PS2 controller recommendations? Before you say Sony brand...

[DaBargainHunta]

My 1st Party Sony brand PS2 controller has a mind of its own now. Most of the games I've booted up today either scroll through the menu without me touching a thing or none of the buttons work. It seems to behave differently depending on the game. I obviously need a new one, but before you all recommend the standard 1st party Sony brand controller, I should point out that I'm currently on my third one (I can't remember what happened to the first, but the second one's left analog stick became too loose in one direction, which obviously affected the gameplay). For whatever reason, either Sony makes very cheap controllers or I'm just having an unusual run of bad luck with that particular product. Whatever the case may be, I definitely need a new controller. I treat my system like a baby, and I haven't had any problems with it otherwise, so this definitely isn't due to lack of care on my part.

P.S. I had a Mad Catz controller too, and that junked out after a while. Same thing happened to me with my N64 Mad Catz, so that company obviously produces cheap, low-quality stuff.

Any recommendations? Thanks.

[kai123]

The wireless logitech controllers are great. My brother has one and loves it.

[petewhitley]

I've run through quite a few Sony controllers myself, but it's probably more a function of the time I put into my PS2 (which never broke b.t.w.) than the craftsmanship. I've heard good things about that N.E.S. lookin' pad; anyone have a link to some new ones for sale?

[Kilik Kurosawa]

I will second Logitech. also my brother says he has a wireless air flow that seems to work well.

[DaBargainHunta]

Thanks, guys. I went with the Logitech wireless.

Just a head's up for anyone who may be browsing this thread in interest: Circuitcity.com seems to having some kind of sale on accessories. I don't remember any such deal ever being announced, so I don't know when it began or when it's going to end.

Luckily for me, I managed to snag the Logitech controller for $36 after tax (shipping is free on orders $25 and over). Pretty nice price considering that it goes for $40+ everywhere else.

[tyranthraxus]

I've had some of those problems with the controller too but it turned out
there is a few games that do this when you have the old DVD remote
sensor plugged in. Prince of Person Sands of Time was the last game that
did this too me. Otherwise its been error free, my PS2 and 2 pads are getting close to 3 years old.

[retroman]

retrocon

[Half Japanese]

The retrocon is cool, but unfortunately awful. My first recommendation happens to be exactly what you got, the Logitech Cordless Action Controller (or the corded one, which is the same, but with the cord, obviously). Another safe bet are Mad Catz' MicroCONs, which feel way comfy minus the dpad.

[Captain Wrong]

The wireless logitech controllers are great. My brother has one and loves it.

I have one also and I love it. For someone with big paws, it's a godsend!

[Nature Boy]

I've got "Hip Gear" wireless controllers (for both PS2 and Xbox) that I really, really like. The only issues I've had is that the batteries that came with them lasted all of 15 minutes it seemed (I exaggerate, but it was short) but that's to be expected of batteries that might've been sitting there for who knows how long.

You can get a package of 2 at Costco for $50 Canadian.

[SegaAges]

i also know that blockbuster is a pretty big distributor of hip gear accessories around here. my friend uses a hip gear ps2 controller and has never had problems with it.

i have had 1 ps2 controller crap out on me, and i am just too lazy to buy a new one, i guess this is a sign that we should all go out and buy the street fighter 2 controllers

[dj898]

I have no hesitation buying another Hori product.
In fact I use Hori pad/arcade sticks for all my consoles except DC, Xbox and GC.
And if I ever find Hori for these systems I will get 'em in a blink of eye... ;p

cheers

[jdc]

Thanks guys!!! I was part of the development process for the Hip Gear stuff. My prototype controller is still going strong, MY mission was to try and break it.....no can do. Sometimes cheaper stuff works!!!

Many people who "baby" their stuff but still find controllers "with a mind of their own" have a simple problem. It's called sweat. Yep....some of us sweat more than others. It seeps into the recesses of the buttons and sticks and corrodes and gums up the controller.

For this, the airflow controllers are a Godsend. Try one if you suffer from sticky buttons.

[DaBargainHunta]

Many people who "baby" their stuff but still find controllers "with a mind of their own" have a simple problem. It's called sweat. Yep....some of us sweat more than others. It seeps into the recesses of the buttons and sticks and corrodes and gums up the controller.
Hmmm, I've never heard of anything like this before. Very interesting. I don't think I really sweat, but I dunno, maybe my hands DO get clammy? I'll have to pay more attention to that kind of stuff in the future. :)

[kainemaxwell]

I've got an Interact Dual Impact (Dual Shock) controller if anyone's intrested.

[DaBargainHunta]

My Logitech Wireless Action controller came in the mail today. Works great so far!

Thanks for the recommendation, guys.