Saitek: New Pads Sighted
Saitek, one of the most well-known manufacturers of game pads, has completely renovated its series of PC pads. We must admit that we were never great fans of the previous series. The design is nice, although the gray-green color is somewhat unexpected. The first in the series, the P220, is available for $15. It's quite simple, and the four digital settings are quite acceptable. The P880 bundles two analog joysticks and the 2600 has a vibration function. The P300 is truly innovative - it's a wireless pad that communicates via radio frequency to a base connected to the USB port. The problem of batteries running out is addressed via the two rechargeable batteries bundled in the package. You can use one of them while recharging the other one, which is a good idea. The pads seem quite ergonomic, but this still has to be confirmed. Saitek also makes another step towards game consoles - the PS2 will get the Cyborg 3D Pro joystick from the PC series, as well as an RX 550 Force Feedback wheel. It will also get an RX 600 wireless wheel. Saitek will also offer wireless pads with a similar battery system for the PS2. For the Xbox, the Adrenalin Pad will be available in a wireless version. And lastly, the Xbox will also get a wireless version of the Adrenalin joystick, originally for PC systems.