Classic TrackBall Score: 98% Developer: Nyko Device Type: Controller

Function: Nyko?s Classic TrackBall has an excellent design. It provides all of the precision you?ll need while allowing you the freedom of not holding anything. You can rest your fingers or palm on top of the ball for making slow, minor adjustments, or ?slap? it just like in olden days to quickly move the pointer across the screen. The TrackBall is perfectly weighted. The base doesn?t go scooting around while you use it, and the ball mechanism itself feels like something straight out of an arcade case. Nyko?s Classic TrackBall can be used for hours on end without causing strain or fatigue. (Yes, I AM speaking from experience. Playing Command & Conquer: Red Alert Retaliation until it hurts suddenly becomes a much longer-lasting proposition.

Performance: Seasoned arcade veterans already know how to use it. Arcade golf sim players already know how to use it. If you?re just old enough to be learning to move your hand back and forth with some amount of control, you can handle the TrackBall. If you can?t hold a mouse, you can probably STILL use this controller. Learning to use this controller shouldn?t be a problem for anyone. This controller is a classic, brought back through time for a needy generation. The body of theTrackBall is actually taken from the molds of the original TrakBall controller for the Atari (remember Atari?) gaming system. It feels like you brought a chunk of arcade home with you. The Classic TrackBall combines the smooth control and sturdy feel of years gone by with a more modern turbo fire feature. To top it all off... the system is also compatible with light gun games.

Features: Age-proven design -- Actually cast from original Atari TrakBall Simplicity of control -- directions and left and right buttons Arcade-quality ball mechanism Left and right buttons located on both sides of TrackBall for right- and left-handed gamers Turbo fire feature Also works with light gun compatible games 4?5? cord

Drawbacks & Problems:: The Nyko Classic TrackBall controller is a joy to use. It is beautiful both functionally and aesthetically (in sort of a nostalgic way). The only drawback is the cord length. At fewer than 5 feet long, you?re somewhat tied to your PlayStation. My suggestion to anyone who frequently plays mouse compatible games is to buy the Nyko Classic TrackBall AND the extension cable. You?ll be glad you did.

-Geck0, GameVortex Communications AKA Robert Perkins