For some gamers, particularly those who spent their formulative gaming years behind a PC screen, mouse and keyboard in hand, the idea of playing a first person shooter with a console controller is rather daunting. In comparison to the comfort of using their age old pointing device of choice, the Xbox 360 or PS3 controller can feel clumsy. While many push through, and eventually become proficient with console controllers, others prefer to stick to what they know.
Thanks to devices like the Fragnstein wireless gaming controller, siaxis-challenged gamers can take the mouse control skills they have honed over years playing Counter Strike on PC, and transfer them directly to PS3 exclusive FPSs, such as Killzone 2 and MAG.
Firstly, the Fragenstein is an attractive piece of kit. Featuring a basic mat black/grey design, the device consist of a wireless mouse, as well as a second controller joystick for movement skills usually fixed to the W,A,S,D keys on PC, or the left analogue stick on console. This means that you will operate the mouse with one hand, and the joystick with the other. The device is completely wireless, which is great for console gaming for obvious reasons.
The mouse works almost as well any regular gaming mouse, and besides a very slight (many won’t notice it) LAG in response time, it is a pleasure to use. It is well weighted, and glides nicely. Gamers accustomed to playing FPSs with a mouse will feel right at home using Fragenstein, and are likely to have a distinct advantage over some other online players.
It is important to update the firmware for this device, and also make sure the respective game has its most recent patch. With the most recent MAG firmware update, I found my experience with Fragenstein very close to that of any high-end wireless gaming mouse on PC. The only time the wireless lag was ever really noticeable was when sniping moving targets, although with a little patience one can master this subtle flaw and become proficient with the device regardless.
One of the niggles I did have with the device was the left stick controller, which goes to sleep after 3 minutes. This is not a big deal, and won’t be a problem when you are playing. Still, it is something that could be addressed for the sake of user friendliness. Apart from that, some users may observe slight jitter in cursor movement. This becomes more noticeable the further you get from your console, but at a range of about 3 meters it was hardly noticeable.
Overall, Fregnstein is a great product, and if you like the idea of a wireless gaming mouse for the PS3, then this is as good as it gets. No, it will not be as good as playing on a PC with a high-end wired gaming mouse, but it will be good enough for all but the most demanding gamers. Add to that an excellent support site, and regularly updated tweaks and drivers, and Fragenstein is an obvious choice for someone looking for something to make the PC to console transition a little easier.
You can buy the Fragnstein Controller for R899 directly from Silly Bitch Productions.
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