Controllers/Gamepads Reviews
Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad Review
by Mikael Romo - February 8, 2016
Review
A good console remote may sometimes be the difference between life and death...in Mortal Kombat. That's right, skills and quick reflexes only get you so far in competitive fighting games. What if you need to stomp all over your friends' fighter but your current PS4 or Xbox One controller can't keep up with your nimble fingers? PDP offers the Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad, a controller designed specifically for the demands of games like Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat X.
Indeed, the MKX Fight Pad is a remote control built for fighting. This feature is brought by the easy reach of the face buttons on the right due to the rounded grip. Additionally, the L1 and R1 are deliberately placed next to the face buttons, so that the 6-button layout provides an arcade feel to the fighting while the microswitches underneath quicken move executions. Users will notice the wire extending from the controller as well as the lack of joystick on the control, but then again, the MKX Fight Pad was designed to execute the moves of fighting style games, rather than the maneuverability of racing games. To minimize accidents, the console switch facing you and the PS button stay clear of your finger action, so that they don't accidentally pause or turn off the game while you're hectically executing combos. Another advantage of this remote is that it's cross-platform: the PlayStation version can be used on PS3 and PS4, while the Xbox version is compatible with Xbox One and 360. Out of the box, you'll notice the remote has a smooth look with an oblong right grip. On the directional pad is the Mortal Kombat dragon insignia in chrome.
The remote might take some getting used to for some players, considering the absent joysticks and how the L1 and R1 are placed next to the face buttons instead of being on their usual spots, but players who need to specialize their control experience for fighting games you may not mind the adjustment, especially if you're seeking to increase your Kill/Death ratio.
Highlights
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Officially licensed by Microsoft and Warner Bros.
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Designed specifically for fighting games
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6 micro-switch face buttons
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Precision d-pad
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Smooth feel
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Claw style or traditional gameplay
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Trigger and bumper positions reversed
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Multi-platform compatibility
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Low profile system buttons
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10 inch cable
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2 year warranty
Pros
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Suited for fighting games
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More affordable than standard controller
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Cable means not worrying about charging controller
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Directional pad offers precise control over movement
Score
8.9
Cons
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Wired controller might leave players wanting a wireless experience
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L1 and R1 button locations may take getting used to
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Shoulder buttons may feel too hollow for some players
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No audio output port for chat
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No headset connection
Highlights
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Improve your performance and fit
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Fire faster with Hair Trigger Locks
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Each profile you create in the app* is stored in the cloud, and 2 profiles can be saved onto the controller itself
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4 interchangeable paddles
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3 sets of thumbsticks: tall, domed, and standard
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Faceted and standard D-Pads
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Compatibility with PC and Xbox platforms
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Comes with carrying case
Pros
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Fast and customizable control mechanisms
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Interchangeable components allow users to personalize their controllers
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Included headphone jack
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Built-in haptic feedback
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Options for both wired and wireless connectivity
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A bit heavier than the regular controller
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Convenient Play and Charge Kit sold separately
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Might be overkill for novice gamers who could get lost
Cons
9.5
Score
Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller
Review
by Eljohn Macaranas - July 18, 2015
Microsoft has announced the arrival of its most advanced Xbox One controller yet, the Elite Wireless Controller. Gamers and fans of the Xbox One looking for a competitive edge need not look further.
With swappable thumbsticks and D-pads and Hair Trigger Locks built-in, missing the winning shot is virtually impossible.
There are interchangeable paddles along with a rubberized diamond grip for accuracy and hours of amazing gameplay. With professional precision and customizability unheard of before, this controller is made for hardcore gamers.
The controller adds a depth of control in all genres of gaming. Configuring the included metal thumbsticks and D-pads to your personal preferences can make the difference between first or second place. Flip the Hair Trigger Locks to fire more efficiently and faster than ever before. Save time and eliminate rivals with a full range of motion.
With the easy-to-use app on both Windows 10 and the Xbox One, you can craft an infinite amount of profiles even those specifically for each of your games. You can even change profiles mid-game. This level of control allow the controller adjust to your hands and your game style.
This is a controller is one you control, not the other way around. This controller runs on AA batteries (which are included) but is also combatable with the available Play and Charge Kit.
PC gamers running Windows 7 and above can get in on the action by using the included USB cable. The controller also comes with a 3.5 mm headset jack compatible with most headsets available on the Xbox One. It weighs roughly 348 grams.
If you’re looking for the most customizable Xbox One controller on the market, this is it.
SteelSeries Stratus XL
Review
By Jacob Alman - March 23, 2015
Highlights
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iOS 7 or Later Plus the Following:
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iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5
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iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad 4th Gen
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iPod touch (5th Generation)
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4 Pressure Sensitive Face Buttons
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4 Pressure Sensitive Shoulder Buttons
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Dual Analog Sticks and 4-way D-pad
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On/Off Switch and Pairing Button
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Bluetooth 2.1
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10hrs of Battery Life
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Charges via USB
Pros
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Small form
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Lots of controls
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Bluetooth
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Can charge controller while playing
9.1
Score
Cons
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Only for iPads, iPhones, and iPod Touches
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Not easy to set up
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Not many games to play
With the Stratus Wireless Controller, SteelSeries is placing an entirely new world of console-style mobile gaming in your hands. Thanks to iOS® 7, developers can now code incredible games for iOS® devices with the classic console control schemes we have used for decades. Stratus Wireless takes advantage of this breakthrough like no other controller on the market, joining Apple in bringing the revolution to light.
Great hardware will only take you so far without quality games to use it with. Thankfully there are plenty of titles in the App Store that already support the Stratus Wireless and hundreds (maybe even thousands) more on the way. From big-name blockbuster franchises like Grand Theft Auto, down to the newest indie games, the development world is all over this expanding market.
Right out of the box Stratus feels oh-so-familiar. This helps make the transition to mobile gaming a seamless one. The face buttons (4), shoulder buttons (4), analog sticks (2), and D-pad were all designed to provide that console-like vibe. In the iOS® world, only Stratus gives you so many inputs – if you game with analog sticks and shoulder buttons , you simply won’t find them on the other controllers in the market.
Stratus Wireless features a contemporary style to fit right in with the rest of your Apple devices. It’s small enough to be portable, but big enough to easily hold and maneuver. Every Stratus Wireless controller includes a cover which can be attached to the rear of the device which also functions as an added grip. White or black; the choice is yours.
Stratus doesn’t feature just any run-of-the-mill buttons. To truly emulate that console feel we engineered the controller with pressure sensitive buttons for the ultimate in analog control. The shoulder buttons, face buttons and the D-pad all feature pressure sensitivity making them as precise as possible depending how much force is applied.
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