In the First Person Shooter world there has been a long standing debate, Console Controller vs Mouse and Keyboard. While I haven’t tried to deny the definite advantages that the Mouse offers in terms of aiming I find the Keyboard to be a bit of an annoyance. Well that’s where Splitsfish comes in creating a Controller and Mouse combination. Does the controller really help? Is it the end all answer to that world of FPS?

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I myself am a bit of Console junkie. I’ve played almost every FPS there is on the console but have always felt a little limited in terms of controls. Sure I spent a good amount of time really honing in my control skills on the game but there was always something lacking.

The FragFX Pro didn’t take long to adjust to. It was really a Plug in Play. There are two parts to the FragFX Pro, the analog controller which is held in your left hand and mouse which is controlled by your right. On the Controller there are 3 Trigger buttons, an Analog Stick and D Pad. The 3 Trigger Buttons break down as L1, L2 and my personal favorite the FPS button. This button is pressed for really tight aiming. It really comes in handy for snipering. Simply line up your shot, hold the FPS button for tight movements and line up your head shot. Bam!!

The Mouse has your standard 2 buttons, Left and Right Click. Though the scroll wheel is by far my favorite feature. It works as a up and down movement for aiming. It doesn’t do huge movements rather small increments. I found if you aim Chest Level and the scroll up by 1 you have a head shot. While this did take just a little while to get used to it really helped with my gaming. Also on the left side of the mouse is your standard PS3 Button config.

Both controllers feel really solid in your hand. The Analog Controller has a nice weight to it and it doesn’t feel cheap. The mouse also feels really solid, it’s neither a large or small mouse, it felt just right. The only issue I had was finding the perfect sitting position while using the controller. I do most of my console gaming on my couch. Though using a mouse means you generally need something pretty solid that you can put the mouse on. Splitfish does supply a pretty nice solid mouse pad but I found it a little tough to use when it was on my couch. After experimenting a bit I found the Tray Table approach works pretty well or just sitting on the floor.

Features

As stated above the Controller works with your PC along with your PS3. For me this was a huge selling point. I recently got into Team Fortress and Left for Dead 2. While I don’t mind using the Keyboard I would much rather use a Analog Stick for my Movements while using the Mouse for Aiming. The FragFX Pro also features programmable buttons. This allows you to customize your playing experience. The controller also features the six axis and you can add button presses to movements. One of the best use of this I’ve seen is using it with the Melee button. Dare say you get startled by a person coming around the corner and you suddenly jerk you controller up well you just did a Melee move :) Comes in handy sometimes. I’ve also used this feature for reloading.

Another feature I liked was the sensitivity wheel that is located on the controller. This allows you on the fly to change the mouses sensitivity. Comes in handy during a match only to find the controllers a little loose. The controller is powered using AAA Batteries. Though it does have a rechargeable function built in if rechargeable batteries are present. Simply plug the controller in via USB and it starts charging.

Overall

Let me just say WOW!!! Overall pretty impressed with the controller. On all the FPS games I tried this on, I really felt that I had the upper hand. I also was impressed with the real natural feel the controller gives FPS games. Though just be aware it does take a little getting used to when playing other styles of gameplay (i.e. 3rd Person Shooters). While it is possible to play it just takes a little getting used to. If you hardcore FPS player then you should totally check out the FragFX Pro.