The idea of a fancy-looking controller for your PlayStation 2 might be appealing, but it’s far more important that a replacement controller is as comfortable, durable and well made as the DualShock 2 is because you don’t spend most of your time looking at the controller but looking at the screen with the controller in your hands. As it happens, the iGlow Wired controller does a passable job at emulating the DualShock 2, so much so that I had no problem using it instead Sony’s famous controller for extended periods of time.

A few small changes have been made that you may or may not appreciate however. For instance, the triggers are more similar to the Sixaxis ones, not the DualShock 2’s. I prefer the DualShock 2 trigger design because my fingers don’t slide off them while playing racing games like they do the Sixaxis triggers. The curvature of the hand grips on the iGlow is also a little different and isn’t quite as superbly comfortable in your hands as the DualShock 2. Other than these two small criticisms, everything else – the analog sticks, the D-pad, the buttons – are all up to scratch, making this a very serviceable controller. It also glows a bright blue colour which is pretty cool if you’re in to that sort of thing. I don’t think the iGlow will replace the DualShock 2 as your main controller, but being a lot cheaper than Sony’s controller makes this a very good option for an additional controller for your PS2.

Priced at R235, the iGlow Wired Controller is a competent, fun, well priced controller. The dreamGEAR range is available at Budget Tech, Incredible Connection, Look ‘n Listen, Pick ‘n Pay, Makro, Dion Wired, Kalahari, E-Dream, Digital Planet and CNA.

Thanks to TCM Warehouse for the awesome sample.