Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Combat Controller for Xbox 360 - Camo Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After using the Mad Catz Modern Warfare 2 XBOX 360 controller (camo color) almost non-stop since Modern Warfare 2 released, I can say that I am happy with it overall.If you're a big fan of Modern Warfare 2, and can see yourself logging a ton of hours into the game, I can recommend the purchase.It comes with a bonus "combat case" that is basically a plastic case for the controller - not very useful.It is possible to buy these controllers at Walmart without the combat case, for $5 cheaper (do it).If you already have plenty of 360 controllers, or are not a HUGE fan of the multiplayer, you should probably put your $50 towards another game, like the upcoming Left 4 Dead 2 or Assassins Creed 2.Even though I have a lot of cons below, I think the pros are mighty significant, and enough to give the controller 4 stars.

PROS
+This is the coolest looking controller I have ever seen.I has an awesome digital camo color on the front with a Modern Warfare 2 logo on top, and gray on the back.I dont care for the "snow" color, but I love the camo color.And as another nice touch - when the controller is on, the analog sticks have a nice green backlight to them.

+It has "soft feel" plastic all around, so it feels great in your hands.The sides of the controller, where your palms are when you're holding it, have a grippy rubber material.It helps prevent the controller from slipping when your hands are sweating.Modern Warfare 2 is so intense, you will be sweating.

+The overall feel, build quality, materials, and presentation are great.

+There are 2 "combat" buttons on the back of the controller.The left combat button can be programmed to activate the left stick button, B, or A.The right combat button can activate RSB, X, or Y.I have the left combat button set to change my stance, and the right combat button set for reloading.This is an excellent idea, and it is nice to see some third party companies come up with some custom controller ideas for consoles.I hope a lot more custom controllers become available in the coming years.

CONS
-The biggest con:this controller is WIRED!Why on Earth would a controller for this generation of consoles would anyone be manufacturing a wired controller?!I was shocked when I first read about the controller.I am guessing Microsoft had some legal/proprietary issue with it, as the Modern Warfare 2 controller for PS3 is wireless.If the price were lower, I might be ok with this as I dont need to bother with recharging a battery, and the cord is very high quality and nylon-braided.

-The controller will cost $50 at a major retailer like Best Buy or Gamestop.As I stated above, if the controller were wireless I would be able to justify the cost.A wired controller for $40 is tolerable.

-This controller is made by Mad Catz, which has made some crummy third party peripherals before.Who knows if the analog sticks will start to wear out and become less precise, or the triggers wont work properly, or some other problem will arise months from now.The OEM 360 controller from Microsoft is so well constructed and durable.They last for years.Only time will tell how long this Mad Catz product will last, even though it seems to be very high quality.

-The controller feels a bit cramped and awkward with exteneded use.Maybe my hands are so used to the standard 360 and PS3 controllers, that any other design is just foreign to me.I dont mind the ergonomics of the controller, and after almost a week I have become used to the feel of the controller.But, I can see how some people would say the controller doesnt feel right in their hands.

-The triggers are pistol-grip style, meaning they are a little shorter and wider than the standard 360 controller's.I didnt like this at first because I thought my fingers would slip off of the triggers.So far, I havent had that problem.When you are moving your fingers quickly enough between the triggers and bumpers, your fingers might miss the triggers occassionally.

-I really dont like the design of the left and right bumpers.They are a much bigger, and completely flat, compared to the standard 360 controller.They also take a bit more force to "click" them.When I am trying to quickly throw a stun grenade around a corner where an enemy is hiding, or trying to quickly throw a Semtex (sticky) grenade at a guy with a riot shield, I feel like I have to be more deliberate and careful with my button press with my index finger.

-The combat buttons are too small, and tucked to far away into the ergonomic creases on the back of the controller.I dont find myself using the left combat button very often because of this.I do use the right combat button to reload every time.I dont find my thumbs leaving the analog sticks as often because of this, so the combat buttons are still useful, but could be dramatically improved.

Thanks for reading!

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Product Description:
Infiltrate the world of state-of-the-art combat with the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Combat Controller for Xbox 360. Equipped with unique, easily-accessible "Combat" buttons for on-the-fly custom remapping; seamlessly render your adversaries helpless as you flaunt your tactical skills with optimum control and accuracy. Featuring immersive backlit analog sticks, digital camouflage design and ergonomic firearm grips, the Combat Controller thrusts you upon the frontline of military gaming. With a 9.8ft cable to ensure lag-free gameplay, this is the weapon of choice for Modern Warfare.

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