in Japan in late 1997 with the Gran Turismo ( in USA and Europe in May 1998 ) was introduced as an optional accessory and adopted as a standard for the PlayStation little later. It replaced the dual analog controller, which from the outside looks the same, but still has no vibration feature.

The vibration function is intended to complement the visual impressions, but was first met with skepticism from the players. However, they ultimately convinced by the novel for the PlayStation game feeling.

Grope

He offers four main buttons ( X, Circle, Square, Triangle ), which are mounted in a circle. These keys are also used in most games with the main action. In addition to actions usually with the four shoulder buttons (L1, L2, R1, R2) are executed. For directional control of the DualShock offers a 4 -way control cross. Diagonal movements are possible by simultaneously pressing two buttons. After Nintendo after a long secrecy the N64 controller presented and thus introduced the joystick, Sony responded to this idea and did Nintendo equal; However, Sony built two analog sticks, which are controlled with the thumb. The keys are achieved L3 and R3 Pressing the two analog sticks yet.

Technology

In DualShock two vibration motors are used, hence the name DualShock. A little bit louder engine, similar to those used in a pager or cell phone, and a second somewhat stronger, similar to the one in Rumble Pak by Nintendo. These engines bring small metal weights for rotating, and the imbalance of these weights brings the Controller to vibrate. The advantages of the DualShock against the Rumble Pak are located in the power supply, which is secured in the DualShock through the PlayStation itself, in the Rumble Pak only by batteries.

The idea of ​​the vibration was from Nintendo with the Rumble Pak as early as April 1997 ( Europe: October 1997) marketed, integration directly into the controller but was not accepted until the GameCube.

DualShock 2

In conjunction with the release of the PlayStation 2 was also improved, second version of the dual Hocks. The structure is identical. He only has larger shoulder buttons, two additional levels of vibration and the buttons are pressure sensitive, but this is used only in very few games. The color was changed from gray to black.

DualShock 3

Sony introduced in November 2007 in Japan, the successor to the DualShock 2 controller for the PlayStation 3 one who has, unlike the Sixaxis back on a vibration function. Since July 2008, the DualShock 3 is also available in Europe. However, since the Sixaxis features are included, stands on the controller of both the DualShock 3 - as well as the Sixaxis lettering. The rumble effect equivalent in strength to that of the DualShock 2, since the same engines are used. The battery life may shorten depending use the vibration function, however, is still at about 27 to 31 hours.

Some games that are already in the introduction on the market (eg Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction or Burnout: Paradise ) had support for the DualShock 3 already programmed, some could also be submitted as part of a software update ( for example in Motorstorm ). However, a prerequisite for supporting the DualShock 3 is at least firmware version 1.94.

DualShock 4

On February 20, 2013, the DualShock 4 controller was presented with the first data of PlayStation 4 in New York. The new controller stands out both visually and technically relatively strongly on its predecessors. The two analog sticks have been revised for a better grip, the back is rubberized and at the rear side of the controller is now a glowing plastic surface which is to serve for better differentiation of the controller or more players and also can display the state of the battery. Another new feature is the "share" button, which automatically enables recorded gameplay provide the Internet or stream the current game. Also new is a touch pad in the center of the controller.