Hottest
controller design of 2000-
The rumble pad is the
latest, greatest design addition to hit the market this year.
Thrustmaster, InterAct, Logitech, Saitek and others jumped on the
bandwagon originally created by InterAct (arguably created by the console
market) with the Hammerhead Fx debut last year and released their own
versions (or improved models) of a PC rumble pad.
Support in sports games is still minimal but the rumble pads offer a cheap
mode of entry into effect type controllers. They work quite well
with: action games, basic flight sims, racing games and more.
Runner up-
USB! The 12+ year old gameport standard may just be declared
dead. The must faster USB interface offers speed, accuracy and fewer
compatibility issues. No longer are manufacturers limited in axis
and button configurations thanks to the popular USB connection.
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Most surprising controller story of
2000-
The December 6th
announcement from Miacomet telling the world they are acquiring ACT LABS
has to be the biggest surprise of Y2K. Miacomet had been quiet
throughout the year and even delayed the release of their sports
controller for snowboarding, baseball and fishing. In the meantime
ACT LABS continued to support and sell their highly acclaimed wheels,
add-on shifter and PC gun system. The combination of these two
innovative companies should produce some of the most unique, high quality
controllers available.
Runner up-
The January 25th announcement from InterAct and Microsoft
that they will be collaborating on the design and production of the latest
Microsoft controller releases. These one time competitors have since
worked together on the fall released Microsoft line of Sidewinder gear.
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Controllers I wish I could
have reviewed in 2000 (but didn't)-
- ACT LABS Force RS
w/Shifter
- Game Commander II
- Gravis Eliminator Aftershock
- The Claw
- Saitek PC Dash II
- Thrustmaster Top Gun II Series
- Thrustmaster Ferrari FF Wheel
- Logitech I-Feel Mouse
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Biggest controller letdowns of
2000-
Production delays, cancellations
and shortages. Its an old story that just won't go away but is told
with virtually every company out there.
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Release
date:
2/15/00
4/15/00
7/1/00
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Top Picks for 2000-
(select the link for
the full review!)
Joystick- Saitek
Cyborg Gold
Ambidextrous Joystick- Saitek
Cyborg Gold
Gamepad- Interland
Pro Digital Force
Rumble Pad- Logitech
WingMan Rumble Pad
Flight Yoke- CH
Products Flight Sim Yoke USB
Rudder Pedals- CH
Products Pro Pedals USB
Racing Wheel- Thrustmaster
Nascar Pro II
Force Feedback Joystick- Logitech
WingMan Strike Force 3D
Force Feedback Wheel- AVB
MagTurbo Force
Gaming Mouse- Saitek
GM2 Action Pad and Gaming Mouse
Other controller- Microsoft Sidewinder
Strategic Commander
Accessory- fUnc
sUrface 1030 Mouse Pad
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