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PlayStation Analog Joystick

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PlayStation Analog Joysticks

Sony's Analog Joystick (SCPH-1110)
DeveloperSony Computer Entertainment
ManufacturerSony
TypeGame controller
GenerationFifth
Release dateApril 25, 1996
ConnectivityPlayStation controller port

The PlayStation Analog Joystick (SCPH-1110) is Sony's first analog controller for the PlayStation, and is the precursor to the PlayStation Dual Analog Controller. It is often incorrectly[1] referred to as the "Sony Flightstick" (not to be confused with the Flightstick line of joysticks for PlayStation consoles by third-party peripheral manufacturer Hori).

History

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Announced to the public in August 1995,[2] the Analog Joystick was released to the public in Japan in early April 1996.[3]

Features

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The Analog Joystick used potentiometer technology previously used on consoles such as the Vectrex; instead of relying on binary eight-way switches, the controller can detect minute angular changes through the entire range of motion. The stick also features a thumb-operated digital hat switch on the right joystick, corresponding to the traditional D-pad, and used for instances when simple digital movements were necessary.

A compatibility mode for the Analog Joystick was included in the Dual Analog Controller, Sony's first analog revision of its original gamepad design.

PS1 games that support the Analog Joystick have an "Analog Joystick Compatible" icon on the back cover.

The Analog Joystick has a switch to select either analog or digital mode. When in the digital mode, both sticks function as the gamepad on a regular PS1 controller. Older PS1 games that do not support the PS1 DualShock sticks can work with the Analog Joystick.

List of games with Analog Joystick support

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PlayStation

PlayStation 2

There are other PS2 games that also can use the PS1 analog joystick, but only in digital mode. Metal Slug Anthology, Gradius III, Gradius IV and other games that normally use just the gamepad and buttons for controls.

List of games with partial Analog Joystick support

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The following games support the controller's "analog" mode, but force the player to use the digital "hat switch" instead of the analog sticks:

And the following games are fully supported, but have issues that can affect gameplay:

  • Ape Escape - the lack of L3 and R3 buttons on the controller makes some sections unplayable[5]
  • Tempest X3 - works fully, but the game is set to auto-fire with the analog joystick connected[5]
  • World's Scariest Police Chases - the game will not recognise the analog sticks unless a Dual Shock is connected first and then replaced with the controller[5]

Reception

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GamePro's The Rat Baron praised the controller for its comfort, tight control, button layout, and analog movement, though he expressed doubt that most players would go for it given the high price tag.[13]

The Analog Joystick did not sell well in Japan, reportedly due to its high cost and bulky size.[14]

Legacy

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The Analog Joystick can be connected to a PC via a USB adapter and also via a DirectPad-Pro-style parallel port interface[15] which can be accessed under Windows using the DirectPad[16] or other drivers. The Allegro library provides the same functionality for developers.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "PlayStation Developer's Guide, Version 2.5c". Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Developer Support Group. 29 May 1998. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 4 April 2010.
  2. ^ [1] Gamezero.com
  3. ^ [2] Maru-Chang.com
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u "Videogame Peripheral List". .Vidgames. August 16, 1998. Archived from the original on January 9, 2015.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad "Dual Analog/Analog Joystick Controller Support Chart". .Google Docs. August 10, 2022.
  6. ^ "Glossary This is the place you G". Archived from the original on 2007-07-15. Retrieved 2007-04-20. Playstation Perfect Guide glossary
  7. ^ "Review Crew: Namco Museum Volume 4". Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 96. Ziff Davis. July 1997. p. 54.
  8. ^ [3] Reddit post discussing compatibility
  9. ^ [4] Box Shot of Flightstick Logo
  10. ^ "Cover art or packaging material from Star Ixiom (1999)". MobyGames. Retrieved 2024-04-16.
  11. ^ [5] Box Shot of Flightstick Logo
  12. ^ [6][permanent dead link‍] Box Shot of Flightstick Logo
  13. ^ "Soar and Descend". GamePro. No. 91. IDG. April 1996. p. 24.
  14. ^ "Touché, N64 Pad" (PDF). Electronic Gaming Monthly. No. 90. Ziff Davis. January 1997. p. 20.
  15. ^ [7] Allegro library source (psxpad.c)
  16. ^ [8] Aldo's Tools
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