I generally prefer wireless controllers for my everyday gaming experiences. I like the mobility and freedom that a wireless controller provides, especially since I fidget and move around quite a lot when sitting down. I can definitely understand, however, the functional benefits of a wired controller, like the Mad Catz Ghost Recon: Future Soldier Pro GamePad. So while I may prefer a wireless controller for the sake of convenience and comfort, a wired controller is almost always a better choice when you’re getting serious about your game and quick reactions are vital to your success.
In keeping with the TRITTON Ghost Recon: Future Soldier 7.1 Surround Sound headset, the Mad Catz Ghost Recon: Future Soldier Pro GamePad has a branded look with a bit of backlighting for visual flair and impact.
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Aside from the wired controller having a significantly lower input lag than a wireless controller, the Ghost Recon: Future Soldier Pro GamePad from Mad Catz sports several performance boosting and comfort enhancing features. First, the rubberized grip and coating. Aside from the buttons and joysticks, the entire controller is covered in various forms of rubber. From the very smooth rubber coating over the face and back of the controller to the sturdier, sleeker rubber on the grips, the controller is designed to be comfortable during long play sessions while reducing the likelihood of a slippery grip.
Joystick clicks and motion are much sharper and defined, providing a great deal of accuracy and precision, the ABXY buttons are all flat, both relative to the placement of each button and the top of each button itself. The triggers have a much shorter throw, allowing for faster firing and reacting, while the rear combat buttons can be mapped to face buttons. The left combat button can take over the role of your D-Pad down, left, or right. The right combat button can take over the role of your X, A, or B buttons. Whichever you use most, you can map to the rear button, keeping your fingers on the joystick more often. Unfortunately, due to my grip (and the grip of other individuals I tested it with), the combat buttons require me to shift my hand in order to use. It may be due to my large grip or my grip habits, but it takes some time and grip adjustment to get the full benefit from the combat buttons.
At $49.99, the Ghost Recon: Future Soldier Pro GamePad from Mad Catz comes in at a comparable price to a normal wireless Xbox 360 controller. While the featured combat buttons are oddly placed for my personal grip habits, and the habits of others I tested, their functionality can be very beneficial in high intensity titles, as long as you’re willing to adjust your grip accordingly. The short throw triggers, strong non-slip rubberized grip, and low-lag wired connection make this a great controller, which makes you a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
Review
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Shorter trigger throw for faster firing Combat buttons to reduce grip shifting Low-slip rubberized grip and coating | Combat buttons not ideally placed for some grip habits |
| Rating |
