Wireless Xbox Controllers

Sony Xperia Play Review: PlayStation Certified Phone (Video)

If you want to play console style games on the go, take a look at the Android powered Sony Xperia Play. The Xperia Play is a Playstation certified phone which plays a collection of PSP-like games and includes a slide out controller to deliver gaming on par with portable gaming consoles.

The Xperia Play is not going to blow your mind with graphics, even if they are pretty good, but it is able to deliver a fun mobile gaming experience. Thanks to the off-screen controls, you can use your whole display for viewing the game — which even touchscreen junkies will appreciate.

The Sony Xperia Play is available on Verizon Wireless for $99 with a two-year contract and for free at Wirefly.com . This is a 3G smartphone, which means you will need to connect to WiFi to download the Playstation games, so keep that in mind before buying a new game on a roadtrip.

Using the controller to Play Madden 2011 and Modern Combat 2 was way better than playing with the on-screen controls found on the iPhone, iPad and other Android smartphones. Instead of giving up in frustration after a set of downs or a level, I was able to complete a full game of football and several levels of Modern Combat 2. The controls do take some getting used to for Xbox players, but if you are already a PlayStation gamer you’ll adapt really quick.

Game selection is pretty good. There isn’t a massive catalog, but there are enough, in a variety of categories, to satisfy the desires of many gamers. Game prices are thankfully closer to smartphone apps than standalone portable gaming system prices. Most games were below $10, with several in the $3 price range. The games are purchased through the Verizon app store, and are billed to your cell phone instead of the card you have on file with Google.

The only issue we had with purchasing games is that the initial download is small and then you are required to connect to WiFi to download the rest of the game. This means you can’t buy and play a new game on the go. On at least one occasion I had to re-download the game files before the game would launch.

The most important metric for the PlayStation part of the Xperia is fun. The good news is that the Xperia Play performs well in this department. I had more fun gaming on the Xperia Play, with games like Madden, Soccer and Modern Combat 2 than I did while playing on touch screen only devices. Unlike on-screen keyboards, which are as good or better than a physical keyboard, touch screen only games still suffer in the control department.

Halo Reach Wireless Xbox 360 Controller | Game Consoles Info

Microsoft has done the Halo franchise it’s due with this accessory. From the box to the little extras (i.e. the Covenant Banshee avitar prop). As with all offical Microsoft licensed controllers, this one is very solid and has a good feel, especially with the fiish they have given the controller. The finish has a very subtle texture to it on the sliver parts(more so then the standard controller) that gives it a bit better grip. The overall looks are just gorgeous for a controller. The silver matte finish and the subtle black detail lines go perfectly. Also the black buttons, control configuration and battery cover add to the looks very well. The crome “X” button is just icing on the cake.

Now, it has been years since I have purchased a new controller, so it just may be a lack of comparison, but the controller felt a little extra responsive in the “D” pad and the sticks. You will have to judge that for yourself.

Finally, the extras. First, the controller comes with 2 Duracell batteries to power it up and then there is the the exclusive Covenant Banshee avitar prop. I have to admitt I play with the xbox avitar from time to time but it is not over important to me, but I have to admit the Banshee flying around your avitar, while “you” are holding the new Reach controller, is pretty cool.

Over all I am very, very pleased with this controller and feel the money for this controller was well spent. If you are like me and have not purchased a new controller for some time, now is the time, you will not be disappointed.

i ussally write anime reviews, and I never got into the limited edition controller thing, but the Fable 3 controller is the first that actually peaked my interest. The detail is solid, almost like it would be a wood engraving, not a XBOX controller made of plastic, it feels a little lighter than an ordinary controller, and fills the hand quite nicely. it is a must for those who love the fable series.

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