Real Arcade Pro: 3 Premium VLX Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the ultimate fighting stick and truly brings the arcade experience home. The sheer size and weight of the stick brings home the point that this is the king of all arcade stick controllers.

It is designed in collaboration with TAITO to recreate the TAITO "VEWLIX" Arcade cabinet. The stick uses authentic Sanwa stick and buttons and has other functions classic to the Real Arcade Pro. series like the turbo and the stick control toggle function. It also has a non-slip surface on the entire bottom and comes with an additional option board that you can mount the controller on to further enhance your stability.

The main feature for this controller has to be the fact that you can easily access the internal of the controller by simply unscrewing 3 screws. Maintenance and customization is a breeze to any other controllers out there.

Overall, this controller addresses all the players wants and needs and is a masterpiece of a arcade stick controller.

A must buy for any player serious for an authentic arcade experience.

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Product Description:
Officially licensed by SCEA. In collaboration with Taito Corporation, this fighting stick is designed to replicate the "VEWLIX"arcade cabinet. Achieved high controls and response for a "true"arcade experience. Uses real arcade parts for stick lever and all buttons. Dominate the competition with this home edition "VEWLIX"arcade fighting stick.

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Xbox360 Fighting Stick EX 2 - Soul Calibur 4 Limited Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this joystick so I could really enjoy the arcade feel of playing fighting games as well as the Xbox Live Arcade games I own. The description for the product isn't that great so I thought I would provide some more information on this product.The stick itself feels pretty responsive although it does make a clicking noise when it is pressed against the edges. I'm assuming that was done to let the player know they are successfully pulling off motions. I personally don't mind it, especially with the game volume on.

The joystick is indeed wired but it is very long so I don't see it being an issue for most people. Wireless would of been nice but I guess at least this way you have zero chance of losing a signal in a heated match (although I've never lost a signal with my normal 360 controller).The cord does have a release in case you tug too hard on it just like the older Xbox controllers. You connect the joystick via USB (flap by power button on console).

The joystick itself feels pretty sturdy and is responsive. It does not include any special features such as slow motion or turbo in case that's your thing(like the old school NES Advantage). The only reason that I have not given this joystick a full 5 rating is because the joystick is not compatible with a lot of non-fighting games. The stick is mapped to the directional pad anddoes not support Analog control. What this means is you can't use it for most other non-fighting games like Lost Odyssey that support movement with the analog stick. Not a big deal since I got this stick for fighting games only but I thought everyone should know.

I can't speak to it's long term durability at this time but will probably update this review in a month's time to indicate whether the stick becomes too loose or buttons become non responsive.

*Update: Well, I've been using this joystick for about a month now and it's still good as new.The stick is not loose and the buttons are still very responsive. Overall, a very nicely made joystick.

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Product Description:
Dual licensed by Microsoft and Namco Bandai Games America Inc. Arcade style controller for the Xbox360 featured with Soul Calibur 4 characters. Recommended for Fighting, action, shooting, and classic games that are available on xbox live.

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PS3 Real Arcade Pro. 3-SA Review

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(More customer reviews)This is, without a doubt the fight stick you should buy for your PS3.It has all of the same components as the Mad Catz Tournament sticks.Right out of the box, you get all Sanwa buttons and, of course, your Sanwa JLF joystick.In addition, something you get with this baby that you don't get with any of the SFIV sticks (despite what some previews or even the box itself says) is full PS1/PS2 compatibility as long as you have the latest firmware update, and obviously, a backwards compatible PS3.The HRAP 3 SA is also fully wired to work on your PC, which means you can play all those games you have on MAME or any other emulator you use.The fight stick itself is heavy enough where you can rest it on a table and it will stay firmly in place, (yes it has the four rubber stops at the bottom) but light enough where you can play it on your lap without any discomfort.It's also a beauty to look at.It's got a very sleek design and the japanese style button placement is just right for most of your favorite fighting games.

I understand there's been some concerns about the square gate the joystick uses.Let me just say that I have always been used to an octogonal gate when playing my fighting games.While I do admit it felt a bit awkward at first, I got used to it fairly quickly.The type of gate a joystick uses doesn't affect the movement commands at all. Just keep using it and it will feel right in no time.However, if you continue to have trouble with it you can always buy an octogonal restrictor plate. (I highly recommend[see comments] for all you arcade part needs.)The stick is easy enough to mod, and I believe the plate is a snap-in-snap-out kind of deal.
P.S. ALL ARCADE FIGHT STICKS THAT COME WITH A SANWA JOYSTICK INCLUDES THE SAME SQUARE PLATE!

Conclusion: If you're going for the best-of-the-best, I can't recommend a better fight stick than this one.The only thing the Mad Catz Tournament Editon Stick really has over this is that compartment for the cord, which is admittedly cool.But with backwards compatibility and, at the time of this review, a $10 cheaper price tag, your arcade fight stick of choice should definately be the Hori Real Arcade Pro 3 SA.Now if you'll excuse me I'm off to play more Marvel Vs. Capcom 2.

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Product Description:
This is a Special Addition version of high-end next generation arcade style controller.Recommended for fighting, action, shooting, FPS, and other games that are available through PlayStation Network.

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Thrustmaster Hotas Cougar PC Flight Stick Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been using the Cougar for over a year now and have concluded that it is a combination of the best and the worst in consumer products. In the end analysis it is ok for someone who doesn't mind tinkering, modifying and repairing. If it wasn't for the online community I would have thrown my Cougar away a long time ago. These guys are the BEST thing going for the Cougar. Support from the manufacturer is far from acceptable. Now for the good and the bad.
This product has a great feel about it. Largely because it's all metal, heavy and seems durable. The metal, however, is very soft and, consequently, easy to strip threads. The switches and pots are low quality. Replacement pots are only available through the manufacturer as they were specially made. (I think by CTS) The Throttle Quadrant has a speed brake switch which is on in the forward position, off in the middle position and momentary on in the back position. The switch itself is the toggle variety. It is guided by a plastic guide that works well when properly aligned but there is nothing designed into the product to insure alignment. You'll have to fix this yourself or the guide is likely to break. Fortunately the procedure is detailed in Frugals World Cougar forum.
Programmability is a big plus with the Cougar. Again, if you are not up to tinkering and just want to plug and play, look for something else. If you don't mind spending some time with your face in the manual and working through a profile or two you will have incredible flexibility.
The throttle itself is rather sticky through its range of motion and there are two detents for idle and afterburner. All in all it is clunky and I opted to remove the detents. As far as the sticky motion is concerned I have yet to find a way to fix it.
The Cougar is not really a desktop item. Sure it's heavy and you would think it would stay put but it doesn't. It is a lot more enjoyable when anchored to a platform. If you are contemplating this purchase I suggest that you go to and get familiar with http://cougar.frugalsworld.com/. They will be your primary support group and you can get some insight to the problems and soulutions that the rest of us are working through.
Pay special attention to the instructions when loading the software. There seems to be a problem with version 2.04 that damages the throttle pot.

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Product Description:
The most realistic flight simulation controller is here: the HOTAS Cougar, lifelike in design, lifelike in performance. This is truly "Hands on Throttle and Stick" gameplay. Based on the actual controller found in F-16 fighter aircraft, the HOTAS transports you to the furthest reaches of flight-simulation technology.From the second you grab hold of both the stick and the throttle, you notice the difference. All metal, black, and ready for business--that is the HOTAS. This controller offers up to 28 programmable buttons, multiple programmable hat switches, and adjustable resistance for the throttle, afterburner, and idle detent. These are just a few of the many features of this revolutionary stick and throttle combo. Without question, the HOTAS Cougar is the controller for true flight enthusiasts.

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Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Pro Review

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(More customer reviews)If you want to add more action into your games, this joystick will certainly wake up your senses and you'll enjoy your game to the full extent.It'll produce uncanny realism of multiple simulations ranging fromengine idling to cannon blast so true, you'll never go back to any other"dead" joysticks. It is a must for the flight simulators andother force feedback supported games. It is worth every dollar you spendand I'm not surprised it's a #1 selling force feedback joystick.

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Product Description:
Then Microsoft revolutionized the gaming industry with dynamic force feedback technology and earned PC Gamer's Editor's Choice Award. Microsoft SideWinder Force Feedback Pro is the best-selling 16-bit on-stick processor - delivering realistic, high-fidelity forces faster. Feel true-to-life feedback - from subtle sensations to raw power forces. Experience multiple forces simultaneously. Even feel which direction the forces come from. Only Microsoft force feedback technology puts you right inside the game so you can react quickly and decisively to win. Microsoft has changed the face of gaming forever.

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Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2 Joystick Review

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(More customer reviews)If you're a (flight) simulator fan, this joystick is really worth the money.It is well built with a nice feel and feedback effects.
When I was shopping for force feedback joysticks I was torn between this and the Logitech "3D" model.I have to admit, the Logic had a nicer design.The stick itself had a slightly better feel and the throw on the throttle control was longer and more precise.However, I decided to go with the Microsoft model because of the positive experience I've had with their force feedback steering wheel.Just like the wheel, the construction on the joystick is very solid.I expect this will stand up to a lot of abuse.
This stick is not without it's drawbacks.First, the throttle control is a bit small.I would like something a bit bigger and with a bit more resitance.Second, the force feedback is only activated when you are fully grasping the stick.This is actually a neat feature, but can be annoying when you don't feel like "properly" holding the stick.

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Product Description:
In a wild, hair-raising dogfight, precision and control are critical. That's why the SideWinder has been reengineered for even more accuracy. With its comfortable handle and an improved throttle, this professional quality stick feels as great as it performs. Having the SideWinder on your side is like having an Ace for a wingman.Microsoft SideWinder is an ultimate joystick!

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Thrustmaster Top Gun Afterburner II Joystick (2969049) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have used this product for about a year, mainly playing IL-2 Sturmovik with it.I have used microsoft joysticks before, and this is a definite step up.I love the big throttle with buttons on it, and the stick is about as comfortable as you can get.The stick has adjustments for tension, but there are no adjustments to the rudder or throttle (which would be nice).
There are 2 extra positions on the throttle, 1 just before the max, and 1 idle- before min.it would be better if these 2 places were adjustable with adjustable tension for the throttle, but it works fine.
I do think the rudder that is on the throttle is useless, or at least hard for me to use.I would like a HAT on the rudder as well, but this has served me very well.With XP, it automatically identifies it, with no setup at all.If you don't have XP, you might have a problem because it does not come with a cd full of drivers.
This is a good bargain at $40, i bought mine for 60 or more.
Don't buy a used or refurbished one. My friend did and his rudder only works 1 direction, and it has little resistance.

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Product Description:
The AfterBurner II Joystick lets you open up your throttle and hit new levels of speed and control!Also comes with custom software, Thrustmapper 3.0, for access to up to 60 different functions you can customize Color -Black

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Xbox 360 Real Arcade Pro. EX-SE Review

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(More customer reviews)I own two MadCatz Tournament Edition Fight Sticks with Sanwa parts for the PlayStation 3. I bought this stick for 2 reasons: it's easier to dual mod when you start with 360 and go to PlayStation and because I had no experience with Seimitsu controls before. At first I was very underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong, the construction of the HRAP is top notch, and always has been. The Seimitsu buttons looked cheap and seemed weird. However, playing is believing.

The Seimitsu joystick is much tighter than a Sanwa, as it has less movement in any direction. I actually prefer this, especially for quick and difficult movements in Street Fighter IV. The buttons also turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. Sanwa buttons register very quickly, but continue to travel downward, which always seemed a little mushy to me - especially after growing up playing American arcade cabinets with clicky concave Cherry micro-switches. The Seimitsu buttons are a nice middle ground between the Sanwa and the American-style buttons: they're a little clicky and don't seem to travel as far, resulting in a much firmer, precise feeling.

All of this is just personal preference. The Hori Real Arcade Pros are very well built, and I prefer the overall case construction to the MadCatz Tournament Edition. If you're going to end up swapping out a "lesser" HRAP with Seimitsu buttons, this version sames you time, and definitely money. Even if you're thinking of replacing with Sanwa, give this a try if you've never touched Seimitsu before (and are curious): it's more cost effective in the long run.

I've even toyed with the idea of replacing the Sanwa parts in my MadCatz TE. I have been converted.

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Product Description:
Officially licenced by Microsoft.This is a Special Edition version of high-end next generation arcade style controller.Recommended for fighting, action, shooting, FPS, and classic games that are available through xbox live.

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Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Pro Joystick Review

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(More customer reviews)After having tested several joysticks, this is the one I kept coming back to.I've had a version of this joystick on my system for two years, and have yet to find anything better.I don't at all agree with the ......editorial review that says it's got stiff joystick movement.Quite to thecontrary, it's capable of very subtle movement.
Plus, it's got lots offeatures without being over-engineered. I especially like the fact that itcomes with both throttle and rudder control within easy reach.The buttoncluster on the stick itself is very sensibly designed, with all majorbuttons a comfortable distance apart.The hat is cleverly devised as well,being both solid and flexible.Most importantly, perhaps, the software,now at least two years old, is very stable, and allows you complete controlover each button.
Yet, there are some people who might not find thisproduct enjoyable.As others have commented, it is a veryright-hand-centric design.Since there are a host of buttons on theleft-hand side of the base, you can't hold the joystick in your left handand access those buttons without crossing your hands.Also, the cluster ofbuttons on the joystick itself are designed to fit the right hand. Ifyou're a right-handed person, this design is ergonomically perfect.Itliterally fits in the palm of your (right) hand.But a left-handed personhas no business whatever buying this product.
Neither does a Mac owner. This product's USB connectivity, though convenient to Windows users, doesnot extend to the Mac.That's an unfortunate oversight that, one suspects,wouldn't be all that difficult to correct.
Still, if you only intend touse this thing on a Windows machine, and if you're right handed, you'd behard-pressed to find a better joystick.

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Product Description:
Microsoft SideWinder Precision Pro is an ultimate joystick! Microsoft's patented digital-optical joystick technology gives you the absolute control to dominate. It delivers continuously-correct calibration, no drift, and the durability of non-moving optical parts, so you move through your game with laser-like precision.Program single keystrokes and multiple keystroke moves to joystick buttons for commanding gameplay and exacting speed. Take advantage of the breakthrough Shift button to double the functionality of eight programmable buttons.

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Real Arcade Pro: EX Premium VLX Review

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(More customer reviews)If in a joystick you seek affordability and portability then this stick isn't for you.

The Hori Real Arcade Pro VLX is the monument piece of arcade sticks.The front and top half of the Unit is made of metal.The side pieces and design of the stick matches that of an official Japanese Street Fighter IV Vewlix cabinet.The stick also uses a Sanwa JLF joystick and Sanwa OBSF-30 buttons, the highetst quality authentic Japanese arcade parts.The front bevel of the stick is set at a angle for your palms just like the Viewlix arcade cab.The base of this stick is really wide and very heavy.I am one of those people that belive so long as you can carry an arcade stick, It cannot be too heavy.With a lighter stick such as an Hori EX2 playing on the table may cause the stick to move about or slide around.The VLX stays put on my coffee table .

One of the other major draws is that this stick has 3 thumbscrews in the cord compartment that when removed allows you to open the stick like a hot rod car so that you can modify your stick (whilst voiding your warranty).So if you prefer certain Seimitsu arcade parts you can easily swap them out.As for modability and maintenence, the buttons are easily replaceable and the buttons have quick disconnects.The Sanwa JLF can be swapped out for a Seimits LS-32 or LS-56(with MS Plate) if you prefer a different type of joystick.

The only con I could say is the price, and for some it is definitely bigger than it needs to be.For most people a Madcatz TE would be a more practical choice, but if you are one that doesn't wan't a run of the mill product, get the VLX.

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Product Description:
Officially licensed by SCEA. In collaboration with Taito Corporation, this fighting stick is designed to replicate the "VEWLIX"arcade cabinet. Achieved high controls and response for a "true"arcade experience. Uses real arcade parts for stick lever and all buttons. Dominate the competition with this home edition "VEWLIX"arcade fighting stick.

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Wii Tatsunoko vs. Capcom Arcade FightStick Review

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(More customer reviews)For about the last year I've been using a modded HRAP3 with Sanwa buttons.Of course, that's really the best you can get.It's done the job, and it's done it well.So after initially trying out the TVC stick it seems like it should do the job, for now that is.

The buttons seems a bit mushy, but still responsive.The weight of the stick feels good, definitely not as light as I was expecting.The gloss on the cover art has this sort of grit (matte finish) to it.I'm not really sure how else to explain it, but it feels decent resting your hands on it.Like it or not, at this time, the TVC stick is the best (and one of only a couple) option for an arcade stick on the Wii.

Ultimately, time will tell if this stick holds up to hour after hour of play.Regardless if it does or does not, I have confirmed this can be modded just as easily (and in the same way) as the SF4 SE sticks.So if parts break, replace them.And according to numerous other arcade stick sources, supposedly the parts on the TVC stick are a "higher quality" (not Sanwa) than the parts on the SF4 SE, so who knows, it may be good to go for quite some time.

So basically it's 80 dollars for the best Wii arcade stick on the market at this time.It's moddable, and based on my (and others) initial impressions, seems decent.Like it or not, it's really one of two options for an arcade stick on the Wii.Give it a shot and see what you think!

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Product Description:
Armed with the Wii 'Tatsunoko VS Capcom' Arcade FightStick from Mad Catz, your foes will tremble in terror as you mercilessly drain their health bar with a flurry of effortlessly executed moves and fierce combos. Style and comfort reign supreme with an authentic arcade look and feel featuring Japanese-style joystick and buttons, multi-speed Turbo functionality and officially licensed artwork portraying your favorite characters. The FightStick brings the arcade experience right to your lap, making it the perfect weapon to push your fighting skills and level of gaming enjoyment to new heights.

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Falcon Joystick Review

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(More customer reviews)First off, this thing is NOT a Wii type controller.What it is, is something completely new with enormous potential.The company is still in it's early stages in terms of games and "grips".The grip is the ball at the end of the 3 arms.There's a lot of development going on right now with creating new grips that are more ergonomic and useful, and there are about 40 games in development too (some of which look to be AWESOME btw).
The device does come with some mini games bundled, some are good, some aren't so good but really show off the Falcon's potential.My favorite is the snowboarding, the feedback and the gameplay in this one are awesome.
It comes with a tutorial, which will leave you giggling and your jaw on the floor.One part of the tutorial has a globe in the middle of the screen; you have a hand that you control with the Falcon and the Falcon won't move when the on-screen hand comes in contact with the edge of the globe.You can feel the contour of the globe, in THREE dimensions!The globe demo has about 8 or 9 different "textures"; one is "bumpy" where you can feel the hand bouncing over the bumps as you run it along the globe, another is "molasses" where you can put the hand through it and you feel the give...and it pops out the other end.Another is "magnetic", where you get your hand close to the globe and it pulls you toward it.It's completely realistic, you will NOT believe it until you try it.It also has a few other tutorials, like catching a baseball where you feel the ball from whichever direction you catch it from; swinging a ball around on a rubber band, the ball's momentum swings you around as it goes; and a slingshot where you feel the give as you pull it back.
One thing I was worried about when I saw a picture of this online was that it didn't look like it would hold up.There are motors in this thing, and most motors in electronic devices don't hold up very long.But, I gotta say, I'm impressed.This device is VERY sturdy.It looks cheesy, but the thing weighs about 30 pounds.It's built to last, don't worry about that.
PLUS, the customer service seems to be top of the heap.I had one minor problem with a game not working, and the CS rep asked to call ME to resolve the issue.Not only that, but the CEO of the company makes it a point to answer any question asked on the official Novint BBS.
Only a few gripes.First, the controller takes up a lot of space.It also needs more games and a better grip, but these ARE in development, so I'm excited to see how it plays out. There's a mod for Half Life 2, if you have this game;I don't, but heard it's amazing with the Falcon. The base is also a little bit of a concern because the Falcon can move due to the strength of the internal motors; again they're working on new bases to attach to the Falcon.The only other gripe, is that the games are download only; games have to be programmed to work with the Falcon due to it's revolutionary capabilities.Another thing that's in development now is a mod to use the Falcon as a mouse, so you could use it with anything that you would use a mouse for.Check out this device, you won't be sorry!

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Product Description:
The Novint Falcon is an entirely new type of game controller. Replacing your mouse or joystick, the Falcon is, essentially, a small robot that lets you experience true virtual touch unlike any controller in history.The Novint Falcon lets you control a game in three dimensions, and also lets you feel high-fidelity three-dimensional force feedback. The Falcon controller moves right and left, forwards and backwards, like a mouse, but also moves up and down. When you hold the Falcon's detachable Grip and move your cursor to interact with a virtual object, environment, or character, motors in the device turn on and are updated approximately 1000 times a second, letting you feel texture, shape, weight, dimension, and dynamics. The Falcon lets you control and interact with games in a more realistic way, allowing you to develop real physical skill and muscle memory, adding a new dimension to gaming. The award-winning Novint Falcon makes virtual items and experiences feel real.Feel the weight of a basketball as you shoot it towards a hoop -- the momentum and impact as you swing a virtual golf club and strike a ball -- the recoil of a weapon - or the physical characteristics of virtual objects and environments.Unit Size -9 x 9 x 9 Weight -6 lbs

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Saitek ST290 Programmable Joystick with Throttle Review

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(More customer reviews)There are few games I play that require a joystick. I love playing flight sims but am typically more attracted to other types of computer games that seldom require them, so when I hooked up with my old buddies on "Aces High 2" I needed a decent, working joystick to replace my old Gravis Blackhawk analog stick that stopped working on my PC years ago. I drove down to the local ubiquitous low-cost super store (you know it's name) and this was the *only* joystick that they had in stock. This made me a bit nervous as I like to browse through any potential gaming-related hardware I purchase for my computer, but the price was right (under $20) and my experience in the past with Saitek products hasn't been bad. Ultimately I'm pleased with the purchase and despite a few shortcomings this has been a reliable and sturdy joystick.

The joystick itself is, as pictured, largely comprised of hard black plastic mounted on a spring base. There are 6 programmable buttons, a POV hat switch, and an adjustable hand rest to give you a more comfortable grip. At the bottom is your throttle adjust, basically a large plastic flap, and the stick itself can be twisted left or right to act as one's rudder. There's also a clear, blue plastic piece on the top that lights up, but serves no other purpose but for looks. Neat-O.

I have two problems with the stick. The first revolves around the throttle control. This may be more due to the setup of my desk...I have no place to hold the joystick but on my lap and that presents a throttle problem of its own. Its positioning on the tail end of the stick makes it tricky for me to cut throttle in mid flight since leaning forward to hit buttons on the keyboard will usually push the thing back up. Bad idea when you're making a dive bombing run or an approach for landing. My second issue has to do with the style of the stick's rudder. Dogfights are fast paced and intense affairs and usually involve a lot of frenetic jinking and weaving, and lots of use of the rudder. The rudder turns well and responds fine but the problem is that when yawing left you're liable to accidentally push a button with the area of your palm nearest the thumb. Depending on what you've programmed into that area of the joystick this can have disasterous results in a pitched dogfight, and not something that reprogramming buttons is going to fix.

Still this joystick has been well worth the meager investment involved and has proven itself of great value to me. Definitely a must-buy for anyone looking for a good, solid starter joystick.

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Product Description:
Radical design and styling to provide gamers precision and style. 3-position Handle Adjustment fits all hand sizes. Adjustable Palm Rest and central level throttle for left- or right-handed gaming.

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Saitek JI3G Cyborg 3D Gold USB JoyStick Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had my share of joysticks in the past, and have never really been satisfied with any of them. This is due, in part, to my being left handed and not wanting to 'stick with my right. The Cyborg is different. This is a joystick that is truly a joy to use. The most readily apparent feature of the Cyborg that sets it apart is the ability to adjust the various parts of the stick. Not only can you swap things around from right handed mode to left handed mode, but you can also adjust the depth and angle of the thumb triggers on the top of the stick. You wouldn't guess that this is a comfortable stick just by looking at it; it is very industrial looking. But I have not had any of my usual hand cramps or sore thumb joints using it. The buttons are arranged in such a way so as to make four of them easily accessible without adjusting your grip on the stick (trigger and three thumb buttons). You also have an 8 direction hat in easy reach. I find the buttons to have a nice amount of play (very little), though this is a personal preference, and they all have an audio and tactile response. One of the nicest features of the Cyborg is odd looking external spring at the base of the stick. This spring not only gives the joystick a nice amount of resistance to movement without making you really torque on it to get to the extreme angles, but it also keeps the stick perfectly centered when you aren't applying pressure. Every other joystick I have used relies on internal methods in the base of the unit for centering, and all of them inevitably fail, resulting in annoying drift. The only potential drawback to the Cyborg is that it isn't force feedback. That's great for me because I have found FF devices to be pretty silly, but some folks like them. For a sturdy, reliable, comfortable joystick, I have yet to find anything that comes close to the Cyborg.

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Product Description:
Designed to suit any player and any joystick-oriented title, theversatile Cyborg 3D Gold USB joystick features both a customizable, ergonomicgrip and fully programmable controls. Featuring four buttons, twocommand-doubling shift buttons, a rotary throttle wheel on the base, three firebuttons, and an eight-way point-of-view (or "hat") switch on the top of thecontrol, the Cyborg boasts up to 24 programmable functions plus a trigger andpush throttle. The included Saitek Gaming Extensions (SGE) software lets youquickly and easily assign button functions and also allows you to createspecific profiles for different games, auto loading them into the joystick atthe start of a game.
A built-in hex head wrench allows you to modify the head tilt, head roll, palmrest, and throttle for flexible left- or right-handed gameplay orientation. Andthe comfortable, rubberized palm rest, minimizing fatigue during prolonged play,can be raised or lowered to accommodate either small or large hands.
For flight sims, the precise 3-D twist function of the stick offers smooth,precise rudder control. And for driving games, in which the joystick is steadilypushed forward for acceleration, the stick's long-throw, spring-loaded tensionand accurate electronics provide excellent tactile response.
Featuring easy-to-use USB plug-and-play connection, the Cyborg 3D Gold USB iscompatible with both PC and Mac computers. It comes with a one-year warranty.

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Nintendo 64 Controller Thumbstick (N64 Joystick Replacement) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Many an online forum has asked the question "Can I format a PS2 or Gamecube control stick to fit an N64 slot?"

The answer is always "No." Until this came along.This wins.Period.

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Saitek J24C X45 Flight Control System Joystick and Throttle (USB) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This product is quite fully featured for its intended use.The three major axes of motion (x,y and throttle) were rather stiff, but are adjustable to the users preference!
The unit is also programmable from a "button" point of view (i.e. keyboard macros) *and* from an axis point of view.This is important because it incorporates three additional axes that can be used (two thumbwheels and mini rudder "pedals" built-in to the forward side of the throttle handle).These other axes can be mapped to various features in your game software as well.In addition to that, there is a tiny "hat" switch that can be mapped to operate the mouse cursor in game...this truly means you never have to remove your hands from the controls...
Now, for the "not-so-good" stuff.IF you are running WinXP and IF you install the drivers right out of the box, you are in for some trouble and inconvience.At the end of the install from the CD, it mentions downloading a newer version of the drivers and to be sure to "un-install" the current ones before loading the new ones.Unfortunately, complying with these instructions also unloads your regular mouse driver as well.This is where you learn how to shut down your system using strictly the keyboard.Fortunately, once you reboot, XP re-installs your mouse driver and all is well.
One last thing:If you are using a USB hub that derives its power from the computer, your new Saitek joystick WILL NOT FUNCTION when plugged into that hub.I have a good Linksys USB hub that says it derives power from the computer, but also comes with an external supply.The Saitek would NOT work unless the external power was plugged in.Just a word to the wise.
Overall, I am quite pleased with my Saitek X45.

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Product Description:
The SAITEK X45 Digital Throttle & Stick combination, combined with contemporary flight-sim or gaming software, provides the most realistic flying experience available. Combining pro-feature content with authentic aeronautical styling, both Throttle and Stick propel gameplay to another level, supplying an impressive instrument set to complete the most complicated of maneuvers. Built to a precision engineering spec, the X45's on-board features are complemented by unlimited programming power and auto-configuration for each game played.Throttle Features - 2 Fire Buttons4-Way Hat SwitchThrottle Control with DetentsRudder Control2 Rotary Analog Controls8-Way Mouse ControllerSystem Requirements - Pentium 133MHz+ class processor, USB port, Microsoft Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP, DirectX 8.1 compatibility

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Joystick Controller for Atari 2600 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The guts are made of plastic which broke in 2 minutes in one of the two joy sticks that I ordered. They look and feel like the old joy sticks and the second controller has had no problems to date.(My kids are not allowed to use the unbroken joy stick.)

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Product Description:
NEW Joystick controller for Atari 2600 & 7800 systems Non OEM

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