I have one of these controllers. I really like it. The X toggle is not as sensitive as I would like to be but you can be very precise with the steering and drifting is a breeze with this controller. But the only thing I don't really like is the display built into the controller that tells you how much you are pushing the X toggle. I just don't think its needed. And there is one catch to using this controller. You have to reassign some buttons to take better advantage of it. You have to reassign the accelerator and brake to R2 and L2 then shuffle things around so shift up and shift down can go to R1 and L1.
On the back of the controller there is a switch that allows you to go between "GT" (Gran Turismo) and "NFS"(Need for Speed) modes. In GT mode, the X and square buttons are the 2 large toggle things. But when you put the controller into NFS mode, these toggles become R2 and L2. This makes the controller compatable with the NFS default controls. But this is necessary to do in Gran Turismo because if the controller is in GT mode, once you push the X toggle down to 25%, the game is already registering that you are at full throttle. This is also the reason that you have to reassign the throttle and brake to R2 and L2. Once you do this, the toggles are just as sensitive as if you are using pedals with a wheel because the game thinks they are the R2 and L2 buttons. The only other draw back is if you have to select something on a menu, you have to switch back to GT mode. This is because if you are in NFS mode, the X button is really the R2 button. So get used to switching the mode of the controller quite often.
So in summary:
Pro:
- Great alternative to a wheel (though not a replacement, nothing can completely replace a force-feedback wheel other than another wheel)
- Much more precise than a DS3
- Designed to be only be used with racing games
- Once you learn to use it, you will be faster than using a DS3
Con:
- Its not wireless, though you do get like a 10ft long cord so its not too bad. And if you need a longer cord, its a USB controller so any USB extention cord would work.
- You have to re-map buttons to get full usefulness out of the toggles
- Constant mode switching
- The X and square toggles along with the steering "wheel" WILL hurt your thumbs after a while. Trust me, your thumbs will hurt if you play for longer than a hour.
Final Verdict:
Would I recommend this controller? Yes. If you cannot afford a good wheel, don't have the space for a wheel, or are just want something other than a DS3, this is a great alternative. The problems with the buttons would all be solved if PD would add support for this controller in GT5 (start a petition maybe?). I got this controller for Christmas and have not touched my Logitech DFP since then. I have just been playing GT5 with this controller, and I have played many many hours of GT with this controller, and I fully recommend it.
EDIT:
@Ken Nirt0, this controller has some kind of macro function, but I have never used it. And I don't think GT even supports the kinds of macro function you are wanting. I think the macro function on this controller is only for like making X into R1 or something like than. Basicaly, reprogramming the buttons on the controller.
I had White negcon and only game now i can play is wipeout 3 and 2097, many many years ago i did play V-Rally 2 and it was mega fantastic.
