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The best PC gaming controller
By Kimber Streams This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer's guide to the best technology. Read the full article here. After putting in 15 hours of research and testing—in addition to hundreds of hours gaming on controllers in years past—and enlisting the help of an experienced panel of gamers, we found that the Sony DualShock 4 Wireless Controller (yes, the one that comes with the PlayStation 4) is the best gaming controller to use with your computer. In fact, we concluded that all the best PC controllers are console controllers. But a gaming controller is a highly personal object, and your preferences may differ based on your hand size, gaming style, and operating system. If you already own a controller that you love, you probably don't need to buy a new one.
Microsoft reveals gradient-hued 'Shadow' Xbox controllers
Special edition Xbox controllers aren't exactly breaking news, but Microsoft unveiled a pair that are pretty unique. The shadow design models come in "Copper Shadow" and "Dusk Shadow" hues that fade to black toward the bottom. They also have a faux-metallic finish, judging by a pair of videos tweeted out by Major Nelson (below). Otherwise, they're the same as regular controllers, but at $70 each, are $10 more expensive. In North and South America, you can get get both later this month at Microsoft's Store, or find the Copper Shadow model at Gamestop and Dusk Shadow variant at Best Buy. It'll hit the rest of the world in April.
Where to buy PlayStation VR in the UK
So, Sony has finally given us all the details for its new PlayStation VR headset. It's coming in October and it'll cost you £350, but did you know that some UK retailers are already taking pre-orders? Well, now you do. If you can't wait until nearer the time, the PlayStation VR bundle -- which comes with the all-important headset, HDMI cable and USB cables, stereo headphones, add-on processor box but doesn't include the PlayStation Camera or Move controllers -- is currently available to order via the following stores:
We hate Valve's Steam Controller because it's different
My stomach tied itself into a knot as I read the gaming community's first impressions of Valve's final Steam Controller. "It's cheap feeling," many of them said, "difficult and frustrating to use." Forum posts, tweets and reviews all bemoaned how different the touchpads felt compared to traditional analog sticks, accusing it of fixing something that wasn't broken.The general consensus seemed to be that the Steam Controller was a mistake: A drastic, unnecessary step away from the tried and true layout of the 16-button, dual-analog gamepad standard. I felt betrayed and even a little offended -- but it wasn't Valve's experimental gamepad that let me down (I love that little thing), it was the gaming community that decided to turn a cold shoulder to innovation.
Xbox One Elite controller review: A better gamepad at a steep price
Is a gamepad worth $150? That's the question Microsoft is asking with the Xbox One Elite controller, a revamp of its almost two-year-old paddle that shipped with the Xbox One. The company isn't targeting this as a device for the mainstream, though. Rather, the Elite is instead for highly competitive gamers -- the type that'd mod their controllers with third-party accessories for greater precision. The customization it offers comes at a steep price, costing over twice as much as the standard $60 controller.Why should you care? Because the vanilla Xbox One controller feels like a cheap knock-off of the vaunted Xbox 360 pad that came before it. Microsoft said it spent over $100 million designing it, considering smell-o-vision and even a built-in projector for the gamepad, only to wind up with a mostly inferior clone. It has too many sharp edges, feels incredibly hollow and seems, well, cheap. Honestly, one of the biggest reasons I don't play my Xbox One much as my PlayStation 4 is because I prefer the latter's DualShock 4 controller. Keep all that in mind when you consider the following statement: I've been using the Elite controller for almost a week and I haven't wanted to put it down; this is the Xbox One gamepad we should've had from the outset.
Your PS4 is screaming out for some color (and a gold DualShock 4)
Admit it: these new DualShock 4s and color plates for your PS4 are going to make that living room obelisk pop.
SteelSeries Stratus XL is the only iOS gaming accessory you need
Of all the first-turn MFi game controllers, I preferred the original SteelSeries Stratus. Not only was it the only standalone control option at the time, but its analog sticks and and overall design seemed to work pretty much perfectly for me. That being said, it was extremely small, which is great if you're looking for portability but not so much if you want a console-quality gaming experience. The SteelSeries Stratus XL changes that in a big, big way. The most obvious difference here is that the XL is much larger than its predecessor. It's roughly as large as an Xbox One controller -- or the Wii U Pro Controller, if you have one of those lying around -- and as such it's immediately a good fit for anyone used to gaming on a console. It has a full compliment of both face and shoulder buttons, along with a pair of analog sticks and a directional pad. The on/off switch is located on the rear panel and there's sync and battery level buttons on the top of the controller. As far as design goes, it's a massive improvement over the original, and feels like the controller we should have had all along. My biggest complaint when reviewing the original Stratus was the fact that it felt cheap. The plastic housing, loose buttons and sticks, and lack of weight really made it feel like a toy. The XL is the exact opposite. It's heavy, solid, and everything stays firmly in place when you shake it. The analog sticks snap back upright with authority when you release them and I haven't noticed any of the issues that plagued the smaller version. In short, it's a ridiculous improvement. Like the first Stratus, the XL connects via Bluetooth which means connecting it to your iPhone or iPad is as simple as venturing into the settings menu and pairing them up. I'm not a big fan of Bluetooth in general, and in an application as sensitive as a game controller, it's a bit of a crapshoot when it comes to latency, but if there is indeed any lag between the controller and the action on screen, it wasn't noticeably worse than I've experienced with game controllers on consoles. If I'm going to really nitpick, I'd say that the shoulder buttons are a bit high to be super comfortable while reaching for them. The triggers, on the contrary, are perfect, but the shoulder buttons can be a bit of a stretch if you're in the heat of the moment. However, that's also an issue I've noticed with the Xbox One controller (I had no issues with the Xbox 360 controller, for what it's worth) so it may just be a personal preference. At US$69.95 -- $30 cheaper than price of the original Stratus at launch -- it's the first MFi controller that feels like it was designed for gamers, rather than iOS users who happen to play games from time to time. Once you've played with it, there's really no going back. Conclusion SteelSeries says that all the feedback from customers, developers, and reviews was taken into account when designing the Stratus XL, and I have to say that it definitely seems that way. It's head and shoulders above the original -- and any other MFi controller on the market -- and there's honestly no better accessory for iOS gaming, bar none. Rating: 4 out of 4 possible stars
The Trinity Magnum VR controller is like a PlayStation Move for your PC
The Oculus Rift isn't even a consumer product yet, but it already has a shadow hanging over its head: how, exactly, are its users going to interact with its intangible, virtual worlds? It's starting to look like the answer will be multifaceted, requiring users to own different devices for different gameplay scenarios. Trinity VR wants to be gamer's go-to product for the FPS genre, and have just launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund its Magnum VR controller. We caught up with the company in San Francisco to give its prototype controller a quick look; here's what we found out.
10 iOS games that would be 10 times better with MFi controller support
Made-for-iPhone (MFi) game controllers are pricey niche products, but some games greatly benefit from them. Many others haven't yet jumped on the physical button bandwagon, but some of them definitely should. Here are ten great games that would be even greater with a physical controller. Minecraft - It's hard to believe that this amazing sandbox title hasn't yet adopted MFi support. Playing Minecraft with a touchscreen is doable, but it's definitely not ideal. Real buttons for movement, block placement and jumping would be a dream come true. Trials Frontier - The lack of controller support here is almost inexcusable. Trials is a game that demands precise controls in the harder levels, and touchscreen buttons are anything but precise. I can't imagine a reason why the developers wouldn't have included an MFi option from the start, but it needs to be added as soon as humanly possible. Farming Simulator 14 - Maneuvering your bulky farm equipment around on an iPhone screen is a lot of fun, but vehicles would feel more real with the option of a real controller. Adding MFi support would also free up screen real estate used for the throttle and other controls, which would make the game even nicer to look at. Crazy Taxi - Come on, Sega! Virtually every other Sega title on iOS features support for game controllers, but this arcade driving game -- which desperately needs slick controls -- has been left out. Goat Rampage - This quirky sandbox game is as goofy as it gets, but the controls leave something to be desired. Adding a game controller would fix this and make the game even more absurdly fun. Slayin - Ok, I get it: The on-screen control pad is part of the experience. Still, I'd be willing to sacrifice the nostalgic virtual control pad in favor of some responsible physical buttons. Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 - A fighting game on a touchscreen? It works OK, but any fighting game fan knows that physical buttons are superior in every way. Tapping up a fast combo is made a lot easier and more enjoyable when you don't have to guess where the buttons are. Carmageddon - This ultra-violent racing game didn't launch with MFi support, which kind of bummed me out, and it hasn't been added in yet either. I just can't swerve to avoid (or hit...) pedestrians with precision unless I have a fancy analog stick or d-pad. Call of Duty: Zombies - First person shooter fans demand physical control due to the twitchy nature of the games. MFi support was added to Call of Duty: Strike Team, but it's strangely be left out of updates for older iOS Call of Duty games. Earn to Die - The controls in this game are dead simple, and the on-screen buttons work as well as you'd expect, but I can't shake the feeling that it could be so much better. Landing your car perfectly and mowing through zombies is the name of the game, and I'd love to sit back with my SteelSeries Stratus and play the game on my iPad's big beautiful screen without having to touch it.
Amazon Fire TV games work with other Bluetooth controllers
Amazon just revealed its $99 Fire TV game and video streaming device today, and unveiled a $40 Bluetooth game pad to go along with it. As it turns out, developers appear to have the option to make their Amazon Fire TV games compatible with other controllers. "I don't have the full data set, if any is the right term. Generally speaking, it's a Bluetooth controller," Mike Frazzini, VP of Amazon Games told Engadget today when asked about the Fire TV's controller support. "And the same thing vice-versa. Third-party controllers can work on Fire TV as well." According to a mandatory configuration file for all Amazon Fire TV game developers listed on Amazon's site, developers must note if the app "supports a game controller, either the Amazon Fire game controller or a Bluetooth game controller from another manufacturer." While Amazon doesn't confirm official Fire TV support with the game pads, other Bluetooth controllers like Nintendo's Wii Remote and Sony's DualShock 4 could feasibly work with some games if developers so choose. Likewise, while the Amazon Fire TV supports up to seven Bluetooth game controllers simultaneously, software development kit documentation notes that "only four of those controllers are assigned to player numbers." This seemingly caps local multiplayer gaming on Amazon Fire TV at four players at a given moment, which may not be an issue since gaming is more or less a "bonus" for the streaming device.
GDC's alternative arcade: a gallery of crazy, homemade game controllers
The idea of the gamepad is so entrenched in our mind, it's easy to forget that there are other ways to play video games. No, we're not talking about the PC gamer's keyboard and mouse, or even the traditional arcade stick -- but custom, purpose built controllers made to augment a specific experience. At GDC 2014, we found an interactive gallery full of them. The event, Alt.Ctrl.GDC serves as a showcase for indie game experiences that aren't fully accessible without specialized hardware, but to us, it was simply an alternative arcade of creativity.
Evil Controllers goes next-gen with PS4 and Xbox One gamepads, custom controllers en route
If you still have money to burn after buying a PlayStation 4, an Xbox One (or both!) and games for each, Evil Controllers wants to help with that. The company's been churning out user-customized Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 controllers for awhile, but now it's added the DualShock 4 and the Xbox One controller to the mix. For now, the outfit is offering a handful of pre-made designs, but an updated version of its controller creator webapp will be live soon. Aside from some cosmetic flair, the jazzed up products use all original hardware, ensuring you get the factory-made experience. What's more, the controllers' arresting designs should help them stand out from your couch cushions. If you thought the vanilla gamepads were pricey at $60, however, you might want to avert your eyes -- these start at $85.
Evil Controllers now offering custom PS4, Xbox One peripherals
Third-party peripheral manufacturer Evil Controllers is now offering customized PS4 and Xbox One controllers through its online store. The store currently holds 18 PS4 controllers, ranging in price from $84.99 to $109.99. Evil Controllers also has seven Xbox One game pads, priced from $89.99 to $109.99. The peripherals are official Xbox One and DualShock 4 controllers, so the buttons, analog sticks and other components won't differ from the game pads Microsoft and Sony pack in with their consoles. There are a few versions of Evil Controllers' modified peripherals that include the custom controller brand's trademark bullet-style buttons, though.
The Daily Grind: Is crowd control in MMOs dead?
Crowd control used to be a major feature of MMO gameplay, so much that CC, not DPS, was considered the third element of the MMO holy trinity until World of Warcraft swept into the market in 2004 without a dedicated crowd-control class. Before that, crowd-control characters enjoyed an almost godlike status in MMORPGs. An EverQuest Enchanter was one class you never partied without, Dark Age of Camelot's RvR was infamous for its unbalanced zerg mezes, and City of Heroes embraced crowd control so closely that it named an entire archetype for it: the Controller. Not only did WoW begin the trend of deleting pure crowd controllers from game rosters everywhere, it also downplayed the importance of crowd control in general, so much that many of WoW's modern dungeons have little to no trash that'd require control in the first place. It's dramatically different gameplay from the style of the aforementioned City of Heroes, which literally threw huge crowds of villains at you to control and subdue in order to make you feel heroic. Are other modern games continuing the trend? Is crowd control, or at least crowd-control characters as we once knew them, dead? And are they a welcome casualty of the slow elimination of group-or-die MMO gameplay? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Padwatch: Xbox One can connect eight controllers at once, PS4 four
The Xbox One supports eight wireless controllers simultaneously connected to the system, compared to four on the PlayStation 4. Microsoft's figure of eight came via new details on the Xbox One controller's product page, whereas Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida chimed in (via Twitter of course) with the corresponding number for the PS4. It's maybe not news that will matter to most players, but it does make eight-player local Bomberman a possibility on Xbox One, and that would be grand. As to how many Xbox One games will support local eight-player in reality ... we'll see. It's also a curious reversal of the current-gen situation. As Videogamer points out, the PS3 can support up to seven controllers at once, while the Xbox 360 goes up to four.
Mod lets you play 'Super Mareo Bruhs' inside Counter-strike
Behold, the Sourcemod Entertainment System, a custom-made plugin for Counter-Strike: GO that allows players to play "Super Mareo Bruhs" inside cs_office. With real controllers, cartridges, and a working power switch, the SMES is just like the real thing. With more flashbangs.
The Daily Grind: Do you like game-branded peripherals?
One of the unusual perks of being a game journalist is that you acquire a set of branded and unique USB flash drives. Aside from the pictured Final Fantasy XIV drive (which is far and away the strangest flash drive I've ever seen), I also have a World of Tanks die-cast USB drive that I'm quite fond of. Of course, it no longer contains any data even remotely related to World of Tanks, which makes all of that branding on the outside a lie. For this reason I'm always a bit iffy on using peripherals that have prominent branding for specific games. I'd feel pretty ridiculous if I were using a World of Warcraft-branded mouse at the moment when I'm not playing the game, for instance. But what about you? Do you like game-branded peripherals, or do you prefer that your computer accessories are neutral and perhaps even austere? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Logitech to phase out production of console gaming accessories
The third quarter of fiscal 2013 wasn't especially awesome for Logitech, despite the fact that I personally spent 30 of my own dollars on a wireless keyboard within that time frame. Whereas the same period last year saw a net profit of $55 million, Logitech posted a net loss of $194.9 million in its most recent earnings report.As a result, some of Logitech's divisions will be scaled back, while others will be discontinued altogether. "We have initiated the process to divest our remote controls and digital video security categories, and we plan to discontinue other non-strategic products, such as speaker docks and console gaming peripherals," said Logitech president/CEO Bracken P. Darrell.While Logitech's console peripheral business will disappear, the company's PC gaming offerings will remain unchanged. We've also been able to confirm that Logitech console accessories that have already been purchased will continue to exist, and will not crumble into piles of dust. These cost reduction measures are expected to take place "by the end of Calendar Year 2013."
Nintendo Wii U GamePad vs. tablets / game controllers: fight!
The Nintendo Wii U GamePad -- aka "that tablet-looking controller from Nintendo" -- is a strange beast. Perhaps that 6.2-inch resistive screen out front made you think it's a tablet? It's not a tablet. Perhaps those dual analog sticks and slurry of buttons made you think it's a game controller? It's certainly not just a game controller. Of course, that's not stopping us from making both comparisons. Below you'll find a hybrid of our usual "fight!" structure, with one gallery dedicated to comparing the Wii U GamePad against its distant tablet-based cousins, and another comparing the GamePad to its controller side of the family. Wondering just what we think of the GamePad and Nintendo's new console? We'll have a full review of the Wii U -- and its bizarre hybrid controller -- early next week. We've got some early impressions of what's already impressed us, and an extra close look at the Wii U game discs as well, if you just can't wait.%Gallery-170910% Joseph Volpe contributed to this report.
Valve's Newell says three different controllers are in hardware beta, already out in the wild
Valve's hardware beta is apparently getting underway ahead of schedule, as a recent 4chan group interview with company head Gabe Newell revealed that the beta's already in user testing. Moreover, Newell says that three different controller prototypes are in circulation. He echoes Valve hardware engineer Jeri Ellsworth's words from earlier this year, saying controllers are yet another step in Valve's journey with Steam from desktop PC to living room. He also says that the options currently available simply aren't good enough. "The reason we're doing controllers is we didn't think there was enough interesting innovation going on." We've yet to see any of Valve's hardware prototypes, but the last word was it shouldn't be too long before they're ready for consumption ... in one form or another. Be sure to let us know if you spot one!
