Debunking the Infamous Lara Croft PS1 Controller: The April Fools' Day Prank from 2000

Over two decades in gaming have seen many myths turn to legend, but few are as persistent—or as completely unfounded—as the tale of the infamous Lara Croft PS1 controller.

Often shared across social media as a quirky relic of gaming history, this controller has long captured the collective curiosity of PlayStation enthusiasts.

However, the facts reveal a much clearer picture: this bizarre piece of hardware was never real.

The roots of the Lara Croft PS1 controller myth can be traced back to the April 2000 issue of the Official PlayStation Magazine (OPM).

In a spread that has since been widely circulated online, the magazine featured an article about a peculiar third-party controller, allegedly developed by 'AFD Entertainment.' This so-called "Handheld Heroine" was purportedly modeled after iconic female PlayStation characters, with the Lara Croft version garnering the most attention.

The product description read: "It may look strange, but AFD Entertainment’s Handheld Heroine is undoubtedly the best third-party controller on the market.

The first in a line modeled after popular female PlayStation characters, this Lara Croft version features the most comfortable and responsive analog controllers you'll ever grasp." The article claimed that silicone-topped sticks provided superior comfort, and alluded to a "constant shock" feature meant to supply a continuous, adjustable rumble.

Yet, this outlandish hardware had plenty of signals indicating its inauthenticity.

Not only did 'AFD' stand for April Fools’ Day, but the unusual price of £30.01—alongside language that veered well into parody—tipped attentive readers off.

The article, written by Chris Baker, was entirely a prank and has since been confirmed as such.

According to archival gaming site Virtual Lara, the faux controller and its description were intended strictly as an April Fools’ Day joke, never meant for production or retail.

The myth’s persistence was further fueled by scattered reports and even a Lara Croft-themed memory card, which was a real accessory and likely inspired the fabricated controller.

Tomb Raider fan @falldogs highlighted suspicions surrounding the story, noting five years ago that there was no evidence the controller was ever mass-produced—a fact now confirmed by direct sources.

While the gaming world has marveled at strange but real stories—such as the Atari E.T.

cartridges buried in the desert—the Lara Croft PS1 controller is a clear example of gaming myth borne from magazine satire.

Its enduring presence on forums and social networks demonstrates how easily jokes can become perceived as reality, especially in a nostalgic industry with an eye for the unusual. This case serves as a reminder to always verify the authenticity of so-called gaming relics, even when they come wrapped in the allure of retro nostalgia.

For PlayStation and Tomb Raider historians, the Lara Croft controller remains a testament not to hardware innovation, but rather to the enduring power—and occasional mischief—of gaming media.

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