Reviewed: September 25, 2003
Reviewed by: Mark Smith
Manufacturer
Logitech
Type: Gamepad
System: PlayStation 2
Rating: 10.0
Features
MSRP: $24.99
While everyone is scrambling to release expensive, high-end, wireless game controllers Logitech delivers a new quality controller for the budget-minded gamer who doesn’t mind stretching a cord across their room. The Logitech Extreme Action Controller is one of two new controllers recently released for the PS2, offering a sporty design and solid performance that we’ve come to expect from Logitech.
Logitech has turned the once-simple task of shopping for a new controller into something similar to purchasing a new car. You can now purchase the stock model (Action Controller) or get the deluxe options package with CD changer, power windows, and sunroof. Actually, the extras on this "Extreme" controller are a bit more subtle but for only a $5 difference in price, more than worth it.
Aesthetics - 9
The Extreme Action Controller is perfectly designed, both in size and shape, and combined with the slight increase in weight made this the first third-party controller I had ever used that was good enough to permanently replace my Dual Shock. The twin pods are the perfect shape and are equipped with real leather grips for sweat-free gaming and that unmistakable smell.
The face buttons are labeled with some stylish symbols and the twin analog sticks are capped with rubber pads so your thumbs don’t slip. The entire controller is finished of in a metallic silver finish with dark gray buttons and leather padding to create a stylish two-tone finish making this an attractive accessory to your PS2.
My only complaint with the design is the location of the Start and Select buttons, which would have been better located where the Turbo buttons are. Your thumbs just fall naturally onto the Turbo buttons and I kept hitting those when I really wanted Start or Select. I also don’t see the need for a Turbo On and Turbo Off button when one button could easily toggle the feature.
Durability - 10
The Logitech controller is very solid and a few ounces heavier than the Dual Shock. The buttons all have a smooth travel and glossy finish so they don’t stick, and the sticks all remained firm with no additional slack or play in their movement even after 20+ hours of extensive testing.
Performance - 10
I put the Logitech controller through multiple tests with games ranging from Silent Line Armored Core to the button smashing Hunter The Reconing: Wayward. Games like Freaky Flyers and Splashdown: Rides Gone Wild gave the twin analog sticks a great workout and the gamepad never faltered once.
I’m not a huge fan of the rounded D-pad design as it can make it difficult to precisely hit the cardinal directions. I was pleasantly surprised that Logitech somehow managed to avoid this pitfall, and not only can you input precise directions but the rounded design also allows you to roll your thumb so you can do all those crazy combo moves in the fighting games.
Perhaps the biggest praise I can give the Extreme Action Controller is that it has the absolute best vibration effects of any controller I have ever used on any system. The effects are not only powerful but there is a much wider range of frequency in the effects. Game that I have been playing for months now suddenly “felt” different, and in a good way. Playing a game like Big Mutha Truckers you can actually feel the vibration of the diesel engine change from a throaty idle to a smooth high-speed vibration when you hit 75mph.
Value - 10
Priced at only $24.99 (only $5 more than the standard Action Controller) you won't find a more feature-rich gamepad currently available. You’re going to get a longer cord (9'6") with gold-plated connectors, luxury leather grip, turbo features, and the best vibration in controller history.
Overall – 9.5
This is the best $25 deluxe controller you can currently buy. It look really cool, feels great, smells great (never thought I'd say that about a gamepad), and performs like a champ with the durability to last for the long haul, even if you are an aggressive gamer. The vibration effects are so good it will actually enhance some games and the extra-long cord will give you the freedom to help you forget this isn’t a cordless gamepad.
The Logitech Extreme Action Controller is a definite must have purchase when it comes times to buy extra controllers or replace your used and abused Dual Shock. It has all the core qualities of the Action Controller with lots of extras that are actually beneficial. Get one (or two) today!