Problems with PSP analogue stick.

[Daragon]

Due to the PSP's poor analogue stick placement, I find that my thumb tends to start aching after about 30 minutes use. The problem I have is with Medievil primarily (would use the control pad, but it doesn't seem to work properly as I have to tap the pad to move, holding down the pad does nothing).

I imagine that playing GTA like this is going to be hell so does anyone know of any ways to improve my grip on the system, I'd be willing to try anything, short of dislocating my thumb just so I can use the damn stick without causing myself further pain.

[HaHaUK]

I also get aching in both my hands from only playing about half-hour session. This never happens when I play the tv-based consoles, or even on my DS.

[Rossco]

Thats odd, I never get anything like that!!

Do you have freakishly small or big hands?

[Daragon]

The problem I think, is that the analogue "thing" and the D-pad should have had their positions reversed. Its probably just me not being used to experiencing hand held gaming with an analogue stick rather than a D-pad. (don't have any problems playing Wipeout)

[Zed]

Gah! its poorly designed isnt it? My hands ache after a pathetic 4 hour session Mostly i think it depends on the game; the D-pad does seem to put less stress on my hands, but playing less "active" games (like RPGs) are fine for well over 60 mins with the nub, whereas the big 12 race tournaments in Wipeout Pure get sore near the end, and i always take a break after one.

I think i might get some of those replacement nubs and see if they help any. Maybe the easier grip will mean your arent putting so much pressure on the nub to move it, and hence make the overall stress less.

[trickytree]

It's a terrible design, put a near-useless d-pad in the primary position, and a much more useful analogue stick well out of comfy reach

You could try holding the PSP tightly in your right hand, but looser with your left, to decrease tension in your left hand. Not much use on the bus though, your PSP will be flying out the window as soon as the bus turns a corner.

Or try using the other side of your thumb knuckle on the stick instead of the pad of your thumb, this should cut down the mega-RSI but makes control a bit vague.

[vertigo]

Yeh I find that when I use the Dual Shock pad I have to hold it a slightly different way, holding it more loosly in my hands to make the sticks usable otherwise I'm suing them with my thumbs stretched and at 90 degrees. Maybe try holding that side of the PSP in a slightly looser manner. This would probably make the L button a pain to reach though but hey, Sony suck at hardware design.

[themanwithapc]

I dunno if it's what the last few posts are saying, but change the actual positioning of the thumb. Put your PSP into your palm, and hold at an exact 90 degree angle. It's a bit hard to explain, and pics would be good, but my PSP is packed away

EDIT: Ithink this is what the above post is saying. The L button becomes a bit more tough to access, but who needs shoulder buttons