It’s a known issue for Guitar Hero aficionados: PlayStation 2 controllers aren’t directly compatible with Guitar Hero 2 (GH2). While this might seem perplexing, especially since PS2 controllers work perfectly fine with the original Guitar Hero (GH1), GH2 and later iterations on the PS2 platform demand a different type of controller input. The key lies in the type of controller signal recognized by GH2. It needs a digital controller that also incorporates analog stick functionality. Ironically, despite the PS2 controller being fundamentally analog – even boasting pressure-sensitive buttons – it doesn’t register correctly for GH2. This peculiarity forces us to look back to the original PlayStation and its PS1 controller for a solution when embarking on a DIY Guitar Hero controller project for GH2 and games built upon its engine, like Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s.
For this guide, we’ll utilize a PS1 controller to construct a custom Guitar Hero controller compatible with your PS2, specifically for GH2. The donor controller used in this example was a third-party PS1 pad, a “Typhoon” brand, chosen for its less desirable aesthetics, making it a prime candidate for repurposing. Let’s break down the wiring process:
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Simulating Constant Down D-pad Press (Guitar Mode Activation): Solder a connection to the left d-pad’s “down” input as if it’s perpetually pressed. This crucial step signals to the PS2 system that a guitar controller is connected, rather than a standard gamepad. In-game, pressing down on the d-pad will typically open the tutorial menu, confirming its activation.
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Ground (GND): Establish a common ground connection. Fortunately, PS1 controller boards offer multiple GND points, simplifying the wiring process for various switches and components.
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Strumming Up: Connect to the “up” d-pad input. This will register as the “strum up” action in the game.
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Star Power (Motion Sensor) – L2 Button: Utilize the L2 button contacts on the PS1 controller board. These two outlets will be wired to your tilt sensor or accelerometer to activate Star Power by tilting the guitar.
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Strumming Down: Connect to the “down” d-pad input. This will register as the “strum down” action in the game.
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Star Power/Menu Access – Select Button: The Select button serves a dual purpose. Primarily, it’s another trigger for Star Power activation. Secondarily, it might have other in-game menu functions depending on the specific Guitar Hero title.
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Pause/In-Game Menu – Start Button: The Start button retains its essential functions: pausing the game and accessing the in-game menu system.
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Orange Fret Button – Square Button: Connect to the Square button contact. This will function as the orange fret button on your guitar controller. Note that some PS1 controller boards might lack a dedicated solder pad for the square button, requiring careful soldering directly to the button’s contact point.
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Green Fret Button – R2 Button: Connect to the R2 button contact. This will be your green fret button.
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Blue Fret Button – Cross Button (X): Connect to the Cross (X) button contact to register as the blue fret button.
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Red Fret Button – Circle Button: Connect to the Circle button contact for the red fret button functionality.
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Yellow Fret Button – Triangle Button: Wire to the Triangle button contact to activate the yellow fret button.
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Whammy Bar – Left Analog Stick Y-axis: Connect the Y-axis input of the left analog stick to function as the whammy bar. For proper operation, it’s recommended to connect the whammy bar potentiometer as a trimmer circuit, wired between GND and VCC (Voltage Common Collector).
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Voltage Common Collector (VCC/Ucc): Locate a convenient VCC point on the PS1 controller board. This will provide the necessary power for components like the whammy bar potentiometer.
Optional Enhancement: Rumble Motor Removal
It is advisable to remove the rumble motors from the PS1 controller. These motors serve no purpose in Guitar Hero gameplay and can be eliminated to simplify the build and reduce unnecessary weight.
This wiring guide provides a foundation for transforming a PS1 controller into a functional Guitar Hero controller for PS2, specifically tailored for the requirements of Guitar Hero 2 and similar games. Remember to exercise caution when soldering and always double-check your wiring connections.
