CES 2010 Hands On: Splitfish Dual SFX Evolution controller

The Dual SFX Evolution is an interesting take on third-party controllers. Usually we simply see a controller redesigned to look cool but doesn’t add anything extra outside of physical aesthetics.

The Dual SFX Evolution PS3 controller(s), however, is not only eye catching but practical and very easy to use.

During CES I visited Splitfish’s suite and got my hands on its dual wireless controllers. At first glance you may think this is the PS3′s version of a Nunchuck but I assure you it’s more than that.

Each controller is highly customizable in that you can set macro’s to any button you like. Both controllers also have built-in motion controls that can be turned off at any time. In order to really see how well Splitfish’s motion controls were, I played Need for Speed Prostreet.

I never thought I could comfortably play a racing game with one hand but I was proven wrong. The Dual SFX Evolution had a good weight, easy to access buttons and had remarkably accurate motion controls. The Dual SFX Evolution uses infared to detect movement. I didn’t have to point the controller at the screen to get the car to move the way I wanted. Another neat motion feature allows you to flick your wrist to change gears if you’re driving the car manually. I did all of this leaning back in a chair and using only my right hand.

This new control scheme does have a bit of a learning curve. The top of the controllers has three buttons instead of two. Instinctively I considered R2 to be the last shoulder button and not in the middle. I also have to get used to the half circle of face buttons. I would have liked the face buttons to correspond to its positions on the original PS3 controller. For instance the X button is to the top right of the analog stick instead of the bottom right. Of course, all the actions from these buttons can be changed but you’ll basically have to tell your brain to not listen to your eyes.

The Dual SFX Evolution is available now for $89.99.

Read [Gamertell at CES]