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Converting a PSX Controller for PC Use

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the rolling-your-own dept.

BigMan writes "Anyone that has ever used a Playstation pad will think they are great, but I long ago stopped using my Playstation and haven't touched a console in a while. I much prefer the gameplay and graphics of PC games, but a keyboard just doesn't cut it on driving games. So I set about converting my Playstation pad to work on a PC. There are several converters that cost around $6 to $15, but being a student in search of a part time job I am reluctant to spend the money and it's more satisfying to do the mod yourself."

73 comments

  1. FP! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Awwww.. My first First_Post ever! Praise BOB!

  2. I'm not sure I'd call this cost-effective. by Future+Man+3000 · · Score: 5, Insightful
    If you've gone through three PSX controllers before you got this to work, I'm going to go through something like five.

    I appreciate the pioneering spirit here, but these things are far too expensive as it is. For the price of another controller I can get a peripheral that'll hook it to the computer.

    --

    I never vote for anyone. I always vote against.
    -- W.C. Fields

    1. Re:I'm not sure I'd call this cost-effective. by Anonvmous+Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      "I appreciate the pioneering spirit here, but these things are far too expensive as it is. For the price of another controller I can get a peripheral that'll hook it to the computer."

      You have been found guilty of behaviour unbefittinng of a geek. I hereby demote you to spaz. Please leave your geek badge at the door, and remove your Slashdot account immediately.

    2. Re:I'm not sure I'd call this cost-effective. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      As the article says, modifying an extension cord is a better idea than modding the controller. It looks like two of the controllers were just not compatible with the circuit. If you modded an extension cord, you could just keep trying until you find one that works.

      The file Documentation/input/joystick-parport.txt in the Linux source tree (2.4.21, and other versions too) has documentation on hooking up various controller types, including a slightly different PSX circuit (which doesn't require molex connectors).

      It's easy enough to find an old controller you can wreck (NES, SNES, Atari, Genesis, etc.) - they go for cheap at garage sales, flea markets, and used game stores. It's a fun project and it's well worth it if you ever use emulators - but you're right, it's not practical if you're just looking for a generic input device.

    3. Re:I'm not sure I'd call this cost-effective. by Kethinov · · Score: 2, Interesting

      It's cheaper, easier, and quicker to just buy a USB Gravis Gamepad Pro. It's identical to a PS controller minus the analog sticks. But who uses those analog sticks anyway? Their positioning on the controller sucks, just like XBox's. Port a GC controller to the PC and THEN I'll be impressed.

      --
      You're right, I wouldn't steal a car. But if it were possible, I sure as hell would download one!
    4. Re:I'm not sure I'd call this cost-effective. by PainKilleR-CE · · Score: 1

      Or you could just buy a USB converter for the PS1/2 control pads...

      Now that's something I might like to build just for fun, but hacking the end off a controller's cable just doesn't do it for me unless the controller is for a system I no longer have.

      --
      -PainKilleR-[CE]
    5. Re:I'm not sure I'd call this cost-effective. by Kethinov · · Score: 1

      That's true. Kind of like the N64 Adaptoid. But even still, the Gravis controller requires no special interfaces and, imo, is better.

      --
      You're right, I wouldn't steal a car. But if it were possible, I sure as hell would download one!
    6. Re:I'm not sure I'd call this cost-effective. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Port a GC controller to the PC and THEN I'll be impressed.

      There's a USB adaptor, but I haven't seen any homebrew circuits yet.

  3. Expense by SilentSheep · · Score: 2, Interesting
    Makes me wonder how much it cost him to do it.

    Couldn't have been a lot less than $15 !!!

    Seems like a bit of a waste of time/money!
    --
    .
  4. My thoughts... by vasqzr · · Score: 1


    I've never cared for the Playstation controller. You can't rocker the d-pad because it's 4 buttons and not a true cross. I never liked the 'ergonomic' handles on it either.

    You can buy a USB gravis game pad that is very similar for about $10 on eBay. I've got a couple of them laying around. 4 USB game pads and one copy of NHL 2001 makes for some fun.

    1. Re:My thoughts... by Tadrith · · Score: 1

      Technically, the PS2 controller is a cros - it's just that the points of it are raised, and the connections are underneath the casing.

    2. Re:My thoughts... by kisrael · · Score: 1

      A lot of people aren't crazy about the positioning of the analog sticks, myself included. Not the happiest thumb angle for long term play.

      --
      SO YOU'RE GOING TO DIE: The Comic for Dealing with Death
  5. Thats not new. by mnmn · · Score: 0, Interesting

    There were sites online I saw around 1997 that detailed rewiring Atari 2600 controllers, you know the ones with a stick in the middle of a square box and one red button, they hooked two of those using a PC Y-connector to play them on the PC.

    Recently I saw some people alter Sega Genesis controllers to work on the same PC running KGens etc to emulate sega games so they could play the same games on their PCs. Newer Genesis emulators allow two players to play multiplayer across the Internet, if they hooked their TVs on both sides of the Atlantic to their PCs, and use Genesis controllers to play Mortal Kombat3 multiplayer, that would be cool.

    And if someone can get a Genesis emulator to run on a PDA and hook up the controller to run off of it, and physically fix the PDA right on top of the controller to make a new kind of GBA, now THAT would be cool.

    You're accomplishments are not.

    --
    "Give orange me give eat orange me eat orange give me eat orange give me you." -Nim Chimpsky
    1. Re:Thats not new. by Anonvmous+Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

      "You're accomplishments are not."

      WTF? The guy wasn't trying to do anything new here, he was trying to learn. In doing so, he documented his progress for all to see. I'm not normally one to go ripping things apart, but I was actually half tempted to buy a used PS controller and try this myself. Is it really such a bad thing that he inspired one to learn how to reverse engineer?

      This isn't one of those articles where you say "he could have done it cheaper!" Appreciate it for what it is, not for what it doesn't do for you.

    2. Re:Thats not new. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      *Your

    3. Re:Thats not new. by Kris_J · · Score: 1

      I've got two 9-pin digital joystick ports on my PCI Catweasel Mk 3, I just wish some Windows drivers would be written for them.

  6. Just get a PC joypad by tessaiga · · Score: 3, Informative

    There's tons of PC joypads these days that emulate the look and feel of a Playstation controller very well these days. They're usually around the same price or cheaper, and they come with well-written software drivers and other goodies like keyboard emulation for games that don't directly support gamepads. (Which, fortunately, aren't that many anymore.)

    For example, I have Belkin's N45, which buy.com has for just $16. Been working great for 2 years now, no complaints, and I don't really notice any difference switching between it and a PS2 controller. Plus it plugs in out of the box, no rewiring skills required :) I'm sure there are many other brands that are just as good.

    There are several converters that cost around $6 to $15, but being a student in search of a part time job I am reluctant to spend the money and it's more satisfying to do the mod yourself."
    A quick check says Playstation controllers cost about $25 out of the box these days. This article seems like a cool HOW-TO and an interesting hack, but the article is more about the "geek factor" than being a cost-savings device.
    --
    The bold print giveth, and the fine print taketh away ...
    1. Re:Just get a PC joypad by StocDred · · Score: 1
      /. has the currency wrong. He's talking in pounds, not dollars.

      Regardless, I'm sick to death of the "poor college student" complaints.

      And I'm so glad to hear his dig against consoles. Shut the fcuk up.

    2. Re:Just get a PC joypad by M3wThr33 · · Score: 1

      I saw the n45 at Fry's for $20 and bought it in a heartbeat. Once I removed that stupid bar, I loved it even more. The best part is the d-pad.

      As for these mods, my ex-roommate did 3, only 2 were successful, and in the end it was more for fun than thriftiness since you still need more componnents than just that controller.

  7. Playstation pad great? by Tomah4wk · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Hmm .. i personally think it is horrific. The game cube and super nes (super famicom in us?) both have the best control pads of their eras, although for some games you just cant beat the arcades. Nothing will ever be as bad as that glove pad for the nes that the kid in wizard has, uggh what a nightmare.

    1. Re:Playstation pad great? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The Gamecube pad is horrible. The analog sticks are horrible in terms or response, ease on the fingers and positioning. The C analog being the worst because it doesn't really have a "hat". On top of that, the button layout totally annihilates the tradition diamond setup that was GREAT on the SNES controller and emulated in the PS and XBox controllers. Oh, and the triggers have too much pull for too little effect, where Xbox got triggers right (they just DUKED the rest of the controller though).

      I won't disagree about the SNES controller though. And you can NEVER say anything about the NES Advantage (the original). I would actually like to get ahold of one of these. It is bar none the best Arcade stick for a console ever.

    2. Re:Playstation pad great? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      his name is Lucas and its the Power Glove (ooohhh aaaahhhh) and he kicks ass at rad racer using it

    3. Re:Playstation pad great? by edwdig · · Score: 1

      If anything, the GameCube analag sticks are too responsive. Too many deaths in Monkey Ball due to that...

      If the left stick is misplaced, then I guess the main control on every controller made from at least the NES days is badly designed.

      The lack of a "hat" on the C stick can be good or bad. If the C stick was used as a main control, such as in a dual-analog control FPS, then I could see it being bad. But in most games it's just a camera control, or serves some other purpose where you're just going to hit it quick but need accuracy. It works very well in those situations.

      The button layout is great for a lot of games but terrible for a few. It's perfect for the types of games Nintendo makes. But it's not very good for fighting games. Or for 2D games. But the D-Pad is much more to blame for that than anything else. My biggest complaint about the button layout is they really should have had one for button.

      Oh, it's easy to talk badly about the NES Advantage. They broke very easily. I was given one for Christmas when I was young, barely used it, and it just suddenly stopped working. Took it for repair; cost $25. I remember the repairman said it was pretty common to have to fix them. Worked for a few more months then stopped working again. Never bothered to get it fixed again. Wonder what it would cost nowadays...

    4. Re:Playstation pad great? by NonSequor · · Score: 1

      I was a bit worried about adapting to playing Soulcalibur 2 with a GameCube controller but I ended up getting the hang of it pretty fast. Now I can do everything I could do in the arcade, plus some things are now even easier (partly because at the arcade they bought new joysticks for the Soulcalibur machine and the orientation of the axes doesn't seem quite right to me).

      --
      My only political goal is to see to it that no political party achieves its goals.
    5. Re:Playstation pad great? by MMaestro · · Score: 1
      "super nes (super famicom in us?)"

      Other way around. The Super NES was the name used in the U.S. The Super Famicom was the name in Japan.

      As for the Playstation controller, the first ones with analog or force feedback were HORRID for people with medium to large hands and the odd shape isn't easy for young children to pick up on. All the Playstation controller did was add two more shoulder buttons and extended out grip handles without improving the internal contruction. (I've actually snapped one in half while playing Twisted Metal 2, needless to say my friend got pissed at me)

    6. Re:Playstation pad great? by Afrosheen · · Score: 1

      You must be one of those "Jump, Mario, Jump!" guys that rock back and forth and throw the controller up every time you play a platforming/jumping game. Cracks me up every time. :)

  8. Well... by vasqzr · · Score: 1


    This article seems like a cool HOW-TO and an interesting hack, but the article is more about the "geek factor" than being a cost-savings device.

    Hint: You're reading www.slashdot.org

  9. pointless!!!! by matt.hacker · · Score: 0

    whats the point of wasting conrtollers or spending money converting them when you can spend 15 on a USB converter to plug in 2 PS2 controllers and use them on your PC!!!!!! I dont get it! :o|

  10. Playstation controller usability issues by specialJay · · Score: 2, Interesting

    From a usability standpoint, the Playstation controller leaves a lot to be desired. I would rather see someone adapt one of Nintendo's controllers due to Ninty's adherence to more usability guidelines.

    For example, the buttons on the Playstation controller are marked with an X, O, Square, Triangle and are arranged in a cross configuration. One usability guideline says to "Minimize the user's memory load"... now which symbol goes logically on the north, east, south, and west points of the cross? A casual user is unlikely to be able to know unless they have spent a lot of time with it and have memorized the configuration. This is unnecessary user memory load when compared to Nintendo's controllers which use a much more intuitive button labeling scheme and arrangement. Less to remember = easier to use.

    --
    Jay Bibby reviews Flash and casual Web games at... http://jayisgames.com
    1. Re:Playstation controller usability issues by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I really don't see how labelling matters. A symbol is a symbol, whether it's a letter (which is a symbol) or a square. About the only thing it ever made difficult was writing texts with codes where 'X' and 'Y on a keyboard and 'Square' and 'Triangle' are not.

      It's 4 buttons and after an hour I don't even think about 'hit "square" now' so much as 'hit the shot button' and after an even longer amount of time, it's not even thought depenging on the game.

    2. Re:Playstation controller usability issues by Firehawke · · Score: 1

      Eh, I'd have to say the SNES controller was good for that.. but definitely NOT the Gamecube one. You've got the Z button in a counter-intuitive location, X and Y are irritating to work with (they both interfere with the use of B), and B is a hair too small. Then, on top of this, make the controller have a completely useless dpad.

      No, thanks, just give me the SNES or PSX controller-- they're a HELL of a lot more universal.

    3. Re:Playstation controller usability issues by baerwb · · Score: 1

      Yeah, but the GCN controller doesn't use symbols, the buttons themselves actually feel different and are shaped or beveled differently. Much more user friendly...but I still like the feel and control of the PS2 controller more.

    4. Re:Playstation controller usability issues by PainKilleR-CE · · Score: 1

      Assuming that a game is developed (or at least ported) with the controller in mind:

      x
      b A y

      A is obviously larger, being the most important button, the one you're going to use the most, and where your thumb naturally rests. b acts like a cancel button or usually does a 'destructive' action. x and y are only used occasionally, but are still nearby and easy to get to. The buttons aren't really meant to be used in combination, but can be (though the best combinations will always be A with another button or a trigger with any button).

      Given z's placement, it's rarely used for anything important, it almost seems like an after-thought.

      I'm also still not sure why they got rid of the 'select' button.

      The D-pad isn't meant to be used to control movement, but rather to navigate menus. It works very well as a 4-directional controller, but not for much else. Could be bigger (at least on the Wavebird, I have never used any other controller on my GC, and only used someone else's GC for about an hour before I decided to buy one myself).

      As for the Z button's placement being counter-intuitive, I'm not sure about that. The triggers are in a very intuitive spot, and the Z button, the after-thought that it seems to be, is simply right above the R trigger. It's fairly easy to get to, but does require repositioning of the right index finger (hence it's use is usually more like the use of the Select button on the older Nintendo controllers when in-game, though it's pretty much not used in menus).

      Actually, now that I think about it a bit more, the D-pad often takes the place of the select button in menus, giving you a bit more control while still performing the same function.

      In any case, the GC controller bothered me for a little while, but after playing a few games I found that the layout works much better in terms of knowing where things are without checking the controller or hitting the wrong button. I would say that the Wavebird could use a slightly better outward angle on the grips, but most of the time I don't notice a problem (unlike, say, the DC controller which gave me all kinds of problems, though the 3rd party controller I bought for the DC has a sticky trigger).

      The PSX controller is the only one I still use a D-pad on, and that's just because the analog stick is less responsive (than the others) and in a really bad position.

      The biggest problems with the GC controller seem to be with multi-console games that don't really seem to have taken the controller into account. This is one of the reasons why I buy most of my multi-console games for the XBox, I've got plenty of good titles for the GC without having to deal with people not thinking their ports through, whereas I've got 2 titles on the XBox that I really consider great titles that I can't get somewhere else.

      --
      -PainKilleR-[CE]
    5. Re:Playstation controller usability issues by edwdig · · Score: 1

      Given z's placement, it's rarely used for anything important, it almost seems like an after-thought.

      It was an afterthought. Nintendo only added it because developers kept insisting on it. Developers actually wanted 2 more buttons, but they only were able to convince Nintendo to add 1.

      If you dig around in IGN's archives, you'll see a mockup of the Cube controller they created several months before Nintendo officially showed it off. They made it from descriptions developers gave them. It's almost exactly like the final one, except the B button is shaped like the X and Y buttons, and there is no Z button.

    6. Re:Playstation controller usability issues by nicksthings · · Score: 1

      Maybe you're right, but can you, or anyone else for that matter, explain why the NES/SNES/GB/ETC controllers have buttons that have the "B" on the left and the "A" on the right? I mean, what the hell. You talk about intuitive, but the last time I looked at the alphabet, "A" came before "B!" Same goes for the X and the Y. I mean...snuh?

    7. Re:Playstation controller usability issues by specialJay · · Score: 1

      If you think about the placement of the "A" and "B" buttons with respect to where the finger pressing those buttons actually rests, you will understand the logic of the placement. "A" is the first letter, it's also the primary button, "B" is secondary and therefore a stretch from where the finger's primary rest position is. Same goes for the "X" and "Y" buttons.

      It's not about reading left to right... it's all about the finger position, primary and secondary, when you've got your hands on a controller.

      --
      Jay Bibby reviews Flash and casual Web games at... http://jayisgames.com
    8. Re:Playstation controller usability issues by wooger · · Score: 1

      I can't agrre more, I think the best pad so far was the N64 one.

      For me, the gamecube pad is just too small, and the buttons are neither numerous or uniform enough for, say, fighting games.

      The dual shock 2 has grown on me, and for timesplitters the dual analogue pads are fantastic (not as good as a mouse, but when everyone you are playing is in the same boat, it doesn't matter).

    9. Re:Playstation controller usability issues by mrvis · · Score: 1

      The difference isn't in the symbols. It's in the ordering. A Genesis controller has A, B, and C buttons. The only button you need to learn, then, is A. Once you get it, you got 'em all.

      For PSX, once you learn X, well, what the fuck is O?

  11. hmm by theNote · · Score: 1, Informative

    There a ton of controller clones at almost every decent computer store.

    They are very cheap.

    If you are dead set on hacking this thing, you may want to check out www.arcadecontrols.com

  12. hmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    cost saved by converting psx controller: $15
    bandwidth cost incurred by boasting of accomplishment on slashdot: $500

    heehee

  13. No by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1
    "Anyone that has ever used a Playstation pad will think they are great...
    Not true. Not true at all.

    The original PlayStation pad was a direct rip-off of the Super Nintendo pad. They put a couple of extra shoulder buttons on top and added those prong-grips to the back, but that's about the extent of it.

    Sure, they crammed a couple of analogue sticks onto it their ripped-off design few years later, but even then that was only in response to the analogue stick on the N64 control.

    But eh. I've used a PlayStation control, and they're not great. Not great at all.
    1. Re:No by Acidic_Diarrhea · · Score: 1

      Your argument is that because the design of the PS controller is not original, the controller is not "great." I believe that the person who submitted this article was referring to the feeling of the PS controller and how it worked for him/her, not the originality of the design. Because you cite no other problems with the controller, I'll have to reject your argument - I am sorry. The statement stands that the PS controller is, in fact, great. Would anyone else like to try to refute this?

      --
      I hate liberals. If you are a liberal, do not reply.
    2. Re:No by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, there's always the analog sticks. They're poorly positioned on the PS2. Why isn't the left stick over where the dpad is? Plus the sticks feel less precise than the other two consoles. And even when the sticks are released to return to the central position, they still register a very slight reading on the last direction they were pressed. Sony really needs to remake its controller.

  14. A non Paeallel port or destructive converter by UnderScan · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Some of the motherboard being sold today don't include a Parallel port.
    For US$15 Lik-Sang sells the "PS/PS2(TM)-PC USB Converter" make by a company called Boom.

    Product Features
    # Use Playstation Joypads on your PC (through USB interface)
    # Automatically turns on the PS controller in analog mode, no need to switch.
    # Supports Dual Shock function in games which support DirectX force feedback
    # Analog joystick resolution in 256 positions on each axis
    # Supports all buttons (4 axis analog joystick, 16 buttons)
    # compatible with Win 98 / 2000
    # Plug & Play, no additional power source required

    Description
    The PS Joy adapter lets you play PC games with a Playstation Joypad. Perfect for any emulation program such as Bleem or other.

    1. Re:A non Paeallel port or destructive converter by IIRCAFAIKIANAL · · Score: 1

      The adapter is here and I will also note that it works with dance mats using StepMania. A lot of adapters do not work with dance mats.

      I received mine about a week ago and it works great (have to turn off analog mode in Stepmania though!).

      $15 US is cheaper than ruining 2 controllers, so how poor was this college student again?....

      --
      Robots are everywhere, and they eat old people's medicine for fuel.
    2. Re:A non Paeallel port or destructive converter by cbirdsong64 · · Score: 1

      Shit, man, they have them for $10 at Radio Shack.

  15. Xbox controller by KevetS · · Score: 3, Informative

    I've gotten used to playing games with the xbox controller. It works great for playing any emulator and I've used it with GTA:VC for the PC and Midnight Club 2 for PC also (not to mention on the Xbox). All you need is an xbox controller, an xbox extension cable, and a usb cable. Strip the cover off the extension and usb cables and match up all the wires. The xbox has one extra wire that won't match up with the usb but other than that it's a pretty straightforward hack.

    Once you have the cable made, you just have to locate the driver for the xbox controller (I had a hard time finding it... can't think of the link right now - anyone want to post it here?) and voila! A usb xbox controller. If you've got a memory card for the xbox i think it shows up as a removeable drive since the xbox controller has a usb hub built-in.

    Of course, you could probably save some $ and pick up some el cheapo PC controller... but it's not quite as cool as using an xbox controller to play some mario kart 64 on your PC.

    --
    This is my United States of whatever.
    1. Re:Xbox controller by zaad · · Score: 1

      There's a page that describes the mod at http://www.llamma.com/xbox/Mods/xbox_controller_to _pc_usb.htm.

      The driver is available at http://sourceforge.net/projects/xboxhid/.

    2. Re:Xbox controller by jp8681 · · Score: 1

      X-box controllers are just to big. Playstation controllers fit in your hand pretty good.

    3. Re:Xbox controller by KevetS · · Score: 1

      The www.llama.com link is a good example of how to match up the wires to the USB cable but I think using a $9 xbox extension cord would give a better result as you wouldn't lose any functionality by performing the mod (ie. ripping apart the xbox to get a controller port to use. OR cutting the controller cable to splice into the USB cord).

      Or, if you're lazy... play-asia.com sells these cables pre-made.

      --
      This is my United States of whatever.
    4. Re:Xbox controller by Techiegeeks · · Score: 1

      I actually like the original XBox controller. It fits nicely in my hands.
      Of course I'm 6 foot 4.

  16. Get em cheap on the net by sketch7 · · Score: 1

    If you want a PSX-PC parallel port adapter, you can get them at Buynshop.com for 3.95. Here's the link. http://www.buynshop.com/productinfo/45/VG-PS-PS2PC 4/ I have one and it works great with my DDR pad as well as my PS controlelr.

  17. PS2 Controller by Carrion+Creeper · · Score: 1

    I bought a Soyo Kiky-X to play GTA3-VC on PC.

    Be careful, the driver won't let you remap axes, which is a problem for some games. You can do registry hacks to remap the axes with the directinput stuff or some such, but you cannot reverse directions of axes. I put my solution on usenet if you're curious. (grand theft auto vice city pc ps2 controller)

    The best solution I found for GTA3 was ps2 controller for driving and ps2 controller + trackball for walking.

  18. Johnny Cash - dead at 71 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I just heard th news on NPR - musician/singer/songwriter johnny cash was found dead this morning at his nashville hospital. there were other details. Even if you don't like to dress in black, there's no denying his contribution to country music. truly an americon idol.

  19. How about by Apreche · · Score: 1

    For less than the price of a PSX controller you can get a Gravis Gamepad Pro USB. Plug it into any USB PC and it just works, perfectly. And it's almost the same as a PSX controller too. I often see them for 15, 10, and sometimes even $5. Mine has lasted me 3 years so far, and it works with all my games. Highly reccomended, must have.

    --
    The GeekNights podcast is going strong. Listen!
  20. Holy cow, heh. by realdpk · · Score: 1

    I paid like $9 for my adapter, and I haven't looked back. It worked flawlessly and instantly as soon as I hooked it to my PC. I forget the brand unfortunately.

    Speaking of controllers, I highly recommend the Logitech 2.4Ghz wireless Playstation controllers for just about every type of game*. With a set of NiMH rechargables, they last practically forever (I've had the controllers for months and I've had to recharge the batteries twice).

    Logitech also makes a PC version of the controllers, but they have the same amount of buttons (in slightly different places), so if you have a PS*, you may as well get the PS version plus adapter.

    * The only ones I'd switch back to the stock PS2 controllers for would be fighting games which require precise d-pad control.

  21. Not sure this counts as news, really. by Fryed · · Score: 1

    This technique has been available for a long time, and fairly well known among emulator users. In fact, a great number of controllers can be converted to work with the PC, everything from the Turbo Grafx, to the Genesis, to every pre-Gamecube Nintendo controller (not sure about Gamecube, maybe there's even a way to do that by now). In fact, I posted links to how to accomplish the exact same thing in a slashdot discussion back in March

    That being said, this certain is a nice page the guy has put up, and the pictures of the work in progress are nice. For those of you who use Linux and went to his page, don't fear: this controller mod will also work with Linux, using the gamecon driver.

    1. Re:Not sure this counts as news, really. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You are quite right, this is not a new technique at all. Parallel port/PSX controller mods have been around since before even the non-dual shock analog controllers were introduced.

      But I guess if nobody else has heard of it, and they try it out, it might qualify as a "discovery." Kind of like Columbus "discovering" North America (or as he knew it, "India," heh) millennia after Asiatic nomads and even centuries after the damn Vikings.

  22. USB-PSX converters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I have a PS to USB adaptor from Level Six Once you get one of these things, is there a good program to map keyboard keys to each button or something? I can't change what my buttons are for in MAME and my street fighter buttons are screwed up.

  23. I agree -- PS controller stinks by sbma44 · · Score: 1
    the button layout is fine, but identical to the SNES. but the d-pad... ugh. that hard plastic led to some very sore thumbs during my THPS2 obsession. not a good controller. it just seems like a cheap copout, only slightly better than an oldschool NES controller.

    Call me a Nintendo fanboy if you'd like, but I think it's hard to argue that anyone makes better controllers. They may look weird, but the ergonomics have been very solid from the N64 on, and the wavebird is a pretty definitive answer to the wireless controller problem -- although it might not seem so impressive had there not been so many crappy attempts before it.

    1. Re:I agree -- PS controller stinks by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually Nintendo's ergonomics went out the window after SNES. There's a reason the Playstation is only slightly better than the SNES, it was a good design.

      The N64 having the worst controller next to the dreamcasts and xbox-duke (though I don't agree) in overall crappiness. The analog was in a very bad spot causing you to hold the controller awkwardly and adding weight when playing with D-pad. It excluded d-pad usage as well when using analog. Gamecube's is a step in the better direction, but they tossed out the wonderful cross style button layout they so greatly designed in the SNES. The triggers are bad, and the analogs are just horrible. They don't include buttons and are not 'hatted' properly (especially the C-stick). Then they killed the d-pad altogether, it's too small to control accurately and sore for the thumb. The only thing I'll give the Gamecube controller is that it fits 'roundly' into most everyone's hands. People I know with big hands struggle on the PS2 because it is typically smaller, and those with smaller hands have a hard time with the analogs on the PS2 and absolutely can't handle the XBox Duke.

      The wavebird is good though. I love that I got a cheap Gamecube ($60 platinum) with a wavebird so as not to clutter my entertainment center with more controller cords. Now if only there were good equivalents for the Xbox and PS2.

    2. Re:I agree -- PS controller stinks by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      well, to each their own I suppose. I still think the N64 controller was well executed. Sure it *looked* awkward when you used the analog stick, but it didn't *feel* awkward.

      I'm guessing you play a lot of fighting games -- am I very far off? Not a dig at you, I just tend to not use the d-pad much myself, largely because I suck at fighters. So being able to enter commands crisply is not a big priority for me -- hence I prefer the analog stick.

      When I did use it I found the N64's d-pad adequate. I will say, though, that the d-pad on the GC controller is nearly useless. Well suited to tasks like switching visor modes in Metroid Prime, but pretty lousy as a movement controller. And I do have some reservations about the triggers on the GC controller (still haven't gotten used to the z button placement...)

  24. Console Controller to Computers by m2h · · Score: 1

    The best place I find for hacks and tricks for console mods, and converters (ie. controllers, VGA hacks) is GameSX. The forums are great for new developments, or help in trying to attempt the mods.

    --
    misundstood by most, hated by some, loved by few.
  25. Radio Shack by SQLz · · Score: 1

    Radio Shack sells a PS2 to USB adapter for like $10.

    1. Re:Radio Shack by m2h · · Score: 1

      Must be a Radio Shack in the States. I've search all over the shops in Canada. Can't find the adapters. And it's not _that_hard_ to make one. Just need that motivational boost most seem to lack. Cost of building one is just pennies. Assuming you already have a PS2 controller.

      --
      misundstood by most, hated by some, loved by few.
  26. wow someone reinvented the wheel! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    there have been plans to wire up a PSX controler to a parrllel port for YEARS i did it ages ago along with SNES controlers amongst other thigns yes force feedback support was available as well the drivers used to be hosted at Ziplabel.com but there now someplace else (you can still find them i did about a month ago) this is NOTHING new i know he was curious but christ he should have just done some research and find out its allready been done. im not talking USB adaptors or anyhting im talking a few diodes some solder and a parrallel port and its good to go......

  27. No, No, No. Go with an SNES controller. by duckie13 · · Score: 1

    The SNES controller is by far one of the best controllers ever. And, with a parallel port adapter, it makes emulation a truly wonderful thing (and as accurate and realistic as possible, really). I originally considered a Playstation controller and adapter, but I just don't like the PSX controller. It doesn't feel the same. I also still don't know which button is O, or X, or Triangle, or whatever.

    The SNES pad, though, can do a majority of Nintendo system emulation (which happens to be my personal favorite, if you couldn't tell). The NES, SNES, GameBoy, and GameBoy Advance all have similar layouts with their controllers, and all of the buttons on the SNES pad can be laid out in emulators for all of the above systems, and it works near perfectly in all of them. It definitely works with the Atari 2600, too, via Stella. It also works for the Sega Genesis, but it's a little bit clunky for games that need all 6 buttons. For 3 button games, though, it's a piece of cake.

    It unfortunately can't do much in the way of Playstation emulating, though I haven't tried it yet. I just know it's 2 buttons short (L2 and R2), as well as the 2 control sticks. Same goes for Nintendo 64 (damn that controller).

    Shameless Self Promotion:
    I'm currently working on a project based on a PC, the Knoppix distro, some emulators, my SNES pad, and a crappy custom-made frontend. If it weren't for my SNES pad that I can bring anywhere with me, I wouldn't have even come up with the idea for it. /SSP

    --
    "My days are less enjoyable because of people." ~ Johnny the Homicidal Maniac
  28. Uninformed response. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The new xbox controllers are no bigger than PS2 or Gamecube, that 'excuse' no longer works.

  29. Don't ruin a controller by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    Just buy a cheap extension cable and a couple of diodes. It takes about 10 min of soldering.

  30. small tip by UltimaL337Star · · Score: 1

    Just a small tip but the best PC gamepad I've seen that emulates a ps2 controller the most is the thrustmaster firestorm 3, it actually has more buttons then the ps2 (unlike belkin or logitech) and is the only one I've found to have push-in analog buttons like the consoles, I've searched far and wide to find a decent controller to play mgs2 and this is the best i could find at duplicating a ps2 controller (I'd get a ps2-pc converter thing but i dont like the idea of a ps2 product on my machine) be prepared for a little confusing configuring buttons with the gamepad software and the actual game. If you don't need all the buttons of a ps2 though then I suggest the logitech wingman wireless, which I consider the big mother of pc gamepads, quality and style wrapped in wireless goodness.

  31. DirectPad Pro by JJC · · Score: 2, Informative

    Hello. There's a driver for PS-PC parallel port adapters in the Linux Kernel (2.4 at least). The file 'Documentation/input/joystick-parport.txt' contains a schematic for an adapter and mentions that it's DirectPad Pro compatible. The DPP web site doesn't appear to be there any more, but there's a mirror.

  32. I converted Tupac to dead! by Spooge+Knight · · Score: 1

    SEVEN YEAR THEORY FAILS IT!

  33. The name's murdoc by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I'm the murdoc who did the mod on rb, im from the UK not sure why the prices are in $$$ Bigman must have changed em, it cost me about 3 to make, and thats cuz i got a DB-25 connector and hood from maplins, i said it was cheap beacuse, i havent used my playstation pads for years as i nolonger use my playstation, so i already had the pads, and a molex if u dont have one won't exactly break the bank! the first 2 didn't work as the first one was a clone pad with extra buttons and the second one was due to an error that only happens in 1 in 50 of them. you can do the mod with an extension cable if u dont want to distroy the game pad, but it was never going to be used again, as "Anonvmous Coward (589068)" said it was just making a kind of report of what i did, i did it and it worked great and i thought i would write an article that was easy to follow. Thanks for reading.
    Murdoc