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RadioWave
Score: 95%
Developer: Sylvania
Device Type: Power


Function:

The RadioWave is good for everything you'd do with your OEM PlayStation controller, but without the wires dangling across the room and the distance limitation.

With its Radio Frequency wireless control, you are no longer tethered to your PS2. The RadioWave also features a nice, strong vibration feature, something not always found on wireless controllers.


Performance:

The RadioWave works very well. I tested its range and found that with fresh batteries, I could easily exceed the box's claim of 25 feet; I tried the controller from across the street with J. R. Nip letting me know if the PS2 was still receiving my commands. I haven't found any problems with anything blocking my signal or causing interference.

The wireless is good, but it's a wireless gamepad, so it's only as good as the gamepad itself. Luckily, the RadioWave feels nice in the hands - a bit large and slightly heavier than an OEM controller, but very comfortable to use. The response is tight, and the controls are laid out much in the same manner as the OEM PS2 controller.

The real question to ask when reviewing a gamepad such as this is, "Would I use it instead of the controller I normally use?" In my case, I typically use the original PS2 controller; I have a lot of other controllers, but I've always found that Sony's PS2 controller fits nicely in my hand and simply works well. The RadioWave is a bit heavier, but the wireless aspect makes up for it. I can change positions, lay down, sit up, move around, sit where I like... and keep playing the whole time. This freedom makes it quite a contender for first choice in a controller. How much downtime my RadioWave sees will probably be heavily dependent on how well the batteries last and how long it takes for me to actually get new batteries when the old ones die. This is not necessarily a trivial matter, however, with the price of batteries. I would suggest the use of rechargeable batteries with the RadioWave.


Features:
  • Compatible with PlayStation, PS One and PlayStation 2
  • Multi tap Compatible
  • Radio Frequency Wireless Remote Gamepad
  • Range up to* 25 feet (*Over, In My Tests.)
  • Strong Vibration Function
  • Vibration ON/OFF Switch
  • Auto Power Off (Conserves Battery Life)
  • Controller Automatically Links to RF channel
  • Eight (8) RF Channels to Choose From
  • NOTE: Requires 4 AAA batteries (Not Included)

Drawbacks & Problems::

Well, first off, I never found the whole "Batteries Not Included" thing to be very charming. You want to make me happy, you put the batteries in the box. It's not like they were thinking, "Well, I'm not sure if they'll want to use batteries in it or not, so I'll let them decide."; this thing requires batteries. Without them it's a PlayStation Official Licensed Paperweight.

Beyond that, the only problem I've ever had with the RadioWave controller is the Auto Power Off feature. If you play fast action games, it probably won't be an issue, but if you don't do anything for a bit, the controller will shut off to save batteries. This takes a bit of getting used to.

Finally, batteries themselves are a mixed blessing. Yes, you can lose the cords, but you have to replace batteries at some point, and there's always a cost involved in that. All these things considered, the RadioWave is an excellent controller if you're looking for a bit of freedom while playing your PS2 games. For more info, check them out at www.radiowavecontrol.com.


-Geck0, GameVortex Communications
AKA Robert Perkins

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Game Vortex :: PSIllustrated