Enhance Your Gaming with Vista-Friendly Peripherals - Part 2
JoysticksAlthough the demand for joysticks has steadily declined in recent years, they're still of great benefit to fans of flight, space and Mech simulations. For these games, nothing beats a good, full-featured stick with the exception of a complete HOTAS (Hands on Throttle and Stick) combo or flight control system. We’ll look at the more affordable joysticks first and then follow-up with the costly, high-end packages. Also in the "stick" category (for lack of a better cubbyhole) are specialized controllers designed specifically for arcade-style shooters. We’ll examine one of these, as well. Saitek Aviator | Average Retail Price: $35 / £20 Saitek Aviator Taking a clue from its name, Saitek's Aviator is designed specifically for modern flight sims. A dual-throttle joystick, the Aviator is a rugged, military-style controller with two throttle levers, a 3D twist rudder, front-mounted instruments (base-mounted toggle buttons), mode selector (to change control functions), rapid response trigger, eight-way hat switch and illuminated rocket/missile fire button with safety cover. Thanks to its dual throttle design it can be used to enable independent control of multiple engines when flying large aircraft such as bombers or passenger jets, or they can be employed in an engine/flaps combo for greater control during take-offs and landings. The dual throttles can be locked together, as well, when piloting single-engine crafts. However, it's not the most robust stick from a construction standpoint and feels a bit lightweight in use. Still, if you're looking for an affordable, solo-stick solution for your favorite flight simulations, the Aviator is a worthy contender.
Saitek Cyborg evo Wireless Joystick | ARP: $50 / £36 Saitek Cyborg evo Wireless Joystick The Cyborg evo Wireless Joystick lacks force feedback technology, but the rest of the package makes up for the omission. A fully-adjustable wireless device (using a single AA battery), it offers a three-position, customizable head and stick so left- and right-handed players can tune it for optimal gaming pleasure. But, that’s not all. Beside its adaptable nature, this stick's extremely comfortable to use and its feature set includes an integrated central throttle lever, rapid-fire trigger, five fire buttons, an eight-way point-of-view hat switch, 3D twist rudder, two shift buttons and four base buttons. It also sports a single-spring gimbal mechanism and 2.4GHz wireless technology, and provides smooth, lag-free performance in a design that minimized desktop clutter. And, as with all of Saitek's controllers, advanced programming capabilities are handled via special software. The joystick’s only real failing are base and shift buttons split between its left and right sides. They would be easier to use, while maintaining an ambidextrous design, if centrally located.
Logitech Force 3D Pro | ARP: $55 / £35If you're looking for a slick stick imbued with force feedback technology, the Force 3D Pro from Logitech shakes things up considerably. Featuring good control layout and solid force effects, this controller also sports 12 programmable keys, an accurate high-precision throttle, rapid-fire trigger, eight-way rubber hat switch, sculpted twist handle with textured rubber grips and a ten-foot cable. While it's not ideal for lefties, most gamers should find it more than sufficient to the task. It's an attractive, well-designed, sturdily-constructed instrument of destruction.
Logitech Freedom 2.4 Cordless Joystick | ARP: $45 / £45When it comes to untethered joysticks, the Freedom 2.4 Cordless is a standout. Fans of the wireless lifestyle will be thankful for its lag-free performance (even at a distance of 20 feet) and freedom of movement, especially when it comes to combat flight sims and Mech games. Silky smooth in operation, the Freedom 2.4 is decked out with a twist handle, ten programmable buttons, an eight-way hat switch, a precise throttle and healthy battery life. It’s not as fully featured or impressive as some of the more advanced flight control systems on the market, but you can't beat the small footprint or ability to easily stow the stick away when not in use. Its futuristic styling is cool, too.
Xgaming X-Arcade Tankstick | ARP: $200 | £140 X-Arcade Tankstick The newest addition to Xgaming's award-winning line of arcade sticks is the immense (30 inches wide), industrial-grade Tankstick. An amalgamation of the two-player X-Arcade Dual Joystick and X-Arcade Trackball, the Tankstick is their most complete and authentic home arcade controller. It combines two joysticks and a trackball with a collection of four pinball flipper buttons and 16 joystick buttons (eight for each stick). Included are 18 arcade classics for Windows in the Atari Anniversary Edition (Asteroids, Asteroids Deluxe, Battlezone, Centipede, Crystal Castles, Gravitar, Millipede, Missile Command, Pong, Super Breakout, Tempest and Warlords) and the Midway PC Game Bundle (Gauntlet, Defender, Smash TV, Robotron, Rampage and Joust). Plus, the Tankstick is fully programmable with the online game service GameTap. It supports MAME, too, so revisiting thousands of arcade classics is a snap. PC and Mac compatible, add-on adapters are also available for PS2, PS3, Gamecube, Wii, Xbox and Dreamcast. Plus, it’s built to last and comes with a Lifetime Warranty. It’s simply the best arcade stick money can buy. However, should it be too pricy for your budget, more affordable options include the X-Arcade Solo Joystick ($100 / £75), X-Arcade Dual Joystick ($130 / £90) and X-Arcade Trackball ($50 / £70).
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