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Logitech Cordless Action Controller

Logitech Cordless Action Controller

Written by John Yan on 6/29/2004 for PS2  
More On: Logitech Cordless Action Controller
Logitech isn’t new to the console wireless controller market. Their first products weren’t too bad. Now their next iteration is coming out and today we’re looking at the Cordless Action Controller for the PlayStation 2.

The Cordless Action Controller’s design features a more compact design than the original cordless controller for the PlayStation 2. The smaller design should please many fans of the PlayStation 2 controller. The D-Pad features a round dial with a raised cross on it. For the four main buttons, each one is a nice height above the controller surface with a soft spring underneath. Pressing the buttons offers good feedback.

Each trigger also has a medium feel to it also giving good feedback when depressed. Like traditional PlayStation 2 controllers, the L1 and R1 buttons are smaller than the L2 and R2 ones. They are spaced comfortably away from each other and can easily be reached by the index fingers.

Logitech has finally gotten the tension of the analog sticks correct and I found them to handle very well. One of my few complaints of the original was the weakness of the analog tension but the Cordless Action Controller has gotten it right. The top features a non-slip rubber coating. I’ve gotten emails about how the original’s coating wore off quicker than other controllers and only time will tell if this one does also. However, the coating is comfortable on the thumbs.

Above the left analog stick is the select button and above the right analog stick is the start button. Both can also be easily reached with the thumbs. Above the start button is the vibration activation button allowing you to turn the vibration feature on or off easily. Above the select button is the mode button. The mode button toggles between analog and digital mode. If you’re in digital mode, the buttons are not pressure sensitive and the analog sticks won’t work.

A very nice change from the original cordless design is that the controller now only takes two AA batteries as opposed to four. It lessens the weight, of course, and the controller will still work around 50 hours with vibration on or 100 hours with vibration off. The exclusion of two batteries also helps reduce the size and weight of the controller as well.
The grips on the Cordless Action Controller feature a slight bulb for easier grasping in the palm. Holding the controller felt very comfortable and the handle grips offer good comfort. For petite hands, it is wide but still fits well.

The controller works on the 2.4GHz range so it can be interfered with if you have phones, wireless networks, or microwaves near you. While testing the unit, I tried making a few calls and used my Linksys wireless router to browse the web near me and found no problems whatsoever. Your mileage may vary of course, but I didn’t experience any hiccups with other wireless products. The receiver is a very tiny card like interface that has a connect button to help synchronize the controller.

So how well does this new controller work? Do no lag and great range say anything about the Cordless Action Controller? I went through a variety of PlayStation 2 games from sports to action and found the controller to be responsive and wonderful to use. On Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution, I had no problems performing the various combos and being quick on blocking incoming attacks. I always felt I was in control and there was really no difference in terms of performance over a corded controller. Multiple button and stick presses transmitted to the receiver flawlessly generating the exact movements I wanted. The D-Pad, unlike other controllers, felt perfect and I was able to perform horizontal, vertical, and diagonal movements without any hitches. On ESPN NBA Basketball, then analog actions performed without a hitch. Pushing the analog stick slightly allowed Lebron James to slowly take the ball up the court while a full push on forward on the stick had Lebron running up the court quickly. The cordless option didn’t seem to hinder any analog performance as well. The controller also exhibits strong yet not overpowering rumble vibrations. Other games I tried exhibited the same behavior giving me a very positive experience in using the controller.

The price on the is very competitive at roughly $40. Logitech’s latest PlayStation 2 controller is a hit and offers flawless cordless action. If there’s one minor gripe about this controller is that there is no macro function, but that’s a very minor gripe. If you’re in need of a cordless controller, the Cordless Action Controller from Logitech is a great buy.
One of the best cordless controllers out there, the Logitech Cordless Action Controller is a great buy for PS2 owners.

Rating: 9.1 Excellent

* The product in this article was sent to us by the developer/company.


About Author

I've been reviewing products since 1997 and started out at Gaming Nexus. As one of the original writers, I was tapped to do action games and hardware. Nowadays, I work with a great group of folks on here to bring to you news and reviews on all things PC and consoles.

As for what I enjoy, I love action and survival games. I'm more of a PC gamer now than I used to be, but still enjoy the occasional console fair. Lately, I've been really playing a ton of retro games after building an arcade cabinet for myself and the kids. There's some old games I love to revisit and the cabinet really does a great job at bringing back that nostalgic feeling of going to the arcade.

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