PlayStation 2 Controller Layout & Functions – DualShock 2 Complete Guide

The DualShock 2 (PS2 controller) refined the original DualShock with analog pressure-sensitive face buttons. Here's the complete layout:

Analog Sticks

• Left Stick (L3): Character movement (click = L3 button).
• Right Stick (R3): Camera control / aiming (click = R3 button).

Pressure-Sensitive Face Buttons (Analog)

• △ Triangle: Often menu/map, jump, or context action.
• ○ Circle: Cancel/back (Japan), accept (West), or interact.
• × Cross: Accept (Japan), cancel/back (West), jump, attack.
• □ Square: Attack, interact, reload, context.
• All four detect press depth (light vs. hard press) in supported games (e.g., MGS3 CQC, GT4 throttle).

Shoulder Buttons

• L1 / R1: Digital bumpers (aim, switch weapon, shoulder).
• L2 / R2: Analog triggers (accelerate, brake, aim down sights, pressure-sensitive).

Digital Controls

• D-Pad: Menu navigation, weapon select, movement (2D games).
• Start: Pause / main menu.
• Select: Map, scoreboard, secondary menu.

Features

• Dual Rumble Motors: Low-frequency (heavy) + high-frequency (light) vibration.
• Wired (3 m cable): No latency, no batteries.
• Connector: PlayStation proprietary (PS1/PS2/PS3 compatible). USB adapters exist for PC.

Widely considered one of the most ergonomic and durable pads ever made.