For whatever reason, the PS2 has some of the weirdest 3rd party controllers ever known to man. While I can understand some, others are baffling. This list covers a few of those controllers and their gimmicks. I might’ve even included a cheeky PS3 controller.
This list contains controllers I’ve personally tried to use. While I could include other controllers, such as the Onimusha Katana Controller or the Resident Evil Chainsaw Controller, I’ve never used them, and everyone knows about them. Hopefully, you discover a curiosity or two in this list.
If you want to check out what games you should play whilst testing out these crazy contraptions, check out the list of our favourite PS2 games!
Nyko iType 2
While I understand the idea of having a chat pad, the sheer size and girth of this giant controller make it jarring to look at. It reminds me of BlackBerry phones long before they were popular. However, I must say this controller is oddly comfortable, and it feels sturdy. The keyboard feels premium, with 47 keys that have a tactile feel. If it were 2004 and I was playing lots of multiplayer games, it would be quite helpful; however, in 2026, the concept has aged like milk. This controller has oddly surprised me, and I am quite happy with it. First impressions told me that I would hate this, but I don’t. I like this thing, and I’m not ashamed.
Clashpads
I can’t tell if the name of these controllers came about because they’re supposed to clash with your mental health while using them or because the controllers clash with themselves. While I like the concept of these controllers (being that you can mess with the other player by activating effects), the execution is awful. They feel cheap, the effects that you can customise are garbage, and they work about 30% of the time. The other 70% of the time, they either break or the desired effect is not what you choose. Honestly, these controllers most likely destroyed more friendships growing up than anything else.
You can get them still in the box online. If you do buy them, keep them that way. You will regret releasing this Hellspawn into the atmosphere.
SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Controllers
Strange due to their look more than their function. I don’t hate them, quite the opposite, in fact. They function as an inexpensive PS2 controller should, and they have a fun, if somewhat jarring, look about them. I never really thought about either SpongeBob or Patrick staring at me while I play, and honestly, it’s kinda creepy. They’re more of a conversation piece than a controller you would use, but if you whipped this out at a party to torment and make fun of your friends, then fair enough and more power to you.
The controllers are oddly expensive. If you do find them for fairly cheap, then consider picking them up.
Jaguar Controller
I don’t think I need much of a reason to hate these controllers; they suck. It wasn’t bad enough that one was created; they made two versions of the damned things.
They feel heavy and have probably been involved in many cases of violence, more than in gameplay. As well as the overall controller feeling clunky, the d-pads suck, and they look horrible. Like seriously, they look as though they should be sold alongside Parkside tools. If these controllers were used to operate lawnmowers, I would understand, but noooooo, they are PS2 controllers. They even have the cheek to have a turbo button, cause Jaguar is fast, I guess. Just dumb all around and should be avoided… much like Parkside tools.
Joytech Adjustable Controller
Part of me wants to believe that this controller was made for a purpose. But I, and likely nobody else, can conclude its existence. It does have some nice thumbsticks, and the colour scheme is nice; however, that’s about it. The back buttons are awful, and the retractable feature of the handgrips is about as tacky and useless as a chocolate teapot with coffee in it. I don’t often question the narcotics involved in the creation of creative products, but in this case, humanity needs to know so that this mistake cannot be replicated.
HMV Palm Pad Controller
If the Duke controller wasn’t bad enough, here comes this absolute unit of a controller. Upon first glance, the thumb stick looks mouldy. Ergonomically, it must have been made for those with giantism. How it was described as ‘compact’, I will never know. While gripping this controller, I feel like I’ve taken a rock from the beach or obtained lead weights from my parents’ garage. The main question I have is whose palms are these damned things designed for. Even our fellow writer Kane, who has hands that bears would be fearful of, can’t use this horrible device. What a shambles. I like HMV, but this is an act of lunacy.
Kidz Play PS3 Controller
While I may understand why this exists, it’s still no less hideous. I get that young kids would show an interest in gaming. I, myself, started playing when I was 3 years old. However, this is entirely pointless and, to be frank, a pile of shit. Who thought this layout was a good idea? Did they decide it drunkenly with a dartboard? Seriously, what kid do you hope to fool with this nonsense? Most infants would throw this, and I don’t blame them. My self-respect would also be harmed by receiving such garbage. It’s a crime that you can still buy these things brand new! I have buyer’s remorse, and I didn’t pay for the damn thing!
Berserker Freak Series Controller
I think this controller is pretty cool; its demonic look and custom connector make it really unique. Its actual ergonomics are hit and miss, though. If you’ve small hands like me, you should be okay to use it. But if you’ve bigger hands or even average hands, it’s uncomfortable due to the grip shape. The thumbsticks also feel as though the paint would wear off with little use, so I haven’t bothered using it much. Overall, the Berserker is more of an aesthetic talking point than something you could use, but I find it neat. There is also a “Fleshy” controller that is part of the same series, but I’ve yet to find one and use it.
Which of these controllers makes you cringe the most? Do you know of any others that I should check out? Or are you fond of any of these controllers? Let me know in the comments below, or join our Discord to discuss further.
Dividers provided by @thecutestgrotto.
Just a dude that plays games. Ill write stuff on here once in a blue moon
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