Logitech Dual Action Game Pad - Product Review

One of the major differences between computer games and console video games is the very different control schemes that the games have. Computer games rely mainly on using the mouse and keyboard, whereas console games use controllers that fit easily between the player's hands. The Logitech Dual Action Game Pad, however, is an attempt to rectify this difference and provide a way to play computer games the same way one would play a console game.

The Logitech Dual Action Game Pad is similar in size to a traditional Playstation controller, and has a button layout that is almost identical to the Playstation's. The controller has four primary buttons, four "trigger" buttons found on the top of the controller, a "start" button, a "select" button, two analog sticks, and a directional pad. The Logitech Dual Action Game Pad plugs into the computer's USB port, and comes with a mini-disc that is used to install software that is necessary for the controller to work correctly. The software is said to work with both PCs and Macs, although I have never attempted to use this controller with a Mac. The cord is long enough to work with most laptops and computers with USB ports in the front of the computer tower, but those who own computers with backend USB ports will probably wish the cord was a couple feet longer.

The controller's effectiveness is a mixed bag. The Logitech Dual Action Game Pad's software interface is somewhat difficult to use at first. It will take around fifteen minutes to program the buttons to correspond with different keys on the computer's keyboard, although quite a few games will allow you to set the controls in-game. This is good, because it would be a hassle to deal with the Logitech Dual Action Game Pad's software every time you wanted to configure it to work with a specific game.

The buttons themselves work well, although they are somewhat noisy when pressed (especially the directional pad). The buttons respond well when pressed, although the analog sticks feel a little stiff. Although shaped like a Playstation controller, the Logitech Dual Action Game Pad seems to work best with games that use the directional pad more than the analog sticks. Nintendo Entertainment System and SNES games are extremely easy to play with the Logitech Dual Action Game Pad, much easier than using the keyboard.

One issue with the Logitech Dual Action Game Pad that I can't personally touch upon is its long term durability. Looking over Amazon.com customer reviews, it appears that a lot of customers who disliked the product (rating it one-star out of five) did so because the controller broke. Most of these reviews mentioned the analog sticks not responding after two or three months of use. Having only had the Logitech Dual Action Game Pad for a month, I cannot comment on this problem, it doesn't surprise me. The analog sticks are unnecessarily stiff to begin with, unlike the fluid analog sticks of the traditional Playstation controller. This difference could lead to gamers over-compensating on the analog sticks of the Logitech Dual Action Game Pad.

Retailing at $19.99 (and often cheaper if bought from an online realtor), the Logitech Dual Action Game Pad is one of the cheapest controllers available for use on one's computer. Although not perfect, it is definitely worth the price if one is attempting to play simple games that don't require the use of analog sticks. For those hoping for a controller to play the newest top-of-the-line video games, I'd steer clear of the Logitech Dual Action Game Pad because of both the responsiveness of the analog sticks and the questions surrounding its durability.

Source:
Amazon.com: Logitech Dual Action Game Pad