| Control
Pad Pro |
|
Review
By: Andrew
Joy
|
| Publisher: |
Mad
Catz |
| MSRP: |
$19.99 |
| Genre: |
Hardware |
| ESRB: |
N/A |
| Date
Posted: |
3-19-03 |
The
Mad Catz Control Pad Pro GameCube controller is by far, and almost
without question, one of the best controllers I have ever used.
To extend that, it is not only the best I have used for the
GameCube, but also it is the best controller I have ever used from
any system.

At first, aside from providing you with another controller, the main
draw for purchasing this controller is the Macro Programmable key.
Seemingly designed for the prospect of fighting games in mind, the
macro feature is basically button mashing made easy, allowing you to
program an extra left-shoulder button with a small sequence of
buttons. A small indicator
light lets you know when it is in use, too. Unfortunately, the
macro button has no real application outside of fighting games and
the like.
Now, on to the controller's more desirable features the Mad Catz
Controller's standard buttons. Sad to say that the allure for
most gamers should be the fact that the standard Nintendo GameCube
controller buttons have been tightened up and even improved on this
beauty. For instance, Mad Catz has adjusted the ill-working
Z-button from the Nintendo standard, allowing it to be pressed any
way you like. All the buttons of the Mad Catz controller are a
crisp and firm assuring you that it has been pressed.
Unfortunately the A-button does tend to stick at times, delaying the
often needed rapid game play. Another noteworthy improvement,
the Directional Pad; Mad Catz enlarged the D-pad, making it much
easier to handle than the miniscule Nintendo version. The dual
joysticks of the Mad Catz controller are, without argument, the
worst problem since they are quite painful at first, leaving you to
fear blisters within the first hours of play. Thankfully,
however, you quickly come to forget all about them, especially in
the bliss next mentioned.
Arguably the best features of the Mad Catz Control Pad Pro
controller are the handles. Designed for comfort and molded
with rubber grips, you will notice the difference when you switch to
this Mad Catz controller and you will definitely notice the
difference if you switch back.
Highs:
- The
handle - Controller nirvana just in these handles alone.
- Enlarged
D-pad makes an improvement over the Nintendo original
standard.
- Crisp
buttons let you know you are definitely pressing them.
- Macro
programmable button makes button mashing easy.
Lows:
- The
A-button often sticks, hindering rapid game play.
- First
time users may be frightened off too soon.
Final Verdict:
Once
you get used to the Mad Catz Control Pad Pro controller sticks and
other minor hang ups, you will find a sort of gaming utopia as you
wield
what are perhaps the most comfortable controller handles ever
designed. However, first time users may give up on the
controller too soon, before it has really had a chance to shine and
that is truly a great lose.
If you do give it a chance, though, you will be happy with your new
Mad Catz controller, especially once you realize you own what most
controllers, from any system, aspire to be.
Overall Score:
8.5
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