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Nyko Zero Wireless Controller (PS3)

Manufacturer: Nyko Technologies Part number: 83009

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$39.99 - $59.99 at 3 online stores

CNET Editor rating:
3.0 stars Good
Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 2 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: The Nyko Zero Wireless controller makes for a decent secondary or back-up controller, but doesn't fully match the comfort and performance of the DualShock 3.
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CNET editors' review

Nyko Zero Wireless Controller (PS3)

price range: $39.99 - $59.99

Reviewed by: Jeff Bakalar
Edited by: John P. Falcone
Reviewed on: 04/08/2008

The good: Wireless controller that combines rumble and motion control for PlayStation 3 games; includes removable rechargeable battery and USB charging cable; backlit buttons; less expensive than DualShock 3.

The bad: Poor D-pad controls; requires a USB dongle; springy analog sticks.

The bottom line: The Nyko Zero Wireless controller makes for a decent secondary or back-up controller, but doesn't fully match the comfort and performance of the DualShock 3.

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When Sony announced that the PlayStation 3 Sixaxis controller wouldn't include the same force feedback feature found on the PS2, it looked as if we might have to endure the PlayStation 3's entire life cycle without the satisfying rumble effects we've become so familiar with. Sony has since announced (September 2007) and released (April 2008) a rumble-compatible controller called--predictably--the DualShock 3. But the DualShock 3 wasn't the first rumble controller for the PS3. Beating it by at least a few weeks was the Nyko Zero Wireless Controller. On the surface, it delivers the same features (rumble plus six-axis motion control) as the DualShock--despite retailing for as much as $10 less than the official Sony controller. Setting up the Zero Wireless was completely painless. Just take the included USB dongle and attach it to your PlayStation 3. Turn on your Zero Wireless and once the LED indicator light shows a solid red on both the dongle and your controller, you're connected and ready to start playing.

When you first pick up the Zero Wireless, you'll immediately notice its long grips that fit nicely in your hands. For those who are familiar with the DualShock design, you'll feel that the controller forces your hands closer together than with the Dual Shock's, which can be awkward at first and may take some getting used to. You'll also notice the weight of the Zero Wireless. At 9.6 ounces, it's noticeably heavier than the original Sixaxis (5 ounces) and the DualShock 3 (7 ounces).

The Zero Wireless has two analog sticks--also closer together than on the DualShock. While we liked the rubber grip covers on the Nyko better than the DualShock, the analog sticks on the Zero Wireless are much springier than with the Sony. Thus, you'll get a much more accurate control using the DualShock than with the Zero Wireless. We did have a complaint regarding the placement of the rear L and R buttons as well. While we enjoyed the fact that both L2 and R2 are more tradition trigger buttons than on the DualShock, their placement is awkward in regard to the overly large L1 and R1 buttons. It requires a less natural movement of the fingers than compared with a DualShock controller. But our biggest problem with the Zero Wireless is the controller's dreaded D-pad. We didn't think it was possible, but it's even worse than the Xbox 360 controller's D-pad. Not only is it very loose, but also the plastic covering piece is such that you'll accidentally hit two directions at once. The Nyko controller also has four backlit buttons which looked especially cool when we dimmed our testing room's lights.

The Zero can be used with a rechargeable battery or a snap-on AA battery pack.

We were happy to see that--unlike the DualShock 3--the Zero Wireless controller has a removable rechargeable battery pack. Also, Nyko includes a AA battery pack in case you don't want to play while recharging (which means being tethered to your PlayStation 3). Nyko even threw in an extra-long 10-foot USB cable for good measure.

We tested the Zero Wireless with Heavenly Sword, Condemned 2, and MLB 08: The Show. (The rumble feature is only available in a limited number of supported titles--though it's been retroactively added to some older games.) While the vibration wasn't as effective with a beat-em-up action game such as Heavenly Sword, the motion control worked just as well as the DualShock when we used it to direct the trajectory of an archer's arrow. The Nyko controller was also able to deliver varying amounts of feedback as needed in MLB 08 to distinguish the strike zone when pitching. The vibration was most satisfying when it was coupled with that of a gunshot, as in Condemned 2.

While Nyko prices the Zero Wireless at $60 on their company site, you'll have no problem finding it in stores for about $45, which is about $10 cheaper than the DualShock 3's retail price. If Nyko had been able to deliver the Zero a year earlier, it would've found a receptive audience. But now that the official DualShock 3 is out, the Zero is far less attractive, even with its slightly lower price (the street price is about $45.) As it stands, we'd recommend the Zero Wireless as a secondary controller only, as it can't match the comfort and performance of the Sony-branded DualShock 3.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 2 reviews
My rating: 0 stars

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8 stars

very good but has major flaws

by lpskinz on May 4, 2008

Pros: Long Charging cable, removable battery, xbox 360 controller like feel

Cons: Analog stick breaks easily

Summary: I bought this controller because I absolutely hate the sixaxis/dualshock controller. I was in search of a controller that was similar to the 360 controller. When I saw it ...

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Summary: I bought this controller because I absolutely hate the sixaxis/dualshock controller. I was in search of a controller that was similar to the 360 controller. When I saw it looked awesome. My first one broke after a week of use. I called back buy.com and they replaced it. The replacement broke after two weeks of use. I called back buy.com they replaced it again. Then the third one broke again, this time I could not have it replaced. I had to work around it.

I wish there was something that would let me use the 360 controllers on the PS3. I absolutely HATE the ps3 sixaxis/dualshock 3 controllers

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1 stars

Low Quality Controller

by FL_PANTHER_2006 on February 6, 2008

Pros: nice grip, feels good

Cons: left stick broke during first on-line hockey game

Summary: I puchased this because on-line it looked bigger and I thought it would fit my hands better. It did and it is more comfortable but... the left stick button broke ...

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Summary: I puchased this because on-line it looked bigger and I thought it would fit my hands better. It did and it is more comfortable but... the left stick button broke while I was playing my first hockey game. Very very bad quality product.

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Nyko Technologies
Part number: 83009
Description: Experience innovation with the Zero wireless controller for PlayStation 3. The Zero controller is an entirely new ergonomic design, built to maximize comfort for all players while providing a unique and stylish appearance. With full six-direction tilt functionality, the Zero is compatible with all PS3 software and control schemes. The Zero is powered by an included NiMH rechargeable battery that provides up to 25 hours of wireless gameplay. When necessary, simply plug the included charging cable into the PS3s USB port and play and charge the controller simultaneously or use the included AA battery pack. The Zero is the first controller to feature LED back-lit action buttons, heat dissipating aluminum panels and a hybrid metal-resin design. The Zero is the paramount in controller precision, design and engineering.

General
Device Type Game pad
Packaged quantity 1
Compatibility Game console
Input Device
Compatible Game Consoles Sony PlayStation 3
Connectivity Technology Wireless
Max Operating Distance 30 ft
Pointing Device / Manipulator Two thumb sticks, Triggers
Features Backlighting

Expansion / Connectivity
Expansion Slot(s) None
Interfaces 1 x USB - 4 pin USB Type A
Battery
Technology Nickel metal hydride
Type AA type

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