PlayStation controller tactile guide
This page describes the physical and tactile features of the official controllers for the PlayStation.
PlayStation Control Pad
The PlayStation Control Pad is a traditional two-handed gamepad.
Left grip
The left thumb rests on the D-pad, while the left index finger rests on L2.
The D-pad consists of four separate directional buttons rather than one continuous cross-shaped piece. Each button has a chevron-shaped surface that points toward the center of the D-pad. There is no distinct tactile center; the center is part of the controller shell.
Outside each direction of the D-pad is a tactile triangle that points in the corresponding direction.
The D-pad and the surrounding triangles are enclosed within a cross-shaped tactile outline.
Right grip
The right thumb rests on the X button, while the right index finger rests on R2.
The four action buttons are arranged in a diamond. Circle is diagonally up and to the right from X, Square is diagonally up and to the left from X, and Triangle is directly above X.
The four action buttons are enclosed within a cross-shaped tactile outline.
Center
The Select and Start buttons are located on the lowest portion of the controller. Select is to the left of Start.
The Select button is a thin horizontal rectangle, while the Start button is shaped like a right-pointing triangle.
Above the buttons is the "PlayStation" text marking. Above the "PlayStation" marking is the PlayStation logo marking, and above the logo is the "SONY" marking.
None of these markings are tactile and cannot be felt.
Top edge
The controller's cable extends from the middle of the top edge.
L1 is above L2, while R2 is above R1.
All four shoulder buttons are thin horizontal rectangles.
L1 and R1 are marked with the number "1", while L2 and R2 are marked with the number "2". The markings are tactile and can be felt.
Above L1 is the tactile letter "L", while above R1 is the tactile letter "R". The markings can be felt.
Back
The controller information is marked on the back. The text is tactile and can be felt.
Dual Analog
The Dual Analog is a revision of the PlayStation Control Pad that adds two analog sticks. It retains the same general button layout.
Left grip
With the addition of the left analog stick, the left thumb can rest on either the D-pad or the analog stick.
The left analog stick has a textured surface but no distinct tactile landmark or depression. Pressing the analog stick downward activates the L3 button.
Right grip
With the addition of the right analog stick, the right thumb can rest on either the analog stick or the action buttons.
The right analog stick has a textured surface but no distinct tactile landmark or depression. Pressing the analog stick downward activates the R3 button.
Center
The Select button is diagonally up and to the right from the left analog stick. The Start button is diagonally up and to the left from the right analog stick.
The word "SELECT" is marked below the Select button, while "START" is marked below the Start button.
The Analog button is diagonally down and to the right from Select and diagonally down and to the left from Start.
The "PlayStation" text marking is between the Select and Start buttons. Above the "PlayStation" marking is the PlayStation logo marking, and above the logo is the "SONY" marking.
Below the Select and Start buttons and the "PlayStation" marking is the "ANALOG" marking. The Analog button is below the "ANALOG" marking.
None of these markings are tactile and cannot be felt.
Pressing the Analog button activates analog mode and illuminates an indicator. Pressing it again deactivates analog mode and turns off the indicator.
Top edge
L1 remains above L2, while R2 remains above R1.
The L2 and R2 buttons are larger and have a rounded-square shape rather than the thin horizontal rectangular shape of the PlayStation Control Pad. They retain the tactile "2" markings on the buttons.
DualShock
The DualShock is a revision of the Dual Analog. It retains the same general button layout and tactile features, and adds vibration functionality.