Panther DX Score: 90% Developer: Mad Catz Device Type: Controller

Function: The Panther DX is simply the best performing joystick I have used to date. It?s a Flight Simmer?s dream come true! A smooth, predictable response and ergonomically pleasing button placement contribute to the formation of an instrument which will provide the would-be ?Fighter Ace? many hours of exciting, instinctive control. This is achieved with a proprietary digital circuitry which sends noise-free precise digital signals to your computer, resulting in awesomely accurate control inputs. The heart and soul of the DX is the perfectly molded joystick handle sporting two four-position ?hat sticks? and standard trigger, thumb, pinkie, and upper buttons, balanced on the left side of the unit by five buttons at fingertip positions along with a conveniently located and totally instinctive thumb-actuated throttle wheel. I purchased a set of CH Products? Rudder Pedals for the purpose of this review. I just plugged them into the DX and tested the controller in the Windows Controller Setup Utility and it worked flawlessly from the start.

Performance: As is common practice with modern joysticks, both hands will be needed to operate this controller. The right hand on the stick controls input to the vehicle via three buttons and two four-way HATs, while the left hand controls views or game functions. First of all, its not ambidextrous in design, so you must be either right handed or have developed the ability to control stick inputs with the right hand. A heavy metal base contributes to stability under frenzied gaming conditions and the controller is further stabilized by the left hand operating five buttons on the left side of the unit, along with the thumb-actuated throttle. The Mad Catz Panther DX is a truly instinctive and naturally configured controller which I found to be decidedly easy to master. I?m an experienced Flight Simmer and would like to congratulate the Mad Catz team on this product?s simplicity and efficiency of design.

Features: Gameport and USB compatible Rubber-coated contact surfaces Digital dial throttle Dual four-way HAT switches Perfectly designed ergonomic handle!! Comes bundled with a full version of a video game 17 programmable buttons (including HATs)

Drawbacks & Problems:: Unfortunately, the Panther DX doesn?t do housework. Seriously, folks the Panther DX is an ideal, low cost all around joystick.

-d0gsb0dy, GameVortex Communications AKA Kelly Key

Minimum System Requirements: Windows 95/98 or NT5, Gameport or USB port, IBM compatible PC   Test System: PII 416mhz, 80MB Ram, Voodoo 3 3000 video card, 56k V90 modem