Nintendo Wii, Wii Games and Wii Game Reviews Information

MadCatz Cubion Control Pad

Are the alternative 3RD party products usually less overall quality than most of the official brand products? A lot of the time yes, but that doesn't necessarily mean much of anything at all. A lot of the time, you need to rely on the third party companies, such as Mad Catz, to release and invent the much needed "add-on's" that Nintendo is to scared or not willing to make. Being the largest producer of Video Game accessories in the world, Mad Catz is willing to take care of you.

I recently got a rather large box in the mail full of almost all the products Mad Catz has made for both GameCube and GameBoy Advance. After testing each accessory hours on end, I was finally able to let the public know how each of Mad Catz products shape up or fail, starting with the MadCatz Cubicon Control Pad.

Cubicon Control Pad
GAMECUBE: (Cubicon Control Pad) - One taste of the Cubicon and your stock controller's a goner. With two joysticks, D-Pad and programmable macros for sophisticated moves, the Cubicon gives you unprecedented control. Additionally, the Cubicon has amazing pressure-sensitive action buttons - Now players can use their sense of touch for more personalized interaction with the game. This, along with intense vibration, lets the player feel even more connected to the action! The controller also has rubberized grips for enhanced comfort.

That is how Mad Catz advertises the Cubicon...lets figure out if they are telling the truth.

Before I get in depth with the Cubicon Control Pad, let me get this out in the open; I like it a lot.

The Packaging
The design is slightly different than the Nintendo brand controller, it feels like a combination of the Dreamcast controller and the official GameCube controller. Wider and longer overall in design, it fits your hand quite nicely, especially if you think the official controller is to small. The button configuration on the face is the same as Nintendo's, but with the controller being a little larger, it takes time to adapt to the change and get your madskills back in Super Smash Bros and Tony Hawk 3. Unlike the official controller, the Cubicon offers the second "Z" shoulder button. Ready for your left hand, this option will prove more than useful for more complicated upcoming games. Another positive feature about the MadCatz Cubicon controller is the enlarged D-pad. I doubt I am the only one who feels the D-pad on Nintendo's controller is far to small. Fighting games, in my opinion, play much better when using the D-pad. The Cubicon plain and simple satisfied all your D-pad needs.

Not all is peaches and pie with Mad Catz Cubicon. The actual construction and overall quality of the controller just doesn't feel as solid or sturdy as Nintendo's. Of course it doesn't interfere with the gameplay, but you can't but help notice this little difference.
In all its glory

Though, for the price you can buy a Cubicon for, compared to Nintendo's controller, you are getting more than your money's worth. Also, when you compare Mad Catz controller to other 3RD party controllers, the Cubicon so far matches other controllers equally.