Controllers & Memory Cards

* What's a Dual Shock 2 controller and how is it different from a Dual Shock controller?

Dual Shock 2 is the official controller for the PlayStation 2. The Dual Shock 2 controller features vibration function and analog controls for the PS2. The only difference between the original Dual Shock and the Dual Shock 2 is the Analog Buttons, and the black color of the Dual Shock 2.

* Can I add more than 2 controllers to the PlayStation 2?

Yes, but you'll have to use a PlayStation 2 compatible Multi Tap adapter. The Multi Tap adapter allows you to use 1 to 4 PlayStation 2 controllers simultaneously so you can play any game that supports over 2 players. The Multi Tap plugs in either controller port, which means two Multi Taps could easily be used for games that support up to 8 people. The Multi Tap is compatible with many PlayStation multi-player titles.

* What other types of controllers are available for the PlayStation 2?

Many games cannot be played to their capacity with the regular Dual Shock 2 controller. These games require specialized controllers, the most common of which are mentioned below:

Racing Wheel: As the name suggests, the wheel is the best and arguably the most user-friendly way to play racing games. The wheel is usually shaped like a regular car steering wheel and sometimes comes with pedals and gear attachments for true-to-life racing feel.

Light Gun: The light gun can be used with arcade shooting games like Time Crisis 2 or other such shooting games. To use it all you need to do is aim on your TV screen and pull the trigger at the targets. Many light guns come with enhancements like turbo fire and auto-reload functions.

Dance Mat: Music games such as Dance Dance Revolution or Britney's Dance Beat can be turned to party games with these handy dance mats. All you need to do is match the screen instructions with the buttons on the mat and you'll find yourself playing and dancing with the game.

Keyboard + Mouse: The USB ports on the PS2 support most standard usb Keyboards and mice (compatibility issues may arise with a few brands). You can use these devices for playing selected first person shooters like Red Faction 2.

EyeToy: Sony's recently launched EyeToy is basically a USB camera that comes bundled with 12 mini-games. With the help of the camera you can put yourself in the EyeToy compatible games and physically interact with them.

*What's a memory card for?

A memory card is an 8 MB flash memory unit which allows you to save your game's settings and game progress on.

*Can I use PlayStation (PSone) memory cards on the PlayStation 2?

Only if you're playing a PSone game.