Honestly, I have always felt that Sony's Dual Shock 3 is just perfect for my gaming needs and didn't quite want anything else (besides the usual desire to use the mouse and/or keyboard with some of the games I have played). Perhaps Datel knows something I don't, since it has just released the Wildfire generic PS3 controller.

The Wildfire is a rapid fire controller that is compatible with Sony's DualShock3 and SIXAXIS technologies, not to mention connecting directly to the PS3 via Bluetooth connection, as well as allowing the user to program his/her buttons thanks to the Turbo Rapid Fire mode. You remember how older consoles (SNES and NES come to mind) had turbo mode on their joypads, meaning one press of the button equaled to pressing the normal version several times?

Well, this is basically how it is done here, too. Although I don't agree with this joypad giving the user an extra advantage over others in games such as first person shooters where dexterity can sometimes make the difference between a won match and a lost one, I do admit that the Turbo mode is very handy.

The Wildfire recreates the DualShock3 perfectly, with every button and additional function performing just as you would expect. There are tilt and motion sensors, the right and left sticks work just the way they do on a regular controller, you get the full range of buttons and, of course, the vibration feedback has also been included. The Wildfire has a 20 feet wireless range with automatic pairing over USB.

Two things bother me about it. First, it looks very unattractive (as in kitschy). Second, it requires two AA batteries. I like the fact that you can power your PS3 controller directly from your PS3. Much simpler, really!


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