Miscelleneous by stefan @ 2012-01-20
The STRIKE FX-6 PS3 Controller from SPEEDLINK operates on Bluetooth (so no extra dongles are needed), and comes with some slight modifications compared to the product from Sony: modified shape for better ergonomics, an On/Off button for saving battery power, Rapid Fire function, modified triggers to avoid slipping or anti-slip surfaces on the controller laterals.
At first I would like to thank SPEEDLINK for offering a sample of their blue STRIKE FX-6 PS3 Bluetooth Controller for reviewing.
"SPEEDLINK is one of the leading brands in computer and video game accessories in Europe. The products combine new technologies with excellent design and outstanding functionality.
SPEEDLINK has enjoyed continuous growth since its founding in 1998. Today, the company′s products can be found in over 30 countries in Europe. The over 10 million sound systems and over 15 million game controllers sold impressively demonstrate SPEEDLINK′s market presence.
SPEEDLINK product development is based on a willingness to innovate and an eye for the trends of tomorrow. The fast pace of the market demands great vigilance and a high degree of flexibility. Constant supervision of development work and production as well as the company′s representation on the market guarantees excellent product quality and forms the basis for continuing success.
SPEEDLINK products are manufactured by the internationally active company Jöllenbeck GmbH. Founded in the year 1974, the company can look back on a long tradition in the fast-paced electronics industry. Jöllenbeck has contributed to the development of this sector with exceptional energy and creativity. The company has done true pioneering work. Over 200 employees at the headquarters in Germany alone are working to continue the company’s success story."
The wireless gamepad offers you maximum freedom with a range of up to 10m from your PS3® thanks to Bluetooth® technology – all without an additional receiver. Its ergonomic shape with ultra-grippy triggers, low weight, and pressure-sensitive buttons together with turbo function deliver maximum gaming comfort and total control, while the vibration feedback function makes it feel as if you’re actually in the game. The integrated Li-Polymer battery gives you up to 12 hours of gaming fun and can be easily recharged via the console.
Wireless PS3® gamepad
Blue range of up to 10m thanks to Bluetooth® technology
Bluetooth® connection – no additional receiver required
Vibration feedback for intensive rumble effects
Sixaxis motion sensors
Two analogue sticks, pressure-sensitive buttons and turbo function for ultimate control
Outstanding ergonomics for fatigue-free gaming
Ultra-grippy triggers with non-slip concave design
Integrated Li-Polymer battery for up to 12hrs of gaming time
The new PS3 controller from SPEEDLINK named STRIKE FX-6 features Bluetooth technology and is packed inside a transparent plastic box, with some stickers and extra information inside, which inform us of the main product features:
On the back of the packaging, the features are written in detail in multiple languages, along with the "package contents" listing:
The Quick Install Guide lets us know how to setup the product for the first time; here we will also find out that the controller must be left alone to charge initially for about 3 hours:
The STRIKE FX-6 looks a lot alike the Sony controller, with the all-black top and the lateral buttons; the area that mostly suffered modifications is the one in the middle:
On a closer look at the d-pad, we can observe the somehow larger buttons, which are easy to press:
On the right, the X, Circle, Triangle, Square buttons have the same feel as on the Sony model, but the inscriptions are no longer color coded:
In the middle of the controllers' body, we can find the Select, Start, PS button and a new one, named Rapid Fire; the Select and Start buttons are placed differently (which means that we will need a small time to get used to ) and the Rapid Fire function can be enabled by keeping depressed the central button and then we have to press the button we want to have this function active for. The Rapid Fire feature can be also used with multiple buttons at the same time:
The controller laterals are covered with a special non-slip material which offers more grip:
In the back we can see the USB port and the redesigned L2, R2 triggers, which make the finger slipping much less frequent as on the stock controller:
On the bottom of the controller, we can see the shape has been redesigned and is now more ergonomic:
The central sticker lets us know of the product code name and the serial number:
Unlike the PS3 controller from Sony, this one also has an On/Off switch, which can be used for power saving, if the product won't be used for a long time period:
When the controller is configured and turned on, the respective blue LED from the central plastic circle will light up, which will also tell us its assigned number:
The STRIKE FX-6 controller for PS3 from SPEEDLINK offers a good value for people that want to try something else instead of sticking with the Sony solution; it operates on Bluetooth so there is no need of additional dongles, which would, in fact, occupy extra USB ports and would be affected by the WiFi interferences.
There are a few enhancements which can be observed shortly after using the product for a while; these would be the laterals which offer a better grip, the more ergonomic back, the Rapid Fire button and the On/Off button. Of course, the controller has also a sleep mode, which enables after seven minutes of inactivity.
Compared to the previously tested PS3 controller, this one also features the "rumble" function, which is great in games like racing or action games.
The STRIKE FX-6 is now found inside the online SPEEDLINK store for about 39.99 Euros, a good value for what is offered.
I would like to thank again to SPEEDLINK for making this review possible!