History of DualShock in Timeline

The DualShock is a line of gamepads developed by Sony for the PlayStation consoles, notable for its vibration feedback and analog controls. Introduced in 1997, it was initially an optional peripheral for the original PlayStation but later became the standard controller, replacing the original PlayStation controller. It's known as the best-selling gamepad of all time, excluding bundled controllers, because it was bundled later on.

1994: Original Digital Controller Launch in Japan

In 1994, the original digital-only controller was launched in Japan for the PlayStation.

1995: Original Digital Controller Launch in Western regions

In 1995, the original digital-only controller was launched in Western regions for the PlayStation.

November 1997: DualShock Introduction

In November 1997, the DualShock was introduced as a secondary peripheral for the first PlayStation console, featuring vibration-feedback and analog controls.

1997: DualShock Analog Controller (SCPH-1200) Introduction

In 1997, the DualShock Analog Controller (SCPH-1200) was introduced, providing vibration feedback based on game activity and input through two analog sticks. The controller's name comes from its dual vibration motors.

1998: DualShock Bundled with PlayStation

Beginning in 1998, the DualShock became the standard controller bundled with the PlayStation console in all regions, replacing the original digital-only controller.

1999: Ape Escape Requires Dual Analog/DualShock

In 1999, the PlayStation game Ape Escape was released, becoming the first game to explicitly require Dual Analog/DualShock-type controllers for its gameplay, using both analog sticks.

2000: PS one and Redesigned DualShock Controller Release

In 2000, Sony released the PS one, a redesigned version of the original PlayStation, along with a slightly redesigned DualShock Controller (SCPH-110) featuring a "PSone" word mark, purple accents, a semicircle-shaped connector, and multiple color options.

January 8, 2007: DualShock Controller Receives Technology & Engineering Emmy Award

On January 8, 2007, the DualShock controller was awarded a Technology & Engineering Emmy Award for "Peripheral Development and Technological Impact of Video Game Controllers" by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

March 2007: DualShock 3 Announced and Immersion Lawsuit Settled

In March 2007, the DualShock 3 wireless controller was announced at the Tokyo Game Show. Sony also settled a patent infringement lawsuit with Immersion, clearing the way for incorporating the vibration feature.

April 2, 2008: Sixaxis Controller Discontinuation Announced

On April 2, 2008, Sony announced the official discontinuation of the original Sixaxis controller with the release of the haptic-feedback enabled DualShock 3 in mid-April 2008.

April 2008: Sixaxis Controller Discontinued

In April 2008, the Sixaxis controller was discontinued after the release of the haptic-feedback enabled DualShock 3 and was dropped from stock by most retailers.

March 8, 2011: Baseball Themed DualShock 3 Release

On March 8, 2011, a limited edition baseball themed DualShock 3 controller was released to coincide with the release of MLB 11: The Show.

June 2012: "Metallic Gold" DualShock 3 Limited Edition Release in Europe

In June 2012, a "Metallic Gold" color became available as a limited edition DualShock 3 controller in Europe.

October 2012: "Metallic Gold" DualShock 3 Exclusive Release in North America

In October 2012, a "Metallic Gold" color of the DualShock 3 controller was sold exclusively in GameStop in North America as a limited edition.

2012: DualShock Controller Support in Arcade Cabinets

In 2012, a number of coin-operated arcade cabinets, including Namco's Tekken 5 and Konami's Winning Eleven Arcade Championship 2012, included controller ports for connecting DualShock or DualShock 2 controllers.

July 2013: Initial Response on DualShock 4 Light Bar

In July 2013, Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida initially responded negatively regarding the possibility of switching off the permanently illuminated light bar on the DualShock 4, but stated that game developers had the option to disable it in-game.

November 1, 2013: Transparent Crystal DualShock 3 Announced in Japan

On November 1, 2013, Sony announced a new transparent Crystal model of the DualShock 3 controller in Japan.

January 2014: Sony Acknowledges DualShock 4 Analog Stick Wear Issue

In January 2014, Sony issued a statement acknowledging an issue with the rubber surface on the analog sticks of approximately 10% of DualShock 4 controllers exhibiting excessive wear or tearing after short-term use.

April 2014: DualShock 4 Light Bar Dimming Update

In April 2014, Sony delivered update 1.70, which allowed users to dim the light bar on the DualShock 4 controller.

September 15, 2016: DualShock 4 Version 2 Release

On September 15, 2016, Sony released the DualShock Version 2 (CUH-ZCT2), featuring improvements over the original DualShock 4, including USB communication, improved triggers and joysticks, a longer battery life, and a visible light bar on the touchpad.

April 7, 2020: DualSense Controller Unveiled

On April 7, 2020, Sony unveiled the DualSense controller for the PlayStation 5, which is based on the DualShock 4 controller and incorporates design and capability changes influenced by discussions with game designers and players.