The Joy Of Joysticks A New Accessory Can Elevate The Enjoyment Of Video Games

If your holiday shopping list includes video games or game decks for youngsters (or for the still-young-at-heart), here’s our suggestion to raise the smile level: Consider plunking down another $15 to $150 for a special control pad, or joystick.

I’ve seen these things in action. Whether your kids use a Nintendo 64 or Sony PlayStation or Sega Saturn, even a PC or Mac, they may offer to clean their room to thank you.

OK, spending more money after you’ve already spent $130 on a new video-game system, or $1,600 to $2,500 for the latest personal computer, may not sound appealing, especially since game decks (and some PCs) already have a controller.

But trust us: Most controllers sold separately work better and faster. Unlike the standard variety, most add-ons can be programmed, so once your kid figures out a way to perform a great maneuver - such as in Sony’s “Bushido Blade” where the fighter does a combination move - the controller can be programmed for the same trick by pressing a single button.

There’s also more realism: Many new controllers feature Force Feedback technology that lets you feel every bump, crash and recoil. Sources include Rumble Pak for Nintendo 64, Microsoft’s SideWinder Force Feedback Pro and CH Products’ Force FX Joystick.

Finally, there’s the sibling factor: You’ll need a second one if you have two kids and both want to play at the same time (unless you enjoy listening to them argue).

There are nearly 100 controllers on the market.

To help sort through the choices, we tested over two dozen products and found those that worked particularly well with PC and video-game systems. Prices listed are suggested retail, but discounts are often available. For information, visit each company’s Web site (see screened box).

For Nintendo 64

Interact’s MakoPad64 ($24.99) - This looks like the controller for Sony PlayStation, but with all the features of Nintendo’s cutting-edge, three-handle controller. It’s also easier to use. It has five fire buttons, eight-way digital direction control, analog joystick control and a memory-card/rumble pak slot. Works best with “GoldenEye.”

Interact’s Sharkpad Pro 64 Two ($29.99) - This has the same functions of MakoPad 64 but with a clear shell that’s 15 percent larger (to make things easier for people with large hands, like Dad).

Mad Catz’s Dual Arcade Joystick for N64 ($59.95) - This is excellent for fighting, flying and driving games. It offers Force Feedback compatibility with Rumble Pak games.

Mad Catz’s Analog Steering Wheel for N64 ($59.95) - The best racing wheel for Nintendo 64 offers Force Feedback compatibility with Rumble Pak games.

Nuby’s Master Drive Pro for N64 ($84.95) - Another easy-to-use racing wheel with pedals that offers gear shift control, N64 memory-card support, cruise control and more. Best for a hard-core gamer.

Nintendo also sells extra controllers ($20) in red, green, yellow or blue.

For Sony Playstation

Interact’s PS GamePad 8 ($19.99) - This versatile, eight-button control pad offers auto-fire and slow motion, both good features for action and sports titles.

Reality Quest’s The Glove ($19.99) - The Glove reduces wrist strain and is fully compatible with the entire Sony PlayStation game library, and fits big or small hand sizes. Two straps help it fit snugly to any size hand. The Glove lets you move objects up or down, right or left or diagonally on the screen with just a bend of the wrist. The action buttons are in the fingertips for touch control.

Interact’s The Barracuda ($29.99) - This dual analog-control pad is an upgrade from Sony’s in-house product, with 14 programmable buttons allowing the user to designate a separate combination move into each button or even into the directional control pad. It’s easy to use and perfect for gamers who like a control pad that does it all. The Barracuda even simulates all the functions of Sony’s Dual Analog Joystick. Works best with “Crash Bandicoot 2.”

Interact’s V3 Racing Wheel ($69.99) - Also available for the PC, Saturn and N64. It’s one of the best racing wheels in a market that’s full of very good racing products.

Nuby’s The Peacemaker Light Gun ($19.95 - This all-green gun features an ammo-reload button with three speeds, precision light sensor for target accuracy and a smooth action. Works best with games like “Die Hard Trilogy” and “Maximum Force.”

Interact’s Dual Fire Wireless ($14.99) - No more wires. This wireless infrared remote has an eight-button pad that is fine for multiplayer games or as a replacement controller.

Nuby’s Remote Wizard Wireless ($19.99) - Another wireless infrared remote that works well (but is harder to find than Interact’s version).

For Sega Saturn

Yko’s Maximizer Joystick ($79.99) - Best for fighting games, and it’s programmable.

Nuby’s Light Gun ($29.95) - The big blue light gun features an ammo-reload button with three speeds, a precision light sensor for target accuracy and a smooth action. Works best with “Virtua Cop 2.”

Sega Arcade Racer ($79.99) - Good for driving games like “Daytona USA” or “NASCAR.”

Hot Wheels Ultimate PER4MER Racing Wheel (69.99) - Licensed under the Hot Wheels brand name, this new racing wheel has a specialized three-pronged connector that allows for multiplatform capability - Saturn, Nintendo 64 or PlayStation. Once plugged-in, it automatically detects the platform and configures the wheel accordingly. Excellent for those who have more than one system and can’t afford more than one wheel.

Sega Analog 3D Pad ($39.99) - For all fighting, flying and driving games.

InterAct also makes several programmable control pads, like the Eclipse Pad ($19.95), an arcade sticks that work well with Saturn games.

For PCs

Microsoft’s SideWinder Force Feedback Pro ($149.95) - This new, high-price entry in Force Feedback technology offers the best challenge to CH’s product. Uses digital-optical technology to offer the user a realistic immersion into the new games out on the market programmed to use it. Superb workmanship and realism will get you hooked - you’re sucked right into the game. Works great with “Shadows of the Empire,” “Daytona USA Deluxe” and “Interstate ‘76.”

Gravis’ GamePad Pro ($29.95) - This versatile, eight-button Sony-style control pad offers auto-fire and slow motion, both good features for action and sports titles.

CH Products’ Force FX Joystick ($99.99) - The original Force Feedback stick is back with even more features, using I-Force 1.x ZPI from Immersion Corp. Comes with six built-in Force Feedback effects like jolt, vector force, X & Y vibration, spring and more.

Thrustmaster’s MotorSports GT ($79.95) - Force Feedback is up-and-running in this new device that lets you feel the jolt of hitting another car or wall. Fasten your seat belts - the ride gets bumpy here.

CH Products’ Janes’ Combat Stick ($129.95) - Developed as the joystick to work best with Janes’ Military Combat flight-simulation software. Comes with a bigger base and a full version of “Advanced Tactical Fighters.”

CH Products’ Gamestick ($59.95) - This stick suits all types of games - flying, fighting or any other type of PC adventure out there. Features four buttons, a slide throttle and trim controls. It’s the all-in-one controller for the PC.

Logitech CyberMan 2: Digital Game Controller ($69.99) - This revolutionary device permits movement within 3D games. It has a round knob like the ones you find at the arcade, which offer game play without all the hassles of stick controllers. Works best with “Tempest”-like games or “Descent 2.”

CH Products’ Racing System ($169.95) - This top-of-the-line racing wheel and pedals offers the next best thing to racing at the Grand Prix or in NASCAR.

Interact’s Multimedia Starter Kit ($69.99) - This is good for someone new to the computer world. The kit includes a two-button PC joystick, a Propad Game Pad and a Soft Pack CD Wallet, plus CD-ROM games.

Also available are standard control pads for PC games from InterAct and Gravis, retailing for $12 to $35.

For Macintosh

Gravis’ Black Hawk Joystick ($99.95) - This easy-to-use, sleek, jet-black joystick works well for those with large hands and offers programmable button functions.

Thrustmaster’s Top Gun Joystick ($79.95) - This gives you an authentic neoprene grip, with the same buttons real “Top Gun” pilots use in combat. Has an eight-way Hat switch that toggles between views. Works best with Thrustmaster’s throttle and pedal devices.

Also available are standard control pads for Mac games from InterAct and Gravis, retailing from $12 to $35.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: WEB SITES CH Products: http://www.chprodoucts.com Gravis: http://www.gravis.com InterAct: http://www.interact-acc.com Nuby: http://www.nuby.com nYko: http://www.nyko.com Thrustmaster: http://www.thrustmaster.com