Mad Catz Xbox 360 - Officially Licensed Modern Warfare 2 Combat Controller

After using the Mad Catz Modern Warfare 2 XBOX 360 controller (camo color) almost non-stop since Modern Warfare 2 released, I can say that I am happy with it overall. If you're a big fan of Modern Warfare 2, and can see yourself logging a ton of hours into the game, I can recommend the purchase. It comes with a bonus "combat case" that is basically a plastic case for the controller - not very useful. It is possible to buy these controllers at Walmart without the combat case, for $5 cheaper (do it). If you already have plenty of 360 controllers, or are not a HUGE fan of the multiplayer, you should probably put your $50 towards another game, like the upcoming Left 4 Dead 2 or Assassins Creed 2. Even though I have a lot of cons below, I think the pros are mighty significant, and enough to give the controller 4 stars.

PROS
+This is the coolest looking controller I have ever seen. I has an awesome digital camo color on the front with a Modern Warfare 2 logo on top,...Read more

Hmm. I gotta tell you, I really wanted to like this controller. I really, really did. The mapping or the sprint and reload functions to extra buttons on the back is a great idea. Unfortunately, however, MadCatz implementation of this idea is a cheap, flimsy cash-in that you will be ultimately unhappy with.

Let me start with the good points (and there are only a couple), to get them out of the way. The "combat buttons" on the back are just a fantastic idea. They let you choose from some rather limited mapping options for some new buttons intended to be manipulated by your middle fingertips. I don't make much of an issue of the limitations to the mapping because, well, nobody has done it before and almost everyone that I can think of wouly map sprint to the left button (LB) and either reload (X) or switch weapons (Y) to the other. Being able to do all of these things without mucking up what you are doing with the sticks would have been great, but we will get to why it is...Read more

You can reload and crouch without leaving the joysticks, they were on to something very valuable here. Unfortunately, the controller lacks the ergonomic curvature of the stock controller; it is generally uncomfortable for me and it cramps my hands. The triggers are nice, but they have very loose springs, so it takes some acclimation. The L1/R1 buttons are big and cheap feeling. The joysticks don't have a distinctive click to them, so I'm not impressed with that either. Maybe worth it if you need another controller, but I wouldn't replace the stock one.