If you are buying this for PC, you may beware as the other two reviews seem to suggest it doesn't work. However, it's not a problem with USB functionality, as it works perfectly with the PS3.
I bought this because I primarily play shooters, which have an option to either invert the y-axis (so that down looks up and up looks down) or not. My friends are split about fifty fifty on which they use. So having a controller which could switch between the two configurations at the press of a button seemed an ideal solution. Well, it's not.
One of the major downfalls of the controller (which cost it at least a star) is that it's not wireless. The cord is conveniently whited out in the product picture, which is very misleading. Of course, it doesn't say anywhere on the product description that it's wireless, but as I have a few other controllers with a USB wireless dongle, I just assumed. My mistake. Not a big deal since I have a USB extension cord. The cord with the controller is around 6 ft by itself, and that's too close for comfort for me. I prefer wireless and I really think, at the price I bought it, it should be.
The second downfall is that there are not 2 programmable modes as the description says. There is ONE programmable mode for each setting (4 axesmode used with PS3, 5 axes and 7 axes which can only be used with PC) What this means is you cannot program 2 different modes and switch between them at will while playing a game on PS3. You can switch between your SINGLE programmed mode, and the default mode. Now, this would be okay, except for the triggers.
The two programmable triggers are placed where the R2/L2 buttons are on the official gamepad, and those two buttons are moved to the back of the gamepad. This would be fine, except that, by default, the triggers do not function as R2/L2 but as Up on the right analog and Down on the right analog. What this means is, in default mode, you have to use the back of the gamepad for R2/L2. If you've been playing with the playstation model controller for years, it takes some getting used to. If the shooter doesn't use R2/L2 for much, it'll probably be okay. But some use those as the actual gun trigger/grenades/etc., and it's a lot simpler to have the action in a reflexive position. I don't know why they didn't make them emulate R2/L2 by default. That's just shortsighted. I guess it was to help with vehicle control, but it would've been smarter to let people program that in, and leave the default as the original control scheme.
Other than that, it functions great. The Optical wheel is MUCH more precise than an analog or mini-stick. It's really great for zooming in, or for precise steering. Being fully programmable is also fairly awesome. I'll probably just write down set-ups for every game so I can quickly switch between them. The programming itself is a breeze. You press preset button, press the mapping button, press the button you want to move, and then press the button you want to use. Done. The triggers are also much more precise than the originals, so throttling and braking is much smoother and more controlled. I'm pretty happy with it, all in all, but being wired and badly preprogrammed took some points off.
Should probably check the tags for this product and make sure there are no "wireless controller" or "ps3 wireless controller" tags, as I'm pretty sure that's what I searched when I got this, and it certainly isn't wireless.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
PS2/PS3/PC Run N Drive 3-in-1 Rumble Force 7-Axis GamepadProduct Description: Thrustmaster Run N Drive 3-in-1 Rumble Force 7-Axis Gamepad for PS2/PS3/PC.Groundbreaking Controller with "7 PROGRESSIVE AXES." This unique product has no competition in the market. Players take control and gain competitive advantage in all gaming genres.Optical Wheel with Self Centring System.Ultra precise control.Use the optical wheel to steer in racing games, act as rudder in flight sims, to strike the ball in ball games, lock on to an enemy target in sniper games and much more!90° rotation angle (mini sticks only have = 40°) which is conveniently located on the D Pad for easy access.Automatic Centring System.Unique Fully Programmable Buttons.All buttons, mini-stick directions and D-Pad directions can be reassigned to players- specifications.Dual Trigger features 2 progressive & programmable triggers 4mm deep which is 4X deeper than standard buttons (EXCLUSIVE to Thrustmaster).Perfectly balanced, simultaneous and independent braking & acceleration, ultra-precise zoom for sniper.3 in 1 Controller, use for 3 different gaming devices: PC + PlayStation®2 + PlayStation®3.On Playstation®3 does not feature a motion sensor and only supports -Playstation®3- games (not PS2 games played on P3).Unique mapping, preset functions.Map and save 2 types of controller configuration on the Internal Memory (settings stored even when pad is switched off).Designed For maximum comfort even during lengthy bouts of game play and convenient access to all functions buttons.2 vibration motors.Vibration on Playstation 2 Only.Internal Memory (Unique for all platforms).Saves your programs even when unplugged.
Buy Now
Saitek comes out of the box set up for right-handers it's very easy to adjust any part of the stick.Watch for small parts while you're adjusting the joystick. The adjustment is fairly easy.Every part is secured by a bolt. In order to adjust a part, you'll need to unscrew it, adjust the part, and replace the screw.The joystick components are very well made, with a strong sturdy feel durring play. The shape of the joystick is symmetrical down the middle. Large hands won't be cramped, and small hands won't be stretched.This stick is called "Cyborg 3D" is because it has 3D Twist control like the MS Sidewinder.The stick is connected to the base by a metal spring, which bends as the stick is twisted. The connection cord is around 6 feet long
