I often get press releases from SPEEDLINK – gaming mice and the such for PCs. However, a recent announcement got me interested.
They are due to reveal at Gamescon a number of console accessories, one of which is named the XEOX Gamepad – the image is to the right (click for a larger version). Here’s how SPEEDLINK describe it…
The Xbox 360® gamepad from Microsoft® represents the pinnacle of ergonomic analogue stick placement – and now thanks to SPEEDLINK®, PS3® gamers can also enjoy what it feels like to have an optimally positioned analogue stick. The XEOX Wireless Gamepad for the PS3® transports the Xbox® gamepad layout to the PlayStation® world for the first time ever. Its robust 2.4GHz wireless technology also gives you maximum freedom from the console, while the turbo function for controlled rapid-firing offers you a tactical advantage.
I would describe it as an Xbox controller that works on a PS3. Even the name, XEOX, is just one letter different to XBox – damn it, even the green ringed button in the centre looks rather similar.
Now I could be wrong but I can’t see that tact going down too well with PS3 owners. Or Sony. “The Xbox 360 gamepad… represents the pinnacle of ergonomic analogue stick placement”. That’s fighting talk and hardly the kind of thing that’s going to get PS3 owners running out to own – I suspect most are quite partial to their Dualshock 3 and wouldn’t want anything else.
So, it’s a brave move.
Prices are €34.99 and is due in October.
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