Fans of fighting games know that one of the most popular fighting game series of all time is Street Fighter. The fact the Xbox released the 15th Anniversary edition proves the game has fans on all platforms. The trouble with Street Fighter or games like Dead or Alive and Mortal Kombat is simple. While they have great graphics and now online play, the controls were based on the real arcade stick design and not the regular Xbox controller. So when trying to pull off that 15 move combo or another great move, at times gamers can get frustrated that the move did not work.

This in no way is meant to say the Xbox controller is not a quality controller. The simple fact is to really get all the moves down and be able to pull them off easier; you need a controller designed with the same layout as the arcade controls. In the past this has been a huge problem for gamers who love fighters. The controllers offered never supported XBL and there were a few other key issues.

Extended Evaluation

I was sent one of the special edition controllers for review. The controller is to promote Capcom’s Street Fighter game and is also made by NUBY. Until this week gamers in the US that wanted an Xbox version of this controller had two options. The first was to buy a PS2 version and get an adapter to play or buy it from an import gaming site. When the controller arrived, I open the box and was impressed and the quality of just the display box it came in. It features detailed artwork and even has a flap that, when opened, it shows the limited edition certificate. It also shows the controller through a clear plastic window for those who may want to buy it and just keep it as a collector’s item.

Of course I am all for collecting things but I wanted to test the controller out. As you can see from the pictures below, the controller is a bit different. The layout is the same as you would find in an arcade machine with the exception of the two side triggers. The last top and bottom buttons are the white and black buttons that most fighting games use and are now easily in reach. I tried the controller out with every fighting game in my collection from Street Fighter to Dead or Alive. Each game responded to the new button layout and the controller worked perfectly.

I was impressed with the fact they included a rumble feature. The PS2 versions of the same controller did not have this feature. I also liked the fact the communicator is at the bottom side instead of the top of the controller. While at fist glance it may look odd, it was made with the fighting fan in mind. Your headset cord does not get tangled or in the way while fighting online. It also works well and there were no issues with the sound cutting out or others players not being able to hear me. The side triggers are very responsive and the slightly raised D-pad is very responsive without being over sensitive.

Each button feels solid and there was no delay at all. Overall the control Pad fits in the palm of any gamer’s hands comfortably and is very light weight. Is it worth the $29.99 they are selling for? You bet it is. The controller is well-made and has some great artwork added in the center of it to boot. The box looks great; inside is a limited edition Street fighter comic that features the character on the controller. As of right now they are only releasing three versions instead of six that the PS2 collection offered. Having played with the PS2 version, I have to say that Nuby added the right changes needed for the Xbox version.

Features

  • 6-button arcade style button layout
  • XBOX live compatible
  • Breathtaking lenticular center display
  • Packed with a special edition comic book from UDON

Product Images

Controller Pad Box
Box Shots displaying how the product is delivered.

Akuma Controller Pad Bison Controller Pad
The Akuma and Bison Controller Pads, respectively.


Guile Controller Pad

Overall Score

Overall Score: 8.9/10 [not an average]

Additional Comments

Overall the response and the lightweight feel make using the controller very easy and great for those long sessions of your favorite fighting game on or offline. I will warn you that when you first switch to a six-button controller, you will need to give yourself time to adjust and practice using it before trying to face gamers online. It will take about 30-45 minutes for the average gamer to get adjusted to the way it response and what each button or buttons will do. Each Controller comes with a 1-year warranty and free tech support via a toll free number as well.

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