bit-tech Shopping: Microsoft Halo 3: Spartan Edition Wireless Controller (XB360)

Rating: 6

Time with product: 3 Months

Strengths: As Responsive as the regular/MS controller

Weaknesses: Artwork could've been cooler

Summary: I purchased this item (one of many halo-related purchases) as a desperate attempt to hold onto my college youth. Unfortunately, the included halo figurine is really small, and the artwork, while I'm no spawn fan, leaves me wondering if Bungie sold out.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: Nice design/artwork, bonus Spartan figure, glossy/smooth finish

Weaknesses: None

Summary: I was in search of extra controllers for my Xbox and found this one on sale at Amazon for less than the regular white/black controllers. This controller is comparable in quality/function to the normal ones. The graphics and included halo figure are a nice bonus. Overall, i would say that this is not a neccessity, but a nice addition for any avid halo fan.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1

Strengths: The graphics are cool,long battery life,Free Spartan figure!

Weaknesses: it is a little expensive but worth the joy it brought my nephews

Summary: I bought 4 of these as gifts. They were a hit. My nephews love Halo. This is a must for any Halo fan. My nephews all played together with the four remotes without interference. The battery lasts a long time. The remote is easy to use and is very well made.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 1

Strengths: - Same performance and technical specs as other 1st party wireless controllers.- Nice graphics, unique- Included figurine very nice, detailed

Weaknesses: - Glossy finish- Sharp edges at seams- Not everyone will like graphics

Summary: The 1st party wireless controllers for the 360 have been fantastic and this one performs equally as well as all its predecessors. Any Halo fan will appreciate the graphics on the controller itself and the collectible figurine that comes packaged with the controller. However, as with any artwork some people will like it and others will hate it. This controller isn't without its flaws though. In an effort to keep the graphics looking good they have opted for a glossy finish to the top of the controller. This proves an annoyance if you have sweaty palms when you play as the controller will start to feel sticky after long rounds of Halo. Another issue I found with this controller was the seams down the side of the controller were sharp. I am not sure if this was a manufacturers defect on my particular controller or if it was common with the Halo controllers, but there is a sharp edge that is not found on my other controllers. Overall I would say that this controller is probably not one you should go out of your way to buy unless you are 1. A huge Halo fan, or 2. Getting a great deal

Rating: 8

Time with product: 20 Days

Strengths: Very functional for Xbox games, very nice graphics that's have a high gloss protective finish. Power efficient, the Energizer that come with it lasted 30+ hours of playtime.

Weaknesses: Cost, the xbox 360 controller is already expensive. The added artwork and figurine should not cost an extra $10.00, especially since they did not stock this with rechargable battery.

Summary: The added bumper control provide additional gaming control. Did not drop or interfere with other 2.4 GHz devices (ie wireless network or cordless phone). Ability to turn the console on/off is a nice touch.