Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Dave Brummet photo
1 Level
1304 Review
51 Karma

Review on ๐ŸŽฎ Mcbazel PS2 Controller USB Adapter for PC/PS3 with DualShock PS2/PS3 Compatibility (Not Suitable for Dancing Mat or Guitar Hero) by Dave Brummet

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Pi station compatible, easy to use,

I bought these adapters specifically for use in a DIY retro Pi setup. This unit had no interfacing issues with the original Sony or Raspberry Pi 3 controllers. I didn't connect them to anything else. I didn't use the plastic controller port and didn't use the USB connector at the end for my build. I chose a controller board to connect directly to the Pi's USB pins, as well as a board for the PS-ONE. The version I received had a small "brick" on the cable that housed all the components. The case came apart with little effort, revealing a rectangular connector that I could now use for a direct solder connection. I preferred this configuration as my build reused the original controller ports on the front of the PS-ONE and needed to save as much space inside as possible. These PS-ONEs are small. Hardly everything fits, but it fits! I checked with a multimeter which connector goes to which part of the board and also which connector goes to which pin of the USB cable as I don't trust any product. arrange things sensibly. Once I knew my pinout, I soldered everything and plugged it in without any additional software or setup. Upon launching EmulationStation, I was prompted to map the controller buttons and everything just "worked" after that. Note that the other controller port is powered, but you cannot use two controllers with just one adapter. If you want to use both, you need to cut the traces between the two ports on the PS-ONE board. Just because the controller lights up doesn't mean the adapter will magically support two controllers connected at the same time. I only needed one controller for my build and it works great. If I was looking to add a controller I would still use this product as the controller section is smaller and easier to manage than the larger dual controller V options. It would be easier to have two separate PCBs with rectangular connectors than a weird V shape. The above statement only applies if you are going down the same path as me with my build. If you're using an adapter yourself, or plugging your controllers directly into the cable's original connector, ignore this. As far as I know I will buy the same item again when the time comes to build another Pi station. this is the perfect piece for the job.

Pros
  • using PlayStation 2 controllers on a PlayStation 3 console
Cons
  • power outlet required