Understanding Wireless PS2 Controllers

Two Types of Wireless Controller

• There are two types of wireless controllers available for the PlayStation 2. The first type is the officially licensed wireless controller called the Force 2 Control developed by Katana, an outside manufacturer. The other type of wireless controller is the third-party controller. This encompasses every wireless controller available with the exception of the Force 2 Control. These third-party controllers were created without support by Sony and are not guaranteed to work with the console.

  The Force 2 Control is shaped like the wired PS2 controller, although it is a bit larger to incorporate the wireless technology. Third-party controllers such as those developed by MadCatz and Logitech have a generic shape, though they still include all the buttons needed to play. All wireless controllers include an additional component that is plugged into the controller slot of the PlayStation 2, which detects the controller and allows for gamers to not be directly in front of the console for it to register.

Benefits

• The most obvious feature touted by the wireless PS2 controllers is that gamers are not forced to be attached to their console. If you have an entertainment center, you won't need to worry about where your PlayStation 2 is placed in order to accommodate controller cords. Gamers will also be able to pass controllers around or easily pick up and play without tangling controllers together.

  Because new-generation consoles such as the PlayStation 3 and Wii feature wireless controllers as the standard, owners of the PlayStation 2 can upgrade their controllers to keep the older console competing with the functionality of the newer consoles.

  While there are no controllers that directly match the look and feel of Sony's wired controller, gaming website IGN reviewed the Logitech Cordless Action Controller and has been quoted as saying "the wireless communication is flawless and the controls are first rate. It is superior to the Dual Shock 2, and trounces any other third-party pad."

Downsides

• While the wireless selection of controllers for the PS2 can offer aesthetic and functional benefits, there are some downsides to the controllers. Gamers comfortable with the classic design of the PlayStation controller, which as been consistent since the release of the first PlayStation and continues on the PlayStation 3, will need to become acclimated to a new design. Also, wireless controllers require batteries, meaning there is a constant cost to keeping the controllers powered on.

  These controllers do not function using Blue Tooth technology as wireless controllers use on newer consoles. This means that there are times when the controller won't register or will cut out during game play. This is compounded by the lack of an official controller developed by Sony, as there is no standard controller to purchase, gamers are left to research the best controllers on their own or test out several types.