Customer Reviews

Xbox 360 Pad EX 2 with Turbo - Black

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

The original Microsoft Xbox 360 gamepad is a solid piece of gaming equipment with one vital flaw: a terrible D-pad. This flaw is well-known and well-documented on the web. As a gamer who loves 2D fighters, puzzle games, and various Xbox Live Arcade titles, I rely on the D-pad a lot, and the stock controller's D-pad is simply too finicky and unpredictable.

In my search for a better gamepad, I've been using a Mad Catz Xbox 360 gamepad for games where a more precise and reliable D-pad is required. Unfortunately, the Mad Catz gamepad's engineering is nowhere near the quality of the original Microsoft hardware, leaving me to wonder if there would ever be a third-party gamepad that matched the build quality of the stock hardware, but with a responsive D-pad.

I'm happy to say that the answer is yes: the Hori Pad EX2 Turbo is a worthy replacement for the stock Microsoft Xbox 360 gamepad, with a crisp, responsive D-pad that will remind you of classic console controllers.


STANDARD FEATURES

The first thing I noticed when unboxing the Hori pad is that it is solidly built, and the plastic is finely machined, much like the stock Microsoft hardware (and very unlike the roughly-machined, ill-fitting parts of the Mad Catz gamepad). The analog sticks on the Hori pad have the same rubberized coating and raised flanges to facilitate grip as the stock controller. All buttons and sticks respond smoothly and precisely. I'll go into more detail on the D-pad below, as it deserves its own section.

My one complaint in button responsiveness and quality is with the shoulder bumpers: the sensors feel like they don't run the entire length of the shoulder bumpers, and pressing on the outer edge of the bumper sometimes doesn't register as a button press. This requires you to use additional force to register a button press. I should note that this seems to mainly occur with my LB shoulder button, indicating that it may either be a flaw with my particular pad, or a limitation of my grip style, as I have small hands and the left portion of the controller requires a large handspan in order to reach both the D-pad and shoulder buttons at the same time.

The Hori pad actually has two sets of bumper buttons (LB and RB): the original two in their normal shoulder positions, above the left and right triggers, plus an extra set on the face of the controller, in a 6-button layout familiar to fighting game fans. Both the face and shoulder bumpers function identically, so they can be used interchangeably. The convenience of having all six buttons lying side-by-side is invaluable in fighting games, where these buttons are typically mapped to weak, medium, and strong punches and kicks.


SPECIAL FEATURES

The Hori pad also offers two extra features beyond the stock gamepad: analog stick sensitivity adjustment, and turbo fire. The stick sensitivity adjustment is a nice bonus, though most games that would benefit from this provide their own in-game sensitivity adjustment. Turbo fire mode is what has caused controversy regarding this gamepad. At present, it works in online games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, allowing players to unload clips faster than humanly possible. This gamepad is officially licensed by Microsoft, so we're left to assume that it's okay to use the turbo mode on Xbox Live. Whether it's ethical is another question.

Note that turbo fire does work for all buttons, including shoulder buttons, unlike the original Hori EX Pad. Turbo fire mode has three different speed settings, accessible from the front face of the pad, like the sensitivity adjuster.

I've read other reviews that claim the Hori's analog sticks are inferior to the stock controller's sticks, criticizing the Hori as being oversensitive, but I think this may partially be due to not adjusting the analog sensitivity on the Hori pad. However, I don't play FPS games on console, just PC, so I can't give the final word on how the Hori pad's analog sticks compare to stock where it matters most: in shooters. For action games, and in casual shooters like Resident Evil 5, I find the Hori's sticks to be completely comfortable, offering a satisfying amount of resistance and sensitivity.


D-PAD

Finally, for many of us, the crucial criterion in judging this controller: how good is the D-pad? I'm thrilled (and relieved) to report that the Hori Pad EX2 Turbo's D-pad is incredibly crisp and responsive. The D-pad's face button is a classic cross shape which is concave, leaving the center scooped in while the edges rise slightly above it. When pressed, the D-pad offers a satisfying rubbery click. While holding the D-pad down, you can roll your thumb in different directions and the pad will rock smoothly, offering subtle tactile feedback when you "notch" into a new position. In short, it feels nothing like the modern, mushy, flimsy D-pad of the Xbox 360 Microsoft controller, and everything like the classic, crisp, chunky D-pads of Sega and Nintendo consoles. (I can't compare to the beloved Sega Saturn D-pad, but it easily exceeds the SNES D-pad, putting it miles ahead of the stock 360 D-pad.)

The proof is in the pudding, of course, so I test drove it on Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix as soon as I plugged it in...and I was amazed that I was able to consistently pull off every single move I made. No more misfires or presses that fail to register. No more blaming the D-pad for sucking. This feels about as close to precision as you can get on the 360, short of a joystick.

It's kind of sad, actually, when you think about it: just being happy that something works the way it should...


CONCLUSION

The Hori Pad EX2 Turbo for Xbox 360 is, finally, a gamepad that can replace the stock Microsoft Xbox 360 gamepad. The Hori gamepad not only vastly improves on the stock D-pad, but it offers 6 face buttons for convenience in fighting games, built-in analog sensitivity adjustment, and a controversial turbo fire mode for all buttons. Also note that the controller is wired and does not come in a wireless version as of this writing. This gamepad's build quality is easily on par with that of Microsoft's stock hardware, while offering several design and feature improvements that make it a worthy successor to the stock gamepad.

I have owned the MadCatz Street Fighter 4 Fightpad, the Logitech Dual Action, and a Sega Saturn USB (Chinese clone) and I have to say that none of these pads have a D-Pad that can compare to the Hori Ex2 turbo for playing Street Fighter. I waited 5 months for this pad to come in through the mail and when I got it I was astonished at the accuracy of of its D-pad. Diagonals register well, and spinning pile drivers are surprisingly easy to pull off.

The fact that this gamepad comes with analog sticks, turbo, and a rumble feature are practically added bonuses. I only use this on my PC, but I have tried playing LEFT 4 DEAD, and the pad works exquisitely for first person shooting. The analog stick is superior to the one on logitech offerings, but may feel a bit looser than the stock XBOX 360 stick (in my opinion this is a good thing). Luckily there are sensitivity settings built into the pad.

This is literally the perfect gamepad. I have so far found no flaws with it.

When I first received this controller I was extremely happy. It worked like a charm! After about 2 weeks of controller bliss however, things started to go down hill. The right and left analog thumbsticks started to work on their own. I tried unplugging and resetting, but nothing. I've tried to mess with the sensitivity switch... nothing. After trying everything I could think of, I decided to shelve it. So far I haven't found anything that will work.

It's a shame this has ghosting issues. This would've been THE #1 controller to purchase for the 360.

EDIT: This is my 3rd updated review-

The controller completely stopped working now as both triggers do not work and none of the rapid-fire features work.

The other buttons work but cannot be set to rapid fire, the option to toggle rapid-fire is gone. (It happened in game during L4D2 Multiplayer)

It's to bad I used this controller 100% of the time for my gaming I really liked it but now it's not working at all.

I never mishandled it or damaged it, I'm 40 yrs old with no kids in the house so I know the controller hasn't been exposed to any severe drops or damage.

I'm gonna disassemble it and see if I can see any internal problems like shorted out chip or something may have dislodged.


-older reviews below-

(2ND UPDATE REVIEW BELOW)

EDIT: THIS IS a 2nd UPDATE to my original UPDATED review ,my second controller that replaced my first one has also started the ghosting issue again RIGHT ANALOG during BFBC2 and the RT doesn't even fire the in game weapon sometimes. It's possible the RT fire issues were due to EA servers and BFBC2 server issues, BUT The ghosting appears in ALL games.
Man I'm bummed I really like this controller if it weren't for the quality issues.

I'm just gonna keep swapping for another since my money is already spent , maybe I'll get lucky and get a patched version.
I've also contacted HORI about this , it seems to be a common problem.

(I should also note my first controller was purchased from Wal-Mart while my second was from Amazon)

If you are have ghosting analogs what I've done in the meantime if your waiting for a replacement controller unplug your controller while not touching any analog and then wiggle the analogs aggressively , then plug the controller back in without touching the analogs, this seems to reset them to get rid of the ghosting for a little while.

Also whenever you power up the 360 with the controller DON'T EVER TOUCH THE Analogs. This SEEMS to help with ghosting issues.


(1ST UPDATED REVIEW BELOW)

Well after my glowing review I'd like to inform people I've started to have some ANALOG stick problems with the controller.

After around 30 hours of flawless use with fighting games like Bayonetta and some FPS time.

THE RIGHT ANALOG stick has "Ghosting" Issues , THE RIGHT ANALOG moves on its own in game on numerous games.

Even after restarting the console numerous times making sure the analogs aren't touched at all while powering up , it still does this.

The right analog keeps going up all by itself , when I go to shoot in for example Army Of Two 4Oth day ,COD4 MW2 etc., the right camera points all the way up without input from me.

If you know wired controllers history , this was an easy fix with XBOX original wired controllers. If you let's say held down the analogs while powering up the console the STICKS would retain that position as the normal position .

So I thought that was the problem but after numerous tries with different games I'm still having the same "phantom" right analog stick.


As soon as I use my original wireless Xbox 360 controller the problem disappears instantly.

Sadly I really enjoyed the controller I even got used to the size they remind me of the old "S" controller I actually got to the point the fluidity and functionality of the controller was better than the Xbox 360 controller, BUT low quality has reared its ugly head .

I might see if I can swap em out or just return em , its a shame because I REALLY LOVED the rapid fire on all buttons , even the right and left click analog can be rapid-fired with 3 speeds,plus the analog stick speed adjustment is great, BUT I think all of this stuff going has caused a glitch somewhere.

I found this controller to be extremely functional and fun while it worked.

I've had normal Xbox 360 controllers get the "ghost"analog after about 1.5 years of use , but the HORI died in literally a few weeks.

Buyer beware the analogs seem to have a ghosting issue.

I'd have to lower the score to 3 stars for quality issues , if it weren't for the ghosting analogs these are great controllers.

It could be the springs in the analogs are just to weak and wear out pretty quick.

It's weird now that I have the original wireless 360 in my hands you can just feel the solid quality , everything just feels right. I just wish I could put all of the rapid-fire features into an orginal 360 controller.

I wonder if I swapped out the sticks for some PS3 sticks ? And change the springs maybe that will help ?

This controller by far,is one of the most amazing controllers I have every held or use. Its sleek design makes it makes it handle with a more ergonomic touch opposed to a standard Xbox 360 controller. Its button layout is confusing (at first) but then easily meshes into the nature of game play. The joysticks have an amazing feel to them that puts your hand in constant ease. The buttons are smaller than a normal 360 controller and is liable to lots of miss-pressed buttons. That is something that is developed over time. They come well meshed so it gives a great feel to beginner-hardcore gamers. The D-pad is simply perfect. It has a great format that is standard to any adept fighting gamer (as myself) The feeling is smooth and give easy execution. Better than many D-pads I have seen thus far.

The problems with this controller (the few it has.)

1. The joysticks are overly sensitive. (this can be solved with a sensitivity option they have on the controller

2. The buttons are small (this is also works as a plus because it can execute more hard-to-do executions with a use of a thumb. Sometimes better than a entire hand.

3. Its wired. (not all things come wireless, actually some of the greatest things are wired IE the Mad Catz Tournament edition Fightstick.)

To sum it up:

-If you need a controller that doesn't cost $150.00

-If you Like to have a special controller to play fighting games without losing the use of playing other games (due to controller/button layout)

-If you are a conventional player that is looking for a pep to your step (IE Rapid fire or a decent joystick, D-pad

Then this is the controller for you. Hands down, Incredible.

Works for Modern Warfare 2.

All buttons can be programmed or left alone.

Left analog sensitivity setting does work. Along with 3 turbo speeds.

The ergonomics / stick layout is not the same as Microsoft controller because of the 2 extra buttons, if the right stick was positioned a little more to the right, this controller would be absolutely perfect. I find myself knifing a lot when I pull the trigger on MW2. This may just be my clumsiness.

I experienced some light popping noises in wired Microsoft headphones, not deafening but still there.

Please note that this review is pretty much identical to my blue controller review as well. This controller would've been such a winner if it wasn't for the constant ghosting issue. Luckily I bought it straight from Amazon, where they will gladly take it back if it is faulty. I tried black and blue version. The problem on the blue one seems to be worse than the black one. I will still keep it, however, but mainly for offline games, where ghosting will not effect you as much. Getting high combo bonuses in Bayonetta without mashing the buttons was very fun and there are other games where mashing is required and this controller will save your fingers. Another issue is that you have to spend some time getting used to the controller layout. Another negative that you must keep in mind is that it will support a headset, but the chat pad will NOT fit!!!! So forget about typing messages quickly if you have one. While I can live without a chat pad, ghosting is far more annoying. Buy this with caution!

We originally purchased the HORI Turbo Pad EX 2 back when they were originally released in late 2009. Shortly thereafter we started having issues with the Analog Sticks acting out. In game it would appear af if sticks were being used even though we weren't using them and when we did use them it would prevent us from going in the desired direction. The only resolution to this problem was to unplug the controller and plug it back in, but this was only a temporarly.

Based on other comments we've seen in various reviews and elsewhere this wasn't an isolated issue. Fortuantley as of September 2011 this issue as been resolved. The newest updated batch of these controllers can be identified by the batch code "110601" stamped on the bottom right of the back of the packaging. We purchased this controller again from amazon.com in September 2011 and the version we received was the updated "110601" release. After several days of gameplay we haven't had any ghosting issues.

------------

I'll be keeping an updated record on the use of this "110601" NEWEST BATCH controller. I'm not using the HORI controller 100% of the time, as I'm switching between an OEM controller based on the game I'm playing at the time. However, I will be using the HORI enough to make the ghosting show up if were ever going to show up, based on past experience with the ghosting problem.

December 20, 2011: No Ghosting.
November 17, 2011: No Ghosting.
October 9, 2011: No Ghosting.
October 2, 2011: No Ghosting.
September 26, 2011: Received controller and no ghosting present.

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REVIEW:

I originally purchased the HORI Turbo Pad EX 2 back in 2009 when they were originally released as I previously had the first Turbo Pad EX, the blue one, from HORI. That controller ended up breaking after a while but given the price of this updated version I went ahead and purchased it anyway. Unfortunately, as many had also had happen the Ghosting problem with the Analog Sticks eventually started happening. Basically, the sticks would act as if they were being used while they weren't being touched. Even if you tried to use them they would fight your movement, not physically on the controller but with the action that was happening in game. The only solution was to unplug the controller and plug it back in, and this was only a temporary fix.

Other than the Ghosting problem, we loved this controller. The Turbo feature was great with the 3 different speeds which can be programmed to nearly all usable buttons. The "Turbo Hold" is a great little feature allowing the controller to automatically press the button while it's in TURBO without you having to actually press the button. This is a lot of fun in those old style arcade games where you have unlimited ammo as this frees you up from having to hold down whatever button controls the firing. Having this be a wired controller is actually quite nice as you don't have to worry about changing batteries all the time which can happen with homemade OEM wireless controllers that have been turned into Modded Turbo controllers.

If you are looking for a Turbo Controller had has more than 3 speed variations, you might want to check out the Turbofire2 (Wildfire2) Xbox 360 controllers from Datel as those have up to 8 different speed settings. Only the wireless versions can use the PC software for modifying the various Customizer features.

The size of the HORI Turbo Pad EX 2 is comparable to the OEM Xbox 360 controller aside from that the left and right grips at the bottom of the controller are perhaps 1/2" longer. Personally, I really like this as it give me a little extra room to hold onto the controller. If you have smaller hands and already have issues with the size of the OEM Xbox 360 controllers from Microsoft then you are probably going to have an issue with the size of this one from HORI. If you have smaller hands then you should probably look into the Mad Catz Inc X360 Pro Micro Cntrlr Blk wired Xbox 360 Controller with TURBO that MadCatz brought back into production in 2011, it's a specifically designed to be a much smaller controller.

If you have any of the KontrolFreek stick accessories, those are compatible with the HORI Turbo Pad EX 2. The Analog Sensitivity adjustment control is fine for games that don't allow you to adjust the stick sensitivity. The D-pad works well.

The "LB" and "RB" face buttons next to "Y" and "B" can sometimes get in the way when you are trying to use "Y" or "B" to the point where you actually press "LB" or "RB" so this may take some getting use to so as not to hit them accidentily. However, having them on the face of the controller is probably useful for fighting games that require various button combinations including the various face and bumper buttons.

I highly recommend picking up this controller, just make sure it's the NEWEST BATCH with the "110601" date code # stamped on the back right of the packaging to make sure you don't have an older version that has the Ghosting problem with the Analog Sticks.

FEATURES:

1. Officially licensed by Microsoft. Yeah, they're against people using them but they love making money from licensing them out to 3rd party companies!

2. 6 button layout (great for fighting games). LB and RB on also on the face of the controller next to A, B, X and Y.

3. Turbo programmable for each individual buttons, bumpers, triggers, sticks, and directional pad (great for Fighers, Arcade Classics, FPS and shooting games). * THERE IS NO TURBO FUNCTION for the Start, Back, or Guide buttons.

4. Turbo can be set to;

Slow 5 times / sec ),
Normal 12 times / sec ),
Fast (20 times / sec).

5. Turbo Hold Mode - Lets you set a Turbo to an individual or combination of buttons, triggers, sticks, and/or d-pad directions and it will continuously press this (at the set speed) without you having to touch the controller. Great for programming in macro's to give your thumbs and forefingers a rest.

6. Analog sensitivity can be adjusted to normal (default), narrow (more sensitive), and wide (less sensitive).

7. Buttons set on a 6 button layout (A, B, X, Y, and the Left and Right bumpers).

8. Colors: Black or Blue. Play-Asia.com sells a white version.

* Compatible with all Xbox 360 consoles. Xbox 360 accessories are NOT region locked, and that includes wired Xbox 360 controllers.
** Compatible with 3rd party gaming headsets like those from Turtle Beach.
*** NOT compatible with the Xbox 360 chatpad.

Please note.. my experience with this pad is solely for Super Street Fighter IV. When I play other games, I still go back to the original 360 control pad.

For fighting games, it is in my opinion superior to any of the other pads I've used (PS3, 360, Mad Catz). The build is very good, very much like the 360 pad. All the buttons and the control pad are really responsive. I like the fact that it has a + control pad rather than a round floating one because I play Guile a lot and charge moves in general are a breeze. This is a personal preference, but I like the smaller buttons (vs Mad Catz) because I have a semi-largish hand and at times have pushed the wrong buttons on accident when using my old Mad Catz. The buttons are closer to size as the 360. For you people who like using analog, it feels looser than the 360, but there is also sensitivity control.

What I don't like... well, mostly the fact that the shoulder buttons appear both on the shoulder and the face. I would have much preferred it to be hardwired similar to the Mad Catz one even if it meant having 2 less buttons. I would rather use the shoulder buttons as the 3x punch/kick, but as it is now.. I'm forced to use the triggers instead. Luckily the triggers don't have as much action as the 360 and PS3 triggers and it will register as a button press sooner than the two. Also a con for me, is the placement of the turbo switches. I personally don't use turbo, so they get in my way. I would have preferred start and back to be placed there instead and the turbo button as far away from sight as possible. I guess one bonus for their placement though.. since they aren't buttons, accidental pressing of start/back/select is rather difficult.

I'm definitely sticking to this pad.. I play on 360 and the 360's control pad sucks for fighting games. I've already had Mad Catz pads break on me.. so I really don't have faith in them. This one is built durable and feels like it will last for quite some time.

I purchased from amazon.com the Xbox 360 Pad EX 2 with Turbo - Black and 10 days later this problem started... the right analog stick repeatedly sends signals to the Xbox 360 that the stick is moving down when the stick is in the center position (I am not even touching the controller). other reviewers have had same problem but I bought anyway which was a mistake on my part.

Sent back for money refund. Will buy again months later after the inventory of bad controllers are gone from their stock.