The rubber grips at both the left and right side are something I do like a lot. When your hands start getting a little sweaty I think the EasySMX gamepad is much more comfortable to hold. While the grips on the side are a nice touch, the analog joysticks are pretty unimpressive. I am not a huge fan of how they feel and how slippery they are under the thumbs. Some better grips would be appreciated (and you can purchase grips for relatively cheap).
The issue with purchasing grips, is by the time you do, you’re closer in cost to having just purchased the 360 controller, but continue reading.
While it emulates the 360 controller in feel (for the most part) and appearance, it does not work with Xbox 360. It does, however, work with PS3…So if you’re someone with a PS3, but want that Xbox feel, here you go!
I am a PC gamer and like to have various gamepads for the PCs so the aging PS3 compatibility means little to me, but beware before you buy, if you are buying it for the (also aging) Xbox 360, you will be a sad panda as it will not work on your 360.
Weight and construction: It is a few grams shy of the same weight of the 360 controller, making it feel pretty accurately designed… I mention this because I’ve had my fair share of cheaper $8-$10 range gamepads that just felt…well cheap… because they were. Durability is on point and there is enough quality to match the actual 360 controller I find myself using it pretty happily.
I do want to point out the listing on Amazon shows two different weights. One may be including the USB cable. 220G or about 7.7oz, and 8.8oz or about 250g. Full disclosure I didn’t weigh it either way to confirm, I just real world tested by holding the 360 controller in one hand, and the EasySMX controller in the other.
Installation is simple enough (from a PC perspective at least). I plugged it in, and was good to go. Everything worked fine and as intended.
There is a turbo button, but I have never been one to use a turbo button. If that is a selling feature to you, there you go.
To me it is comparable to the 360 controller which I do love. Standing the test of time is key for me. I have in the past had controllers that were poorly made with poor construction (particularly the analog sticks) and I can say I don’t feel that away about the EasySMX gamepad. The only recommendation I would make is lower the price to about $15, or apply better grips. I feel this could make it a stronger competitive alternative to the actually licensed Xbox 360 wired controller, especially since compatibility with the 360 is non-existent.
The bestselling alternative is the ZD T Wired, for almost the same price as the EasySMX. Just food for thought.