The MadCatz FPS Pro controller is a customised take on the standard 360 controller, offering improvements on design, weight, sensitivity and functionality.

If you have ever considered trying to 'up' your game by delving into the world of customized gaming peripherals, then the FPS Pro could be right up your street.

FEATURES:

Quick fire triggers
Back-lit Analog stick modules
Non-Slip Grips
10ft(3m) cable
XL ''Combat'' Buttons
Vibration Feedback Technology


Some of the most infuriating things for me as a gamer can be when i start to loose my grip on the controller, the batteries die mid gunfight, my controller starts to feel sluggish after weeks of abuse or simply when my thumbs start to hurt!
It appears that whoever designed this controller suffered the same fate as me, as MadCatz have attempted to rectify, or at least address them all. 
I spent pretty much all day and night putting the controller through its paces, on various games including Battlefield, Call of Duty and FIFA. 

So what do the features listed above offer us, the gamer? Are they just a gimmick? Or can they improve your game or experience?


First lets talk about the Quick Fire Triggers.
Don't be mistaken, these are not the triggers that make you fire everything full auto! To put it simply, you don't have to press the triggers or bumpers in as far as you do with standard controllers to get the desired action.
This quick press idea works extremely well, although it wasn't entirely evident at first, as I waded in with full auto weapons and the gentle touch of an elephant. However when i switched to single fire weapons this addition shined through wonderfully. This 'hair trigger' allowed a much faster rate of single fire than the standard controller. 
It also felt like there was less strain on my index fingers as i wasn't having to pull down on them quite as hard.


The back-lit analog sticks are a gimmick to be sure. But a very cool one! You have the option to designate a colour to each individual stick, or have them both the same, the choice is yours.
Choose from Red, Green or Orange to pimp your pad. Looks pretty cool in the dark and they are bright enough to be evident in the day.
However, thats not all the sticks can do.
Much to my surprise the sticks seem to be more sensitive than the standard controller. 
My normal sensitivity when I play Call of Duty is set to 10. Although when using this controller I had to reduce it to 7. They seem much more responsive. This led to some problems at first as I had to almost 'retrain' myself to move quickly without losing my ability to aim quickly.
The non-slip grips are a great addition. I often find my palms becoming a bit clammy over extended periods of intense gaming but I didn't have this problem once whilst using this controller. The general feel of the grips and the entire controller is pleasant. It doesn't become slippy or uncomfortable. The lack of battery and the material its made from result in a lightweight, comfortable pad.
This controller is powered via the usb port on your Xbox 360. So no need for batteries, whilst this great to avoid those annoying times when your batteries die mid gunfight. It does add another cable to a system that is by its nature, designed to use wireless technology.
However the cable is definately long enough for you to be sat in your normal comfy positions, and it is small and lightweight enough to not be an annoyance or leave you feel weighted down.
The only problem i discovered was that it would become tangled with wires from my headset on occasion, but a bit of ingenuity by myself and I soon over came this problem and to be honest, after a while I completely forgot that this was a wired controller.
The 'Combat Buttons are an interesting addition. They give you the option of mapping two control options to buttons at the back. Be it the 'B' button or the left stick button. Some slight training of the hand and I was soon finding a use for them, allowing me to go prone quicker, or reload whilst still being able to run and look, the choice is yours.
They did feel slightly odd and a bit uncomfortable to use at first, and remembering they were there was a difficult task to start with, but with continued use things became a bit easier, and I'm sure with further use and practice they will become second nature as with any other control option. One thing is for certain, if you master them, you will become more effective.


I am really enjoying using this controller, its very familiar to me obviously, its a 360 controller! But there are enough subtle differences to make it feel like a new experience, the D-Pad is like the PS3, the A,X,Y,B buttons are slightly more raised and pronounced, the bumpers slightly smaller, the weight and feel.

I was dubious at first, I found it hard to believe that a controller could actually improve your game. However MadCatz have converted me, I know that with time, this controller will definately make a difference. Its a tricky transition to start with. But one that im sure will be worthwhile.

If your looking at getting a new controller would like to give yourself that competitive edge, then I highly recommend this controller.

A PS3 version is also available, however I have only experienced the 360 version so cannot comment on that.

The controller is available in 'Army Green' or 'Swat Blue' and retails at around £39.99.