The DualShock Analog Controller (SCPH-1200) is a controller capable of providing vibration feedback based on the on-screen action of the game (if the game supports it), as well as analog input through two sticks. The controller is called DualShock because the controller employs two vibration motors: a weak buzzing motor that feels like mobile phone or pager vibration and a strong rumble motor similar to that of the Nintendo 64’s Rumble Pak. The DualShock differs from the Rumble Pak in that the Rumble Pak uses batteries to power the vibration function while all corded varieties of the DualShock use power supplied by the PlayStation. Some third party DualShock-compatible controllers use batteries instead of the PlayStation’s power supply. The rumble feature of the DualShock is similar to the one featured on the first edition of the Japanese Dual Analog Controller, a feature that was removed shortly after that controller was released.

Like its predecessor, the Dual Analog controller, the DualShock controller has two analog sticks. However, unlike its predecessor, the DualShock controllers analog sticks feature textured rubber grips instead of the smooth plastic tips with recessed grooves found on the Dual Analog controllers analog sticks. There are also 2 additional buttons, L3 and R3, which are triggered by pressing the analog sticks down. Other ways to tell the Dual Analog from the DualShock is the longer grips/handles, and slightly different L2/R2 buttons found on the Dual Analog.