Having heard many bad things about Madcatz over the years I was
VERY reluctant to buy one.
But, you can't really do much worse than the XBox 360's rubbish d-pad so I went ahead and took the dive.
Having used the pad for several weeks I can provide the info.
Pros:
- The d-pad (although 'floating') is much, much better than the 360's. It's much, much more responsive and accurate*.
- The cord is long, so you can sit well back from the console/tv.
(this is also a con)
- The face buttons are large,well-placed, well-spaced and well-sprung.
- The pad is good for people with big hands (like me) and the rubber grips on the side and back help you hold it more securely.
- After many hours of intensive playing (and some bad-tempered losing) it has so far been reliable and durable.
- The artwork is of good quality and does not rub off, smear or fade.
Cons:
- *The d-pad has at times not responded accurately. But this is a vast minority of the time! (much less than 1%)
- The cord, if your playing in a communal area, can be tripped over
and unplugged fairly easily. (a definite online game-loser)
- The shoulder buttons are hinged on the outside of the pad rather than the inside, so you have to press them near to the middle of the pad for it to be easy.
- The left shoulder pad still works, but is not as springy as the right one.
- If you dig your fingernails into the back of the pad, expect the
rubber to scratch off (duh).
This is more of a warning than a con - do not drop your pad, on the street,
in the rain! lol. It's scratches alot easier than you would hope.
Overall I would give it 5 stars and highly recommend it. The cons I
mentioned are more of minor annoyances than anything else.
It's money well spent and you should notice a great improvement in your game.
Just don't pay over the odds for it. (~£35)