Since the early days of force feedback I have been a huge fan of feedback controllers.  So when I saw an unheard of company called Novint was releasing a 3D feedback controller for the PC I could not contain myself.  I had to get on a waiting list to be one of the first users.  I received the Novint Falcon controller after a long wait and jumped right into my computer lair to hookup and start using the controller.

Note- I received, tested and reviewed the 1st generation release of the Falcon.  Since, a newer version has come out with a slightly different look and a few improved features.

The box was large and daunting.  It weighed over 10 pounds.  You receive the Falcon 3D controller, 2 controller handles (one standard and the other with a clear body), a power adapter, USB cable, instructions and software on a CD.  Like most USB hardware you install the software first- then connect the controller.  I had no problems setting up the Falcon 3D on both a Windows XP and Vista system.  The falcon needs a large chunk of desk real estate- simply placing it on a regular computer cart will probably not work.  It needs to be located close by so you can access it while being comfortable.  Once you get the Falcon 3D placed its time to start playing.

There are a number of test utilities and free games that come with the retail package.  The test utility gives you a great sense of the potential this thing has.  A large floating orb is shown on the screen.  You can select its texture and composition and move your virtual hand around the surface to feel the amazing touch feedback effects.  The ice surface has you hand slipping past the point you intend to move while the gravel surface feels rough and gives plenty of resistance.  The test utility is truly amazing and shows you exactly what you can expect from well implemented use of the Falcon 3D.

Now things start to fall apart.  You see, the idea and implementation is great.  Acceptance among developers so far is poor.  There are few supported titles and most are mini-games made specifically for the controller.  Wide support from mainstream games is limited to 1 or 2 titles such as the Half-Life series and many more are “coming soon”.  I am really cautious of “coming soon” support and never count chickens before the eggs hatch (and I check to see it a real chicken and not a rubber one!).

The other gaping hole that needs to be mentioned is the lack of operation outside of supported games.  I see no reason why the Falcon 3D would not be an excellent mouse replacement in a windows environment.  Go back a few years when Logitec released the iFeel mouse that gave very cool “tactical feedback” in games, applications and the general Windows world.  It would give the Falcon an everyday purpose and make the low game support problem lesser of an issue.

The Novint Falcon 3D can be found for $129 to $199.  It is easy enough to hookup and use once you rearrange your desk to give it a prominent spot.  However, the limited amount of support for the device makes it a hard purchase to recommend at this point.  Once the support base expands and if Novint develops a general use API I can change my “No Buy” recommendation to a “Buy”.  For now “No Buy” is my advice.