The Batarang Controller (Gaming Gear Review)
| Platforms: | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 |
| Developer(s): | Power A |
| Release Date: | October 18th, 2011 |
Since I was able to start buying all of my own games and gaming gear back in the N64 days, I have never been one to purchase anything “aftermarket”. You know what aftermarket is; it’s the knock-off controllers and accessories companies release that aren’t officially licensed by the console manufacturer. The reason I’ve had such a tough time buying these products is they always felt cheap. Sure, compared to the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) controllers that shipped with your system, they were much less expensive – but that came at a price. That price was quality. The buttons never flet right, the D-Pad and Analog Sticks just didn’t measure up and the overall build quality was just poor in comparison.
Well times have changed, technology has advanced and aftermarket manufacturers, like Power A, have started putting out products that not only compare in quality to their OEM counterparts, but surpass them. Sometimes adding little bonus features like wireless connectivity, turbo buttons, lights and even air conditioning. When done right these new controllers can take the place of your tried, tested and true original.
Enter The Batman: Arkham City Batarang controller. It was, and still is, available at key retailers in conjunction with the game’s October 18, 2011 release date. I was able to pick my PS3 version up at Wal-Mart here in Ontario, Canada for a little less than the price of an OEM controller at $49.99
After some serious testing sessions with the game it was named after, Batman: Arkham City in conjunction with Pro Evolution Soccer 2012, NBA2K12 and Mass Effect 2, I can honestly say this is one controller that’s worth the money.
Power A has a great track record for making 3rd party controllers. In fact, I’ve been using their “Pro Elite Wireless Controller” for over a year now with absolutely no complaints. I’m a much bigger fan of the Xbox 360 controller layout than I am of the PS3 Duel Shock’s, so the fact that the D-Pad and Left Analog stick have been reversed on this controller is a HUGE plus for me. So that being said, I didn’t include this as a “Pro” or “Con” in my list below because it actually comes down to overall preference. Another great aspect of the controller is how long it holds a charge. I’ve played for a few hours last night & again today and the battery gauge hasn’t moved at all. The less time charging, the more time playing. Win, win. I would say the only big negative I can dig up is the placement of the buttons in the middle of the PS3 controller. They just seem too close together. There has been more than one time I’ve tried to hit start and ended up turning on the LED colours. The same can be said for trying to hit the select button and pressing the battery indicator light. This is just a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things though really.
Pros
- Light but feels very well constructed
- Dual rumble motors and motion sensing technology – works with SIXAXIS compatible games
- LED illumination featuring 7 different colours to personalize your controller
- Comfortable soft touch grips
- Officially licensed Batman collectible
- Batman-themed USB RF Receiver
- Internal rechargeable battery and 6 ft/1.8m USB charging cable
Cons
- “Battery”, “Select”, “Home”, “Start”, & “LED” buttons are too close together
- Buttons don’t light up for night time gaming
- Xbox 360 version is wired
- Unable to turn on PS3 with controller
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new controller to replace your old PS3 Dual Shock, look no further than the Batarang Controller. As long as you don’t mind the reversed Analog and D-Pad you will not be disappointed.
BTW: All software and hardware are registered trademarks or their owner. The GAMES DAY Podcast claims no connection to them in any way. We also accept no responsibility for gamer thumb, ringing in the ear, loss of bladder control, dizziness, drowsiness, or other medical conditions and afflictions that may occur during consuming GDP content.
I have the xbox version, and the buttons light up on mine. Over-all, I would say this was a good review. I personally like the cord, it means no charge time.
I have to say I’m very jealous of your light up buttons
You also make a very good point about the cord, one I didn’t even really think of. I guess it’s because I sit so far from my system and have only used wireless controllers, I’ve never been able to use a corded one. I will admit, there have been a few times I’ve been burned by a controller out of batteries.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
I feel the need to throw it at someone and when they ask me what I want say …
JUST THIS… ermmm i mean JUSTICE
Seems pretty fun and like a nice addition but personally I’m not a big fan of LEDs or lights
I can understand your lack of enthusiasm about the LED’s. To be honest, I don’t ever use it… my son is the only one that really enjoys them!
If you like the style of the PS3 controller, I would recommend the Pro Elite Wireless Controller by the same company. I linked to them in the review above.
Thanks for stopping by and dropping a line!
I work at gamestop and I was considering this controller, but I was wondering if you knew if the wired 360 would work with PC. I know the microsoft-made controllers are made compatible, but I wasn’t sure if this was.
Sorry Jessica, I have no idea if the MS one will work on the PC. My best guess is yes seeing as it’s only a USB connection and nothing crazy. If you do get brave and purchase it, please let us know how you make out! I would be curious to know the correct answer.
After reading your review, I must say you did not use the controller on any other game than Batman. I have read several reviews and it seems the real review is from the comments. It appears that all the reviewers do not test the product fully, if you did, you would have noticed the huge dead zone in the right stick, priecise movement is impossible, This is a decent conttoller for any game but FPS. If you are a shooter fan DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT!!!!!!!!
I’m sorry you feel that Speedy, but I don’t think you are correct. This “Huge Dead Zone” is a bit of a over exaggeration to say the least. And to say that I must not have tested this with any other games is also wrong. If you read my short review you would see I gave it some playtime with PES 2012, NBA 2K12 and Mass Effect 2 before posting my article. Since then, I’ve also played Saint’s Row 3, Uncharted 3, COD Black Ops and LA Noire to name a few, all have worked as expected.
While I may not be the veteran of shooters that you seem to be, I know when a controller feels right and this one sure does. We each have our own favourites when it comes to controllers and as someone that doesn’t enjoy the OEM PS3 controller in the least, this controller, along with the Wireless Elite also by Power A, are definite must haves.
All of this said, I would like to thank you for taking the time to post your comment and reading my review. If you don’t enjoy the product above and bought it on my recommendation – I apologize, but this is how I feel and I stand by everything I’ve written.