History of DualShock in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 26, 2026

The DualShock is a line of gamepads created by Sony Interactive Entertainment for the PlayStation. Introduced in 1997, its key features include vibration feedback and analog controls. Originally marketed as a secondary peripheral, it became the standard controller, replacing the original PlayStation controller. The DualShock is recognized as the best-selling gamepad of all time, excluding bundled controllers, due to its widespread adoption and influence on gaming.

January 8, 2007: Technology & Engineering Emmy Award

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

March 2007: Patent Infringement Lawsuit Settled

In March 2007, Sony settled a patent infringement lawsuit with Immersion. This settlement cleared the way for incorporating the vibration feature into the DualShock 3 controller, a feature that the Sixaxis lacked.

April 2, 2008: Sixaxis Controller Discontinued

On April 2, 2008, a Sony representative confirmed that the original Sixaxis controller would officially be discontinued with the release of the haptic-feedback enabled DualShock 3 in mid-April 2008.

March 8, 2011: Limited Edition Baseball Themed Controller 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 Limited Edition

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

October 2012: Metallic Gold Controller in North America

From October 2012, the "Metallic Gold" DualShock 3 was sold exclusively in GameStop in North America.

July 2013: Response to Light Bar Concerns

In July 2013, Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida responded negatively to inquiries about switching off the DualShock 4's light bar, though game developers had the option to disable the light in-game.