Playstation- Saitek Tilt Double Shock PX3000

Saitek Tilt Double Shock PX3000

Manufacturer: Saitek

Price: $49.95 (US)

Review Date: 01-09-00

Features:

• Tilt technology enhances gameplay
• State-of-the-art Double Shock mechanism
• Provides shock effects in any PlayStation™ game
• Analog controller
• 4-way D-Pad
• 4 buttons and 4 triggers
• Throttle wheel
• Lockable analog axis improves control whenever X & Y need to be separately controlled
• Ergonomically designed to fit a wide range of hand sizes

Performance:

The PX3000 is a feature packed PlayStation controller. It has a bit more weight and bulk than the standard Sony Dual Shock controller but its in all the right places. It also has a number of features that make it a joy to use. Similar to its little brother, the Saitek PX2500, the PX3000 has one of the coolest features I've seen yet- lockable axis on the analog mini-stick. You can easy select either full movement, up/down or left/right movement control on both of the sticks. The first time I navigated the the mine laden waters in Crash Bandicoot II I made it through (a feat I had never accomplished). I attribute my success on the level to the locked axis's of the PX3000.

The unique feature of the PX3000 is the ability to activate "tilt" mode. In tilt mode the controller reads the movement of the controller itself. If you tilt it to the left its the same as pressing the pad left (also works in the other directions). A motion sensor inside the controller detects movements and translates them into action. I found this feature good with some games and difficult in others. The PX3000 has the added option to adjust the sensitivity of the tilt feature. I prefer to have the sensitivity on high when in use. It requires a bit more practice but once mastered offers easier control. You can activate/deactivate the tilt feature with a press of a button (indicated by a LED).

Other features of the PX3000 include different dual shock modes and digital/analog modes. The different dual shock modes allow you to use standard dual shock mode (when supported in the game), trigger driven mode (for games that do not support dual shock mode) and off. I found the trigger driven mode to be a bit artificial since the "shocks" are associated with button presses instead of actual "shock" events. However, the mode is a nice addition to the already long list of features of the PX3000.

The true dual shock mode is fairly impressive. The motors of the PX3000 give you a feel for what is going on in the game. The dual shock mode was used for a few games supporting it. R/C Stunt Copter delivered very nice effects through the PX3000. Touching down the copter, crashing and dragging the rails on the ground delivered varying effects that coincide with the action. In WCW Mayhem every blow delivered and received resulted in some form of shock feedback. The shocks reminded me just how bad of a beating I was taking!

The other feature not commonly found on a PlayStation controller but included on the PX3000 is a self centering throttle. The throttle wheel is placed on the front of the pad between the analog stick and the Tilt button. The throttle is related to the analog and digital mode switching option since the throttle only operates in analog mode. Switching between modes is a simple as a button press and a LED tells you what mode you are in. The throttle offers better control since it is a single axis and has a longer throw than either the d-pad or the analog sticks.

Overall, the button placement and control surface layout is great. At first I thought the PX3000 would be more appropriate for larger hands but my 5 year old nephew disproved that in a few minutes. He played using the PX3000 for a few hours and didn't complain once )he loves tilt mode!). The comfort and features offered by it make it not only fun to use but it may improve your game.

Overall:

The PX3000 is priced higher than the standard Sony Dual Shock controller. However, it brings a number of features to you that are well worth the price difference. The locking axis option, added throttle, digital/analog modes and dual shock effects will add to your options and add to your effectiveness.

Its easy to recommend the Saitek Dual Shock PX3000 controller. Its my secondary Playstation controller and it may be some time before another takes its place.

Recommended!