First-party products aren't always the best
option...
Smart people know that the most obvious
choice isn’t always the best one. Buying a brand name controller -
specifically, an ‘official’ PlayStation 3 controller - for your PS3 can be a
costly affair. And, quite frankly, doing so fails to take advantage of a wealth
of good ideas that flood the market by way of third-party peripheral
manufacturers. There are many great options out there that don’t carry the PS
logo, but whether through laziness or brand loyalty (or a misguided sense that
first-party products are immediately superior, no questions asked) lots of
people don’t give them their due consideration.
VX-1
Wireless Controller for PS3
The VX-1 Wireless Controller for PS3, manufactured
by Gioteck, serves as an excellent alternative to costly first-party products,
and bring a few really good ideas to the table. First and foremost, it is more
comfortable than the ‘official’ PS3 controller, thanks to an improved ergonomic
design that will have players experiencing less discomfort after extended
periods of gaming. The action buttons are contoured and precisely placed to
allow the user an easy time of moving their thumb from the rubberised, non-slip
analogue sticks to them and back. The directional pad is also designed for ease
of use, with its concave shape allowing for easier directional selection. And
the hand grip are rubberised, adding even more to that all-important user
comfort level.
Armed with 2.4GHz wireless technology, the
VX-1 is a responsive and accurate game controller. The advanced Li-polymer
battery performs well too, providing a longer than expected game time - no
complaints there. And to keep things going even longer, the controller has an
automatic standby mode that it enters after five minutes of inactivity.
Even the trigger buttons are an improvement
over the original PS3 controller; they are slightly concave, feeling more like
triggers, and are a lot more comfortable to use.
In addition to all of this, the VX-1 features
upgradeable firmware, meaning that it will remain a viable and good controller
for longer.
In terms of button placement, it follows
the ideas set forth by the PlayStation 3 first-party controller. The analogue
sticks, in other words, are centrally, symmetrically placed.
This will be suited for those who like the
PS3 configuration, while those that are more comfortable with an Xbox style
setup may well want to look at the HF-1 (also from Gioteck) reviewed elsewhere
in this issue. The analogue sticks are also slightly angled, providing a more
comfortable hand position.
The VX-1 is yet another example of
Gioteck’s excellent approach to gaming peripherals. It may not share the
military finish that many of their other products feature, but looks aren’t everything
when considering the comfort and performance it delivers. It is a solid and
effective alternative to the original.
VX-1
Wireless Controller for PS3
At a glance
Summary: Here's
a third-party controller for the PS3 that shows how things should be done...
Tech Specs: Ergonomic design, non-slip analogue sticks, Rechargeable, 2.4GHz
wireless, Li-polymer battery, Auto-standby
Manufacturer: Gioteck
Distributer: Apex Interactive
Website: www.apexintco.za
Pros: Comfortable,
Great buttons! Good battery life
Cons: May
be a bit big for some tastes...
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