Looking for a different controller for the Xbox can be tough task. Let’s face it, there are several companies with new features trying to sway you to buy their product. For me personally a controller is the most important piece of hardware you have.

So with this in mind I have personally tested and bought several different controllers. Some have great features but are uncomfortable or just are not made with quality in mind. The nature of the industry I am in means that I can’t afford to have my controller wear out or die on me. I was asked to review the Logitech Precision Controller, the one without the wireless feature (they also offer a wireless version, which we have tested and included in this review as well, the commentary in regards to the wireless version is offered via Jason’s testing).

After playing several games and putting it through the test what is the verdict on these controllers? Read on and see what the Logitech® Precisionâ„¢ Controllers have to offer and if they’re worth the price.

Features

Logitech® Precision™ Controller
Here is a short list of features for the wired version, direct from the manufacturer:

  • Sculpted shape fits comfortably in your hands
  • Dual vibration feedback motors provide ultimate realism in Xbox games
  • One eight-way directional pad, two analog thumbsticks, two pressure-sensitive triggers, and six pressure-sensitive action buttons arranged in the familiar layout deliver all the control you need to dominate
  • Two expansion slots for memory cards and other peripherals
  • 9.5 feet (3 meters) of cable let you play throughout your room
  • Official Xbox compatibility approved by Microsoft

Logitech® Wireless Precision™ Controller
The wireless version of the controller is almost identical, but features wireless gameplay, allowing you the freedom to play without the hassle of wires. Once again, here is a short list of features provided by the manufacturer for the wireless version:

  • Smaller, lighter, more comfortable, and more familiar
  • 2.4 GHz radio frequency wireless technology with a lag-free range of 30 feet (10 meters)
  • Requires only 2 AA batteries (included) to achieve 50+ hours of battery life with vibration on
  • Mini receiver plugs directly into console
  • Official Xbox compatibility approved by Microsoft

Product Images

Logitech Precision Controller Images

Above: Wired Controller

Above: Wireless Controller

Above: Wireless Controller Hub

Value

The wired controller retails for $24.99 and has some great features. For starters the cable is longer than the S-Controller and the unit is sleek and feels comfortable. It has the same weight as the S-Controller while the button layout is a bit different. The back and start buttons are in the front on either side of the unit and made of rubber. The black and white buttons are raised and moved up just slightly and are made of plastic. As well the regular buttons are in the same place as the S-Controller and all of the buttons respond very well and are easy on your fingers. The D-Pad is a bit larger and stands up a bit and responds very well and a bit more quickly.

While the left analog stick is a little higher it is covered in a soft rubber and is comfortable. The right analog stick is in about the same standard position and the both are very responsive. The triggers are a bit larger and wider and have a great feel and the springs seem sturdy but not hard feeling like your forcing the springs, I like this a lot about the controller. It also fits the communicator and memory card perfectly and there was no need to force either in the slots. For those who care about looks the Logitech logo is in a green circle and looks appealing.

Okay, so the controller looks good and has a good feel but how does it compare? Well to be honest this unit may respond too well for some games. Driving games for one I found that I really had to adjust the way I was used to driving. While shooters seemed more responsive and felt better. Those who have larger hands may like the way the triggers and the unit is made since it is a little wider. I have small hands and it seemed to take a while to get used to the size. Now with any new controller you need to adjust to it. The Logitech controller is more sensitive and you may need to adjust the settings in certain games that have this option.

The wireless version retails for about $49.99 just about everywhere, and although it may seem like a high price to pay for a controller, you get what you pay for in this case. We’ve detailed some of the wireless performance below.

Wireless Performance

Now remember, we’re reviewing two individual products in this review. The Logitech Wireless Precision Controller for Xbox has almost the identical look and feel to it, and although it’s a bit wider than the S-Controller, even with batteries, it seems to be lighter. Also improved in this version of the Logitech line is the battery life. The previous wireless controllers offered by Logitech took 4 AA batteries, this unit only takes 2, yet the battery life lasts longer than their original attempt, this version of the controller will get you approximately 50 hours of gameplay per battery exchange. Now you may be thinking that a wireless controller cannot possibly give you the same amount of control that a wired controller can, and I am here to tell you differently.

We tested the unit on various types of games, and while we did notice that the controller’s thumbsticks were still a bit ‘loose,’ this is just a matter of becoming acquanted with the new piece of hardware, and getting used to it on various game types. Such as was the case with the wired controller, we noticed that FPS type games are excellent with this controller, while more intense, controller sensitive sim type games like Forza Motorsport will take more time to adjust. The controller is doing everything that it is supposed to, but since the thumbsticks are a bit looser than those found on the S-Controller, which has become our base controller for which we test against, it will take a bit of time for you to adjust to the difference.

In terms of range and responsiveness, we could not find an area where we could view the television and not control the Xbox with ease, even around corners, it just works. The cordless controller, and the receiver, which plugs into the controller port on the Xbox, uses frequency hopping technology at 2.4 GH, and we did not experience interference from any of the telephones of other wireless devices in our testing area. So how exactly does a wireless controller work over Xbox Live? There are three ways actually, since the connector comes with ports for both an Xbox Live communicator, as well as a memory unit, you could plug the communicator into the unit and use the headset from there, or you could just plug the communicator into another controller and use the voice features that way. The best way however, would be to purchase a wireless headset, also available from Logitech and other companies to create a truly wireless gaming experience that we will not see as a standard until the Xbox 360 becomes available.

Overall Score

Overall Score: 9.6/10 [not an average] Both Products.

Additional Comments

Again, we found that games that offered an option to adjust sensitivity made the controller really good to play with. We would certainly recommend these controllers for those who find the S-Controller too small and the buttons too close together. They are quality products and Logitech gives the units a one-year warranty and free tech support. Take a look at the product images and you will see that the units are wider and made for those who have slightly larger hands, or just like a bigger controller, but there is virtually no weight difference if you are now using an S-Controller.

For the money these controllers are certainly worth every penny and everything on the controllers is made to last. We have had other Logitech products and were glad to see the same quality in these product as well as the other we own. As for the wireless version of the controller, it’s probably the best wireless controller we’ll see until Xbox 360 is released later this year, so just go ahead and pick one of these up today. Based on our testing, we have awarded this line of Logitech Precision Controllers Xbox Solution’s Editor’s Choice Award!

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