For what seems like this whole generation of gaming, I’ve been searching for the perfect controller. While the Dualshock 3 is a great standard for Playstation 3, I needed something that felt more like the original Xbox 360 controller. It had to feel good in my hands, have some significant weight to it and it had to be wired. Madcatz has continued to put out quality hardware this entire generation and with the MLG Pro Circuit controller, they have perfected the art of controller design. The MLG Pro Circuit controller may look like a simple third party controller, but it’s splendor lies in its modding capabilities. This controller is modular and allows you to swap out the d-pad and left and right analog sticks. Both the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the controller come with 4 analog sticks, 2 d-pads and 2 sets of faceplates, 1 gloss and 1 matte. It also comes with a nice carrying case and microphone cable for the traditional Xbox 360 headset. This controller is all about convenience and comfort. The modules basically allow you to mix and match Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 parts. For example, if you prefer the Dualshock style d-pad you can use that instead of the Xbox 360 d-pad. You could also swap the d-pad position with the left analog stick and put it into a classic Dualshock configuration but with concave Xbox 360 analog sticks. To remove the modules you just turn them counter-clockwise about 5 degrees and pull them out. Also included with the kit are 2 35g weights which can be installed to the bottom of the controller. When you feel the full weight of the 70g for the first time, it will be pretty hard to turn back. Once the weight was added the controller felt like a very comfortable brick. It’s solid and heavy, just like I like it. Since the MLG Pro Circuit controller was designed with professional gamers in mind, these controllers will ship with a 9.8ft(3m) braided cable. It’s a thick solid cable that you have to screw into the controller. Again, this controller is all about quality. The two face plates come in matte and gloss finishes. As you can see from the gallery, I prefer the gloss look. Don’t be fooled by the gloss though, the bottom of the controller is rubber coated. I heard of reports that this controller suffers from a slow turn issue and a bigger dead zone than normal. In my testing, mostly with Modern Warfare 3, I didn’t notice one problem at all. It feels just like my original wireless 360 controller but better. I was able to aim slow and fast as I should be with the analog sticks. In fact, the only minor quip I have with this controller is the fact that the X, Y and B buttons seem to have a bit more spring than the A button. Some minor differences between the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 versions of this controller are as follows: - The Xbox 360 version has rumble and the PS3 version doesn’t.- The PS3 version has hardware swappable shoulder and trigger buttons so you can finally use the trigger in your PS3 fps games.- There are no Sixaxxis controls in the PS3 version. The Madcatz MLG Pro Circuit Controller should be the last controller you ever buy. It retails for $99 but for the quality are getting from this controller, that’s quite a bargain. If any of the modules break, you can replace them and you’re as good as new. I’m hoping to see a Sega Saturn style d-pad module in the future. I was told that there are some fancy faceplates in the works but I have no idea when they will be available. I’ve read most of the reviews for both versions of this controller and some of the negative ones are suspect. In all my years of gaming I’ve never played with a controller as comfortable as this one. I have no complaints whatsoever and I eagerly await the arrival of my PS3 version. Don’t let the $99 price scare you because you get what you pay for. With the Madcatz MLG Pro Circuit Controller, you get outstanding quality.
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Tag Archives: xbox 360 control
Your Questions About Modded Xbox 360 Controllers Ebay
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Jenny asks… how much money would i get for my xbox 360 elite 250gb?Its very good condition with kinect, turtle beach x11′s, 2 wireless controllers, 1 modded controller, 1 wired controller, 2 mics, 2 guitar hero guitars, and lots of games. I just want an estimate of how much money i would get on ebay.
Joey answers:$200 I actually might be interested.
William asks… HI,im wanting to buy a modded controller,?there is to modded controllers for different prices and there the same but i dont know they have different modes can tell me if they have different modes or if the modes are better and tell me wich won i should go for heres the links http://cgi.ebay.com/XBOX-360-RAPID-FIRE-MODDED-CONTROLLER-MW2-BLACK-OPS-/230616399954?pt=Video_Games_Accessories&hash=item35b1cf0052 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270754919152&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Joey answers:Well, I would take the second because it’s cheaper and better. Better in the fact that it has a programable mode (mine has that and I really like it), and it has the mimick, meaning the RT shoots both the left and right gun, giving you the ability to ADS with your primary and have rapid fire on both your secondaries (mine doesn’t have the mmick,wish it did :/ ) hope this helps
John asks… How much is a used Xbox 360 worth?A friend of mine wants to sell me his 360. It has the console, a wired controller, an RCA cable, a component cable, and a 20 gb HDD. It works perfectly. I’m leary of the ones on eBay in case they’re banned from live having been modded. So what’s it worth? He’s willing to give me a “fair” price and that’s kind of up to me. Thoughts? Thanks!
Joey answers:It all depends on the condition and the year he bought it. The latter you should check with your friend. The condition … Well, take a look at the system. You say it works perfectly, so that probably means it does. But look at it again. Obviously, a lot can’t be said about the outside. Turn it on and see if everything works alright. (If you don’t know much about the 360, use the manual that your friend *should* have kept (I know people who throw them out) as a reference, or the Xbox 360 website that can be found through Microsoft.) Your assumption is correct in that buying consoles on eBay is risky. Probably a good idea to buy it from your friend, or even better–buy it new! Your choice, of course. As far as price goes, the new price is $399.99 for the premium console, which you probably want to get. Check out some of the new packages before buying a used one (the stores often throw in other goodies like games and extra controllers, with are always useful; and of course, you have the security of knowing that it *will* work when buying new), unless you’re set on buying used. Generally a used 360 would go for at least $100 less than the new list price if it is intact and working perfectly. If it’s the system, a controller, cables, and the HDD, you’ve got yourself a decent used package. If you’re looking for a specific price, that’s hard to say without looking at everything. But I’d say anywhere between $150 and $250 (and that’s just an idea). So, ask him when he got it, since the older 360s that Microsoft first released tended to have bugs, and if he doesn’t know, ask to see the box or receipt. You can go by what I’m saying for the price, but also use good judgement and compare your price with the cost of a new console. With good judgement, there should be no problem in obtaining a 360 at a fair price. Good luck!
Michael asks… What’s considered “fast” eBay Shipping?I just made an eBay and bought an item from a very good top-rated seller. He offers Free first-class USPS shipping. It usually takes 2 to 3 business days. I was wondering if this is considered “fast” shipping on eBay. I ordered mine Tuesday night and it say it should be here between Friday and Saturday. I bought a modded silver Xbox 360 controller 12 modes and blue LED lights, in case your wondering. ztb_888 is the seller.
Joey answers:2 too 3 days is fast shipping …. But my policy with Ebay is to give them at least five to seven day. Issues do arrive and sometimes it take a little longer. So give them the five star treatment. Its better than squabbling over a few days and getting a hex on your your own account.
Lisa asks… I’m planning on buying a 2nd Xbox 360?Ok, heres my situation. I have a CHIPPED Xbox 360 Heres my plan: To buy a Fresh unmodded/unchipped xbox 360 with a wireless adapter and 2 controllers, It doesn’t bother me if they’re new or used. I have $150 saved right now. How much could I get for my Chipped 360? How much is a 360? used and new? Is my $150 dollars enough once I’ve sold my previous xbox and controller? keep in mind I plan to buy 5+ more games, probably costing 100 or more. I also have a Hard Drive, that was bought from eBay and it’s not modded in any form or way. If you can answer all of these questions thoroughly, I’ll give you 5 stars and 10 points.
Joey answers:Look at my recent question im selling an xbox 360 check if your interested and if u are email me at ohiostate999@yahoo.com it is pretty cheap if you want one. I have everything listed there I will put it on ebay for the price and then you can buy it on there, they make sure it is safe and that nobody takes anybodies money trust me I just have no need for it anymore for I dont play. To answer this edit your answer on my question. Powered by Yahoo! Answers
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Development of the Sony PS3′s Media Drive – Control and Connectivity Systems For Use in the PS4
The Sony PlayStation 3 battles it out with rivals the Microsoft Xbox 360 and the Nintendo Wii for games console supremacy. The PS3 boasts the most impressive specification of all three units and includes an IBM developed Cell Processor, an advanced form of XDR main memory and an NVIDIA PC-based graphics processor. The consoles replacement is expected to be released to the general public around 2011, so when it arrives what can we expect the PlayStation 4′s specification to look like in comparison with the current PS3? In two of my earlier articles I looked at the PS4′s likely main processor, memory, graphics processor and hard drive specifications. In this, the final article in the series, we’ll be taking a look at the optical media drive, control system and connectivity features.
First we consider the consoles optical drive. Expect the current generations integrated Blu-ray optical drive to remain in place almost unchanged from the present specification. Just like the DVD format which proceeded it, once an optical system has been established there is little change required. As any replacement for Blu-ray is a long way in the future, and would probably not be disk-based anyway, I don’t see any reasons for this element of the console to change. In my opinion Sony will simply use the fact that Blu-ray is an established technology as a cost advantage. The high development costs and the corporations insistence that it be included in the current console from launch is a large factor in the high production costs and lack of profit associated with the PS3.
The remaining features of the PS3, notably the integrated USB 2 ports, Bluetooth wireless controllers, and built in wireless network adaptor I would expect to see carried over to its replacement unchanged unless there are any significant speed related upgrades to the technology. If this is the case then I would expect an upgrade to reflect this. One area of new development I think we might see is the implementation of a new controller design. The current controller gets its fair share of criticism – the Xbox 360 controller is often viewed as far better unit to use, whilst the innovative Nintendo Wii controller has been responsible for that systems resounding sales success. In light of this a re-design of the control system is an almost certainty but with the Bluetooth connectivity maintained..
Sony has so far (as of March 2009) lost money on every PS3 sold despite the consoles relatively high price. This is mostly down to the advanced nature of its hardware, both in terms of development and production costs. I feel that a development of this existing technology is the only way to go to allow Sony to recoup some of the losses experienced in the PS3 program. This is all the more important in today’s fragile economic markets where record breaking sales figures can no longer be guaranteed.
This concludes our look at the PS4. I’d like to re-visit this article in a few years time to see how accurate my predictions have been.
Mad Catz MLG Pro Circuit Controller (for PlayStation 3)
While it probably goes without saying, hardcore gamers spend hours at a time on their games. They obsess over strategies for each title. And they spend hundreds of dollars on their gaming gear. The Mad Catz MLG Pro Circuit Controller is aimed at these gamers, and its $129.99 (list) price tag is justified thanks to its extensive customization options. This PlayStation 3 game controller lets you switch between multiple types of analog sticks, direction pads, controller configurations, and even faceplates, with even more planned. Mad Catz also makes a same-price Xbox 360 version, which is nearly identical because you can choose between PS3 and Xbox 360-style analog sticks and direction pads for either model. Its excellent feel and multiple options help this pricey gamepad earn our Editors’ Choice. Customizing the GamepadStraight out of the box, the MLG Pro Circuit looks like your typical third-party PlayStation 3 gamepad with a detachable cable. However, once you pull the magnetically attached face plate off, its differences and appeal become apparent. The direction pad and analog sticks are modular, and you can swap out the default broken arrow direction pad and convex PlayStation 3-style sticks with the included solid plus direction pad and concave Xbox 360-style sticks. The left analog stick and direction pad can also be swapped back and forth, like Mad Catz’s Cyborg V.5 gamepad, letting you choose whether you want to play with a PlayStation 3-style layout or an Xbox 360-style layout. The customization doesn’t end there. A cartridge on the back of the gamepad holds two 35-gram weights, giving you three weight adjustments for the controller. A flat cover replaces the cartridge if you don’t want any weights and want the back of the gamepad to be flat, instead of feeling like it has a battery pack. The faceplate and left and right handles of the controller are removable, letting you choose between the included glossy black and matte black plates included with the gamepad (or you can mix and match them). All of these different parts, plus the removable three-meter (9-foot-10-inch-) woven cable and the gamepad itself, fit in the included carrying case for easy transportation to tournaments or friends’ homes so you can switch your configuration on the fly. If that’s not enough, Mad Catz will offer additional “ProModule” analog sticks and direction pads of varying shapes and textures, faceplates of varying styles, and detachable cables of varying lengths. PS3 DNS Error – Five Good Tips To Fix PlayStation 3 Network Errors
Isn't it great to challenge your friends on the network but equally frustrating when you cannot connect to the internet even after a million attempts?...
Despite the many removable parts, when everything is locked in the MLG Pro Circuit Controller feels rock-solid. The screw-on cable connection keeps the cable secured tight (there’s no wireless option), and the direction pad and analog sticks, despite fastening with a short twist into the sockets, stay in place. With the faceplate on, you can’t even tell the gamepad is modular. How Gaming FeelsThe gamepad’s shape is closer to an Xbox 360 controller than a PlayStation 3 controller, and feels pleasantly solid in the hand even without the weights. The Xbox 360-like trigger buttons and larger, more curvy profile are much more comfortable than the PlayStation 3′s stock Sixaxis and DualShock 3 gamepads. In my large hands, the MLG Pro Circuit Controller simply feels better. Instead of being pawned off to the second player, this gamepad cries out to stay with the host. One minor touch makes the MLG Pro Circuit Controller so much more appealing for gamers on the PS3. If you hold the Start and Select buttons for five seconds, the player lights on the bottom will invert (if you’re player one, the first light will be dark and the other three will light up) to signal that the trigger and bumper shoulder buttons have been switched. This means you can pull the right trigger button to fire weapons in most first-person shooters, when previously the right bumper was used to fire. It’s a small feature, but it makes playing shooters much more comfortable. The Mad Catz MLG Pro Circuit Controller for Xbox 360 doesn’t include this feature. I tried the MLG Pro Circuit Controller with three games: Mortal Kombat, Resistance: Fall of Man, and EDF: Insect Armageddon. As a fighter, Mortal Kombat benefitted from being able to switch both the position and style of the direction pad. I had the most luck with the PS3-style broken arrow direction pad in the PS3 configuration. In Resistance: Fall of Man, I used the shoulder button switching feature to use the trigger to fire, and I had the most comfortable experience with Xbox 360-style sticks in the PS3-style configuration. In EDF: Insect Armageddon, I had the best experience turning quickly to kill giant bugs with the PS3-style sticks in the Xbox 360-style configuration. Your tastes may vary depending on your play style and the size of your hands, but the different options mean you’ll play comfortably in exactly the way you want. The Mad Catz MLG Pro Circuit Controller might be an expensive gamepad, but it’s also the best third-party gamepad you can buy thanks to its solid design and multiple configuration options. The simple ability to switch analog stick styles and positions makes it appealing, and the shoulder button switching feature makes it invaluable for gamers who like to play shooters on the PS3. If you can spend the $130 and you spend all your time on your PS3, this is the gamepad you want to get. More Game Controller and Accessory reviews:• Star Wars: The Old Republic Gaming Headset by Razer• OnLive Wireless Controller• Mad Catz MLG Pro Circuit Controller (for PlayStation 3)• Nyko Power Grip for Nintendo 3DS• Nvidia 3D Vision 2• more
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Your Questions About Black Xbox Controller Pc
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Ken asks… does the Microsoft xbox 360 controller work on call of duty black ops for the pc?i was wondering if this controller works when call of duty black ops on the pc. cause i read some things that it doesn’t work for all games was wondering if this was one of the games that did work.
Joey answers:More than likely if it’s 360 compatible, the Windows wont have any problems recognizing it, unless you’re on Windows XP. Then you’d have to download a program.
Thomas asks… Is it possible to play Call of Duty Black Ops PC with a gaming controller?I want to play Call of Duty Black Ops PC with a controller like those one’s from logitech to give my game more of a Xbox/PS3 feel to it. Is this possible and if so what controllers should I use? Post a link. All help is appreciated.
Joey answers:Yes. Http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=84360
Maria asks… Xbox controller in PC help?Ever since I started using my xbox controller to play New Vegas, every few seconds a black box flashes in the top left area of the screen and then disappears almost instantly. It happens every second or two, and is extremely distracting. What do? Thanks
Joey answers:Don’t use the controller and try the game. Is it the same?
George asks… I really want to buy cod on my pc but with an xbox 360 controller how do i do this?i want to buy black ops on my laptop but play it with an xbox 360 controller ive been reaserching my ass of to see if this is possible without buying any programs really just looking for some personal experiance and experties.
Joey answers:Yes the COD BO are controller enabled, I never tried to use my Xbox console controller before, because i use my Xbox 360 wireless controller for windows. With it and other games as well.
Laura asks… What do I need if I buy a windows xbox 360 controller, like the one below, in order to use it for pc games?http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/gaming/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=090&active_tab=overview&color=Black http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/gaming/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=090&active_tab=overview&color=Black I have windows vista 64 bit (i think…)
Joey answers:If you buy that controller (or any controller) then you need a “driver” for your pc to recognise the controller, http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/download/download.aspx?category=Gaming but have a look here first Powered by Yahoo! Answers
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Modded Controllers for PS3: Halo Reach
An ardent gamer would most definitely have a PS3 in his gaming studio though he might be getting tired of playing the different titles in the same old fashion. If you are looking for a change in the mode of gaming, the best thing for you would be to buy modded PS3 controllers. While the standard controller is nothing short of an actual gaming experience, if you are looking to play hard, you should definitely get a modded controller. Whether it is a first person shooter or a racing game, there are different mods for different games. You can either choose to buy modded PS3 controllers or the do-it-yourself kits that can be used to make your own modded controllers.
What they do
For some games, PS3 controller modding allows you to play with utmost ease; it strengthens your player character in the sense that you can run faster, jump higher and shoot faster. It even speeds up your character thereby giving you an edge in battles. The rapid fire mod for first person shooters has been gaining popularity ever since its inception in the market and can be said to be the most sought-after gadget. There have been several other mods like the tilt mod which lets you switch between using the joystick direction pads and tilting the joystick for movement. It gives the controller a higher degree of sensitivity.
Is it cheating?
Of course, it’s not cheating when everybody does it. The player gets a certain degree of advantage in the game at the cost of a few dollars. It is important to remember that a rookie with PS3 controller modding can play better than an experienced person with a standard controller. Some people call it cheating and claim that it ruins the multiplayer game experience for other players while others call it fun and claim that the game play is much better with PS3 controller modding. The game developers have set a certain rate of firing beyond which a normal 0.35 caliber cannot fire but this mod allows you to fire pistols and revolvers at the rate of a semi-automatic gun.
Decision to buy
At the end of the day, the decision to buy modded PS3 controllers lies with you. If you are looking for a spectacular gaming experience in a single player or a multiplayer game and are looking to bust some heads, this is the perfect tool for you. On the other hand, if you are a person who is looking to play games in their true spirit, this is probably not the right thing to purchase. Overall, it might be worth a few bucks to change the appearance of your controller.
The answer lies with the function that the mods perform; for FPS shooters, this mod can increase the rate of firing. So games like Call of Duty and Halo are compatible with the Xbox 360 controller mods. It can work wonders with World at War and increase your performance significantly. Essentially, you play the game with such a ferocity that was absent even when the developers created the game – better and faster shooting and killing.
Is It Legal If You Use Custom Mod Controllers?
The concept of Xbox and PS3 controller modding is pretty old even though it has gained popularity just over the last two years after the advent of the Xbox 360 and the PS3 consoles into the market. Typically, these controllers let you play the game the way you have always wanted it – the ultimate power. In FPS games, you can run faster, jump higher, perform actions quicker and finally, shoot at an exceptional rate even with normal weapons. Some mods give you the capacity to convert normal weapons to semi-automatics in the way they spit ammo at the enemy. Do these not give you an edge over your opponents in games?
Single player or vs. AI
People often come up with the question about whether use of PS3 controller mods is legal. Controller modding services can boldly say yes because not all services endorse these controllers for an online gameplay. They let the players play against their AI opponents with an efficiency that is usually many times more than their usual characters. Some services which offer Xbox 360 controller mods compare the use of a modding chip with the use of a muffler in automobiles – it just improves the efficiency of gameplay. We have established that they are not illegal. The next question that follows is whether the use of these controllers is cheating.
Cheat the system
Most games come with built-in cheat codes, or if we may take a bolder step, all games have cheat codes which let the player character do something out of the ordinary. They generally give an edge to the player over other AI opponents. The concept of custom modded controllers is very similar to cheat codes. Players who are looking for a different and non-linear gameplay tend to go in for controller mods which enable them to multiply their capacities. This enhances the spirit of playing and keeps them occupied for a longer time.
Some cheap modded Xbox 360 controllers can also come with a tilt mod that enhances the movement and tilt sensing capacity of the controller. For racing or tricking games, this can be used to perform neat tricks by just tilting the controller. Need for Speed, Blur and Skate are examples of some games that are compatible with this modded controller. These can cater to individual requirements therefore allowing the user to change the degree of sensitivity of the controller. Further the capacity to immediately switch between the tilt and stick controls increase the flexibility of the controller.
The Witcher 2 on Xbox 360 is, Thankfully, Still Very Much The Witcher 2
This week, I had a chance to sit down and play through a few hours of the upcoming Xbox 360 version of the 2011 PC-exclusive game The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. The Xbox 360 version will launch on April 17th. I’m happy to report that the port meets expectations in every way—close your eyes and picture “The Witcher 2 on Xbox 360.” Are you imagining that? Good, because that’s what you’re getting. As far as I’m concerned, that is a good thing. If you’d like to know what The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is all about, I recommend reading our own Mike Fahey’s fabulous review of the game. It’s a role-playing game in which you really play a role, where choice and consequence make themselves known in occasionally earth-shattering (and game-experience-changing) ways. It’s well-written and surprisingly sexy and earthy and totally good. So, on to the Xbox 360 version. I’ve “confessed” this before (as if it’s some shameful crime!), but I actually found that the best way for me to experience The Witcher 2 was by plugging my PC into my TV and playing with a controller. Oh, how glorious it looked in full HD! Furthermore, the controls lent themselves to the Xbox 360 controller very well. In fact, the game seemed to have been designed with the controller in mind; menus featured button-specific prompts, and the entire game, including the menus, could be navigated with a controller. The new version is much the same, with some slight but noticeable tweaks to the control layout. The button-mapping is somewhat different; face-buttons are more in line with a typical console game (A replaces X as the interact button, Y replaces B to cast signs), and targeting is now tied to the left trigger. The interface, too, has changed, with a page-based pause interface that lets you flip through your map, journal, and inventory just like in any other console RPG. It all feels and works better, though doesn’t change things too much in practice. The guys from CD Projekt Red weren’t sure whether the remapped controls would come to the PC version, but I hope that they do. I’ll get this out of the way—despite the good-looking screenshots you’ll see in this post, The Witcher 2 for 360 does not look as good as its PC counterpart. No huge surprise there, since no feat of programming on earth could get an Xbox 360 game looking as good as The Witcher 2 running on Ultra or High on a current PC. But that’s not to say it looks bad—while the lighting effects and high-res textures did serve to make the PC version look jaw-droppingly good, much of The Witcher 2 PC’s look derived from a lush, well-realized art style. That art style carries over to the new game. If you hadn’t payed The Witcher 2 on PC, you’d probably never notice that it doesn’t look as good as it could. The only thing that sorta bummed me out was that Geralt himself looks a bit… gaunt? Drawn? At times, he looks looks younger and just… different than he did in the PC version, like some of the character has been leeched from his face. But really, don’t let that bum you out—Xbox players won’t even notice. What’s great is that everything else is essentially unchanged. You’ll get the same twisty, shades-of-grey story, all of the quests, all of the big decisions, all of the lusty, sexful exploits. You’ll also get all of the post-release DLC, including several additional quests, the new, smoother tutorial, the fighting arena, and a brand-new chunk of DLC that adds four hours of content to the game’s comparatively thin-feeling third act. I played through a good amount of the new content, and it feels appropriately Witchery, revolving mostly around exposing the plot to kidnap King Foltest’s children from the first act. I checked to be sure, and yes, PC players will receive this DLC for free just as they have all other DLC, presumably when the Xbox version launches. The Witcher 2 on Xbox 360 is very much the same excellent game that PC players got to play last year, lightened a bit in the graphics department but in most every other respect identical. I’ll note that while I was at the event, I had a good time listening to the gentlemen behind me, writers for a to-remain-nameless Xbox-centric magazine, who were playing The Witcher 2 for the first time. I recalled my own first encounter with the game as I listened to them wrestle with its unforgiving difficulty and rough combat edges. “How do you replenish your health in combat?” asked one. “You don’t,” said the PR rep. Yep, that’s The Witcher 2 alright. Lustful silver fox two swords, two ladies; one heart cursed neck-tattoo!
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Buying Xbox Accessories Online? Here’s What You Need
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Here are 5 of the most essential Xbox accessories: Xbox Quick Charge Kit: If you have wireless controllers, then you need this kit. It will save you money and time, both precious commodities in today’s world. The kit allows you to recharge your batteries in a flash (two hours or less), and lets you do away with buying endless amounts of disposable batteries. Even better? You can charge up to two battery packs at a time, and you don’t have to use your console to do any of the charging. This is considered a must have item for those who plan on playing Xbox for any significant amount of time, especially in one sitting. Xbox Text Messaging Kit: This is a great little device that attaches seamlessly to your Xbox 360 controller and lets you chat with ease on Xbox Live, or on the Internet. The Chatpad features dedicated keys for letters and characters. The buttons are all backlit, which makes it easy to type in even the most dimly lit environments. There is also a headset included, making this the ultimate communication bundle. For anyone who has a friends list, this is a vital accessory. Xbox 360 Wireless Headset: Anyone who has experienced the freedom of wireless can tell you that it makes your gaming experience much more enjoyable. This headset offers a comfortable fit, and a crisp sound quality, without any of the distortions or static that have plagued other headphones. The charge for the headset offers plenty of time for marathon gaming sessions – between 6-8 hours. Even more impressive, unlike the flimsy headsets that Xbox used to produce, this set is extremely durable and made to last. If you chat often with friends online, you’ll love this headset. Xbox 360 Universal Remote: If you play DVD’s through your Xbox, this remote will come in handy. While the standard controller does provide access to the DVD menu, you have to navigate through several submenus to get to some of the DVD options. This remote is much more user friendly, and features the same interface as found on other remotes used for TV and DVD players. It also features backlit buttons, which makes it easy to see, even in a darkened home theater. In addition to your DVD movies, you can also easily navigate through your music and photo libraries with this remote. Designed as an integrated control center for your entire Xbox experience, the device works exactly as promised. If you’re looking for easy navigation for your Xbox system, you can’t beat the universal remote. While Xbox works great on its own, there’s no doubt that extras can enhance the performance and functionality of the system. If you’re looking to buy Xbox accessories online, these popular items provide a more seamless, and enjoyable, entertainment experience.
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The Vault: Top Ten Controllers
There is one single component of video games that is so important, that to remove it would render the whole medium useless: It isn’t graphics or gameplay, nor is it sound; I am of course referring to the ever present controller, for without the joysticks and pads we have used for the past few decades, we would just be watching and not playing. We’ve come a long way from Pong paddles and Atari joysticks. We now live in an age of analog sticks, triggers and in in recent years; motion controls. So many first & third party designs have been held in our collective hands, some comfortable, some not so much. I’d like to take this opportunity to take a look at my favourite methods of game control – I’m sure my choices are much different from yours, so why not discuss your own favourite controllers on our forums? 10: Super Game Boy Commander Controller (Hori, 1994) A controller that I’m sure not many of you are aware of, this item just enters my top 10 because it’s an interesting idea. As you can probably tell by the design, this controller has a style similar to that of the classic beige Game Boy system. Created by Hori to act as the perfect accompaniment to the SNES’ Super Game Boy peripheral, this controller props up the rest of this list by being a uniquely designed pad that works incredibly well with it’s intended purpose (It actually works pretty well as a beat-em-up pad, too!). That and it looks pretty sweet; note how the bottom right of the pad is made to look like the speaker output of the original Game boy, or the purplish-red B & A buttons. 9: Guitar Hero Controller (Red Octane, 2005) There are hundreds of gimmicky controllers out there: fishing rods, maracas, DJ turntables and dance mats to name just a few. However none of these unusual devices have made as much of an impact on the game industry as Red Octane’s brilliant Guitar Hero peripheral. It wasn’t the first guitar controller (that honour goes to Konami’s Guitar Freaks), but it was Red Octane and Harmonix’s Guitar Hero that really caught the imagination of wannabe Guitar Gods throughout the world. While Guitar Freaks relied on a soundtrack consisting of lesser known tracks, Guitar Hero gave us what we really want; some of the best guitar tracks you could possibly imagine. The original Guitar Hero controller keeps things nice and simple: Five coloured buttons, a plastic panel to strum, an awesome tremolo (AKA Whammy) bar and a tilt sensor to enable Star Power with a nifty pose. Later versions varied in design, with D-pads, slide bars and a second set of buttons further down the neck; but it’s the original version that makes this list. For those about to rock, we salute you! 8: SEGA Mega Drive 6-button (SEGA, 1993)
After Nintendo managed to score a victory over SEGA by getting the exclusive arcade port of Street Fighter II on their SNES console, SEGA bit back with Capcom creating a Special Championship Edition of the game for Mega Drive, with one slight problem: How do you convert 6-button fighting game controls to a 3-button pad? Well, you could do as Capcom did; make your three buttons all Punches and allow to player to change these to Kicks with a (not-so-simple) simple press of the Start button. Or alternatively you could get SEGA to create an awesome new 6-button controller so that Mega Drive owners can enjoy Fighting in Streets as Capcom intended. Personally, I found the disc-style directional pad a far easier method of inputting special moves than the standard SNES D-pad. 7: NES (Nintendo, 1985) The most important (technologically and culturally) and recognisable pad on this list, Nintendo’s controller design for the Western version of their Famicom system differs from its Eastern model (it’s lacking the Famicom’s microphone function, plus it can be unplugged from the NES – unlike the Famicom pad, which is permanently wired). Its iconic black D-pad and bright red buttons are a design classic and even though its sharp, rectangular form is about as ergonomic as handling a breezeblock, it’s still the perfect example of a simple, yet incredibly functional controller. A true classic that has influenced almost every controller since. Nintendo even agree, considering the similar button configuration on the Wii remote once it’s flipped horizontally. 6: DualShock 3 (Sony, 2007) For some reason, I’ve never really liked Sony controllers. The original PlayStation pad always felt too plastic and never felt right in my hands. I could never find the segmented D-pad comfortable as it felt like it was grating your thumb. But to Sony’s credit, their approach of evolving their controllers with each console release has certainly paid dividends; the DualShock 3 being the most comfortable of the PlayStation pads. The dual-analog sticks are in a good position, the return to implementing rumble motors is a welcome one, I love the trigger-like L2 & R2 buttons and I feel Sony got the weight of the controller right this time around. The segmented D-Pad still grates my thumbs, but it’s still better than the one on the Xbox 360 controller. 5: Mini Pad 64 (Hori, 1999) With the Nintendo 64, Nintendo made a heap of odd hardware decisions (cartridge instead of CD? No dedicated sound chip?), but the controller was probably one of the most obvious. The three pronged monstrosity didn’t feel as bad in the hands as you might expect, but its added appendage did seem a bit unnecessary. Enter peripheral masters Hori, with their Mini-N64 controller – A little known Japanese-only cutie that is surprisingly easy to pick up on eBay and a worthwhile purchase for any N64 fan. This tiny controller is deceptively comfortable to hold and makes button access far easier – Hori did a great job at updating the N64 pad, it’s just a shame that it was never released in the West as I’d have loved to see these packed with the N64 console. 4: SEGA Saturn (SEGA, 1994) The SEGA Saturn pad is a worthy followup to the Mega Drive 6-button controller. This 8-button pad (6 face buttons, plus 2 shoulder buttons) takes every element of its predecessor and makes just the right adjustments. This controller was perfect for the arcade ports that the SEGA Saturn was famed for, making control in titles such as Virtua Fighter, SEGA Rally, and Daytona USA as good as a pad could get. This lump of plastic is considered to be one of the best beat-em-up controllers available, so much so that peripheral manufacturers Mad Catz modelled their Street Fighter IV Fightpads with this design as a reference point. 3: Wavebird (Nintendo, 2001) The original Gamecube controller seemed like a real oddity, even after the Nintendo 64 controller. The button placement is incredibly unusual (funnily enough it is believed that it is a Nintendo-modified version of the Hori Mini 64 pad that came in at #5 on this list) but surprisingly usable for most of the Gamecube’s library, just don’t expect to win many games of Capcom Vs SNK 2, or any other beat-em-up. But it was Nintendo’s own Wavebird that takes the 3rd slot in this Top 10. Why? Because it was the first controller that did wireless technology well (Acclaim had an infra-red solution for the NES, but it was nigh-on useless). Lag was non-existent and the freedom from cables was a revelation in controller technology. If only it had rumble support, but nothing is perfect I guess. 2: Xbox 360 (Microsoft, 2005)
The Xbox 360 controller is easily the most comfortable pad on this list (at least to my experienced gaming hands). The original Xbox controller was an abomination; too large and unwieldy, with the later S revisions faring a little better, but still not perfect. What followed for Microsoft’s second console, is a brilliantly designed pad, available in both wired and wireless versions at launch (the wired version also works well with PCs). Its design puts your thumbs in the most sensible positions for most modern games, the trigger buttons are also very satisfying to use (especially for driving games). The D-pad is pretty poor, but Microsoft have at least tried to improve it with later models, to varying levels of success. 1: SNES (Nintendo, 1990) I’ll probably get a lot of stick for saying this, but the SNES controller is an outstanding piece of hardware. It’s a simple and clean design, but comfortable. Its colourful buttons are eyecatching and easy to identify. It contains the best D-pad Nintendo have ever made and the shoulder buttons are a trailblazing invention that has been used by every major controller ever since. Plus, without it we would never have got a playable home version of Street Fighter II – Is there no better reason that this pad gets the Number 1 spot? The Vault is a monthly feature and will return on the second Friday of every month. Next Friday is Hall of Fame time!
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