Do PS2 controllers work with PCs?

[Incarnate]

Had a couple old Sony game pads laying around and wondered if the adapters would even work on a modern computer. I assume it would make fighting and emulated games feel smoother and more functional.

Is it compatible or a complete waste of time?

[Bad 💀 Motha]

They can work via PS2 to USB adapter however I'm not sure how well that works with Steam. Just wait and some others will chime in.

The problem with controller that old is it will probably require taking apart and cleaning it.

[_I_]

i had one working using a combo of things

the ps2 controller is way better than the x360 controller in every way

usb - parallel (printer port) adapter
custom ps2 adapter from parallel to ps2 controller
9v power brick to enable rumble

dpadpro to make the ps2 controller seen in the pc
x360ce to convert the dinput to xinput for newer games

kind of alot to go thru, but it worked

just be aware, the all ps2(ds2) buttons (minus start/select/analog) are analog buttons, may require different pressure tolerance to hit the digital 'on' state, light tap may not trigger them while hard press will

imho, for win 10+ get a xbox 1/s/x controller, and use usb
way simpler and will work with all games dinput and xinput