Special Notes: This appears to be primarily marketed as an Xbox 360 pad, and while it does support PC play out of the box you would do well to pick up Saitek’s ’SST’ software for improved functionality. That can be downloaded here. Also, this item should not be confused with the similarly named and designed Saitek P3200 for PC only, which costs a few dollars less but is indeed only for computers. This review covers the Xbox 360/PC dual-use controller.
When it comes to general purpose gamepads, there is only one ultimate question: "Does it work with most of the games I own?" It’s fine if the controller that shipped with your game console doesn’t do well in specialized genres, but it better work with the majority of your other titles. Microsoft’s stock controller for the Xbox 360 does fine in most of these aspects, except for a hideous d-pad that makes it almost worthless for games that need a good d-pad; Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and other ’old school’ classics immediately come to mind. That’s where the Saitek P3200 for Xbox 360 comes in; it has most of the same features as the stock controller, but features a much better d-pad and moves the analog sticks to a Playstation style layout.
Its features are basic, and essentially a one-to-one match of the stock 360 pad but with a different layout; there are four main buttons, a d-pad, two analog sticks, two bumper buttons, two triggers, the Guide button, and start and back buttons. It has all the same features, so the real difference is how they’re implemented. Fortunately, the P3200 is as good or better than the stock 360 controller in almost every way.
Most of these features are so similar to the stock pad that you won’t notice any difference (which is to say the buttons are responsive, the triggers feel fine, and so on). The major changes are that this Saitek pad is very slightly larger than a stock pad, the d-pad and left analog stick switched places for a Playstation style layout, the d-pad is much better in quality, and this controller uses a long USB cable to connect to your console. That last part is both a perk and flaw; it no longer needs batteries, but you lose wireless play.
The d-pad is the most important change, consisting of a circular pad that sinks slightly into the controller. This concave disc shape makes it good for circular motions, and it is decent at most others as well. The most important part is it doesn’t seemingly random press other directions like the stock 360 controller does, which means various classic games from the Xbox Live Arcade catalog are much easier to play. The analog sticks are also notably different, being slightly taller and looser than the stock 360 controller’s, while also featuring distinct concave grips on top; they should fit most thumbs fairly well, and give the P3200 a very different feel that some players may appreciate.
Next: General Xbox 360 use and observations.
