Gamers in some parts of the world are already making the most of the new PS5, but were here to help those retro gamers still wondering how to buy a PS1 controller today!
So what if the new console controller looks like a stormtrooper? The PS1 is a classic console and the one that started it all for Sony back in December 1994.
What a Christmas that must have been for the company!
Perhaps the most famous PlayStation controller style and the one that we’re going to be featuring the most throughout this article is the DualShock controller. This remote sold over 28-million copies throughout its life, and that’s not including the ones that shipped with consoles either!
If you’re looking to find a remote to blast back through the best PS1 games or are giving the gift of retro gaming to a loved one, then we’ve got all the information you need on how to buy a PS1 controller on today’s market.
Where Can I Buy A PS1 Controller?
How Much Does A PS1 Controller Cost?
As with every second-hand purchase, costs will vary from seller to seller. The price will also deped on which model you end up choosing.
The PlayStation originally shipped with a non-DualShock controller, the same one in the cover photo at the top of this article. You can still pick up this original PS1 controller on eBay for between $8-$40 depending on condition and whether it comes with a box or not.
Then there’s the Original Dual-Analog controller, another eBay find which can be bought for around $50. If you want this discontinued rare-retro prize, then make sure you search for the remote with dipped analog sticks as opposed to the mushroomoid sticks on the DualShock model.
What Condition PS1 Controller Should I Buy?
As with any retro purchase, what you buy is really down to how much you can afford. In any case, we would recommend purchasing a controller that has been looked after by its previous owner. It doesn’t matter about boxes or if they have the original instruction manual if all you want to do is play.
You can buy a brand new original PS1 controller complete with box, but it will set you back around $95 for the pleasure of that new remote smell. Remember to look out for that Sony logo.
Can I Use PS2 Remotes On The PS1?
Yes, you can! The PS1 and PS2 remote ports are exactly the same, so you can swap and change your DualShock remotes between each system.
The original non-DualShock remote that doesn’t have analog sticks will only work with a limited number of games on the PS2, but the PS2 controller is 100% backwards compatible.
Should You Buy A Branded Or Non-Branded PS1 Controller?
Sony products are built to last, so we’d always recommend going for the real deal if you can.
Remember to always look for the Sony logo and clearly defined button symbols when purchasing your remote. If the triangle, circle, cross, or square are made up with broken lines or doubled up, then it’s not an official PS1 or PS2 remote.
Still, if you’re gaming on a budget, then this QMET PS2 Wired Controller only costs $8.99 and will certainly do the job.
What Is The Best PS1 Controller?
Let’s get down to the whole reason that you came here in the first place. The best controller for the Sony PlayStation and probably the best selling controller in the world is the DualShock remote.
As I’ve said above, it doesn’t matter whether you have a controller that shipped with the PS1 or decide to buy one for the PS2. Both controllers work with Sony’s original machine perfectly.
Grey is the original DualShock controller colour, so that’s the one to go for if you’re a stickler for getting things right. There are lots of other colours to choose from too if you start branching out into the PS2 remotes, however, so shop around and get one that matches your style.
What Is The Best Wireless PS1 Controller?
Sony never made a wireless controller for the PS1 back in the day, so the only option gamers have is to buy a third-party remote.
This BLUE LAKE Performance 2 Pack Wireless Controller is the perfect solution for jumping straight into Sony’s epic multiplayer back catalogue. Gamers may even want to keep them both for themselves for when the batteries run out on solo campaigns!
Both of these controllers come with Built-in Twin Shock with 2 force feedback. It’s essentially DualShock under a different name.
They come with wireless receivers and run off 2x AAA batteries for that extra old-school vibe.
Ok, so they aren’t Sony products and they might not last you until the end of time. Still, they come with a 1-year-warranty and only cost $26.98 for two.
I call that good value for money, especially when it means you can play Spyro while kicking back on the sofa!
What Is The Best PS1 Light Gun Controller?
It has to be the Namco GunCon Light Gun, every time!
If like me, you used to play Time Crisis down in the arcade, then this is one of the best PS1 accessories that you could ever own in your collection.
Not only does it look cool, but it also works with some of the greatest video games of all time; Resident Evil, Time Crisis, Point Blank, Ghoul Panic. The list is vast, and this officially licensed PlayStation product is the only way to play them.
And there we have it! We hope that you’ve enjoyed our guide on how to buy a PS1 controller on todays market. Remember to always search for the Sony logo and those clear button symbols if you’re after an original remote, and double check seller feedback when purchasing from second-hand sites.
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Seb Santabarbara has bought every Nintendo console that has ever been released in his 31 years on Planet Earth. His favourite game franchise is Zelda, and he’s patiently waiting for Banjo-Kazooie to come back to the fold. When he’s not playing games, he’s travelling the world in his self-converted camper van.
