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Review: Mad Catz MLG Pro Circuit Controller

by Steven Williamson on 21 February 2012, 09:04 4.0

Tags: Mad Catz (NYSEAMEX:MCZ)

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qabcrb

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It comes with its own bag!

Other aspects of the layout can't be changed - the bumper buttons, for example - but Mad Catz has tinkered with some of the pad's other features. The Xbox 360 Guide button, for instance, is situated higher up then it is on Microsoft's original controller and it has been embedded a bit further into the chassis and is much smaller.

Also, the Pro Circuit pad has an additional section built-in that houses the Start and Select buttons across the top of the pad. On the official controller there's nothing there, just a dip, and the Start and Select buttons are located a bit further down.

The action buttons on the right-hand side of the controller are identical in size to the official Xbox 360 pad, as are the bumpers and back triggers, though both sets have a glossy coating. In between the bumpers sits an engraved strip that hosts the words "Major League Gaming," while a small embedded MLG logo can be found on the face of the controller in between the d-pad and right analogue stick.

Flip over the pad, and the area where you usually find the battery compartment for the wireless Xbox 360 controller, now plays host to two 3.5g weights. You can either use the weights to change the feel of the controller, or take them both out and put them in the weight case (included) and replace the back with a flat L-shaped panel.



The Pro Circuit controller also comes with a lengthy 9.8ft braided USB cable that screws tightly into the 5-pin male socket on top of the pad. And, to carry all these goodies around, Mad Catz has thrown in a small man-bag adorned with red piping and the MLG logo. Inside, there are a couple of pieces of padded soft material and numerous Velcro strips, so you can section off parts of the bag. All components fit into the bag nice and snug, including the controller

So, what do we think?

The build quality of the Pro Circuit controller is superb. It certainly feels like a gamepad that has been created for some serious gaming abuse. Apart from the tiny section at the top of pad, where you find the Start and Select buttons, its form factor is identical to the official Xbox 360 controller, so its ergonomic shape will appeal to those who like that style; though its rubberised shell (other than the plastic grips and faceplates) feels more luxurious and comfortable than the official pad.

The way the controller has been designed, to allow for the customisation of its parts, is also impressive. The faceplates and grips snap in and out quickly and securely, and the glossy-black shell really makes the pad stand out. Though, the matte black faceplate and grips could be seen as a waste of time; we'd have preferred something more colourful.

Swapping out the analogue sticks and d-pad and clicking them back into place is also really easy thanks to a clever locking mechanism that requires nothing more than a simple twist. The option to be able to change the layout is certainly going to appeal to some, though we suspect that a lot of gamers will already know what style they prefer and will most likely stick to one or the other. Professional gamers, however, may find it very convenient to have the option to switch and change for different games.

We've been using the wireless Xbox 360 controller for many years, which has a bit of extra weight to it (because of the two AA batteries) so it's nice to have the option to add those extra grams with the two small weights that come included with the Pro Circuit. Consequently, players can make the wired controller feel more like the wireless one, and even a bit heavier with both weights inside, which we actually prefer.



The few changes that Mad Catz has made to the original design of the Xbox 360 controller are also very welcome. Making the Guide button smaller and sinking it into the chassis means that players won't accidentally hit it during a game. The same applies to the Start and Select buttons now that they've been moved into a much higher position. If players are battering their pads regularly during competitions, it makes sense to put these buttons as far away as possible from the main controls to avoid any unwanted interruptions.

The near-10ft cable is also important as there's no way players can accidentally pull it out of the socket if they jolt backwards, something that we've done on a number of occasions with the official wired pad. The fact that it screws tightly into place and has a more secure braided cable means that players can be confident that it shouldn't malfunction or come loose either.

Overall, the MLG Pro Circuit controller is a superb pad and should last pro gamers and hardcore players for the duration of the Xbox 360's life-cycle and way beyond. However, during our time testing it we couldn't help think that our ideal pad would be a combination of the Pro Circuit and the Razer Onza Tournament Edition controller, which has low profile buttons and the option to toggle sensitivity with a twist of the analogue sticks. Mad Catz offers a lot of customisation, but could have gone a step further with the design. In terms of style, however, Mad Catz gets it spot on and the Pro Circuit is the most comfortable and robust Xbox 360 controller we've ever used.


The Good


Superior build quality
Being able to customise layout with Xbox 360 and PS3-style components
The ability to change its look with removable faceplates and grips

The Bad

Only one faceplate worth using in the launch pack
Could have incorporated more features to help out players during the game

HEXUS Rating

4/5
Mad Catz MLG Pro Circuit Controller

HEXUS Awards


Mad Catz MLG Pro Circuit Controller

HEXUS Where2Buy

Mad Catz MLG Pro Circuit Controller is available to pre-order from Gameshark.

HEXUS Right2Reply

At HEXUS, we invite the companies whose products we test to comment on our articles. If any company representatives for the products reviewed choose to respond, we'll publish their commentary here verbatim.



HEXUS Forums :: 9 Comments

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“Could have incorporated more features to help out players during the game”
I presume you mean a rapid fire or macro function? I'm OK with that - it is useful - but some gamers consider rapid fire to be cheating.
£90.

Nope.
Aimed at professional gamers, and show-offs … Mad Catz has thrown in a small man-bag adorned with red piping and the MLG logo
These made me LOL, especially that first comment. :thumbsup:
We've been using the wireless Xbox 360 controller for many years, which has a bit of extra weight to it (because of the two AA batteries)
What's wrong with the rechargeable packs - saves on having to have stocks of AA's lying around?

£90 is a bit steep for me plus, as SW says, I'm in the “cannon fodder on Halo” group so it's probably not designed for me. Do like the idea of being able to swap the three sticks around - but are the left and right sticks dedicated modules so - for example - you could have two analog sticks on the left?
LOL @ price tag.
I know its a bit steep on the price tag, but then so are the dedicated fight sticks. I love the idea of switching out the d pads and analogue sticks, especially for games such as Tekken and Street Fighter. I have gone through 3 or 4 pads in the 4 years I have had a 360 and one of these with replacable sticks might have been a better solution.

Only reason I am not rushing out to get one is because the new Xbox should be out this year and no idea what the controllers will be like for that, tho hopefully the same.