Battra92 Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 This might be a little long and a bit of a rant but it's something annoying me lately. Recently, my favorite third party controller, the Nyko Core PS3 controller, suffered a nasty fall and has sustained some trigger damage. I've yet to pop the thing apart and attempt a repair and instead I opted to give the Power A Pro EX PS3 controller a shot. It's designed like an XBox 360 controller and I've heard some good things about it. The total cost for the controller: approx $15 on Amazon.com. When I told my wife about it, she remarked that she very much prefers the DS3 due to it being a wireless controller and that it's shape is one that she's used to. She didn't mind the Nyko but preferred the original. If I hunt around, I can get a DS3 for $40 but the MSRP is $55! The Sixaxis cost $50 and the wireless 360 controller retails for $50 (can be had for $40) and the wired retails for $40 and can be found for as low as $30 on Amazon.com. First party controllers weren't always this expensive, though. I was going through the Internet Archive recently to read some reviews on old third party PS2 controllers and found that at launch, the PS2 controller was $34.95 going down to $24.95. While Sony has apparently recently discontinued the PS2 controller, it can still be found at some retailers for as low as $15. What really is inside these new controllers that demand such a higher price? While I can understand the Wiimote requiring extra technology due to the nature of the games requiring them, why would the MSRP of a controller practically double? Is it simply the Wireless aspect or is it that gamers have over time grown a distaste for third party accessories and will pay the premiums for the first party controllers? For me, I will buy third party controllers when there is a significant savings (as seen with the PS3) but will pass on them when either the cost difference is too small (wired 360 pads) or I am suspect of third party compatibility (with Wii Remotes.) What's your take on the cost of controllers? Is it a big deal to you? Do you save money with third party? Post your favorite third party controllers too if you have them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strangelove Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 (edited) I ALWAYS buy first party. Theyre just always perfect for each console it's from. 3rd parties always fuck up some of the best parts of official controllers. They tinker with shit that doesnt need tinkering just for the hell of it instead of actually making a better controller. As for the cost, I dont know. I remember official ps1 and ps2 controllers being about $35. the DS3 was about $50 when I bought one a few years ago. I can speak for the Wii or the 360 since ive never bought controllers for those, but I dunno, the DS3 is solid. It has a lot of shit going on. I know no one gives a shit about six axis, but im sure it costs extra to put that shit in. Same thing with wireless bluetooth.The DS3 also has pressure sensitive buttons, something the other 2 consoles dont have. Other than that, it seems to be a regular controller. Then again, its not a problem i face since i dont have friends that play games, its only me so i only need one controller. While were on it, the Wii motion plus attachment used to be about 30 bucks, now its 20. I still think its ridiculous. Edited February 16, 2012 by Strangelove Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yantelope V2 Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 Every time I buy a 3rd party controller it ends in arguments of people who don't want to use it. "Oh I died because I had this crappy controller". I mostly just get official ones now because then everyone is equal. Also, Controllers cost $55 because it compensates for the lack of profit on the console itself. Accessories are where the margin is on all electronics usually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madbassman39 Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 I'm on my 3rd Silver transforming D-pad Xbox controller... All of them have the sticks get stuck, its annoying. I don't know if its the way I handle them (probably) or if I get bad ones, or if the controller themselves aren't as sturdy as the other ones made by Microsoft. I don't have the kind of money to keep replacing them either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMightyEthan Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 (edited) I'll buy a 3rd party controller if I can find one I like, but in my experience the only ones comparable to the first party controllers tend to be just as expensive if not more so. For instance, I love the 360 controller, it's sticks feel just right to me, I've never found another controller that has the right amount of tension and deadzone in the sticks. It's to the point where I actually bought an adapter to let me plug a wired 360 controller into the PS3 (so I guess in that sense I bought it as a 3rd party controller...). Wireless isn't that important to me. I mean, it's handy, but most of the time I play with my console on my desk connected to a computer monitor, so the distance isn't an issue. *Edit* - Madbass, I've never had one of the silver 360 controllers, so I can't speak to them, but I've never had that problem with any of the white or black 360 controllers I have. Edited February 16, 2012 by TheMightyEthan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yantelope V2 Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 Oh yeah, I made a mistake. I do have a Razer Onza TE for my xbox and I love it. I will say that it's just as expensive and the first one was even defective. They sent me a new one at no charge though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strangelove Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 I LOVE wireless controllers. Im never going back to wired. Its so fucking liberating to not worry about wires. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMightyEthan Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 I hate how ridiculously short the DS3 charging cables are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCP Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 I voted no. I got burned in the N64 era and never got over it. I would, however, buy a 360 controller if it looked/felt exactly like DS3. I don't know if there's anything out there, but that might make me turn my 360 on again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yantelope V2 Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 I hate how ridiculously short the DS3 charging cables are. Strange because the DSi is the same charger and it's length is just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faiblesse Des Sens Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 I hate how ridiculously short the DS3 charging cables are. Aren't they 6 feet? Anyways, it's obvious. Lose money on the console, make it up with accessories and games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMightyEthan Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 They're 5 feet, which requires me to sit entirely too close to the TV when it's charging. It's fine when I'm playing on the monitor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Battra92 Posted February 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 Also, Controllers cost $55 because it compensates for the lack of profit on the console itself. Accessories are where the margin is on all electronics usually. That's something I hadn't thought of and it surely makes sense. With the most recent data I can find, Sony is still losing money per console. Factor in HDD prices and the number could be higher. I don't mind wired controllers. An added benefit is that they usually work on PCs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faiblesse Des Sens Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 They're 5 feet, which requires me to sit entirely too close to the TV when it's charging. It's fine when I'm playing on the monitor. Then buy a longer cord for $2 online! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deanb Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 I don't think I've ever bought third party, at least myself that is. We've had a few random controllers over time. atm I have three Sixaxis remotes cos I had one with the system, then a multi-pack was on cheap when the DS3 was coming out. As for charging cables on PS3, I couldn't say. I lost mine ages ago. Bonus though: standard mini-USB cables so I just picked up a bunch more to replace them (And all my others). No requirement to get a hugely expensive play n charge pack to replace a lost cable. (My 360 pad is wired partly for that reason. Also cos it's much simpler, I hate the tumour on the wireless pad, and cos a wired pad was only a few quid more than the play n charge kit itself) @Cowboy: You can get adapters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFlyingGerbil Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 I've never had good experiences with third party controllers, they always feel loose, light and cheap. Having said that I wouldn't rule out buying one if there was a compelling reason to get it over an official one. That reason would not be monetary. I guess the problem is unless you've actually tried it yourself you it's always a gamble. If you buy official, you know what you're getting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Battra92 Posted February 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 No requirement to get a hugely expensive play n charge pack to replace a lost cable. (My 360 pad is wired partly for that reason. Also cos it's much simpler, I hate the tumour on the wireless pad, and cos a wired pad was only a few quid more than the play n charge kit itself) I don't get the Play n Charge kits mostly because my 360 controller (along with my Wiimotes and Wavebird) are all powered by NiMh AA batteries. I'd rather have something I can continue using. I've never had good experiences with third party controllers, they always feel loose, light and cheap. Having said that I wouldn't rule out buying one if there was a compelling reason to get it over an official one. That reason would not be monetary. I guess the problem is unless you've actually tried it yourself you it's always a gamble. If you buy official, you know what you're getting. The decision for me to go with the Nyko was monetary ($15 vs $45) but I can state that it was a worthy gamble (just don't drop it a few times.) Saving $5 isn't worth it to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yantelope V2 Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 The MS official battery packs are garbage. At least the DS3 batteries are LiON. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faiblesse Des Sens Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 ^Agreed. I went through 2 of them in under a year. It would have been cheaper (but far less environmentally friendly) to just buy AAs. Hell, I should have just done what Battra does and use rechargeable AAs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Battra92 Posted February 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 ^Agreed. I went through 2 of them in under a year. It would have been cheaper (but far less environmentally friendly) to just buy AAs. Hell, I should have just done what Battra does and use rechargeable AAs. Well, that can have its downsides too. Last night during Skyward Sword my batteries died and so I had to pull out the batteries from my Wavebird to continue playing. All my Wiimote batteries were dead :/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yantelope V2 Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 ^Agreed. I went through 2 of them in under a year. It would have been cheaper (but far less environmentally friendly) to just buy AAs. Hell, I should have just done what Battra does and use rechargeable AAs. Well, that can have its downsides too. Last night during Skyward Sword my batteries died and so I had to pull out the batteries from my Wavebird to continue playing. All my Wiimote batteries were dead :/ I switched over to these: http://www.eneloop.info/ They work great and you can leave them in your controllers for a month or longer without using them and they stay charged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTF Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 Personally I like the DS3 and often get it on offers and I rarely buy third party controllers. i've had enough of those during the snes/megadrive era thanks to my father. I honestly like the DS3 (motion in joy is sweet)and use that for my PS3 and PC (have 3-4 around the house). I also have a wired 360 controller for the PC and a wireless one for the 360. Honestly the first 360 controller sucked, then they quietly released a newish one in between before they released the silver one (the old ones had gray sticks and d-pads and the next one had both in black (I use that one for my PC) and it's a lot less squeaky. First party controllers are usually priced high but the rechargeable batteries they use in the DS3 are really good considering that most people have had theirs for 3-4+ years. It is possible to get them for a fair bit cheaper though if you can look around. I remember paying £20 for mine (new). Peripheral costs are how most console manufacturers make the money on selling the consoles at a loss. For years wii-remotes were highly overpriced too. The one argument I don't understand is when people say that because they have large hands the DS3 sucks. My hands are pretty big - they're about 24cm long and 13cm wide and I've never had any problems with it. The most uncomfortable controllers were the NES and Mega Drive 2 (1 was painful to hold but it wasn't crap) personally. I do dislike the gamecube and xbox controllers since i feel the sticks are asymmetrical for me. I prefer symmetry in my design. However they aren't uncomfortable either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMightyEthan Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 I like the official MS ones cause I can charge them while I play and I don't have to worry about having replacements ready to go. Though apparently I've been a lot luckier than most people, I've had two official MS battery packs for about 5 years now, one of them died after 3 years but the other is still going strong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Battra92 Posted February 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 (edited) I switched over to these: http://www.eneloop.info/ They work great and you can leave them in your controllers for a month or longer without using them and they stay charged. I've looked into those before. They look cool but I figure I've got a whole bunch of Rayovacs so as long as these still charge, I'm good. Any new purchases will probably be the Sanyos. Much like keyboards and mice, I hate that I have to buy more and more batteries just for the convenience of wireless. I'm sure the accessory makers love it as they can make battery packs and chargers to sell us. The most uncomfortable controllers were the NES and Mega Drive 2 (1 was painful to hold but it wasn't crap) personally. I do dislike the gamecube and xbox controllers since i feel the sticks are asymmetrical for me. I prefer symmetry in my design. However they aren't uncomfortable either. I can understand the NES controller (the dogbone was a masterpiece of design, though) even though I never had an issue with it but the Genesis controller was fantastic! What particularly was wrong with it? I still love the GCN controller but the Xbox 1 controller (both the deflated basketball and the Japanese S controller) were total shit. Edited February 17, 2012 by Battra92 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMightyEthan Posted February 17, 2012 Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 Unless you're using your kb/m from across the room, I don't really see the appeal of wireless. It just seems like more of a hassle. Now, once we've got wireless power in our houses as well I might change my tune. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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