Logitech introduced the G27 steering wheel after announced the revolutionary masterpiece G25. Logitech and the GT series of co-operation since the introduction of a generation of gamers praise on behalf of another fine steering wheel controller, its operation and perfect sense of industrial design has always been the perfect tool for fans in mind, the following began to slow appreciation of a new generation of games racing Logitech steering wheel — Logitech G27. Based on the contrast difference between Logitech G25 to do evaluation, first contact with the Logitech steering wheel products, users can understand G25 first.

Appearance
We have seen Logitech G27 and G25 are still using the same style, the main colors of green boxes, player who have been concerned about the Logitech products are very familiar that stylish colors. It is very good-looking, scientific and full of technological sense. There are descriptions about various parts characteristics of Logitech G27 in the box.

Open the package, components are placed very neat and has dust-proof plastic packaging, take them out, the main components and the Logitech G25 is almost like, the steering wheel, H files, pedal, power cord, driver CD and manuals, it seems heads are not little focus on this sort of a small box parts, each part has a plastic packaging, this point, the outer introduction finished, let us continue to take a look at the changes in each component compared to Logitech G25.

Steering wheel:

A rough look, feel little change, use the 11-inch 900-degree rotating disk body, the same twin-engine force feedback. But a careful comparison, the differences will be apparent, and the first plate of the leather-wrapped portion is the same pattern but the color of litchi matte side, and palm feels rough compared with Logitech G25, not uncomfortable, rather an increase of friction, feel a lot better, compared to the Logitech G27 is a bit frosted hand feeling, Logitech G25 is a little worse, because in actual use, the high-frequency rotation, skid plate is very hard to bear.

Again is the pinhole-like dermis to increase the scope of this piece of dermal contact with the object are our hands and palms, which means most of the time we are in these two regions to control plates, and the range of increase, is undoubtedly the key to enhancing feel, especially the thumb this part of the larger region, to facilitate the use of a lot of time programming the button. Logo at the center of the decorative plate to change a silver-modified, using the black style, the whole plate body look more cool, more heavy .

Unfortunately, plastic materials, if the black steel that would be more praise, beautiful or not, a matter of opinion, my personal feelings is good. In the central decorative Logo at the top of the changes is Logitech G27′s unique one: speed of light, can be used as a RPM instructed to do in a very covert, it is reported to be able to manipulate those who use spot a good real-time speed feedback, in the engine speed to reach the limits will be lit one by one, to remind the players at the right time to shift, this feature in subsequent actual use will be mentioned later.

Unique changes of the two: 16 programmed buttons and D-pad, 25 in the disk around each body of a programmed button, but the Logitech G27 suddenly increased to six, I believe that players would like to toss hooked, after all, a sudden increase 3 times the number of playability greatly improved. Last is known as a new steering wheel, precision optical engine to capture subtle movement, the actual use of the following will continue to introduce.

Pedal:

Listed at the beginning in the Logitech G25 pedal majority of players have been realized, and recognized the best one of the areas, in the steel throttle, brakes, clutch pedal basis, Logitech has a slightly changed places: the location of the throttle forward moved, three pedal obviously is not a level line, and this change though subtle, but a good reflection of Logitech’s product development team’s motives, is also in the use of a true closer. But on close examination found that, in fact, is not the relative position of the throttle forward, but changes in the thickness of the pedal, and do not misunderstand, not of metal pieces of thick, but rather to connect the opposite side of metal pedal pedal a little thicker metal parts, This change is also in order to better improve feel of foot, feel of foot in the end can have a good practical control of a separate conclusion.

H file:

Logitech’s feature is the independent control of the hand stand, I believe many of my friends are also directed at this with. Logitech G25 hand row of the only players criticized is its rough shift my hand, almost be regarded as a non-small Unfortunately, because the Logitech G25 is a feeling of hand row of toys, only the function, do not touch, that can be used, but using a false, bad mood! then the Logitech G27 have to solve this problem? The answer is yes, through the actual use, obviously, the damping of the partners felt a sense of the shift is relatively Logitech G25,Logitech G27 feeling is almost yes on the one level, with a clear sense of damping, shift accurately, and that is, if the strict requirements, nature can not be real car than that the extent of resistance, but relatively Logitech G25 is a qualitative change, which is what I am most concerned that the changes to Logitech a good solution to this problem out. It is clear to see the rest, and the central rotary knob is gone, replaced by a black Logo decoration, do not think that Logitech is not kind-hearted cut corners, but in fact reflect on what, Logitech G25 has this stall modes are available but also because the structure of in the Logitech G25 at the time of Logitech GT4 and Logitech GT5 faced over evolutionary time, because in Logitech GT4 using the period, the Logitech flagship product is GTFP, because it does not stall, and only the upper and lower toggle to switch stalls, while the Logitech G25 has been on sale the day of with GT5P, the corresponding H file, but in order to take into account the use of the old players habits, and better over products, have such a one can choose different modes of rotating stall button, which in practice Indeed, a considerable sense, Logitech GT5 is now available, Logitech G25 take over the role will no longer be important, naturally lifted up and down this relatively backward shift pattern used in all the H files .

What exactly are the official Logitech GT5 before the sale, there are no new Logitech revolutionary new product is still unknown, at present individual being so understood. Finally mention, hand-wrapped leather rafts that part of the unified Logitech G27 frosted matte leather-like even more of feeling, the other to change the part, less an indicator it is nature that does not require the election.
Accessories:

The driver CD, manual, transformer and power cord, but there are two kinds of plug, power cord, so that different users can choose according to their own situation, or at least intimate, the three plugs big. Or two drag lines to save board space.

Review: Logitech G27, CNE professional racing bracket, Sony ps3, GT5P. Boot into the game, Logitech G27 As usual began to self-test and found that self-test when the sound is much smaller, almost half of light, feeling very smooth, not afraid to get started under a conclusion, self-test to see when the LED lights, feeling good , green and yellow light turn red.

Gear:

Start start, select MT, gear feels good, changed several times and found that is not very readily, feeling is to replace a new spring, damper flu is to improve obviously.

However, I certainly can not say perfect! But the voices sound shift Kacha Kacha Light a lot. The overall feeling that a lot of gentle, inappropriate metaphors like the Logitech G25 gear is a room temperature Coke, Logitech G27 is iced, and cool! But still cola, just feel a lot better, but does feel there is a grade increase, because that is Logitech G25′s stall has really done a very general, it is very!

Pedal:

Feeling that better than before, which is the keystone? That is the accelerator, brakes, clutch relative position have changed, this change to improve a little bit feel of foot, become more real, other basic has not changed, the actual brake or clutch in the , there is a little bit of change,only after experience Logitech G25, and for the first time there will not be used in the basic sense of a big difference.

Steering wheel:

The biggest change is the gear I thought, the result did not expect was originally set body, seems to replace the Logitech does the new internal structure, get started holding plate body, great feel, matte leather with a leather texture, and non-slip, call films longer than before, and the relative use of more convenient, do not have any measuring tools. Always felt a little thick plate body, in short, great feeling! 6 programmable buttons and the Logitech G25 feel no different, not too big, rough finger friends may be there by mistake possible, the keys are also a general feeling. Later experience, and each bend when playing more than ever the fine, and feel smooth, Logitech G25 feeling that suddenly seems to have been tamed a lot, like the one being tamed The beast can be carried out with great control with every beat bending than ever before are feeling fine, and in some cornering situations that require precision manipulation, can well be some of the details, but these details may be competition The key! you like 100 meters race in 0.01 seconds faster than your opponents, but the results may be far too small! At last glance, the so-called helical gear system, the principle of force feedback, Logitech G27 should use the new gear structure, an increase of fine degree, the benefits of such a structure is the voice of change light, delicate touch, spare parts should also reduce the degree of damage to a lot of, I believe Logitech has also spent a lot of costs and efforts! This is definitely a big improvement bright spot, it seems well-intentioned of Logitech.

Summary: Logitech G27 is a good continuation of the fine tradition of the Logitech G25, and is in the details at improving a lot, the newly added LED lights and stall speed rotary knob cut is also very good proof of the Logitech as the world’s top one game racing wheel controller design is really up to its name, daring innovations and breakthroughs!

The Xbox 360 Controller is the primary controller for Microsoft’s Xbox 360 console and was introduced at E3 2005. The Xbox 360 controller comes in both a wired and wireless gamepads. The original Xbox’s controllers are not compatible with the Xbox 360.The wireless controllers run on either AA batteries (Alkaline or rechargeable) or a rechargeable battery pack. The wired controllers may be connected to any of the three (one at the rear, two at the front) USB ports located on the console, or to a USB hub.

Design

The Xbox 360 controller has the same basic familiar button layout as the Controller S except that a few of the auxiliary buttons have been moved. The “back” and “start” buttons have been moved to a more central position on the face of the controller, and the “white” and “black” buttons have been removed and replaced with two new shoulder buttons that are positioned over the analog triggers on the back of the controller. The controller has a standard headphone jack on the back so that the user can plug in a headset for voice communication during game play.

Colors

Wired controllers are only available in white. However wireless controllers are available in numerous different colors including:

Standard Controller Colors
•    White controllers are bundled with the Arcade console, also sold separately
•    Black controllers come with the Elite to match the case, also sold separately.
•    Dark Blue controllers were released in October 2007 (USA only).
•    Light Blue controllers were released in October 2007 (Europe and Japan only).
•    Pink controllers were also released in October 2007.

Limited or Special Edition Controller Colors

•    Halo 3 ‘Spartan Green’ controllers were included with the Halo 3 Special Edition Xbox 360 systems released in September 2007.

•    Halo 3 Spartan “Limited Edition” controllers were released in September 2007 and feature Halo 3 themed artwork from artist Todd McFarlane. The Spartan controller also included a Master Chief Figurine.
•    Halo 3 Covenant “Limited Edition” controllers were released in September 2007 and feature Halo 3 themed artwork from artist Todd McFarlane. The Covenant controller also included a different Master Chief figurine.

•    Red “Limited Edition” controllers were released in September 2008. The controller features ‘black accents’ with the D-Pad, analog sticks, triggers and parts of the casing all changed to black instead to the usual gray. It comes bundled with a Play & Charge Kit and a red rechargeable battery pack. The red controller is also included with the Limited Edition Resident Evil Xbox 360 Elite console released in March 2009. As of October 2009, this controller is still available to buy, so it is unknown how limited it will be.

•    Green “Limited Edition” controllers were released in mid October 2008 in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The green controller has a direction pad with 16-way functionality, instead of the 8-way direction pad used on all previous controllers. This controller was released alongside Pro Evolution Soccer 2009.

•    Dragon Design “Limited Edition” White and Black controllers were released in October 2008 and are available only through Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club. The controller features a black dragon (and other symbols) on a white background, along with a white D-pad and black analog sticks. It comes bundled with a black wired headset.

•    Halo 3: ODST “Special Edition” controllers were released in September 2009 in a “Collector’s Pack” including the Halo 3: ODST game. The pack is exclusive to GameStop and retails for $99.99.

•    Radioactive Design “Exclusive” controllers were released in October 2009 and are available exclusively at GameStop. The design features a carbon black pad with a red radioactive symbol emanating from the right analog stick. The left analog stick is black and the right analog stick and D-pad are red. This controller was announced at Major Nelson’s website and is said to be limited edition although the packaging makes no reference to this. It comes bundled with a Play & Charge Kit and a black rechargeable battery pack.

Competition Prize Controller Colors

•    Yellow controllers were included with the 100 The Simpsons Special Edition Xbox 360 systems announced in May 2007, and given away as prizes in special events and promotions.

Guide button
The Xbox 360 controller has a Guide button in the center of its face that provides a new functionality. This button is surrounded by a ring of lights divided into four quadrants that provide gamers with different types of information during game play. (Incidentally, the “ring of light” power button on the console also provides this function.) For instance, during a split screen multiplayer match, a particular quadrant will light up to indicate to a player which part of the screen he or she is playing on at that time. The Guide button can also light up to let a player know he has received a message from another gamer. In this case, when the user pushes the button, he or she visits the Xbox dashboard (the equivalent of a PC’s desktop). The dashboard provides access to features like messaging friends, downloading content, voice chat and customizing soundtracks, all while staying in the game. The Guide button also allows users to turn off the controller or the console by holding the Guide button longer.

Accessories

Battery packs

The battery pack for the Xbox 360 controller is nickel metal hydride. The pack provides up to 25 hours of continuous gaming for the wireless controller. It is recommended in place of disposable AA batteries (which differ slightly in voltage). It also ships as part of the Play & Charge Kit and as part of the Quick Charge Kit. Third party rechargeable battery pack kits are also available. Although the official rechargeable battery pack is nickel metal hydride, on the normal (AA) battery casing states “use only Alkaline battery” whereas it’s common to find nickel metal hydride AA rechargeable battery.

Wireless Gaming Receiver

While PS3/Wii wireless controllers use bluetooth (and can be used with any PC), Xbox 360 communicates over a closed 2.4 GHz protocol and requires a specific adapter. At E3 2006, Microsoft announced the Wireless Gaming Receiver (sold as Crossfire Wireless Gaming Receiver in the UK), which allows all wireless Xbox 360 accessories to be used on a Windows-based PC. This allows PC and Xbox 360 owners to use their wireless gamepads, racing wheels, and headset on their computer. The device acts in a similar manner to an Xbox 360 as it allows up to 4 controllers and 4 headsets at a time to be connected to the receiver. The device has a 30 foot (10 meters) range and a six foot (2 meters) USB cable.

It is specifically designed to work with games bearing the “Games for Windows” logo, but will function with most games that permit a standard PC gamepad. The wireless device was released on February 16, 2007. It is notable that the official Xbox website says that the adapter will work with ‘all future wireless devices’. However, it is also worth noting that the racing wheel still does not have force feedback support as of now. It is yet to be confirmed if the receiver supports the Lips microphones and the Rock Band and Guitar Hero instruments. Also an issue that has arisen from this product is the amount of power in which the receiver draws. There have been many reportsthat the receiver will work for days, weeks, or couple of months then fail to “receive” the signal from the Xbox 360 controller. This problem has been solved by users rather than Microsoft by either purchasing a new PCI USB hub or a self-powered USB hub. However other users report that some USB devices still won’t work while the receiver plugged in, even after using a powered USB hub. Example: SOME USB headphones & microphones, bluetooth controllers, USB wireless network cards & some mass storage devices. This Wireless Gaming Receiver has been discontinued.

Play and charge kit

The Play and Charge kit allows the controller to be recharged while playing a game by plugging the wireless controller into a USB port. The kit also includes the rechargeable battery pack. It should also be noted that the Play and Charge kit allows use of a wireless controller without a battery pack, however Microsoft recommends using a AA pack (empty) to avoid damage to the exposed battery compartment. Microsoft currently does not support it to be used as a wired controller, however it does transmit data letting the host know that it is a wireless controller via a Play and Charge kit. wireless is still used for data communication and the Play and Charge kit therefore need not be plugged into the console itself to function. Any USB port may be used for the player’s convenience. The Play and Charge cable also allows automatic pairing of the Wireless controller with the host (i.e. an Xbox 360 or a Windows PC with the wireless receiver).

The Play and Charge Kit batteries are generic 1300mah AA(LR6) nimh cells. Such cells are readily available in 4 packs up to 3,000mah. With 2,000-2,600mah batteries being commonThere have been notable issues regarding this item. Reportedly, after more than six hours, the charge light will sometimes stay red, meaning that the controller is not fully charged. Some have also noted that the wireless controller may become dependant of thecharger, causing the need for it to be plugged in at all times, therefore negating its
purpose.

Xbox 360 Messenger Kit

Microsoft released a small keyboard suitable for messaging in September 2007, coinciding with the launch of Xbox Live Windows Live Messenger on Xbox 360. Released on September 4, 2007, the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit includes a wired headset. (Older Xbox 360 wired headsets cannot connect to the Chatpad due to the lack of the side pins).

Although the Chatpad can be used to communicate with people that are on Xbox Live and Windows-based PCs, Microsoft does not currently provide drivers to make the Chatpad itself work with a PC. There has been no official word when, if ever, a driver will be released. However, there have been some attempts at a workaround.

USB HID-compliant keyboards can be plugged directly into the console and will work in the same way.

Source from wikipedia

Peripheral maker MSY announced that it has signed a deal with America’s Mad Catz for the release of Mad Catz peripherals which called “Minicon” and “Cyborg Rumble Pad for Xbox 360 and PC“in the Japanese market.

“Minicon”

“Minicon” is designed for female, such as relatively small players in hand by the Xbox 360 controller , the overall configuration the same as the standard Xbox 360 controller, but the size is smaller, with non-slip rubber pads on both sides and fire function.

“Minicon” is scheduled to release on September 3, with  3129  Japanese Yen of the price.

Cyborg Rumble Pad for Xbox 360 and PC

“Cyborg Rumble Pad” is a variable with a unique design configuration of the Xbox 360 controller, the left side of the cross and the left analog joystick button used removable modular design, players may change the configuration of two in accordance with the habit of theirs. “Cyborg Rumble Pad for Xbox 360 and PC” is scheduled to launch on September 3, with  4515 Japanese Yen of the price.

MSY offers a variety of peripherals for PCs, portables and consoles.

Microsoft released Xbox 360 Red Black game controller. It looks very cool. Red Black game controller is schedule for selling on October15 in North American, but currently only limited to GameStop / EB Games exclusive sale.

This Red Black game controller is belong to Microsoft’s play-and-charge.Besides game controller, it comes with batteries and charger, priced at 70 dollars (expensive $25 than ordinary Xbox 360 controller).

A gamepad (also called joypad or control pad), is a type of game controller held in the hand, where the digits (especially thumbs) are used to provide input.

First, gamepad theory analysis

Regardless of any interface, any form of game controllers, it can be seen be made up of direction of axis and the key component. The direction of axis equipped with sensors in up,down, left, and right directions (using the X, Y-axis parameters determine the location). It will produce a corresponding electronic signals when the user clicks on one or more of the following directions, then pass through the interface to a computer for analysis and calculations to determine the direction of movement and displacement. The key
part of is an address corresponding to each key, when pressed it to produce results.

Second, the classification of gamepad

For now, the most common classification is based on the use of the gamepad, you can divide the gamepad into three categories: ordinary handles, flight joystick, steering wheel.

Ordinary Gamepad
Ordinary Gamepad is also known as fighting handle,which is the most common and most widely used of the game controller. Its shape is relatively uniform, Gamepads generally feature a set of action buttons handled with the right thumb and a direction controller handled with the left.

Ordinary Gamepad is best suited to fighting combatants spar game in third-person perspective, but its scope of application is quite extensive, including fighting games, sports games (basketball or football), and even flight and racing games.

Flight Joystick
Flight Joystick is mainly used to play a variety of flight simulation games, and its appearance on the full simulation the joystick of the plane, a large installed base can be surrounded with a swing of the grip, in the pole installation with many buttons, allowing the player to fully experience the thrill of flying. Flight rocker’s biggest drawback is its applicable scope is limited, and the price is relatively more expensive.

Steering wheel

Steering wheel is used for racing game. For advocate of “Need for Speed” and “F1 Racing”, a steering wheel make you fully experience the sense of speed racing game. Its shape is similar to a real car steering wheel.

The shortcomings of the steering wheel is also a narrower scope of application and price of more expensive, but some manufacturers integrate the direction of the steering wheel controls and buttons, the steering wheel can also be used as a normal handle.

Other special gamepad

Apart from the above, the dancing blanket is also a game controller, its principles and general game handles exactly the same, but control way is different (foot control).

Of course, you can make classification according to interface, it can be divided into parallel, serial, MIDI interface, USB interface, or wireless interface.

Third, notes on choosing the gamepad

Please keep following notes in mind :
*New technology can not be ignored
*Brand represent of the value
*Checking can not be ignored

Fourth, understand the gamepad technology

With the more and more enthusiastic game players, companies using a variety of game control technology to make the game more convienient and more realistic gaming experience.

Key programming
Key programming technology has become a standard game controller technology, the use of key programming techniques, we can set the program to change the corresponding button on the handle on the game control functions, and can use a button on the handle to achieve a combination of features instead of multiple buttons.

Force feedback technology
Gamepad force feedback technology makes players feel the real force in the game. It can reflect collision, friction in game and enhance the fun.The principle of force feedback technology is CPU calculating player’s movement and producing vibration by using command to control force feedback system in game, to simulate the result of game.

G-Title Technology
G-Title technology is evolved by the force feedback technology, but more real than it. The theory is installing a gravity sensor to game controller, you can tilt send commands by tilting controller.