First Off - This is a DirectInput Controller, not a Xinput. The 360 Controller and most 360-pad type controllers nowadays will be Xinput. See this Wikipedia entry for a run-down
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Most DirectX9-11 games that have 360 pad support use Xinput since it is Microsoft's new standard.
In order for you to use the buttons and triggers in a way that they will behave the exact same as a 360 Controller in you will need X360CE (program that will allow you to re-map the controller). As of this review, it is here:
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This is pretty straight forward, but like any homebrew program it takes some knowledge and familairity of INI files and your game directories location.
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That being said, this controller is a Great Controller. I have many older DirectInput games that will 'work' with a 360 Pad but not very well. First off, they never recognized the 360 Pad's left-right triggers, there is no rumble, and always some bothersome button mapping. Not with this baby.
The sticks have a longer throw then normal which I like for movement and the center-point for the pad is tight, no drifting. You can switch the back Right-Left triggers to act as an Axis (for throttle type control) or to Digital on-off buttons (for shooting).
Plus the Saitek software allows you to set when the triggers will respond to pulling them (have them 'click' as soon as you pull it, have it 'click' when it is pulled all the way down, or somewhere in between).
The software also allows you to re-map the inner and outer deadzone for all axis (verrrry nice).
Buttons are nice and responsive. Not mushy. The dpad has a solid feel to it and has a bit more 'give' so when you press it in, you can roll it with you thumb nicely.
The actual feel of the pad is similair to a original Xbox controller. That is, it is larger then normal. It took a while for me to get used to it, but it is not overly large. Just after being acclimated to the smaller footprint of the 360 Black controller, it will feel big.
Now off to the reason why not 5 stars:
The cord is short. By short I mean 2-3 feet max. You will need a breakout USB box or extension cable in order to plug this thing into your computer then sit back and play. Even if you plug it into the front, you will probably need the computer in your lap or sitting on top of the monitor. It is that short. Why they did this I cannot imagine. It is really, really stupid.
The FPS button on the front of the controller apparently cannot be turned off. This button allows you to switch the controller from supplying DirectInput to supplying keyboard commands (I.E. The left joystick defaults to the WASD standard movement keys, the right stick the mouse, etc).
This is a great idea and as it also has software that will allow you set you own keys, is a nice bonus.
Except I don't want the controller to do that when I hit the FPS button.
I would like the FPS button to be a toggle in their control panel so I can use it as another button or the Xbox button in some games.
Perhaps their newer software allows that, but it will not install and their tech support does not answer emails. Plus their site is, well, barren and cheap looking. That has to be deliberate since they are part of the Mad Catz orginization.
So, in the end. 4 stars. Great controller, works perfectly, feels real solid once you get used to the size, and the configuration software is quite robust (excepting the FPS Button).
Also, the rumble on it is top pier. Quite awesome.
Also Also, to any Trackmania fans out there -- it works straight out of the box and has full rumble (which is soooo sweet). That is Trackmania United/Forever and Canyons. (Trackmania is directinput).
Shout out to the 1 to 3 Shop I purchased it from here on Amazon. Quick shipping and only $21. Dirt cheap for a controller this quality.
Bats
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Climate Pledge FriendlyClimate Pledge Friendly uses sustainability certifications to highlight products that support our commitment to help preserve the natural world. Time is fleeting. Learn moreProduct Certifications (2)
Carbon Neutral Certified by SCS Global Services means the product’s carbon emissions have been measured and reduced, with any remaining emissions offset.
CarbonNeutral product by Natural Capital Partners measures all the emissions created in the product’s manufacture, makes internal reductions and offsets the remainder.
