When it comes to
third-party controllers for our favorite consoles, I have quite a fondness for
the Logitech brand that has shown how well they could mimic as well as improve
upon the original controllers that came with said consoles. Offering a sometimes
cheaper but quality controller, I can count how many times I skipped first-party
controllers for my PS2 and opt for the Logitech ones instead. Yet the PS2 is
nothing like the SIXAXIS controller for the PlayStation 3 despite the fact that
it slightly resembles the current-generation Dual Shock 2. This is something
Logitech doesn’t quite get with their Cordless Precision controller for the PS3.
At first glance, the
Cordless Precision controller looks like a wireless PS2 Dual Shock 2 controller
and that’s not necessarily a bad thing since the controller does feel familiar
(in other words, comfortable) in your hands. As far as the size is concerned, it
feels rather small which is a plus for those gamers with smaller hands. Even the
two analog sticks feel nicely in the same way it does with the SIXAXIS
controller. The face buttons are also handled perfectly, although I do have a
major issue with shoulder buttons. For starters, the SIXAXIS shoulder buttons
are easy on the fingers, something that makes it a dream when playing
first-person shooters. The Cordless Precision, on the other hand, makes
squeezing the virtual trigger all the more rough. You have to tap it a bit
harder and thus making precision shots a tad more difficult. Still, this could
be remedied the more you use the controller.
This controller also
doesn’t support the motion-sensor technology user of the SIXAXIS controller
enjoys so don’t expect to be using it for games that support it. Many of the
upcoming titles that use the motion-sensor action do have the option to change
the default setting to use the controller like a current-generation controller
but where’s the fun in that? Really, Logitech could have attempted to fit their
controller with the same technology as well but the Cordless Precision was made
with a cheaper price tag in mind. Still, this is a letdown for anyone who was
looking for an alternative to the SIXAXIS to use when another friend is using
the first-party controller.
Secondly, while the
controller does have a PS button that will take you to the PS3 menu screen, it
won’t turn on the console as the SIXAXIS does. This will, no doubt, be upsetting
for those gamers who just don’t feel like getting off the couch to turn on their
consoles but this is actually forgivable. What isn’t forgivable, though, is no
USB port for when you don’t have replacement AA batteries around and would like
to go wired during a particularly lengthy match.
Speaking of batteries, the
controller still feels pretty light even with the two AA batteries inserted in
the back of the controller. The battery life is quite lengthy, actually, and
lasts through long sessions using normal Duracell or Energizer batteries. The
controller has a Status light that blinks when it’s searching for a connection
to your console and blinks briefly ever so often when the batteries are low. You
hardly encounter moments when you don’t have a connection to your console since
the controller comes with a USB mini-receiver that fits in the port on the front
of the PS3 where a wired controller would go. I suggest using the first port
(known as the ID1 port) when using this controller for the optimized experience
since the controller used a 2.4GHz RF receiver and clears quite a long distance
from your PS3.
There’s also a D/Mode
button that essentially allows you to switch from the left analog stick to the
Dpad on the fly for when you want to control characters that move better using
the Dpad instead. For example, some might feel the Dpad works best on Madden NFL
so pressing the D/Mode button quickly allows you to control your player using
the Dpad for more when you want to go for a touchdown. This also goes for
fighting games like Virtua Fighter 5 where the analog stick might not be the
best control scheme. The D/Mode button is not a bad idea but it’s pointless
seeing as you can change virtually any control scheme using the game’s control
option menu.
In the end, I felt that
Logitech’s Cordless Precision controller lacked the defining features that make
this brand such an awesome alternative to the first-party controllers. The
controller feels like a backward step in the wrong direction for a
next-generation gaming machine that demands something different from the
PS2-like quality of the past. This controller doesn’t have to be another SIXAXIS
but it at least should be able to work well enough with every game. Instead,
you’ll find yourself breaking out this controller for when you’re replaying PS2
classics on the PS3 and games that don’t use the motion-sensor technology of the
SIXAXIS. Sorry, Logitech, but I consider this one a miss.
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Pros:
The controller feels quite light and
perfect for those gamers with little hands.
It has a PS button that
takes you directly to the PS3 menu screen.
Does well with
first-person shooters like F.E.A.R. or Resistance: Fall of Man and fighting
games like Virtua Fighter 5.
Controller might not use
BluTooth but the connection is good and covers quite a distance.
It comes with batteries.
Battery life is pretty
lengthy so you can play through a number of titles without having to change
batteries often.
Cons:
The controller doesn’t do the motion
sensor technology of the SIXAXIS so do not plan to use this controller when
games like Warhawk come along.
The shoulder buttons make
the SIXAXIS shoulder buttons a work of art.
You can’t use a USB cable
to go wired if you aren’t able to find any AA batteries around during a match.
The couch potato in all of
us won’t like the fact that you can’t turn on your PS3 with the controller.
The D/Mode button is a
good idea but unnecessary.
It looks like a poor man’s
PS2 Dual Shock controller.
Verdict: 6.5
As a fan of Logitech’s many other
controllers, this one comes as a major disappointment. Simply put, Logitech’s
Cordless Precision controller is not the company’s best work and one that
shouldn’t be considered by any PS3 owner. On the plus side, the controller does
feel good and pretty light for those younger gamers who find the SIXAXIS to
hefty but in the long run this one just isn’t worth the money.
