Ps2/ ps3 controllers in 2025

steve_r

Hiya folks

Looking for some practical advice on controllers.

Fired up a PS2 and PS3 at the weekend. Both consoles working but all the controllers (2 wired ps2, and 2 ps3 - one official, one aftermarket) are all dead, all did previously work before (with pretty significant stick drift on the ps3 offical one).

I picked up the ps2 a few years ago on adverts with a nice selection of games so I'm keen to get that one going. Looking at the below on amazon. Any thoughts?

Ps2 controller

For the ps3, looking at this:

ps3 controller

I've less games on the ps3 so less pushed on that one.

The other option I was thinking about was one of the dongles that would allow me to use a controller I'd be able to use on other devices (PC mainly). Never used one before but interested to see if people have.

Dongle

Inviere

The PS2 ones might be just dirty contacts on either the controller and/or the console itself. Might be worth giving them a cleaning before spending any money, and they don't tend to just go dead like that.

PS3 on the other hand, likely dead internal batteries maybe? If so, you might need to open the controllers and replace the batteries with compatible ones.

steve_r

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123698765#Comment_123698765

Thanks that's helpful. Love your restoration threads btw.

On the ps2, I did see advice online saying to slowly push the controller into the slot and mash the buttons, I had tried that with no joy. It could use a clean though so I can start there.

Likewise I can try a new battery for the ps3 controller, I might have a go at fixing the stick drift at the same time

o1s1n

I've two of those 8bitdo bluetooth dongles, one in my PS1 and one in my PS2.

They're absolutely great. Actually use an Xbox One controller with each console.

Any console I have which has an 8bitdo dongle option I've gone for it. A lot of options also come with an 8bitdo recreation of the original controller too.

Kimbot

Also if your in deals they sometimes have controllers for ps2 etc that are grand for very little money.

steve_r

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123700918#Comment_123700918

Cool that might be a better long term option for me if I can't get the controller clean - I can definitely see the advantages of using the dongle rather than have multiple controllers knocking around.