The Best PS2 Wireless Controller Round-Up for 2023

Nothing brings back nostalgia than playing on your PlayStation 2 console. Despite being more than two decades old, thousands of gamers are still playing because of how fun they are to play even in 2023. This is why having a great PS2 wireless controller can be quite beneficial

If you’re thinking of firing up your old console, but you don’t have the necessary peripherals for it, then you’ve come to the right place.

Today, we’re going to talk about finding the best wireless controllers you can get this year. Are you ready to learn more about finding the best controller for you? You better read more down below.

best ps2 wireless controller roundup

Finding the best PS2 Wireless Controller

Since the PlayStation 2 is considered a vintage video game console, finding the best PS2 wireless controller isn’t that easy compared to 15-20 years ago.

On the bright side, there are still manufacturers out there helping bring life to the world’s best-selling console, and we’re here to feature them.

For our round-up, we’re going to look at different aspects of the controller and how it fares with the original DualShock 2 wired controller.

And, to make your overall shopping experience a lot easier, we’re going to feature the highest-rated products available on Amazon.

Here are our criteria for recommending the best PS2 wireless controller

  • Battery Life
  • Wireless Technology
  • The durability of Wireless Receivers
  • Controller Design vs. Ergonomic Design of DualShock 2
  • Sixaxis Wireless Controller Accuracy
  • Compatibility with Multi-Tap controller ports
  • The durability of Button Labels and Directional Buttons
  • Analog Button Durability

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s see our options for DualShock 2 alternatives.

Amazon Best Wireless Controllers for PlayStation 2

The quest for the best is finally upon us. The good news, there are plenty of options under 30 bucks.

However, there’s one catch — no official Sony accessories on our list. As much as we want to offer the original DualShock 2 controller, the price alone isn’t going to be worth it compared to the actual gaming experience. 

Here are our highly recommended options:

CIPON PS2 Wireless Controller

No products found.

The CIPON wireless controller is compatible with PlayStation 2, and it comes at a very affordable price of only $12.99.

It comes with accurate analog sticks, durable buttons, and it’s a great third-party controller for your classic video game console.

Pros

  • Plug-and-Play
  • Great Vibration
  • Lightweight and Durable

Cons

  • Button Layout Design can be confusing for beginners
  • You get what you pay for
  • Battery life could be better

Verdict

If you’re looking for a decent entry-level PS2 wireless controller, but you’re on a very strict budget, then the CIPON wireless controller is a great option.

It has good vibration, wireless capability, and it’s plug-and-play! This is arguably the best deal you can get for a decent DualShock 2 replica for under 20 bucks.

Blue Lake PS2 Wireless Controller Gamepad Twin Shock

No products found.

Another entry-level PS2 wireless controller on our list is the Blue Lake Twin Shock controller.

For only $14.99, you will get one of the best DualShock 2 replicas out there without spending a fortune.

It has a very similar analog sensitivity with the real deal, and the buttons look sturdy enough to last years.

Pros

  • 2.4GHz Smart-Play Technology
  • Plug-and-Play feature
  • Made with durable materials

Cons

  • Button layout designs can be quite tacky
  • Directional buttons need breaking in
  • Not the best battery life

Verdict

Suppose you’re looking for something decent to use on your PlayStation 2. While the Sony DualSense wireless controller is leaps and bounds better than this entry-level one, it’s still a good starter controller.

Especially if you want to save 50 bucks or more on the retail price of the Sixaxis Wireless Controller technology.

Blue Lake Performance 2 Pack Wireless Controller for PS2

Because two is better than one. If you’re looking to play serious co-op, then you need another PS2 wireless controller.

Fortunately, Blue Lake Performance 2 Pack is here to solve your issues. It’s safe to say Blue Lake has the best entry-level third-party controller — and for only 25 bucks, you get two decent controllers!

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • 2.4GHz wireless technology
  • Ergonomic design

Cons

  • Could benefit from the custom anti-slip gaming controller
  • Average handheld game controller
  • The affordable third-party controller may have durability issues in the long run

Verdict

There’s nothing much to say that hasn’t been said above. If you need 2 handheld game controller replicas, then you can’t go wrong with the value proposition that Blue Lake Performance 2 Pack has to offer.

For under 30 dollars, you would get double what you would get for an acceptable PS2 wireless controller.

Burcica PS2 Wireless Controller Dual Vibration 2

If you’re a fan of the retro transparent case design of game controllers, then the Burcica Dual Vibration 2 is a great option to consider.

And just like Blue Lake’s Performance 2 Pack, you would also get 2 wireless controllers for only $23.99!

Pros

  • Great retro look and feel
  • Double Shock technology
  • 8 action buttons with pressure-sensitive analog sticks

Cons

  • Analog sticks could be more accurate
  • Button design and layout can be confusing for newbies
  • Directional buttons could be better

Verdict

While the difference between Blue Lake’s performance 2 pack is not night and day, I would get this bundle if I want the retro design of the original DualShock 2 controller from Sony.

While the biggest downside is the button layout design, for a pair of wireless controllers for under 25 bucks? I don’t think it’s something that you should complain about.

OUBLANC PS2 Wireless Controller Vibration Game Controller

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Playing on a PC via Emulator? Best Alternatives for PS2 Wireless Controller

Are you playing on a PC? If you don’t want to spend extra money on a DualShock 2 controller and a PS2 to a USB device, then these options we have down below are leaps and bounds better than whatever is listed above.

The downside? You might end up using an Xbox controller for the best compatibility possible.

Here are our highly recommended options:

VOYEE Xbox 360 Controller

The VOYEE Xbox 360 controller is every bit of what you would expect from the original Xbox 360 controller.

If you’re not willing to shell out more than 50 bucks on a wireless controller, then this is your best option.

For only $25.99, you would get an Xbox 360 replica controller and a wireless receiver.

Pros

  • Very similar to the original Xbox 360 controller
  • Plug-and-Play in Windows and Xbox 360 systems
  • Accurate analog sticks

Cons

  • The directional pad is as horrible as the original Xbox 360 controller
  • The wireless receiver is a bit bulky
  • Battery life could be better

Verdict

If you’re looking for a mix of new technology and better compatibility without installing third-party drivers, then you would love the value proposition of the VOYEE Xbox 360 controller.

It’s wireless, it’s plug-and-play, and it’s very affordable at below 30 bucks. If you’re planning to strictly play on PC and Xbox 360, then this is the best alternative you could get at a very affordable price point.

Xbox Core Controller

The Xbox Core Controller is the latest wireless controller addition from Microsoft and their next-gen Xbox Series console.

If you’re shopping for a PC controller that you would use for a wide variety of games, including PS2 emulators, then the Core controller is the one for you.

For the price of fewer than 60 bucks, this is the best investment you can get for PC gaming.

Pros

  • Next-Generation controller design
  • Up to 40 hours battery life (using 2 AA batteries)
  • Plug-and-Play

Cons

  • Directional pad takes getting used to
  • Controller layout can be confusing for PS enthusiasts
  • Lackluster features for a next-gen controller

Verdict

If you are a PC gamer, first and foremost, then buying an Xbox Core controller is a no-brainer.

It offers the best plug-and-play experience on Windows, and it is very easy to customize when using a PS2 emulator. You can also take advantage of its Bluetooth capabilities to be able to run it wirelessly.

However, if you plan to use more than 1 Xbox Core controller, you will have to buy a wireless receiver.

DualShock 3 Controller

The DualShock 3 controller from Sony is arguably one of the best options you could get for PS2 emulation.

Aside from the fact that they look and feel like the original DualShock 2 controller, having the ability to pair it with your Bluetooth for instant wireless compatibility is a godsend for a lot of us.

Pros

  • One of the best wireless controllers for the PlayStation
  • Among the first-party wireless controllers
  • Very accurate and durable buttons

Cons

  • Expensive compared to other offerings
  • Needs additional software to run (DS3 Tool)
  • Pairing and syncing issues with Windows 10

Verdict

Sony’s DualShock 3 controller is arguably among the best wireless controllers that you can still use on your PC today.

However, if you have to buy the controller straight up, then prepare to spend at least 50 bucks for a brand new one.

However, if you have one lying around the house, now’s the time to bring it back to life by using third-party apps.

DualShock 4 Controller

No products found.

If you are a fan of Sony’s DualShock controllers, then getting the DS4 to go alongside your PS2 emulator is a no-brainer.

With the same durability and quality, you would expect from Sony, you can even expect better performance and usefulness from the DS4 controller, especially on Windows.

Pros

  • The best PlayStation controller for PC
  • The trackpad can be used as a touchpad (app required)
  • Durability and battery life that would last years

Cons

  • Not plug-and-play (DS4Windows)
  • Official driver from Sony needs better coverage
  • L2 and R2 buttons might accidentally be triggered when placing the controller down

Verdict

If you’re planning to buy a DS3 controller for your PS2 emulator, then we highly recommend getting the DS4 instead.

Apart from having much better technology, their pricepoint is very similar to each other. If we have to choose where to spend our 60 bucks, we would always go for the DualShock 4, hands down.

Conclusion

We hope you found this article on the best PS2 wireless controllers to be informative and entertaining.

We understand that finding the perfect one can be difficult, but we believe that by providing you with several options, we’ve made your search easier.

How do you feel about using an Xbox controller to go alongside your PS2 emulator? What are the challenges you have aside from the button configurations and layout? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Please leave a comment below if you have any questions about the PS2 controllers! Happy gaming, and may the controller with the best controls win!

Looking for more PlayStation content? Be sure to check out these highly informative articles down below:

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Derek

Derek is a passionate and knowledgeable gamer who has dedicated himself to the world of first-person shooters. With extensive experience playing popular games such as PUBG, Battlefield 3, 4 and 5, and various Call of Duty titles, he has become an expert in the field. As a writer for GameGrinds, Derek shares his expertise by providing readers with valuable product recommendations and guide articles, helping them stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the world of gaming.

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