3D Controller Shoot-out part 6

Conclusion-

Their was no clear winner in the shootout. I hate to say it but there was one clear looser. The SpaceOrb 360 just doesn't have enough support for current games, doesn't allow the typical user to create profiles and the holds the fewest buttons in the group. In its day it was a great controller but its day has unfortunately passed.

Of the others- each has its advantages and disadvantages (see summary below). Each has a moderate to advanced learning curve, requires some special setup, tweaking and/or special configuration files.

Each is also a great tool for 3D style games. The Mad Catz Panther XL and Gravis Xterminator Dual Control have the added advantage of having usability and function for other game types. Yes, you can use the SpaceOrb 360 and Dual Strike for other game types but you just won't have the natural control needed to be effective. Anyway, this is a 3D controller shoot-out...

The Microsoft Dual Strike is also a great controller. However, it just doesn't have what it takes to be the ultimate 3D controller. It has some ergonomic issues, requires a USB connection (not available to all yet), and some of the buttons are practically useless due to their placement. That leaves two...

The design of the Panther XL and Xterminator Dual Control offer very comfortable, precise control, many buttons and the ability to be used with other games. The Xterminator Dual Control has the added advantage of allowing either a USB or gameport connection while the Panther XL allows use of external rudder pedals. The disadvantage of the Panther XL is that you need to have a configuration file for each game you wish to play (you can create them yourself for the Xterminator). The disadvantage of the Dual Control is the high sensitivity and time investment you will have to devote to the tweaking of the d-pad. Each disadvantage is overcome but need to be considered.

In the beginning of the shoot-out I said it may come down to what best fits your system. It actually comes down to what trade-off you are willing to make, where you wish to invest your time and what best fits your other gaming needs.

You can't really go wrong with either the Mad Catz Panther XL or the Gravis Xterminator Dual Control. Once setup and accustom to you have a tool that is more effective than a keyboard/mouse setup. To sweeten the pot, you can also use either for your other gaming needs.

Spacetec SpaceOrb 360-

Pros

• Intuitive control
• serial port connection (frees gameport, works on laptops)

Cons

• Only 6 buttons
• Requires profile for 3D game
• Limited support from manufacturer

Microsoft Dual Strike-

Pros

• Emulates keyboard and mouse actions/function
• User created profiles

Cons

• Awkward button placement

Mad Catz Panther XL-

Pros

• Versatile
• Many buttons and control surfaces
• Ability to connect external rudder pedals

Cons

• Requires profiles for 3D games

Gravis Xterminator Dual Control-

Pros

• Versatile controller
• Many buttons and control surfaces
• USB or gameport connection
• User created profiles

Cons

• Sensitive d-pad requiring tweaking of settings and time to master