Thanks for the review Adam! We are looking into a firmware update for those that wish to play PS2 games on backwards compatible PS3s. Will make announcement once available, thanks!

Definitely the best PS123 controller I've had the pleasure of using. Something I didn't hear mentioned, the D-pad has a center pivot, which makes it easier to get directional inputs right in fighting games.

I just got my defender and tried it out. The pressure sensitivity is a god send. I absolutely love it. There is no better ps2 controller option.

That issue you described with the XMB happens a lot on third-party wireless controllers. I had a PowerA controller that did that and the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller does that too when paired over bluetooth. I think it's an issue with delay over Bluetooth/RF where it gets the input command and just repeats it. Disconnection or Home button usually fixes it.

I picked one up after watching your video; much appreciated and thorough review. I'll be using it exclusively for the PS2; especially since they're working on that Bluetooth PS3 controller in the future.

My issues with these controllers is they use a rechargeable battery, as someone who works in the battery industry I know and have seen how hard it gets to find certain batteries in the future if they die. You're only option is to get some cheap version off eBay or Amazon that may harm your device (I've seen this first hand many times). I feel the option to use rechargeable or disposable batteries in the way to go, if you like to preserve gaming with physical media it's kind of the same thing honestly. Rechargeable batteries are kind of like a digital purchase, no guarantee of future use.

I’m super excited this exists. I have around 15 ps1/ps2 controllers and probably only 3 have actually all buttons working still.

I had that same issue with using other 3rd party controllers on the PS3. They would not work with any PS2 games. So it would be great if Retro Fighters could actually make it happen with a firmware update.

I personally prefer to play with the original authentic controllers for my retro consoles as retro gaming doesn't feel right without playing with the original controllers, but I get the Retro Fighters controllers for guests that are not used to the older controllers.

Great job with this. I watched a few of the reviews for this controller and yours has by far been the best.

I got one a week ago and I've been loving it. That said, the L2/R2 triggers at first are super sensitive and could use a small amount of resistance. Otherwise, Retro Fighters made a good controller. Plan on getting another soon.

Thanks for reviewing this Adam, mine should be arriving this week. I have been looking for a wireless solution that will fulfill multiple consoles for a long time, and this should be the answer. Not only will it serve my PS1, PS2, PS3 and Switch - through special adapters it will be my go to wireless for my Gamecube and org Xbox. Can't wait!

i personally like the og ps1-3 DualShock design. I find it extremely comfortable how small and light weight they are. I obviously prefer the DualShock 4 and dualsense though.

The first three dual shock controllers were fine as a kid.....as an adult though playing with that thing gives me hand cramps in like 10 mins of play. Ergonomic hell. Gotta agree with you on your general sentiment. Gonna pick this up for sure.

One of my biggest gripes about playing old school PlayStation games is the controller. This would definitely solve my problem with that. However, I use the old 60GB model so I can play all three gens on one console and being that it needs a firmware update, I’ll wait to purchase until that’s done. Great review, nice job Retro Fighters.

Regarding the issue you had with the XMB, I have it as well with my current setup which is 8BitDo Pro2 controllers connected via Bluetooth using the MAYFLASH Magic-S PRO 2. Regarding USB ports, you can use a USB HUB on your PS3.

I really like that there are wireless options for the PS1/2 that aren’t just cheap knockoffs now. I got the N64 controller from retrofighters and although it’s design is good, it feels really cheap. I’d pay an extra $15 or so for a more premium feel

When I first heard about this item, I got hyped for an impending video. Personally not too into retrofighters controllers but love watching Adam's videos about them.

Thank you for the very thorough testing of this controller. I was afraid of the your findings with the PS3 back compat issues. I was using a wired controller from PowerA for the PS3 and noticed I couldn't get the controller to work during PS2 games. I even had a bootleg Dualshock 3 that connects over bluetooth and sometimes it wont work while playing PS2 games. PS1 is no issue. It has to be something to do with how Sony implemented controller support using the PS2 hardware inside the PS3. Was hopeful this controller wouldn't suffer the same fate but this answers my question. Still seems good enough to pick up.

Thanks for the reviews! Picking mine up tonight!

Pretty cool. Hope some updates roll out to fix these issues

I love the og controller but this does look pretty cool. Great video and review on it. Love how precise you are on your reviews of things. Maybe I will get one eventually.

heard a lot of good things about these, I might consider getting one for the PS2 or PS Classic!

I do like the Retro Fighters Dreamcast Controller, my only wish is for a re-programmable 2nd stick that could potentially be used for camera in some games or make it easier to menu in the Dreamcast PSO games.

I'm liking all the new controllers for the older systems in this gen and by this company. I'm about to perform N64 surgery and used your console cleaning video for lessons on taking it apart.

I just got a blue one and I absolutely love it. The dpad is amazing!

Grey one looks cool. Will probably pick it up

Thanks Adam for this video! You answer all my questions.

I'm going to get this to use it solely for the God of War games on RPCS3 (the PS3 emulator). I'm a massage therapist and I'm wearing down my wrist. This controller with the turbo button will really help with the mashing quick time events.

The Dreamcast controller from retro fighters has been good I’m glad they now made one for PlayStation consoles

Hello Adam, Are you able to confirm proper functioning of the pressure sensitive buttons on PS2/PS3 games? I was under the impression that no 3rd party controller had this feature. If it works, I will seriously consider buying these.

Such an awesome controller, need to grab one of those in the future. They make a good job of making the controllers! Fun fact, I love to play wireless with my PS2. I do with fake controllers

I had two StrikerDC’s and both had trigger breaks. The posts that hold them in are plastic and break off. I really liked the controller but had to return twice and get my money back. I’m reluctant to buy another unless this gets fixed. Other than that they’re great but 6hrs of play and they break isn’t worth me getting another until I can confirm they’ve fixed that issue.

Great review, these look fantastic! Also shout out to ST:TNG 😅

Great review Adam! I live my StrikerDC Dreamcast controller! I may pick one of these controllers up!

I just got the black model Defender as well. Although disappointed no keychain but, it’s a great controller I have the wired N64, brawler Gen, & Dreamcast one.

Nice it reminds me of the Razer and Nacon PS4 controllers. Though i would like to see a Bluetooth Adaptor for the PS1,PS2 and PSX DVR. The PS5 controller is essentially the Ultimate Controller by this point, it’s very difficult to compete with that. But it would be awesome if we can use the PS3, 4 and 5 controller on a PS1 and 2.

I feel you on the PlayStation controllers of the past, and I remember when I first tried the 360 controller and thinking man how did we live without it.

Leaving a comment for the algorithm

I had to watch this video just to be sure about the controller if its worth it. So far it works flawlessly on my PS2 slim. Im looking into getting another one for my PS3 and thank god you covered it here to take notes. And my response is im not planning in playing ps2 games on the PS3 couldnt even if i wanted to cause its the late version...

Great review, I just ordered one from Castlemania Games though it's backordered.

I dont understand how people think the playstation 1,2, and 3 controllers are uncomfortable, They are fine. I dont think ive ever played a console from the big three (sony, microsoft, nintendo) that is "uncomfortable.

Great review Mate! For the PS3 limited USB port issue, you can use a small 4 port USB hub. I use one on my 60GB and it works perfectly. I have 1 PS3 port running up to 4 devices at a time, and it works great. The only thing I wouldn't be running 4 SSD/HDD's running off 1 port due to the amperage demand. But I would say that 4 dongles would be fine and they don't require much amperage at all.

I know for a fact that PS2 games on the backwards-compatible PS3 do not work with USB controllers. It might work with a third-party Bluetooth controller, but I wouldn't bet on it. I think, because PS2 backwards-compatibility was so short lived, controller compatibility with PS2 games is pretty low. I remember reading somewhere that some people even had issues with newer model first-party controllers not working with PS2. (Although, to be fair, I might be misremembering.) I do know that the original Sixaxis controller and the first model DualShock 3 both work with PS2.

Looks a lot like a Switch Pro controller. That's a compliment.

Nice review and I'm going to try to get one when I get a chance and have fun with it have fun with all of them of course

how about them pressure sensitive buttons? you mentioned them in the overview but didn't go over them in the review. i specifically ask for games like MGS 2&3 and racing games that make use of them.

Great review

THERE. ARE. FOUR. LIGHTS! :)

Sweet, I've been looking for a good Dual Shock 3 alternative. But I think that XMB issue might be system level, I've had scrolling issues even with official 1st party gamepads.

Great review.

Just picked one up for my PS3. I really wish they went with rechargeable batteries so that these controllers don't start failing like the DS3's are now.

Do the face buttons have an analogue function like the PS2/3 Dualshock did? Not that many games used them, but certain games would surely be unplayable if they are missing that analogue function? MGS2 and Gran Turismo spring to mind.

Kinda surprised they didn’t emulate the individual button PlayStation D-pad instead of the typical crisscross D-pad.

darn it adam, i looooove your shirt here!

Big question, does this have Sixaxis motion control? Because some games like Flower, Blast Factor and Super Rub'a'Dub actually need for gameplay.

I like the original digital controller that came with the original PlayStation, but I have a love/hate relationship with the dualshock line of controllers, I especially don't like the pressure sensitive buttons except for on the triggers they just feel mushy like there's something wrong with the buttons.

pretty sweet. I love the PS2 but the controller always feels like its about to break in my hands.

Amazing 🙏

6:02 Retro Fighters should bundle a DVD of _Space Jam: A New Legacy_ for you to watch while you do an initial 2-hour charge of their Defender battery

Looks like a decent little 3rd party controller. I may have to remember this for later if I'm looking for something that this may meet the needs of.

I agree with the ps1-3 controllers being bad the ps4 controller was better and the 5 controller is amazing

Side Note, I bought s Power A wired PS3 controller with the xbox 360 stick layout and it also is not recognized when playing PS2 games on my 60gb PS3.

I'm with you regarding PlayStation controllers! DS4 I grew to really like, didn't like much about the earlier ones (the big foamy mushroomy analogues mostly...😰). I'm in two minds about the PS5 one. Not really a fan of those resistive triggers in games and the whole thing feels a touch too fat in my hands somehow lol Got to have those asymmetrical analogue sticks too personally so honestly.... always felt more comfortable with Xbox controllers (since the S-pad anyway)

Nice review as always ^^ Do the 4 controllers work with the ps1/ps2 multitap? Also is there six-axis support in the controller?

Let's hope they make a psp and vita controller

I use an Xbox Series controller with a brook adapter. It lacks the analog face buttons...but I can only think of 2 games on PS2 that even make any real use of them.

Hey Adam! ...How many lights do you see?

Does it feel “heavy” when talking about build quality? I had a generic wireless one for ps2 and it felt real cheap like if you look at it wrong itd bust. Great video again btw Adam! 😎

I also bought all 4 colors, should receive them next week. Gonna use them for my MiSTer FPGA for PS1 games, on my PS2, on my PS3, on my Dreamcast because I have 4 Brook wireless controller adapters and on my PC.

I picked up the gray one. So the dongles would match. I've had one issue on the ps3, so far. Specifically on the Tomb Raider trilogy collection, up left on the left anilog stick is not responding.

i'm waiting for the bluetooth version that will have six axis for ps3

Adam is the type of guy to judge a book by itself cover.

I just received mine... Now I can put my perfect condition OEM PS2 and PS3 controllers in storage to keep them safe... I never want to wear out original legacy hardware...

Are you able to turn on the PS3 by pressing the home button on the controller? And can you charge the controller via the USB-C cable through the PS3's front ports?

Hey Adam, did you test this with PS1 games on PS3 by chance and if so, did it have the same issues as playing PS2 games on it?

I also hated the first 3 DualShocks they were very uncomfortable for me, the grips were too short. DS4 and Dual Sense are great though.

You're not alone in not liking the ps1 thru ps3 controller I actively avoid them when possible lmao

I wonder of there could be a way to update the firmware to correct the PS3 issue?

I remember I had a power A ps3 controller deigned like the Xbox 360 controller and it was great!

I just got mine and i dont like how it angels inward, makes the controller feel to small. D-pad is weird too. Everything works great though and i got the Katana controller as a backup/player2 controller.

PS2 and PS3 controllers are rough honestly compared to the PS4 and PS5 controllers. I may get this. I did get this. Hopefully my BladeGC for the GameCube comes out soon too.

I love how all the consoles look like buildings with Godzilla behind them 😂

i had similar issues on my bw compatible ps3 using my brook ps2 to ps3 adapter while playing ps2 games, noteably SFA Anthology. i emailed them about the concern and a few weeks later they sent me a beta fw update that corrected the bug, i'm not sure what they had to change, but the problem your having is likely fixable.

Hi Adam. There's now a firmware update for the defender. Have you tested it out? Are you getting the same issues with it?

100% agree on the old PlayStation controllers!

And don't forget to share !

You got four! No wonder there's a backlog. I've got my order in about 10 days ago and still no update on a delivery date :'(

That's hilarious you'd mention getting shit about not liking the DualShock 1/2. My _earliest_ memory of this channel is arguing about that with you in the comments (and private messages, when those existed,) back in ~2009 or so. 😂 We _eventually_ reached some common ground. 👌

The XMB issue isn't exclusive to this controller actually, I used to have a USB PowerA controller and a USB Logitech controller that would do the same thing.

Looks like a Dualsense, which is good in my book.

I was watching for fun but the fact it has pressure sensitive buttons is selling me. Especially when it’s kind of hard to come across DualShock 3s in great condition at a good price

This may be a dumb question but do you know if these work with games on PS2 that only support the dualshock 2 controller?

These controllers are must for N64 in my opinion, can’t stand that controller didn’t like it back then and even less so now, so to have it in a more traditional form factor is critical for me.

Yeah when the PS3 runs in PS2 mode it begins to look for native controller support only, since the PS2 mode prompts traditional USB support, so only the 2 sockets work, but they only work for USB based peripherals, things that a REAL PS2 would only be looking for.

Does this controller blow the PS2's rumble fuse? I hear a lot of 3rd party PS2 controllers did, including the QuasiCade QuasiCon!

Adam, just curious if you tried an USB to PS2 adapter cable using the PS1 and PS2 dongle on it on the PS3 to see if you still had the same issues? Hopefully that makes sense lol

Hmm I don't know, I'm pretty sure there are 5 lights...

Have you tried using the ps2 controller adapter for the PS3? You could plug that wireless dongle for the ps2 version into the adapter and maybe it’d work better on ps3?

Does your Dreamcast one still work? Mine broke within 3 hours of playing it.