WOW: With Out Wires Score: 80% Developer: Saitek

Function: At the risk of sounding like a catch-phrase-spouting journalist, we're now entering a wireless world. Wireless phones, wireless Internet, wireless mice, you name it - it's probably wireless. The wireless revolution is even beginning to move into the game world with the reintroduction of wireless controllers. Wait, what do you mean reintroduction? Anyone who's been a gamer since at least the SNES days remembers that wireless controllers were a 'wow' factor even back them. I think I even had one for the NES. As handy as the controllers were, they were a flop due to technological limitations, mostly in the use of standard 'remote control' technology in the controllers. In order to use these controllers, players usually had to set up a special box in just the right position and sit in the right position so the signal hit the box. This has all changed now that the technology is affordable and available. Wireless controllers are very useful and quickly becoming the controller of choice. You can sit anywhere, no matter how far from the TV you are and not have to worry about people tripping over wires or knocking your system over (by pulling on the wires). But what about all of those wired controllers we've been amassing? Do we have to buy all new controllers? That's where the WOW comes in.

Performance: In the tradition of wireless HUBs, the WOW acts as a bridge between your PS2 and your controllers. After plugging one end of the device in the PS2 controller ports and your controllers in the HUB, players can technically make their wired controllers into wireless controllers. Overall, the performance was good and gave me few problems. The controllers worked just as good as they would if they were plugged directly into the system and I noticed no lag.

Features: Transforms standard PS2, PSOne or PSX controllers into wireless controllers 30 ft Range Also works with steering wheel and stick controllers Two self-charging power packs

Drawbacks & Problems:: WOW wasn't without its problems. First of all, the battery power is limited to only 8 hours, which means you'll spend just as much time charging the batteries as you will using the device. Included in the package is a spare rechargeable pack, but with this comes the constant swapping of power packs when you could be playing. This problem is remedied slightly by the inclusion of a battery power light. The device also only works for up to two controllers, meaning you can't use a multi-tap, limiting your multi-player fun to only two players. When I first saw the WOW, I questioned just how useful it would be. At first glance, it seems like a 'bandwagon' device trying to make a quick buck off of the current trend. After playing with it, I was surprised to discover just how useful it really is. The WOW is a good device, especially for gamers who find themselves having to rearrange furniture when they want to game.

-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker