How We Test

How The Control Center Conducts a Test**

Since I began The Control Center in September of 1998 I have been using a written testing protocol for evaluations. I work as a Quality Assurance Auditor for a pharmaceutical contract manufacturer. It is my job to assure documentation is accurate, products perform as described and that company procedures are being followed. I also assure our vendors provide products that meet or exceed our expectations. All of this is done using written protocols or audit outlines. For Control Center reviews I use these skills and techniques to evaluate the controllers.

Below is an outline of a review describing what is evaluated in each category and how it is done. Not all reviews contain every category listed below but each review was done using the basic criteria outlined here. All testing is done on my personal computers described on the Test Systems page unless otherwise noted.

To avoid software conflicts, all other resident game controller software is disabled during testing. the latest official Direct X release is used and games have the latest non-beta software patches installed. When reviews are posted the manufacturer is contacted and invited to comment on the review. Reviews are subject to revision as new drivers and utilities become available.

NOTE: There are two separate rating systems in place. The first being the percentage score and the second the "stick" rating. The percentage scoring is the objective rating I have implemented and can be used to compare the controller to others. The "stick" rating is subjective and is not a good gauge for comparison. Many factors go into the "stick" rating and are discussed throughout the review.

<Controller Manufacturer and/or Name>

<**Controller Name**>

**Manufactured By:**Link to manufacturers web site if available

Retail Price: Manufacturers suggested retail price and or current availability price range

Review Date: Date of review posting and any revision dates

<Photo or graphic of the controller if available>

General comments on the manufacturer, the controller (items not covered in the categories below), personal comments and experiences, etc. This section can be the longest part of the review although the information here is not necessarily important to the overall rating of the controller.

Features XX%-

Features of the controller including:

• number of buttons
• throttle
• rudder
• hat-switch
• trim controls
• pedal
• toggles
• etc.

Appropriate For-

List of game types that the controller was designed for. Examples included, usually indicating actual games used for testing.

System Requirements-

system requirements as defined by manufacturer including port type, operating system, memory requirements, etc.

Price -

Comment on price usually measured in overall value or buying tips. Rated categories ÷ price = overall value.

Warranty-

Warranty information as described by the manufacturer.

Performance XX%-

Comments on how the controller performed in various games. Ergonomics, ease of use, special features, etc. Performance may be tested for games outside of "Appropriate For" but will not be used to calculate the performance rating.

Setup XX%-

Comments on the physical setup of the controller including assembly, installation, etc.

**Software XX%-

Description and comments on the driver and application software provided with the unit and details on the availability of updates at the time of the review. The drivers and utilities used for the actual testing will be defined.

Documentation XX%-

Description and comments on the printed and on line documentation provided with the controller. Also, if appropriate, information on web resources specific to the controller (will not effect scoring).

Overall Rating XX% -

An overall consideration of the reviewed areas of the controller along with a recommendation. Overall percentage is calculated by an weighted average of the above rated areas as follows-

• Features 20% of overall (features will influence performance)
• Performance 50% of overall (will include elements of features, software and other categories)
• Setup 10% of overall (usually a one time affair)
• Software 10% of overall (will influence performance and setup)
• Documentation 10% of overall (influence on setup and software)

When categories do not apply the overall score will be calculated by an even redistribution of the percentages. Some of the category percentage weight appears low but exceptionally high or low scores in a particular category will usually have an effect on other categories and the overall score will be consistent (i.e. poor drivers (software) will have an effect on the performance score).

One to five (also in 1/2's) giving an overall rating to the controller. This is the most subjective part of the review. Two similar scoring controllers may receive different stick ratings. Likewise, two opposing score controllers may receive the same "stick" rating.

Similar to-**

List of similar controllers for comparative purposes.

A link to this page.