FPS Freek extends Xbox 360 analog sticks, claims it makes it easier to move

[Zeus]

A company known as KontrolFreek are set to release a new product in their range - the FPS Freek which is an extention to the analog sticks which they claim will make it easier to move and will help a gamer in two main ways - adds extra leverage to make analogs move easier and second 'adds travel' to the surface of the analog.


I want to now explain to you what the product is going to do for you the gamer. I have found the analog sticks a little stiff and a little short. Over an extended gaming period of a game like Halo, my thumbs would be a little sore from the stiffness and the height of the sticks. I also never felt like aiming was real easy with these analogs. The analogs on the 360 controller are real durable and are probably some of the best on the market.

Now, you might ask, how is adding length to the analog stick going to help me play games better. Well here is the answer. Just about everyone out there understands basic physics and ergonomics. If you make a joystick longer, it adds leverage to that joystick, thus making it easier to move. Also, by adding length to the joystick, you add more travel distance to the outer tip of this joystick. How does this help a gamer? Well, two main things this does for the gamer. First, it makes the analogs easier to move with the extra leverage. This should help the stress level your thumbs feel while playing games. Second, it adds travel to the surface of the analog your thumb is on. What, it adds travel? How could this help and not hurt? Well, since you are not having to exert so much force to move the analog, the extra travel really doesn't bother you. But how does this help? Well imagine while aiming at an opponent in a FPS game. If you add some travel to the analog, you slow down the aiming slightly in the game, thus allowing you to aim more precisely and more accurate. We have found that we might have to adjust our sensitivity a little in bit in the game, but even by doing this, you are still giving a lot more control and precision on aiming.


News Source: <A href="http://www.gamingbits.com/content/view/3413/2/" target="_blank">Gamingbits</a>

[xog]

Get bigger thumbs!

Wear gloves when you play? I know i do!

Anyway, not bad product, if it works.. than great. But it might just over extend the leverage and cause you to over shoot in some fps missing your target. Im used to the 360 controls, personally i never had any problems with the controls i much prefer them to that of the ps3 somehow.

[panyan1991]

Get bigger thumbs!
Do you remember you had an extended d-pad of the GBA? i wonder if it was any better than the stock...

Anyway, i believe it is aimed at people who often snipe in games and so require a more prcise controlling system than the stock analog sticks - if they work then great:), if not then it is another money-making gimmick!:(

[raduga]

I must admit I prefer the 360 analog controls to the PS3 also.
The shorter stick seem to make control that little bit easier. The PS3 stick just seem a little uncomfortable and too 'loose'.

Maybe the placement of the on the dualshock pads is a bit of an issue too. For me anyway.

This isn't a product I'd personally look at, but hey, I understand what they are saying about 'travel'. Maybe the finer controls will help...

[88888888]

i don't see how this will help easier controlling

[sir crx]

Who wasn't thought of doing this? I'm glad a company is making something out of it though.

[XxBigP123xX]

PS3 analog sticks:confused:

[ph0b0z]

damn, still no mouse-replacement! ;)

[atrocity595]

You can do all you want to an analog stick but it will still be nowhere near as accurate and precise as a mouse.

[gonepostl]

You can do all you want to an analog stick but it will still be nowhere near as accurate and precise as a mouse.

Exactly!!!

[redwolf]

I must admit I prefer the 360 analog controls to the PS3 also.
The shorter stick seem to make control that little bit easier. The PS3 stick just seem a little uncomfortable and too 'loose'.

gotta agree there, playstation sticks are too lose (trigger buttons are even worse, but thats another story)..i was playing Turok demo on both consoles.... PS3 i couldn't aim $hit.

though i prefer the old xbox 'duke' controller as it was more stiff :o

[el username]

Another garbage and totally useless peripheral. I'm surprised MadCatz didn't think of it first, I though they had cornered the market on cheap garbage add-on peripherals.

[Jongamer]

though i prefer the old xbox 'duke' controller as it was more stiff :o
AMEN to that, I love my 'duke' controller, Black and white buttons are not hard as hell to press like on the S controller.

[weetz]

PS controller's are too small and gives me hand cramp when playing FPS games.

360 controller has better analog sticks but the PS3 has better face buttons i think.

[kontrolfreek]

it always amazes me how people look at our products as gimicks and garbage until they are released into the market and then proove themselves. our first product speedfreek recieve such garbage talk when it was in beta, and then what you know, the first large forza 2 tournament comes up and 2 of the top 4 are using it. well, guess what, comebakdan, the winner of a 20k nissan sentra used our product in the tournament and won, i guess that 10 dollar pack of garbage really paid off for him. dont dis our product if you hadnt tried it, they arent even in production yet so how do you know if they will or wont help you. yes this is not for everyone, but just say i dont think i will buy, you dont have to trash talk us. ign should have their review up tomorrow, well later today, we will see what they say about it.

[Rotmm]

it always amazes me how people look at our products as gimicks and garbage until they are released into the market and then proove themselves. our first product speedfreek recieve such garbage talk when it was in beta, and then what you know, the first large forza 2 tournament comes up and 2 of the top 4 are using it. well, guess what, comebakdan, the winner of a 20k nissan sentra used our product in the tournament and won, i guess that 10 dollar pack of garbage really paid off for him. dont dis our product if you hadnt tried it, they arent even in production yet so how do you know if they will or wont help you. yes this is not for everyone, but just say i dont think i will buy, you dont have to trash talk us. ign should have their review up tomorrow, well later today, we will see what they say about it.

Maybe you should look at developing a keyboard that has SHIFT and RETURN keys. Having better control in games is all well and good, but being able to communicate in a legible fashion (things like capitalisation and paragraphs) is good for all things outside of gaming.

Especially when trying to sell your company and products.

[redwolf]

@ kontrolfreek

i'm in UK, if i pre-order will i get the discount :D

[snafro]

garbage...

above all, fps are not made for console controls. mouse and keyboard is the best for that kind of games

[kontrolfreek]

rot, how about a double space after keys. anyway

we do sale to UK and have a distributor there