Video games are often referred to as "interactive entertainment." The interaction is what makes them fun. Interaction is often handled through the use of controllers or remotes. Over the years, these devices have changed and morphed from a rotary dial on the Pong machine to the mind numbing Atari Jaguar controller to the ergonomic wireless controllers on today's "next-gen" consoles.

The design of these controllers is a major factor in the level of enjoyment one derives while playing video games. After all, if a controller hurts your hands or is uncomfortable, then you may be inclined to play less or not play at all, thus negating the entire purpose of the entertainment.

The longest running, virtually unchanged, controller design that I am aware of is the Dual Shock controller that Sony has used since the original PlayStation, and while its innards are vastly different these days, the shell of the device is largely the same. Despite the incredible success that Sony has seen with the PlayStation brand, I've never liked the Dual Shock design. I've always found it to be uncomfortable and difficult, but that has not stopped me from sinking hundreds of hours into games on the PS2.

A few months back, we directed you to a teaser video on Nyko's website. Nyko is one of the major players in the console accessory market, and they were hinting at a new controller line that would change the face of console gaming as we knew it… Enter the Zero. The Zero line of controllers is now available but with the PS2 version being the only one currently available.

The Zero PS2, as it's called, is a new take on the same old same old that features some well thought out concepts that are sure to make it very attractive. For starters, the Zero features a new ergonomic design that makes my hands weep with joy. The grip is longer, and the standard Sony shoulder buttons have been relocated in favor of the trigger + shoulder button combo that you find on the Xbox 360 controller. Long time PlayStation gamers will find the adjustment a little awkward at first as the feel of comfort is welcomed by their hands.

The Zero PS2 also features 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, a rechargeable battery pack (NiMH), and a USB charging cable. Again think Play & Charge kit from Microsoft and you get the idea. The battery pack is capable of delivering up to 25 hours of playtime. I have yet to need a recharge, and I've been playing my PS2 non-stop for a few days now. The Zero also comes with a battery cover to take standard AA batteries if you prefer to go that route. Heat dissipating aluminum panels that are cool to the touch when you first pick up the controller, backlit buttons, and the ability to disable the "rumble" with the flick of a button round out the features that make the Zero unique. To satisfy everyone, the Zero comes in 3 slick colors including: black, black with silver panels, and white.

Gamers with a PSTwo, the slimline PlayStation 2, will be happy to know that the wireless receiver, which is slick looking with a red/orange glow, fits perfectly with no issues.

After getting used to the Zero PS2, I don't think I'll be able to go back to a standard Dual Shock controller. The Zero PS2 is definitely as good as Nyko makes it out to be, and its $49.99 price tag falls roughly in line with the cost of controllers for the 360, so sticker shock shouldn't be an issue. Nyko has a winner on their hands with this little device, and I can't wait to see what they have in store for the other platforms in the future.

May 30, 2007 | 0 comments
Chris Rasco