Joytech Neo S Controller

Added November 22nd, 2004 by DylanH

Buying third party accessories has always been a good way to save money, but, unfortunately, some of those accessories turn out to be very subpar. Fortunately, this isn't the case with the Neo S Controller from Joytech. Joytech has managed to release a controller that closely mimics the first party controllers we all know and love, while still keeping several features from Microsoft's Controller S. The size, general button placement, identical thumbsticks, and Start and Back button placement all come from the original, which is a good thing since the official line of Xbox controllers had a well designed layout, and this makes the switch from 1st party to 3rd quite a bit easier.





One of the main reasons Microsoft designed the S controller was because of complaints about the size of the original controller, semi-affectionately dubbed "The Duke". When put side to side, the Neo S is actually a little smaller than the S, making for an ideal pad, at least for those with small hands. Overall the buttons themselves are a mixed bag. The A, B, X, Y, White and Black buttons all feel great while giving a very satisfying click when depressed. But, all is not perfect, because the Back and Start Buttons both feel rather cheap, but that is alleviated somewhat by the thumbsticks, which are simpy fantastic, and are very similar to the S controller, except for offering slightly more resistance.





I mentioned earlier that it was styled similarly to the original controller, it also has some unique features. The Neo S controller features rubber grips which makes keeping a hold of it easier, especially when your hands become clammy after a long session of Halo 2 for example. One feature that I especially loved was the vibration slider on the back, which allows for adjusting the vibration to half the intensity... or to even turn it off altogether. In the end, despite a few flaws, the Neo S controller can be easily recommended to anyone with small hands, or who are just looking to save a few bucks.

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