Customer Reviews

Xbox Phoenix Gamepad Controller

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

If you need a second controller for the Xbox (the system comes with only one, the Controller S) and don't want to spend $25-$35 for another Controller S, then this is a more than adequate substitute. This solidly constructed, durable controller is similar in design to the Controller S, with the same kind of dual analog button/control layout and rubber grips that makes the Controller S so user-friendly. It also features Dual Force Feedback, which allows you to feel the action with every punch, explosion, or impact. Plus, it comes in three colors: black, green, and metallic blue. Overall, a pretty good accessory for the Xbox system.

While the controller looks good and may be well made, I bought it because it was advertised as WIRELESS and IT IS WIRED!!!!

This controller is WIRED!!!

THis controller is WIRED!!!

If you're looking for a 3rd and 4th controller for parties, then this is for you. I got a pair for under $20 each. The layout and size is very much like the Microsoft S controller. Unfortunately, the buttons feel mushy, soft, and cheap. The quality is also inconsistent. For example, the left thumstick on my controller have a "click" when you push down on it (as it should), but the right one doesn't. Some of the triggers scratch against the frame, and they don't have the same tension. The left trigger feels solid, but the right trigger feels too soft. I wouldn't use this as a first or second controller, but at its price, it's great as a controller for parties.

Well, I've had my Phoenix pad for about 6 months now. Had it pretty much since halo 2 came out. The best thing about this controller is the rubber grips on the handles. they are in the perfect position so that your finger tips on the underside of the controller rest on the rubber and not the plastic housing. Another nice thing is the rubber is a much better material than the rubber they use on the mad cats controllers. Those controllers get sweaty and slimy very fast. I can honestly play with the phoenix controller for hours, and never think about the controller, which is really all I ask. After playing with this controller for many months I can't go back to the standard xbox controllers as they make my hands feel sweaty and slimy after only ~30 min of play.

Now the negative.. The freakin rubber on the left toggle came off! After only 6 months of somewhat serious halo play, the rubber grip on the toggle litterally had the top rip off. The toggle itself is a very thin stiff plastic, and has a rubber "sock" on the top. Now that the sock is gone, all I have is a really annoying, and unusable controller.

Now a testament to how much I actually liked the controller.. I tore apart a perfectly good MS controller S to try and theive the toggles from it. Well, wouldn't you know it, the toggles don't work on the phoenix from the xbox controller, so now I'm left with 2 useless broken controllers.

Unfortunately, I haven't learned and I'm going to buy another one. There isn't a single other controller on the market the has the comfort in my hands that this one does.

Controller has other "things" too.
a. The toggle tension is slightly lower than the real xbox controllers, so this may take a little getting used to.
b. The triggers are not as tight, and smooth as the controller S.

The built-in communicator always worked perfect, and is a nice feature except if something on the controller breaks. Now that it broke, I either have to buy another phoenix with it built-in, or another contoller AND a communicater.

in closing, If I could put the entire controller S guts and toggles in the phoenix housing, it would be the perfect xbox controller. But since no one has or will do that, I'll just use these like their disposable.

I've used a few of the big X-Box controllers and found them all lacking. If you like the smaller s Controller design, and want a back-up, this is the one. The pads make for better grip and the dual shock is really well-tuned. Gamester put a lot of work into this and it shows.

This controller is a high-quality product. Everything works as it should, with just a few minor flaws. The triggers are extremely touchy when they are new, just bump them and you waste a grenade. But if you are careful, it's not a problem. Also, the vibration mechanism makes a very annoying, high-pitched whine, although this may be inaudible to some users, and is not easily noticeable if you're playing with the volume high enough. The invert toggle switch is fully functional, and great for friends who get stuck with the wrong setting and you don't want to take time to change them. This controller is comfortable even for large hands, and the rubber grip makes a nice difference. I definitely recommend this as a good secondary controller. For a good primary controller, check out the FPS Master Controller, by the same company.

Ive just recently purchased the Phoenix controller. Is this for xbox or xbox 360. How do use it? Help !!

[...] This controller has been advertised as being ideal for FPS players due to an invert switch for the right thumbstick. It's a lie. The one I got has a little plastic notch where the picture on Gamester's website depicts the switch.
Another reason I've found this controller to be a useless piece of crap is the fact that the left thumbstick button only works when the stick is in a neutral position. This is the dealbreaker for me. Every FPS I've played on the Xbox has used this button for crouching. In Halo 2, there are many places in the multiplayer maps that are inaccessible without crouch-jumping, which is impossible to do with this controller.
[...]

If you want a controller that is similar to the Xbox Controller S but a sawbuck cheaper, give this controller a try. Build quality is not quite as good as the Microsoft controller, but it's not bad at all. The controller feels very solid. The Phoenix has features that make it a little more comfortable than the Controller S, such as a little bit of rubber on the grips to prevent slipping, and a slightly slimmer design. I also like the placement of the face buttons slightly better than the Controller S's configuration. The black and white buttons are also more easily accessible.

I have read older reviews that complained about the Phoenix's D-pad, but those problems seem to have been resolved. Although stiffer and less responsive than Microsoft's controller, the D-pad functionality is still very good. The face buttons feel good too, although they are slightly "clicky". Very responsive though. The triggers feel a little looser and are a little bit too narrow and sharp, but again, response is very good. The analog stick is comparable to the standard Microsoft controller as well.

If you need a couple of extra controllers for your Xbox, and you want to save a little money, I highly recommend the Gamester Phoenix pad. Your friends won't cry foul for your trying to foist an inferior controller on them. They (and you) may possibly prefer it.