Mad Catz XBOX 360 Gamepad Controller Black Mad Catz XBOX 360 Gamepad Controller Black

Pros: This is my 4th Xbox 360 controller. The first one was the original. The left joystick broke as well as one of the triggers. I then bought a Mad Catz identical to this one and it broke after I repeatedly threw it. It lasted about 100 nice hard slams into a door, wall, floor, etc. The last blow caused one of the joysticks to break and become loose. The controller still functioned, all except the joy stick. I then found a $15 generic from China. It lasted all of 2 days. I did not throw it once. The left joystick was just a terrible design and broke after 2 days of normal use. So, I had to buy another, and after my experience with the first Mad Catz, I got this again. 2 1/2 months later, and it has survived several accidental falls on a wood floor. I have not thrown it yet as I have calmed down despite having to play the last mission on GTA IV like what seemed a billion times trying to do a pull up into a helicopter. I also like the design of the shell, it is a little bigger than the OEM controller which probably makes it more durable. It is also more comfortable to hold than the OEM one.

Cons: None. Some people might not like the placement of the start and select buttons (all the way on top over the "guide" button") as they are out of reach of your thumbs. I do not find it annoying since you really do not use them during game play.

Other Thoughts: I try to avoid any products that use batteries, which is almost every wireless device. This USB controller is not only almost half the price of an OEM wireless controller, it is much cheaper than the OEM wired one too. This one may in fact be better than the OEM one. If you have a bit of a temper and like to take your frustration out on the controller, this one is perfect. It will survive some surprisingly hard throws. I'm not a major league pitcher, but I can throw a baseball about 70 mph. I threw this controller (the first one I had) into a door from about 5 feet away as hard as I could and it just scuffed the shell. You really need to literally smash it with a hammer to crack that shell. And the buttons and joysticks are some of the most durable I have ever seen in a controller of any kind. I think that Microsoft deliberately makes their joysticks and triggers weak so that we have to throw down $50 every time a controller accidentally drops on the floor. This Mad Catz already fell at least 5 times and it is still smooth functioning. I can guarantee the same fall would have destroyed an OEM joystick or at the very least made it stick.

Pros: Fully works with games on the PC that supports Xbox controllers since this one is licensed from Microsoft. No "sticky" buttons. Looks cheap but doesn't feel cheap.

Cons: After some gameplay time your hands sweat and so I did find myself having to wipe the controller with my shirt a few times. Needs some grip material on the boomerang handles where your palms rest.

Other Thoughts: Best bang for your buck if you need an Xbox controller for your PC. Lovely price.

Pros: I wrote the previous review on this controller and wanted to provide an update since I've had it for almost 6 months now. I have not had a single issue with the controller since purchasing it. No buttons sticking/malfunctioning, connectors and cables still snug and secure, no glitches while playing whatsover.

I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised. Never thought this controller would have continued to perform so well after many months of frequent use. Even if it broke at this point, I wouldn't feel ripped off.

Cons: None

Pros: - Nice, sturdy weight and feel
- Rubber finish is very easy on the hands
- Instantly recognized by my Windows 7 computer; drivers downloaded and playable in minutes
- Analog sticks, directional pad, and all other buttons are responsive and haven't shown any signs of "stickiness"

Cons: I knocked an egg off because the adapter that connects to the USB cord is a bit loose, and I could see it causing problems in the future. Not a deal-breaker for the price, though.

Other Thoughts: I may have to edit this review after a few months of ownership, but as of now, I'm pleasantly surprised based on some of the other reviews I've read. I've been a console gamer all my life, but haven't played regularly since 2006 thanks to the rigors of adulthood.

I recently built an HTPC/budget gaming rig, and was looking for a controller for platforming and other games that didn't require a keyboard. I wasn't too keen on paying upwards of $50 for a controller and decided to take a chance on this one. Definitely happy with my purchase. Granted, I haven't used an official 360 controller for comparison, but this definitely meets my needs.

Pros: It's an xbox 360 controller clone, works pretty well.

Cons: Right shoulder button wore out after about 3 months, now it sticks sometimes.

Other Thoughts: It's a pretty good controller, even with the button sticking I'd recommend this for 24 bucks