Hands-on with Nyko's Zero controller
by Andrew Yoon 
{ Mar 11th 2008 at 6:00PM }
Click for high-resolution image.
Firstly, we commend Nyko for creating such easy-to-open packaging. With a simple cut of a sticker, we were able to get the controller out -- no plastic wrap packages that threaten to cut your fingers off. Another thing we were pleasantly surprised by: the use of a detachable battery pack. Two are included in the package: the standard rechargable pack, and one that accepts AA batteries. We appreciate the flexibility.
Continuing the unboxing, we were disappointed to see that the Zero uses a dongle, just like Guitar Hero III. You will need to sacrifice one of the USB ports on your PS3 in order to use this controller. For owners of the 40GB system, this simply won't do. Sony's Bluetooth solution is obviously much more elegant, as it allows the USB ports to be free, and it makes it possible to turn on the system by pressing the PS button. The Zero cannot do that.
Gallery: Nyko PS3 Zero controller
Once the controller syncs up to the dongle, it's pretty smooth sailing. We tested four games: Super Stardust HD, Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, Super Rub a Dub and flOw. The analog sticks were responsive, and the shoulder buttons felt good. We especially love the deep analog triggers, similar to the ones found on the Xbox 360 controller. The D-Pad, however, feels a bit too sticky, and will make noticeable clicking noises when used.
The rumble is very powerful, and made Prologue a much more engrossing experience. However, it is noticeably noisier than the DualShock controllers. The tilt works just as a SIXAXIS would: we were able to play Super Rub a Dub and flOw as we would normally. Unfortunately, we noticed that there is a problem with the syncing at times: the Triangle button seemed to activate at random intervals, even when the controller is left idle.
Nyko's Zero controller gets the job done, even if it isn't the most attractive design on the market. However, without Bluetooth connectivity and a significant price difference between it and the upcoming DualShock 3, it's hard to enthusiastically recommend. Perhaps if the DualShock 3 were coming out much later, or if it were much cheaper. If you really need a rumbling PS3 controller, consider the Zero -- but we recommend you wait until Sony's DualShock comes out.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
kevin @ Mar 11th 2008 6:15PM
this is just not cutting it for me, if it was 30 bucks then it totally would
Popfrogs @ Mar 11th 2008 6:18PM
I figured it'd be a stinker considering that it came with (yet another pointless) dongle.
George Arauz @ Mar 11th 2008 6:32PM
Like i said before.. game controller is ugly as hell
miglaugh @ Mar 11th 2008 6:30PM
Who on earth is going to buy this POS?
same price? check
dongle? check
no remote start? check
Yep, all the requirements for FAIL have been met.
ryan @ Mar 12th 2008 2:09PM
i actually find the concave thumbsticks a plus tho. I prefer the 360's concave sticks to the PS3 design they've kept for over a decade.
Lars @ Mar 12th 2008 3:49PM
Concave vs Convex is a long standing argument. Personally, I can't stand concave sticks. I thought in theory they would be better, but I tried and tried and tried to get the hang of them, but finally came to realize convex is far superior... just so much easier to use and keep gripped to your thumb.
But I suppose the real answer is that neither one is "correct", it just boils down personal preference.
Oh and "the Zero uses a dongle" == critical fail.
Kalil @ Mar 11th 2008 6:49PM
tha thing is fugly i just wait for tha shock 3
Excelryu @ Mar 11th 2008 9:46PM
I bought this controller yesterday. It is a pity that PS3fanboy's test controller arrived one day later. Today I returned the controller early to gamestop after testing it yesterday. The R1 and L1 buttons were super hard to press. The trigger buttons R2 and L2 were too small. The handles were very ugly and uncomfortable. For the price it is not worth the money compared to the dualshock 3. Do not buy this controller. I experienced it and didn't lasted 20 minutes without returning it to the box.
Kevin @ Mar 11th 2008 7:17PM
Meh not bad.
But the DS3 will be cheaper and better so.
Adam @ Mar 11th 2008 7:24PM
The fact that the battery can be replaced easily makes this a winner.
Its still a wireless controller it has rumble it has removeable battery for recharge and replacement.It also has depper triggers like 360 and seems wider meaning more comfort.Lets hope its built heavier the ps3 controllers feel like a piece of tyco plastic.
i might get a ps3 after all if it can get some good games out there and fix its online.
bigd7387 @ Mar 11th 2008 7:24PM
I've been using my DS3 for a couple of months now and it's good with the rumble but why doesn't Sony fix the L2/R2 so that its like the 360 with triggers instead of the way they buldge out?
Severe_Gamer @ Mar 11th 2008 8:11PM
I actually prefer the PS3 analog triggers by a long-shot. They have a much higher sensitivity and provide an increasing resistance as they are pressed which affords greater tactile feedback to the player.
Dahk @ Mar 11th 2008 10:24PM
I hate the sixaxis/DS3 triggers, cuz everyone uses them for friggin' racing games. It's so awkward hitting the gas with your middle finger, and the damn thing tilts upward, which is even more awkward for the middle finger. What's worse is that there's no other choice, cuz R1 and L1 are consistently used.
It sucks even MORE cuz when they're on the ground... and you're sliding them across the carpet, the R2 and L2 buttons seem to get hammered on.. cuz it rests on it while laying flat. Found that really annoying lol.
Lars @ Mar 12th 2008 3:54PM
I'm with Severe_Gamer. I like them a lot. Variable resistance is sweetness. Also they're a lot more comfortable than the 360's triggers which have a thinner contact area and tend to irritate my fingers after a while.
They do tend to get pressed when I set the controller, but meh, who cares? I'm not playing when I set the controller down.
Lars @ Mar 12th 2008 3:55PM
Oh yeah, and re: "when they're on the ground... and you're sliding them across the carpet"
Wha?! Huh?
Organic_Shadow @ Mar 11th 2008 7:38PM
$5 is a significant cost difference? It has the removable battery packs and metal finish to thwart hot-hand-syndrome.
I'd say the price is a moot point. The REAL issue here is Sony pricing DS3 at $55. >:(
Oh, and I have yet to find anywhere that has these.
Darren Tilley @ Mar 11th 2008 8:10PM
So this thing is Ugly, requires a dongle, doesn't support powering on your PS3 and is Ugly. So in order to tempt you to buy it they've priced it $5 more than the MSRP of the DualShock 3, and $10 more than what the DS3 is available from Amazon for.
Yet you still say that we should consider it? Wow.
John @ Mar 11th 2008 8:40PM
They're saying consider it, because it might be a better fit, for some people, especially those more used to 360's bigger, heavier controller. As for remote power on, I only recently realized mine could do this-- still forget, and start from the machine.
Fraser JK @ Mar 11th 2008 9:36PM
" The Zero cannot do that. "
Renders this device useless... I'd rather wait for months to come, which I will since I'm in the UK even!
Marco Cano Jr @ Mar 12th 2008 1:16AM
Anybody else looked at this because it a hardware review? I know I did. More Hardware reviews please.
matahtak @ Mar 12th 2008 10:19PM
It's always fun to buy one of these shitty controllers though. Owners of the N64 can agree to this. Playing 4 player Mario Kart 64 and making the 4th place loser use the crappy 3rd party N64 controller by MadCatz was great to rub it in their face a bit extra. That taught them that Wario was actually the worst character to pick.
Just got to wait for a fun four player offline game for the PS3...