LumiCON

The LumiCON is the latest PlayStation2 controller released by Mad Catz, and while the actual configuration of buttons is not revolutionary, this is a controller that does so much more in terms of making for an enjoyable gaming experience.

First, the controller itself is slightly larger than the stock PlayStation controller. The name is derived from the LED underglow lighting system which allows the controller to illuminate during activation with the system. You turn on the PS2, or PlayStation, and the controller lights up. This makes for ease of use in a darkened room.

The grips a little longer than the stock PS controller, and are rubberized so that even in the most intensive battles, the controller is easy to hang on to. The buttons on the face of the controller are slightly larger and with the back lighting, are easy to see and get too.

The controller also has gold contacts for superior signal transfer.

In addition to the pause and start buttons, the controller also has the button to switch from analog to digital input and has an activation button for macros. Each macro can consist of up to 10 different button combinations and can be triggered from the R2, R3, L2, L3 controllers (depress the thumbsticks for R3 and L3). Setting a macro is easy. You hit the macro activation button, then hit the macro key that will be the assigned for the key combination. Enter the combination and depress the macro assigned key again. For example, you would hit macro, R2, key combination, and then R2. Your macro is assigned.

The controller was used on several games, including Eidos Backyard Wrestling Don’t Try This At Home, ESPN NFL 2004 and Midway’s NHL Hitz Pro. In each case, this controller was a standout performer.

While the left thumbstick, which controlled players in NFL 2004 seemed a little oversensitive at times, it nonetheless was very responsive, and control input was quick. As a button was tabbed, the game reacted. Not only that, but this controller is very solidly built. Some controllers rattle a bit when the vibration kicks in. Not the LumiCON. It has a strong vibration and the housing transfers that without rattling the controller itself.

The LumiCON is a solid, colorful terrific controller for the PlayStation console systems. This is the built for serious gamers and sports solid transfer technology while packing great features into handheld peripheral. It is easy to use and allows players to concentrate on the game, not the game controller.

Pros:
Rubberized, slightly larger hand grips, macros, slightly harder hot buttons and illumination are the majority of the key features here.

Cons: None

Verdict: 9.5
The only thing that holds the LumiCON back is the cord connecting it to the console. With its solid designed, illumination for low-light gaming, this is a wonderful peripheral device. It is responsive and allows players to think about the game, not what they are using to input commands.