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