When it comes to third-party controllers for our favorite consoles, I have quite a fondness for the Logitech brand that has shown how well they could mimic as well as improve upon the original controllers that came with said consoles. Offering a sometimes cheaper but quality controller, I can count how many times I skipped first-party controllers for my PS2 and opt for the Logitech ones instead. Yet the PS2 is nothing like the SIXAXIS controller for the PlayStation 3 despite the fact that it slightly resembles the current-generation Dual Shock 2. This is something Logitech doesn’t quite get with their Cordless Precision controller for the PS3.

At first glance, the Cordless Precision controller looks like a wireless PS2 Dual Shock 2 controller and that’s not necessarily a bad thing since the controller does feel familiar (in other words, comfortable) in your hands. As far as the size is concerned, it feels rather small which is a plus for those gamers with smaller hands. Even the two analog sticks feel nicely in the same way it does with the SIXAXIS controller. The face buttons are also handled perfectly, although I do have a major issue with shoulder buttons. For starters, the SIXAXIS shoulder buttons are easy on the fingers, something that makes it a dream when playing first-person shooters. The Cordless Precision, on the other hand, makes squeezing the virtual trigger all the more rough. You have to tap it a bit harder and thus making precision shots a tad more difficult. Still, this could be remedied the more you use the controller.

This controller also doesn’t support the motion-sensor technology user of the SIXAXIS controller enjoys so don’t expect to be using it for games that support it. Many of the upcoming titles that use the motion-sensor action do have the option to change the default setting to use the controller like a current-generation controller but where’s the fun in that? Really, Logitech could have attempted to fit their controller with the same technology as well but the Cordless Precision was made with a cheaper price tag in mind. Still, this is a letdown for anyone who was looking for an alternative to the SIXAXIS to use when another friend is using the first-party controller.

Secondly, while the controller does have a PS button that will take you to the PS3 menu screen, it won’t turn on the console as the SIXAXIS does. This will, no doubt, be upsetting for those gamers who just don’t feel like getting off the couch to turn on their consoles but this is actually forgivable. What isn’t forgivable, though, is no USB port for when you don’t have replacement AA batteries around and would like to go wired during a particularly lengthy match.

Speaking of batteries, the controller still feels pretty light even with the two AA batteries inserted in the back of the controller. The battery life is quite lengthy, actually, and lasts through long sessions using normal Duracell or Energizer batteries. The controller has a Status light that blinks when it’s searching for a connection to your console and blinks briefly ever so often when the batteries are low. You hardly encounter moments when you don’t have a connection to your console since the controller comes with a USB mini-receiver that fits in the port on the front of the PS3 where a wired controller would go. I suggest using the first port (known as the ID1 port) when using this controller for the optimized experience since the controller used a 2.4GHz RF receiver and clears quite a long distance from your PS3.

There’s also a D/Mode button that essentially allows you to switch from the left analog stick to the Dpad on the fly for when you want to control characters that move better using the Dpad instead. For example, some might feel the Dpad works best on Madden NFL so pressing the D/Mode button quickly allows you to control your player using the Dpad for more when you want to go for a touchdown. This also goes for fighting games like Virtua Fighter 5 where the analog stick might not be the best control scheme. The D/Mode button is not a bad idea but it’s pointless seeing as you can change virtually any control scheme using the game’s control option menu.

In the end, I felt that Logitech’s Cordless Precision controller lacked the defining features that make this brand such an awesome alternative to the first-party controllers. The controller feels like a backward step in the wrong direction for a next-generation gaming machine that demands something different from the PS2-like quality of the past. This controller doesn’t have to be another SIXAXIS but it at least should be able to work well enough with every game. Instead, you’ll find yourself breaking out this controller for when you’re replaying PS2 classics on the PS3 and games that don’t use the motion-sensor technology of the SIXAXIS. Sorry, Logitech, but I consider this one a miss.

Pros:
The controller feels quite light and perfect for those gamers with little hands.

It has a PS button that takes you directly to the PS3 menu screen.

Does well with first-person shooters like F.E.A.R. or Resistance: Fall of Man and fighting games like Virtua Fighter 5.

Controller might not use BluTooth but the connection is good and covers quite a distance.

It comes with batteries.

Battery life is pretty lengthy so you can play through a number of titles without having to change batteries often.

Cons:
The controller doesn’t do the motion sensor technology of the SIXAXIS so do not plan to use this controller when games like Warhawk come along.

The shoulder buttons make the SIXAXIS shoulder buttons a work of art.

You can’t use a USB cable to go wired if you aren’t able to find any AA batteries around during a match.

The couch potato in all of us won’t like the fact that you can’t turn on your PS3 with the controller.

The D/Mode button is a good idea but unnecessary.

It looks like a poor man’s PS2 Dual Shock controller.

Verdict: 6.5
As a fan of Logitech’s many other controllers, this one comes as a major disappointment. Simply put, Logitech’s Cordless Precision controller is not the company’s best work and one that shouldn’t be considered by any PS3 owner. On the plus side, the controller does feel good and pretty light for those younger gamers who find the SIXAXIS to hefty but in the long run this one just isn’t worth the money.