My friend Ben is one of the main people I play video games against. He likes the GameCube controller, but always says he wishes he could use a PS2 controller. It’s more of a whine really. “I would be doing soooooo much better playing with a PS2 controller.” Yadda yadda yadda.

Yes, Ben is a PS2 fanboy.

Now personally, I’d rather be flying down a bumpy path on a bicycle without a seat than play a GameCube game with a Dual Shock, but Ben is totally different.

Using a Sony Dual Shock 2, we tested a few games, and I have to admit, the accessory works flawlessly. The controls were tight and responsive (as responsive as a PS2 controller is), and the rumble is also pretty close to how good it feels with a GameCube controller, maybe even a little stronger. Pressure sensitivity was a little frustrating at times, but it just takes some getting used to.

This is how the buttons map out:

A: X

B: Square

X: Circle

Y: Triangle

Z: R1 or L1

L: L2

R: R2

D-pad: Pad

C-stick: Analog stick 2

Start: Start

After playing it with a multitude of games like Super Monkey Ball, Luigi’s Mansion, NBA Courtside, THPS3, and Rogue Leader the stick pretty much performed how a PS2 controller should. One of my main concerns would be how the controller would handle the “digital click” for the shoulder buttons. Since the PS2 shoulder buttons don’t have the give like the GameCube controller, you’ll have to adjust a lot. But pressing down the triggers all the way activates the “click” just fine. Unfortunately not all games map out correctly with the controller due to the fact that they were programmed to use with the GameCube controller. But, with a few changes on the player’s behalf, they’ll be getting to play a superior console with an inferior controller. Hooray.

I haven’t been able to test this adapter with any 3rd party controllers, but the thought of being able to use my future Virtua Fighter 4 stick with Soul Calibur on GameCube doesn’t sound too shabby. Possibilities could virtually be endless with Dance Pads, Racing Wheels, or the like. The only limits are the mapping, but at the least, I don’t see arcade sticks causing a problem. Light guns and Racing Wheels are probably going to be a lot of trial and error. And no, you can’t shoot the Pikmin. God forbids it.

For 10 bucks you can’t go wrong with the PlayCube Controller Adapter. The best part is that it does exactly what it’s supposed to do, allow you to use a PS2 controller virtually flawlessly on the GameCube. Now you can prove your PS2 helmet wearing fanboy friends of yours to eat their words of whine, once they get dropped off on your doorstep by the short bus.