Buffalo's USB Micro-Pads for gaming on-the-go

It's not like your average SNES of PSX-inspired PC gamepad is really too much of a chore to lug around, but if you've really got to get your game on with minimal addition to your gear bag, Buffalo's new USB Micro-Pads seem to be the way to go. The folding controller comes in both an analog stick version (pictured) and a traditional direction pad edition, and both Micro-Pads feature dual shoulder buttons, a couple of extra face buttons, and a mini-USB to USB adaptor. Along with being a good match for most PC emulators and other relevant titles, we're thinking this could do good things for a Pocket PC-based emulation fan if Buffalo brings the necessary drivers to the table, but we'll have to wait and see. No word on price or availability yet.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 6th 2006 4:51PM]

If they made it bluetooth it would make the perfect partner to my treo 700w.

[Stu L Tissimus Posted Sep 6th 2006 4:51PM]

As I use my laptop for emulation quite a bit, I wouldn't mind buying one of these (if I didn't already have way too many controllers lying around).

[Ebzy Posted Sep 6th 2006 4:52PM]

cool
But I'll bet they aint ergowhatsically friendly

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 6th 2006 5:45PM]

I just use my DS Lite - that has wifi!

[Taylor Yes Taylor Posted Sep 6th 2006 6:22PM]

Yeah, it's useless for a PPC without bluetooth, since pretty much none have USB hosting...
-Taylor

[Dizzy Posted Sep 9th 2006 1:50PM]

I had one of these that I beleive was made by the same company a couple years ago, but it was made for the PS2. It's flimsy, feels like it's gonna snap from the center, the pins for the hinge fall out, no weight to the tiny unit makes it sort of hard to use. If they've learned from their mistakes it might be better now...

[stridermt2k Posted Sep 6th 2006 10:58PM]

From what I've seen most if not all emulators that run under Windows can be run from a USB flash drive, making them quite portable as well.

With an appropriately loaded drive and this controller, one could get one's game on on any machine with a couple of free USB ports.

Neat stuff!

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 6th 2006 11:47PM]

the return of the turbo button! not since my old 386 has that been an acceptable solution to anything

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 7th 2006 10:41AM]

If you want it portable you want it small and this game-pad sure does look small. An analog stick is sure a plus, but why on earth did they need to make it in a clam-shell shape? cool but not that useful and not like it needs protection...

[Ebzy Posted Sep 7th 2006 12:11PM]

duh!!

so it folds up and is even smaller?
maybe...