Reviewed: July 24, 2004
Reviewed by: Mark Smith

Manufacturer
Logitech

Type: Wireless Gamepad
System: Xbox

Rating: 10.0

Features

Even though my complaints were few with last year’s offering, every single one of the issues I mentioned, and even a few others I didn’t think of, have been addressed by Logitech and the Cordless Precision stands alone as the premier wireless controller for the Xbox; a testament to excellence in design, functionality, and a company that listens to the input of gamers.

Aesthetics - 10

Last year’s controller was slightly oversized and the Start and Back buttons were not in the standard S-Controller location. This year the controller has been slimmed down so it’s not quite as wide and the Start and Back buttons have been moved under the left stick where most Xbox gamers expect them to be. A new Vibration toggle button now resides where the old Back button used to be.

The molded shape of the Logitech controller is very comfortable, and every button is within easy reach without having to shift your hands off the grips. The D-pad sits a bit higher and has a more defined click compared to the mushy feel of last year’s D-pad. The tops of the twin sticks are textured rubber and quite “sticky” allowing for precise no-slip control.

The remote sensor that plugs into the Xbox is on a short cable so you can rest the receiver on top of your Xbox. The pod-like device is also home to the twin cartridge slots if you are using memory cards. This allows for a much slimmer gamepad design, but it does create a severe problem for those wanting to use an Xbox Live Communicator Headset.

Durability - 10

The Logitech controller is very solid and a few ounces heavier than a stock controller but lighter than last year thanks to the elimination of two of the four AA batteries. The lighter weight actually increases the sensation of the vibration effect.

I’m sure the added weight could prove a problem if you accidentally drop (or throw) your controller but after more than 20 hours of vigorous gaming the controller was performing just like it did out of the package. The sticks all remained firm with no additional slack or play in their movement.

Performance - 10

I put the Logitech controller through multiple tests with over a dozen games ranging in complexity and various requirements for precision and there was never a moment where I detected even the faintest dropout of signal or hesitation of my character, car, or whatever on-screen icon I was controlling. The 2.4 GHz technology is definitely more reliable than 900 MHz and unless you have a 2.4 GHz phone near your game room you shouldn’t have any problem with random interference.

The Logitech controller uses channel switching so you can operate multiple controllers (up to 8) in the same room with no signal crossovers or interference. With a 30-foot range and a signal that goes through walls (yes, I actually started a game from the front lawn), you will have the ultimate in wireless gameplay.

Expect about 50 hours of gameplay from two AA batteries. That’s the same lifespan as last year’s gamepad that used four batteries. And once again I have to congratulate Logitech for including name brand “Duracell” batteries with the controller. I know it’s easy to skimp on the little things like this to keep the overhead down, but I guaranteed I won’t be the only one to appreciate the coppertops in the package.

The Cordless Precision features proprietary power management software to power-down the pad after a certain amount of non-use, and this year Logitech included a Vibration toggle switch so you can turn off the battery-sucking rumble effects without having to go into the game options.

Value - 10

At $39.95 this new controller is about $30 cheaper than last year’s offering making it much more affordable to the average gamer and priced more in line with competing gamepads. It’s not that much more expensive than a Microsoft brand S-Controller and the luxury of having no wires is certainly worth the extra cost.

You’ll also be saving money by using only two batteries instead of four, but I encourage anyone who gets this pad to buy some rechargeable batteries. They’ll pay for themselves in now time, especially if you end up with multiple controllers.

Overall – 10

I’m a big fan of eliminating wires from my gaming life. Last year Logitech got me hooked on wireless gameplay and now I could never go back. Thankfully, they’ve listened to the few constructive comments from gamers (or perhaps they just read my review) and fixed every single issue that was lacking with the original. The Logitech Cordless Precision Controller is cheaper to buy, cheaper to operate, more comfortable to hold, easier to use, and quite simply the finest Xbox wireless gamepad on the market.