I've tried other controllers for the PS2, and in the end there is no other controller quite like the Dualshock 2. The buttons on other controllers often require quite a conscious effort to use them, but the Dualshock 2's analogue buttons are actually analogue - press lightly and you'll get one response, press a little harder and you'll get another, and so on. The Dualshock 2 seems to last as long as any other controller and is simply better quality, so there's no real competition there.

As for the usefulness of a Dualshock 2 now that the PS3 is out - the Sixaxis controller bundled with the PS3 doesn't have rumble functionality, and a Dualshock 3 with rumble and Sixaxis tilt sensors will currently set you back quite a bit compared to a Dualshock 2 (which has only the rumble). You need a PS2-PS3 converter to use a Dualshock 2 with a PS3, so this part of the post is more for those whom already have either the converter or the Dualshock 2.

Not much to write about this, 5 Stars explains it all; Brillant design and very family friendly, minor improvements would be need but have been made with the PS3 controller Six Axis Now out.The SIXAXIS controller, now wireless, is the same design with minor improvements with the L2/R2 buttons travelling further. Better feel, espically with FPS games.The controller is very stable and Untill Xbox360 Controller came out, leagues ahead of the other controllers, 5 Stars well deserved. Overall Rating 10/10!

I have been using the traditional PlayStation style pads since the launch of the PSX back in 1995, and believe that this standard revised in the DualShock 2 controllers was a great asset to the success of the PlayStation 2; the quality of the pads are consistently good and above all are ergonomically sound, and simple to become accustom to.

Over time however the pads become noticeably more and more unreliable - as with all equipment, but in comparison to other console brand controllers the DualShock 2 controller does wear a degree quicker. Accidents do happen I'm afraid and dropping a DualShock 2 can easily result in damage, considering these are retailing for around ??15 to date you would be completely right to expect some better protection within the controller.

Adequate care during use and storage will see the life-span of the controllers increase, other than that the vibration and analog control features of the controller are superb, still setting a competitive standard against third-party controllers - its wire length too is suitable to allow players the freedom to sit comfortably away from the screen without being too excessive when it comes to storage. Ultimately the controller isn't perfect, but it's an excellent choice for most players needs.

My kids thought this controller looked dead cool so when the time finally came to replace a controller I ordered the cool red one knowing the lads would be chuffed to bits.

Well it turned out to be 'pants'. The lead is too short and on some PS2 games it causes the game to freeze. The kids of course hate it!

DON'T BUY IT or like me you'll end up coughing up for another one that actually works properly.

It would also be useful if the gumph about controllers generally mentioned the length of the lead.

I've used a couple of contollers and the official one is the comfiest and easiest to use.
However, and I speak from experience, it doesn't survive being slammed into the floor in a fit of rage. Although there probably isn't one that does so buy this one and take out your anger on something less important, like a younger sibling :)