Name:  - AIRPLAY 2 RADIO WIRELESS
Airplay Description:
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MULTITAP Compatible - Up to 16 players
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Programmable, auto repeat
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reLOAD battery in 1 second; low battery indicator; auto pause and power down mode
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High performance quad triggers
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Ultra-tough power grip design
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Play from 25' away - can't be blocked
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1/14/2001 - Back in the good old days of the Nintendo, someone brought to market a wireless controller. We were promised no more tangling of cords. No more unplugging when a quick burst of excitement thrust the controller into the air (or onto the floor). And most importantly, no more of having your sitting position be confined by the precut, prepackaged, and predetermined lengths of controller cables. The time had come for a cordless solution to a growing problem among gamers. Or had it? The truth is that the controllers were using infared technology. You know, the same technology that the TV remotes of the time used. One had to maintain a clear line of sight between you and the base unit, which was plugged into the base of the Nintendo system itself. One jerk behind a "cold one" sitting on the coffee table in front of you during the heat of combat would most surely result in a momentary loss of control and possibly the game. Infared was great for remote controls, but not for game controllers. The solution to the problem ended up being a bigger problem than the obstacle it was meant to fix.
Airplay, using RF (Radio Frequency) technology has managed to tackle these obstacles and more with their latest wireless offering for the PS1 and PS2 console units.
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ZWORM Review Breakdown
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78
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| First Impression |
Right out of the box, this controller gave me flash backs to the days of a bygone era of Top Gun, Nightrider, and GI Joe action figures. With an impressive jet aircraft flying through a lightning storm graphic laid over the top of this unit, I couldn't help but think that I wasn't in the age group that this product was intended for. Upon closer inspection, the unit spoke of creative design and clever innovations in a wireless controller solution. After years of a wireless void in my gaming life, I was anxious to put this unit to the test. |
7.0
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| Game(s) Included |
Zero. Pretty much average these days. |
5.0
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| Looks |
With the graphic aside, this controller looks rather sharp. The smooth black plastic case nicely contrasts with clear blue buttons and directional pad. Traditional R1, R2, L1, and L2 buttons have been replaced with trigger like levers that have been fashioned in clear blue plastic, as well. |
8.0
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| Comfort |
The longer than stock grips proved to be very pleasing to me. The action buttons and directional pad just seemed to feel like they were in their natural position. The most comfortable aspect of this unit was its freedom from wires. |
8.0
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| Construction |
The unit looks and feels like it was well constructed. No squishy plastic that creeks within your grip is always a plus. The controller isn't overly heavy when considering the extra hardware which lies concealed beneath the shell. |
12.0
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| Playability |
This is where this controller does not disappoint. At obstructed distances of up to 25 feet, this unit reported no loss of control. Truly amazing. This controller played as well as other high quality units that have wires. The triggers, on the other hand, took some time to get used to. They just didn't feel natural to me. |
13.0
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| Value (price for what you get) |
At $39.99 MSRP this controller is clearly grouped among some of the premier wired controllers for the Playstation consoles. One must decide if they want a wireless solution that performs very well or a wired controller that offers many more features like throttle wheels, mini joysticks, and padded buttons. If going wireless is for you, this is money well spent. |
13.0
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| Recommend to Others |
If a solid, well built wireless controller is what you're looking for, you should give Airplay a shot. I was overall very pleased with the playability and the responsiveness of this unit. Is there finally a wireless controller that doesn't disappoint when it comes to quick, non interrupted gameplay? Airplay answers with a resounding YES! |
12.0
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RECOMMENDATIONS to the Vendor
ZWORM
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Either illuminate the buttons and directional pad or paint them. At times I had to look down and search to make sure I was pressing the right button.
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Padded grips and buttons is always a welcome addition.
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Move the Power button away from the action buttons. I inadvertently turned the unit off more than once in the heat of battle.
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In a society where style is more important than substance, more of the gaming market might be more attracted to the unit with a more conservative styling approach.
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