Razer Wildcat

I’M GENERALLY OF THE OPINION that the best way to play PC games is to use a keyboard and mouse. I recognize there’s a need for steering wheels and flight sticks, but in my experience, these tend to spend more time gathering dust than being used. And controllers are best left for those dumb consoles. Having said that, games reviewers are often found citing that a particular game is “best played with a controller.” For me, this generally meant grabbing a barely-used Xbox 360 controller, until I laid hands on the Razer Wildcat. And I have to say it produces a far more positive experience than I expected—it’s amazing in fact.

For a start, it’s incredibly comfortable to use—something that’s improved by those unsightly, and ill-fitting, green pads, which help the more-sweaty-ofpalm to stay in control. The rubbercoated analog sticks don’t ping out from under your thumbs either. Then there’s the wealth of buttons hidden underneath. There’s a total of eight extra triggers alongside the four traditional buttons on the top—more than enough for most games. You’ll have to adopt a slightly different grip to access them all, but this feat of dexterity is well worth it.

Having battled with dodgy controller drivers over the years, it’s reassuring that the Wildcat just works straight out of the box, too. You can install Synapse if you want, but I didn’t have a problem using it without doing so. The only potential fly in the ointment is the cost, but if you’re seriously into your gaming, this is a treat you could probably convince yourself you need. Color us impressed. $131, www.razerzone.com