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Archived from The Control Center, 1999. Hardware, prices and links are historical.

Saitek P120 Action Pad

Originally published on joy-stick.net, 14 November 19994/5 sticks

P120 Action Pad

Manufactured By: Saitek

Retail Price: $9.95

Review Date:11-14-99

Sometimes simplicity is the best solution. Many games appropriate for a gamepad control don't have complicated needs. The Saitek P120 is an affordable, comfortable controller offering 6 buttons and a 8 way D-pad.

Using the latest drivers from Saitek the P120's D-pad offers proportional control too (in analog mode). The features list of this $10 gamepad is comprehensive without being overbearing. The gamepad is comfortable to hold and the buttons well within most users reach.

Features 90%-

  • 4 buttons
  • 2 trigger buttons
  • 8 way D-Pad
  • Removable mini-joystick
  • Digital or Analog mode

Appropriate For-

  • 3rd person shooters (Tomb Raider, Star Wars: Rouge Squadron, etc.)
  • Arcade games (Centipede, Rayman, etc.)
  • Sports games (NHL 99, FIFA 99, Baseball 2000, etc.)

System Requirements-

Windows 3.1/95/98, DOS, 15 pin gameport

Price-

A $10 gamepad is hard to go wrong with. The P120 offers 6 buttons and a highly usable D-pad. Its a great value for the price.

Warranty-

1 year limited.

Performance 95%-

The Saitek P120 Action Pad is great for sports, arcade and related games. I used the controller with a long list of games- most notable NHL 99, FIFA 99 and a few 3rd person shooters. I preferred using the mini-joystick in the D-pad for better control. I also used the stick in analog mode so I could take advantage of the proportional control.

I got my but kicked in hockey and soccer. Not because of bad control; I have the realism and difficulty cranked way up. The only winning I did was in the random fights that would break out during the hockey games. I literally played an entire season in NHL 99 using the P120 (it was easier since I didn't make the playoffs!). Throughout the gamepad offered good control and was comfortable.

I also spent some time playing Star Wars Rouge Squadron and Phantom Menace. Again, the proportional control offered an advantage, allowing more accurate control of my craft and characters. I also played some arcade games using Bleem! Playstation emulator. The 5th and 6th buttons allowed me to control actions most basic gamepads would miss.

Overall performance of the P120 is great. Its easy to hold, light and offers good control.

Setup 94% -

Setup of the P120 Action pad is pretty simple. the gamepad plugs into the gameport and a custom setup is required under Windows. Select custom from the game controller applet and specify a gamepad with 4 buttons and 3 axis. The two trigger buttons function as the 3rd axis. The newly created profile can then be named Saitek P120 for future recognition. Run the calibration and remember the trigger buttons are the 3rd axis and you should have no problems.

One option the P120 has is the mini-joystick that can be inserted into the center of the D-pad. I preferred to use the mini-stick and had it installed most of the time. When not in use it stores in a recess between the handles of the controller and locks into place with a slider.

** Software NA%-

** No software is shipped with the P120 but Saitek just made drivers available on their website (10-09-99). The new drivers have setups for the P120 in digital or analog mode. In analog mode the D-pad functions proportional meaning that there are different degrees of the D-pad movement. In digital mode left is full left. In analog mode the D-pad can be moved partially left. This offers better control where necessary.

However, since the controller does not ship with any software the software will not be rated. I did find it more useful than the standard setup listed in the manual though. I recommend using the download.

Documentation 92%-

The Saitek P120 doesn't require lengthy instructions. The guide that ships with the P120 is more of a quick start guide. The few pages contain details on connecting, setting up and selecting the controller in Windows. Short, simple and to the point.

The Saitek website hosts a large array of information, downloads and helpful documents. Each product line has its own section and the help section is fairly comprehensive. Cyborg specific information includes product details, Faq's, downloads, etc. One of the most helpful files available from Saitek is a utility that removes unneeded joysticks from the selection list in the game controller applet.

Overall Rating 93.3%-

The Saitek P120 Action Pad is a wonderful $10 controller. If your a virtual sports junkie or arcade fan its hard to go wrong with the P120. Its not loaded with features you may never use. With the new drivers you have the option to use it in either digital or analog mode. Further, analog mode gives you proportional control for better accuracy.

The Control Center recommends the P120 Action Pad. It suits in form, function and performance. Try finding that for $10...

Pros-

  • Very affordable
  • Digital or analog modes (with downloaded drivers)
  • 6 buttons

Cons-

  • No way to use more than one controller for multi-player games

Similar to-**

Review date as printed on the original page. Images from the original page are not reproduced.