NeoGeo Joystick coming to PS2

TOKYO--Sega and SNK Playmore have announced today that they will be bringing a modern version of the classic NeoGeo Joystick to the PlayStation 2. The joystick, named the NeoGeo Stick 2, will be produced in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the King of Fighters fighting game series. The NeoGeo Stick 2 will be released in Japan on February 17 at a price of 5,800 yen ($56).

While the original NeoGeo joystick for the AES (Advanced Entertainment System) only featured four buttons, the NeoGeo Stick 2 will feature eight buttons that correspond to the PlayStation 2's standards. The joystick will look nearly identical to the original AES release except that it will feature the PS2's side buttons--two on the left side of the main buttons and another two on the right side. However, the NeoGeo Stick 2 does not feature an analog stick, and DualShock-specific games will not be playable on the controller.

The NeoGeo Stick 2 is the second peripheral that will be released in commemoration of the King of Fighters' 10th anniversary. The NeoGeo CD joypad is also coming out for the PS2 as a part of the limited edition package of King of Fighters '94 Re-Bout, which is slated for release on December 28.