Mini Pro Elite Wireless for PS3

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List Price: $39.99
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This compares two controllers from the same company. Both are rather similar and are made to be closer to the Xbox 360 controller, I feel. The mini Blue controller is RF and thus cannot turn on the PS3. It can turn off the PS3 though, since that is done from an on screen menu. It has a dedicated RF dongle, feels well built and comfortable, and illuminates well. The controller is about 30% smaller than a typical PS3 controller by comparison. This is roughly 50% smaller than an Xbox 360 controller. Due to this, it is not as comfortable as the 360 controller. But, I feel it is more comfortable than the standard PS3 controller.

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This controller was purchased for a five year old. The dual shock controllers are too large for a child's hands and do not allow them to reach all the buttons without changing hand position constantly. I have noticed that with this controller she is finally able to press buttons in fast combinations. This allows for less frustration and the faster response is aiding in the development of small motor skills. Game enjoyment has increased as well. She loves the fact that this controller has back lit buttons (something worth taunting me on as mine does not). For someone that hasn't memorized the controller layout, this is a positive when playing a game with minimal lighting. The rumble seems to work just fine. I have noticed no response lag when gaming. I don't know why the D-Pad and left joystick were swapped, but the controller's primary user doesn't seem to mind. The internal battery charges through USB and cannot be accessed, similar to the Sony controllers (and a plus to me).

As with all third party accessories, not all functions are available with this controller. I didn't ding the rating for them, but you wont be able to check the battery charge level through the PS3, or turn the controller off using the onscreen menu. That said, the controller does turn off on its own after a few minutes of non-use, which is a good approach for a child. the battery has lasted for a number of hour or two gaming sessions and hasn't required a charge since the initial charge three weeks ago. I don't intend to allow this to be used for marathon gaming sessions, so it is good for us.

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After playing the 360 for years and loving the controller, I needed a PS3 controller with a similar layout. I first tried the Pro EX Controller for PS3 but couldn't deal with the huge dead zones in the sticks. I went for this controller instead.

I was a little worried about the size of the controller being too small to be comfortable. I have average-sized hands, and before I ordered this, I held a standard 360 controller in my hand. It felt great, and I couldn't imagine a smaller version feeling better. I decided to take the chance anyway, and I ordered the controller.

Let me tell you, this controller feels and looks great. My hands are just as comfortable with this Mini Pro Elite as they are with a regular 360 controller. Because it is smaller, I feel that I can access all of the buttons faster because they are in closer range. I don't detect any dead zones in the sticks, the buttons and vibrations feel great, and the battery seems to last a very long time. The battery life may be the most impressive feature on this controller.

You charge the controller with the standard USB cable you would use to charge any other PS3 controller, and you can charge while playing. This will take up two USB slots, however, as you need to keep the wireless plug-in, well, plugged in.

There is a button on the back of the controller that will light up the face buttons and the bumpers (well, L1 and R1, I suppose). It is a nice feature, albeit one that I do not use because I'm familiar with the buttons and would rather save the battery life.

This is a wireless controller, not a bluetooth one, so it will not power on your PS3, nor will it show remaining battery life (your controller will instead start blinking when you're running low). It can still access the menu to change controller settings and turn off the controller/console though.

Now, for the 'BUT..'

At least one other reviewer mentioned a problem with the controller only wanting to move in one direction after a few weeks. It is as if your analog stick is stuck going in one direction. Mine only wants to move to the right, and this of course makes the controller useless. It seems that some of the controllers are defective and will develop this bug, so be warned you may have to return/exchange it like I do. In this case, I suggest you buy from Amazon directly. They are sending me a replacement with One-day Shipping, and allowing me a month to return the defective controller all at no cost to me! What a great returns policy. This is why I will continue to buy from Amazon above other retailers.

Overall, I really love this controller, and it would have easily gotten 5 stars from me if not for the potential bug some users may experience. If you're on the fence about trying it though, GET IT! It is a great little controller and more comfortable than you'd think.

SUMMARY

Pros:

-long battery life

-comfortable!

-good sticks, no dead zone

-one of the best 360-style PS3 controller that I've found

Cons:

-Potential controller-ruining bug where analog will get 'stuck' in one direction

*EDIT*

Unfortunately, my replacement controller has developed the same bug that locks the left analog stick in one direction. How.. annoying. I can't keep my rating at 4 stars for this. It pains me to say that I'll have to find another controller.

This controller had so much going for it, but in the end it just isn't worth the risk.

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Was looking for a replacement PS3 controller and prefer the xbox 360 design. The min pro looked like a perfect fit. When it arrived, the construction appeared sturdy but this is when things went downhill. Started charging the controller and was looking forward to using it. After three hours, I noticed it was still charging. I thought at this point I would at least use it on a partial charge. When I tried to turn on the controller nothing happens. I leave the controller on overnight and still nothing. It works fine when powered by usb but nothing without it. In other words, it does not operate as a WIRELESS controller.

I am rating this controller a disappointing piece of trash as I wanted a wireless controller and the product did not work as promised. It is not worth the time to send back to amazon but at least I can write this review to warn others to look elsewhere. I guess you get what you pay for.

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These controllers look cool but they do not get the job done when you are trying to play, the control stick hardly works and there are many deadspots in the controller itself, save your money and buy the Playstation dualshock controllers it will ber worrth it.