PlayStation Analog Joystick

The PlayStation Analog 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 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, the Analog Joystick was released to the public in Japan in early April 1996.

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.

List of games with Analog Joystick support

PlayStation

* ''Ace Combat 2''
* ''Ace Combat 3''
* Adidas Power Soccer 98
*''Apocalypse''
* ''Armored Trooper Votoms'' (Japan)
* ''Asteroids''
* '' Atari Anniversary Edition Redux''
*'' Atari Collection 2'' (''Paperboy, RoadBlasters, Marble Madness'')
*ATV Racers
* ''Bogey Dead 6'' (Japan as ''Sidewinder'' / Europe as ''Raging Skies''), released at the same time as the Analog Joystick
* ''Castrol Honda Superbike Racing''
* ''Centipede''
* '' Car & Driver Grand Tour Racing '98''
* ''Choro Q Jet: Rainbow Wings'' (Japan)
* ''Colony Wars''
* '' Colony Wars: Vengeance''
* '' Cyberia''
* ''Descent'' and ''Descent Maximum''
*''Digital Glider Airman'' (Japan)
* ''Elemental Gearbolt''
*''EOS: Edge of Skyhigh'' (Japan)
* ''Formula 1 97'' (known as ''Formula 1 Championship Edition'' in United States and Canada)
* ''Formula 1 98''
* ''Galaxian 3'' (Japan & Europe)
* ''Gunship''
* ''Independence Day''
* ''Macross Digital Mission VF-X'' (Japan)
* ''Macross Digital Mission VF-X 2'' (Japan)
* ''MDK''
* '' MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat''
* ''Metal Gear Solid''
* ''Michael Owen's World League Soccer 99''
* '' Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Midway Collection 2'' (used in ''Blaster'')
* ''Missile Command''
* '' Motor Toon Grand Prix 2 (known as ''Motor Toon Grand Prix'' in North America)
* ''Namco Museum Vol. 4'' (''Assault'' and ''Assault Plus'' only)
* '' Newman / Haas Racing''
* '' Nightmare Creatures''
* '' Pitfall 3D: Beyond the Jungle''
* ''Porsche Challenge''
* ''Project Gaiairy'' (Japan)
* ''Racing Lagoon'' (Japan)
* '' Rise 2: Resurrection''
* '' R/C Stunt Copter''
* '' S.C.A.R.S.''
* '' Sled Storm''
* ''Shadow Master''
* '' Sidewinder 2''
* '' Slamscape''
* '' Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!'' (Known as Spyro 2: Gateway to Glimmer in Australia and Europe)
* '' Spyro: Year of the Dragon''
* '' Star Wars: Demolition''
* '' Steel Reign''
* ''Supercross 2000''
* ''Syphon Filter''
* '' Syphon Filter 2''
* '' Syphon Filter 3''
* ''The Need for Speed'' (supports digital mode only)
* '' Treasures of the Deep''
* ''Vehicle Cavalier'' (Japan)
* ''Vigilante 8''
* '' Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom''
* ''Wing Over 2''
* ''Zero Pilot'' (Japan)

PlayStation 2

* ''R-Type Final'' (Both Analog and Digital mode)
* '' XG3: Extreme G Racing'' (Both Analog and Digital Mode)

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:

* '' 007: Tomorrow Never Dies''
* '' 007: The World is Not Enough''
* ''Crash Team Racing''
* '' FIFA 99''
* ''FIFA 2000''
* ''FIFA 2001''
* ''Klonoa''
* ''NHL 98''
* ''Street Fighter Alpha 3''

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
* ''Tempest X3'' - works fully, but the game is set to auto-fire with the analog joystick connected
* '' 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

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.

The Analog Joystick did not sell well in Japan, reportedly due to its high cost and bulky size.

Other

The Analog Joystick can be connected to the PC via a USB adapter and also via a DirectPad Pro style parallel port interface which can be accessed under Windows using the DirectPad
Aldo's Tools or other drivers. The Allegro library provides the same functionality for developers.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Playstation Analog Joystick
Game controllers
PlayStation (console) accessories