PS2-to-Dreamcast Controller Adapters?

[norkusa]

I love my Dreamcast but I can't stand the controller. I'd play it a lot more if I had some kind of PS2 to Dreamcast controller adapter for it. Are there any *good* adapters out there for DC? Would be nice if I could get something that doesn't lag, has a VMU slot and maps the analog triggers correctly. Would like to use it with my Cobalt Flux dance pad eventually too for the import DDR games too.

The only one I could find is this one on Ebay. Anyone know if it's good. Doesn't say anything about using a PS2 controller though (just 'playstation'):

http://tinyurl.com/j8c53

[Trebuken]

I bought a generic adapter called the DC 3-in-1 Super Converter a couple months ago. It works fairly well. I bought this to use my PS2 wireless controller as a wireless DC controller (the DC wireless controllers are uncommon and expensive).

I bought it on ebay, but my searching for it was difficult...

Later,
Trebuken

[norkusa]

What kind of wireless are you using with it? A Logitech? I've got one of those and wold LOVE to use it on my DC with an adapter. Assumed it wouldn't work though since I tried that with my PS2-to-GameCube adapter and it didn't recognize it (was one of those Gemini/Game Elements adapters).

[Trebuken]

Went and hooked it back up (I now have a Logitech PS2 controller), and it did not work. I'm guessing the receiver is not getting any power through the adapter. I'll have to figure out what controller worked. There was a website for this, though it was quite some time ago...nothing on Google...

Later,
Trebuken

[MegaDrive20XX]

I love the adapter that let's you use a Saturn pad on Dreamcast. Innovation made that one I think

[Sweater Fish Deluxe]

I've used a number of different controller converters for the Dreamcast. The Skillz DreamConnection 4-in-1, the Innovation 4-in-1, the Total Control 2, the Total Control 3 and a prototype bleemPod.

Converting Playstation controllers to the Dreamcast is a pretty simple affair. I've never experienced lag with any of the ones I've used and which Playstation button to map to which Dreamcast button is pretty obvious so there's not much problem nor much difference between the different converters.

I don't know exactly what you mean by "maps the analog triggers correctly," but all the commercially available converters map the Playstation L1 and R1 as the L and R triggers, so they're purely digital. The only adapter I've ever used that coule map the DC triggers onto the Playstation analog sticks--which is the only way of getting somewhat proper analog--is the prototype bleemPod in steering wheel mode. The bleemPod prototype obviously offers the most mapping options and has the best compatibility with Playstation controllers including stuff like the NeGcon. But there's only a few of those protoypes floating around, so you probably wouldn't be able to find one too easily. I sold mine a couple years ago when I was hard up for cash.

For me, though, using a Saturn controller on my Dreamcast is an even bigger deal than Playstation, so my favorite converter is actually the Skillz 4-in-1. This is a tranlucent blue adapter box with a VMU slot on the top. It takes Playstation and Saturn controllers as well as PS/2 computer keyboards, which is only three inputs, so I guess they count the VMU slot to make it a "4-in-1" converter. It's nice, though. It maps the L2 and R2 buttons of a Playstation controller as Dreamcast Z and C buttons, which is not generally very useful, but is needed for Bleemcast. It also does everything right for Saturn controllers, even supporting the NiGHTS pad in a limited fashion (only left and right on the analog, no up and down, but that's still better than the other Saturn converters I've used). I even have a PC controller that acts as a PS/2 keyboard and I've tried it out through this adapter in games like Soul Calibur and Chu Chu Rocket that support the keyboard as a controller and it works...sort of.

The converter from Innovation (also sometimes sold by EMS if you get it from a Hong Kong import shop) is called the Dream Connection, too, but is totally different from the Skillz one though it also has all the same inputs. It's pretty shitty. Its Saturn controller support is awful, the L and R and Z and C buttons are mapped all wrong. It also doesn't work with Playstation 2 controllers, only Playstation 1. I think it has to do with the pseudo-analog buttons on PS2 controllers, through the Innovation converter they come across on the Dreamcast as if you're rapidly tapping the button instead of pressing it. This adapter is a light grey box like the Dreamcast, has two red LEDs on the top and has the VMU port on the plug that goes into the DC itself. Avoid it.

The Total Control 2 is a good adapter if you only want to use Playstation controllers, but the Skillz 4-in-1 is even better (at least if you're using Bleemcast, if not there's no difference really) and also works with Saturn controllers, so it's a better deal. The Total Control 3 is only for Saturn controllers, but again the Skillz converter is even better, though it doesn't have the "Special" button on the unit itself like the TC3 does for use with the Saturn Twinsticks, but this is not really needed since VO:OT specials can be performed without the button anyway.


...word is bondage...

[norkusa]

Thanks a lot for the info, SFD. That was real helpful. I really don't care about using a Saturn controller on the DC, so I'll probably go with the Total Control 2. My only prob with it though is that it doesn't have a VMU slot. I know that's not a big deal since most games recognize VMU's from other controller ports when they are plugged in, but I'd still like to get an adapter that has one.

I've got my eye on the Total Control Plus. Looks the same as the Total Control 2 except it has a VMU slot. You know anything about it?:

http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=&products_id=527&

[Push Upstairs]

I own a "Total Control Plus", i use it with my PS2 "retrocon controller" (looks similar to an NES controller) for use with any Beats of Rage games i have.

Aside from some issues with that specific controller (namely turning on the analog sticks makes the control freak out) the converter works great for me.

The cord on it is mega-long though.

[norkusa]

Aside from some issues with that specific controller (namely turning on the analog sticks makes the control freak out) the converter works great for me.

What do you mean by freak out? Are you saying pressing the analog button on the dual shock makes the connection loopy? If so, does it go back to back to normal or does it stay like that?

[Damaramu]

The converter from Innovation (also sometimes sold by EMS if you get it from a Hong Kong import shop) is called the Dream Connection, too, but is totally different from the Skillz one though it also has all the same inputs. It's pretty shitty. Its Saturn controller support is awful, the L and R and Z and C buttons are mapped all wrong. It also doesn't work with Playstation 2 controllers, only Playstation 1. I think it has to do with the pseudo-analog buttons on PS2 controllers, through the Innovation converter they come across on the Dreamcast as if you're rapidly tapping the button instead of pressing it. This adapter is a light grey box like the Dreamcast, has two red LEDs on the top and has the VMU port on the plug that goes into the DC itself. Avoid it.

Strange. I've got one of these. Had it for years. I can use Saturn controllers with no anamolies what so ever. I've never had problems with incorrect button mapping. On top of that, I've never had problems using a PS2 controller with it either.

Is it possible the you used was defective out of the box? :?

[Sweater Fish Deluxe]

Strange. I've got one of these. Had it for years. I can use Saturn controllers with no anamolies what so ever. I've never had problems with incorrect button mapping. On top of that, I've never had problems using a PS2 controller with it either.

Is it possible the you used was defective out of the box? :?
The problem I had with the Saturn button mapping is that A,B,X,Y,L and R from the Saturn controller were all just mapped directly as their Dreamcast counterparts and nothing at all was mapped as the Z and C buttons, they were just unused. The Skillz adapter maps Saturn Z and C as Dreamcast Z and C and, as I recall, the Total Control 3 maps them as Dreamcast L and R, both of which give you proper three button control in Capcom fighters, for instance.

I don't know about the Playstation 2 controller thing. It may have been a defect in the adapter I had as you suggested.


...word is bondage...

[Push Upstairs]

What do you mean by freak out? Are you saying pressing the analog button on the dual shock makes the connection loopy? If so, does it go back to back to normal or does it stay like that?

The Retrocon works slightly different than a typical PSX controller, in that when you turn the analog on/off weird things happen. On a PSX if i turn on the analog sticks somehow the 2nd stick gets mapped to the 4 action buttons on the controller (O,X, etc.). If i use the first stick with the converter somehow the analog sitck "up" translates to "Start".

But if i dont use the sticks (which i use it for its d-pad anyway) I don't really have any problems. The d-pad works and the face buttons are mapped exactly the same as they would be on a Dreamcast controller. I can't really say how the L+R buttons work as BOR doesn't use those buttons.

[Damaramu]

The problem I had with the Saturn button mapping is that A,B,X,Y,L and R from the Saturn controller were all just mapped directly as their Dreamcast counterparts and nothing at all was mapped as the Z and C buttons, they were just unused. The Skillz adapter maps Saturn Z and C as Dreamcast Z and C and, as I recall, the Total Control 3 maps them as Dreamcast L and R, both of which give you proper three button control in Capcom fighters, for instance.

I don't know about the Playstation 2 controller thing. It may have been a defect in the adapter I had as you suggested.



Hmm. The one I have automatically assigns the buttons on the Saturn controller in the proper Capcom fighter setup, including the Z and C buttons. I can go in and play Alpha 3 or SF3 without having to remap the buttons in game.

Weird. x_x

[Mark30001]

Wow, thanks for that! I will definately be looking out for the Skillz DreamConnection 4-in-1 now! :)


I've used a number of different controller converters for the Dreamcast. The Skillz DreamConnection 4-in-1, the Innovation 4-in-1, the Total Control 2, the Total Control 3 and a prototype bleemPod.

Converting Playstation controllers to the Dreamcast is a pretty simple affair. I've never experienced lag with any of the ones I've used and which Playstation button to map to which Dreamcast button is pretty obvious so there's not much problem nor much difference between the different converters.

I don't know exactly what you mean by "maps the analog triggers correctly," but all the commercially available converters map the Playstation L1 and R1 as the L and R triggers, so they're purely digital. The only adapter I've ever used that coule map the DC triggers onto the Playstation analog sticks--which is the only way of getting somewhat proper analog--is the prototype bleemPod in steering wheel mode. The bleemPod prototype obviously offers the most mapping options and has the best compatibility with Playstation controllers including stuff like the NeGcon. But there's only a few of those protoypes floating around, so you probably wouldn't be able to find one too easily. I sold mine a couple years ago when I was hard up for cash.

For me, though, using a Saturn controller on my Dreamcast is an even bigger deal than Playstation, so my favorite converter is actually the Skillz 4-in-1. This is a tranlucent blue adapter box with a VMU slot on the top. It takes Playstation and Saturn controllers as well as PS/2 computer keyboards, which is only three inputs, so I guess they count the VMU slot to make it a "4-in-1" converter. It's nice, though. It maps the L2 and R2 buttons of a Playstation controller as Dreamcast Z and C buttons, which is not generally very useful, but is needed for Bleemcast. It also does everything right for Saturn controllers, even supporting the NiGHTS pad in a limited fashion (only left and right on the analog, no up and down, but that's still better than the other Saturn converters I've used). I even have a PC controller that acts as a PS/2 keyboard and I've tried it out through this adapter in games like Soul Calibur and Chu Chu Rocket that support the keyboard as a controller and it works...sort of.

The converter from Innovation (also sometimes sold by EMS if you get it from a Hong Kong import shop) is called the Dream Connection, too, but is totally different from the Skillz one though it also has all the same inputs. It's pretty shitty. Its Saturn controller support is awful, the L and R and Z and C buttons are mapped all wrong. It also doesn't work with Playstation 2 controllers, only Playstation 1. I think it has to do with the pseudo-analog buttons on PS2 controllers, through the Innovation converter they come across on the Dreamcast as if you're rapidly tapping the button instead of pressing it. This adapter is a light grey box like the Dreamcast, has two red LEDs on the top and has the VMU port on the plug that goes into the DC itself. Avoid it.

The Total Control 2 is a good adapter if you only want to use Playstation controllers, but the Skillz 4-in-1 is even better (at least if you're using Bleemcast, if not there's no difference really) and also works with Saturn controllers, so it's a better deal. The Total Control 3 is only for Saturn controllers, but again the Skillz converter is even better, though it doesn't have the "Special" button on the unit itself like the TC3 does for use with the Saturn Twinsticks, but this is not really needed since VO:OT specials can be performed without the button anyway.


...word is bondage...

[Sweater Fish Deluxe]

Hmm. The one I have automatically assigns the buttons on the Saturn controller in the proper Capcom fighter setup, including the Z and C buttons. I can go in and play Alpha 3 or SF3 without having to remap the buttons in game.

Weird. x_x
Sounds like their must be two versions of it then as I don't really think that could be explained as a defect.

Is the one you have from Innovation or EMS? I've seen what looks like the same box, sold by both companies, but with different labels on top.


...word is bondage...

[Damaramu]

It's from Innovation.

[Push Upstairs]

What do you mean by freak out? Are you saying pressing the analog button on the dual shock makes the connection loopy? If so, does it go back to back to normal or does it stay like that?

Sorry to quote this again but i did get around to testing my converter with an actual PSX controller and with a game that requires the use of all buttons (and analog).

1. Buttons all mapped correctly. L1 and R1 = L+R and worked fine.

2.The converter switch on the side must be set to the "center" position for the dual shock controller to work correctly. Sadly, this converter doesn't come with any type of documentation other than whats written on the box so i wasn't aware of this when i started out.

3.I was unable to get my 4X Sega memory unit to work, but a regular VMU worked.

4. I am getting pretty rusty at "Power Stone 2".

[norkusa]

Thanks for that info Push. I gotta get my hands on one of those Total Control Plus adapters ASAP. Sounds like they work great.

Anyone here have one that they want to get rid of?

[Push Upstairs]

Just so you know, if you decide to order one from Lik-Sang (which is what I did) you'll probably end up with one that doesn't look like the one they picture on their site.

The box is correctly pictured but when i opened mine up my converter was slightly different on the top. Instead of that sticker that says "Total Control Plus" mine simply says "EMS" and there is raised bump on the top with two ovals on each end.

It's the same thing, in the same box, it just looks different.

[Mark30001]

Which converter would you all recommend that also has a VMU slot?

[Push Upstairs]

I don't know if i've ever seen one with a VMU "slot" but the one i have does allow you to plug a VMU into it on the side.

[coinheaven]

wow, the saturn to dreamcast converter sounds awesome! i really hate the dreamcast controller. anybody know where i can find one? i couldnt find one on ebay, maybe i was typing in the wrong thing.