Reviewed: September 24, 2010
Reviewed by: Mark Smith

Manufacturer
Power A

Type: Wireless Controller
System: PlayStation 3

Rating: 8.0

Features

  • USB Controller Adaptor/Receiver
  • USB Charging Cable (Mini-B)

    MSRP: $49.99

    		•  For over a decade I had never had a problem with the PlayStation controller, both the original DualShock and the DualShock 2 and apparently nobody else (that matters) did either since the design went relatively unchanged since the very first PlayStation back in 1995. It was only when the SIXAXIS released with the PS3 that I started having problems, partly because of the extremely lightweight and mostly because of the shape and placement of the L2/R2 triggers.

    Thankfully the DualShock 3 fixed the weight issue by putting the motors back into the gamepad, but the triggers still felt gimped, plus, as someone who plays his Xbox ten times more often than the PS3, those analog stick placements always took some adjustment.

    Well, Power A is here to save the day and fix my last two annoying glitches with Sony’s gamepad design with their new Pro Elite Wireless Controller. This controller has and does it all…almost. The first thing you will notice is the extremely textured grip pods. No sweat and no slip with these babies. The only thing you’ll have to worry about are diamond impression patterns on your hands if you grip it too hard. I’ve never laid my hands on a gamepad for any system with this much grip.

    If you’re a 360 gamer like me than you’ll love the offset analog sticks that mirror the design of the 360 controller. PlayStation purists will certainly cry “foul” but for anyone who likes the offset sticks, the Pro Elite creates a seamless transition between consoles. The L2 and R2 triggers have been redesigned so your fingers don’t slip off the bottom and there is improved analog input. I can actually play my FPS games again.

    The dual rumble motors create powerful feedback effects on games that support DualShock 3, and the buttons all light up with a cool red glow to enhance those late night game sessions in the dark. Sadly, the controller is not Bluetooth, and requires the use of a receiver that plugs into one of your USB slots. This creates two minor issues.

    First, you cannot turn on the PS3 with this controller since the receiver isn’t working until the unit is already on. I have my PS3 Bluetooth remote within reach at all times, so its no big deal for me. Secondly, the controller doesn’t transmit the battery level to the PS3 icon display. It always reads fully charged right up until the point where the battery dies and you lose your connection. The Pro Elite has a built-in rechargeable battery so just plug in to your PS3 using the included cable. It only takes a few hours to charge and you can go 2-3 days of casual gaming before it needs a recharge.

    I used the Pro Elite on everything from Top Gun to the multiplayer beta for Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood. I even fired up Flower to give the SIXAXIS inputs a thorough testing. The Pro Elite performed like…well, a PRO. It offers all the reliability and features of the DualShock 3 while giving you added grip and the familiar comfort of your 360 controller.

    Arguably, this controller probably won’t appeal to exclusive PS3 gamers, but if you enjoy offset sticks, are tired of that sweaty glossy black plastic on Sony’s gamepad and want a grip that won’t quit, and like buttons that light up in the dark, then the Power A Pro Elite Wireless Controller is certainly a worthy substitution when it comes time to add or replace your PS3 gamepad.