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Afterglow controller ps3 wireless driver#
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Afterglow controller ps3 wireless windows#
The fact that it's wired and lacks a tilt sensor keep it from matching the Dualshock 3's versatility, but it wins out in the performance department.The problem is that the device is reporting itself as an ' Afterglow Gamepad for Xbox 360', instead of a regular 'Xbox 360 Controller', meaning that Windows isn't automatically picking up the correct driver. It's a subtle effect that takes place on the periphery of your vision, but it helps add that extra layer of immersion.Īt $24.99, the AP.1 controller is a great alternative to Sony's first party controllers, thanks to its improved shoulder buttons and analog sticks, an immersive lighting effect, and a new control layout. When you're in the middle of a firefight, or in our case taking on a centaur in God of War III, the controller lights up with every blow, drawing the action a little bit closer. The effect works particularly well with the red controller. Most developers program the rumble motors to kick in when you're being hit, and the lights provide a matched visual cue. And being able to set the lights to go off in-sync with the rumble motors actually makes them useful. But outside of those first few minutes, you'll hardly ever be looking directly at it. They're bright, and kind of an eyesore when you first plug the controller in. We definitely like that PS3 owners now have an alternative, though.įinally, the lights. It was easy to transition from either style, so this one is really up to personal preference. We didn't find the new analog layout better or worse than the original one.
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Similarly, the analog sticks have a grip-friendly concave shape. Instead of having your fingers slip off the L2 and R2 buttons, PDP has made them concave to better support your fingers, and changed their resistance so you know exactly when you're pressing them. The modified shoulder buttons are worlds better than the original design. Whether or not you like the idea of a light show inside your controller, it's hard to argue against the AP.1's performance virtues. While the number of games that use the accelerometer are limited, you'll still want a Sixaxis or Dualshock 3 handy for those few moments when shaking your controller is vital to your survival. So before you boot up a new game, check the back of the box to make sure motion control isn't required. Like a lot of third-party controllers, the AP.1 does not have a tilt sensor. The d-pad and left analog stick have swapped positions for an Xbox 360-style layout. The controller's main draw is an array of LED lights that shine through the clear casing and can be turned on and off, or set to light up when the controller vibrates. The shoulder buttons have also been swapped out for PDP's Real Triggers design. The AP.1's housing feels sturdier than the Sixaxis', though the face buttons themselves felt more plasticky. Other changes include a clear, glossy plastic exterior and a wired connection via a three meter cable. A side-by-side comparison with the Sixaxis proved the AP.1 isn't as wide. This is partly due to the AP.1's compact design.
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Like the Dualshock 3, the AP.1 features built-in rumble, though we were surprised that it didn't feel much heavier than the original Sixaxis. We got our hands on the Playstation 3's red AP.1 controller and were pleased with its functionality and PDP's attention to detail. PDP's new line of Afterglow controllers may use their flashy LED lights to grab your attention, but that doesn't mean they aren't well designed.
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