When the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system was announced, the DualShock 2 Analog Controller (SCPH-10010) included with it was almost exactly the same externally as the previous DualShock analog controller, except that it was black (other colors came later), had different screw positioning in the back which counted one fewer screws, and the DualShock 2 logo was added. Another way to tell the DualShock and the DualShock 2 controllers apart is that the connector that plugs into the console matches that console's memory card shape; the DualShock’s connector has rounded shoulders and DualShock 2's is squared off. The analog sticks were also noticeably stiffer for more accurate movements.

Internally, the DualShock 2 was lighter and all of the buttons (except for the Analog mode, start, select, L3 and R3 buttons) were readable as analog values (pressure sensitive).[5]

The DualShock 2 has been made available in various colors such as: black, satin silver, pink, white, transparent grey, blue, green, and red.

The DualShock 2 is also backwards compatible with the original PlayStation, and is forwards compatible with the PlayStation 3 through the use of third party peripherals designed to create a connection between the wire of the controller and the console's USB ports. However, the DualShock 2 will not work properly with games that require the Sixaxis functions, such as Heavy Rain.