Logitech Cordless Precision Xbox Controller Review

Smaller. Cheaper. Better. That sums up Logitech's Cordless Precision controller for the Xbox, which improves on the company's original cordless Xbox controller (see our review) in a number of ways.

First off, the Cordless Precision retails for about $20 less than Logitech's previous cordless offering. The reduced price does not signify reduced quality. In fact, the Cordless Precision is actually smaller, lighter, and better designed overall. The controller is similar to Microsoft's Controller S in size, weight, and shape, with a 30-foot operating range (powered by 2.4 GHz RF technology) and 50-plus hours of battery life. Amazingly, the Cordless Precision retains the vibration feature and battery life of its predecessor while running on two AA batteries instead of four (batteries are once again included with the controller). This results in a cordless controller that is lightweight, efficient, and best of all, cost effective.

Performance and construction remain topnotch, too. Like its predecessor, the Cordless Precision looks slick, feels sturdy, and works flawlessly within the recommended operating range. Plus, the compact design and Controller S layout ensure the controller will appeal to a wide array of gamers. The buttons are responsive and respond immediately to presses, enabling sports gamers to enjoy all types of sports games without any noticeable delay in button response. Meanwhile, the digital pad is sufficient, if a little flimsy.

Unfortunately, the analog sticks are still a bit taller and looser than we'd like them to be, but they remain accurate and grip the thumbs well. We had no trouble hitting straight shots and sinking tricky putts in Links 2004 and Outlaw Golf--two games that demand precise movements of the analog sticks. In addition, the triggers are more comfortable than they were on Logitech's first cordless Xbox controller, and using them to accelerate and brake in RalliSport Challenge 2 and Burnout 2 proved to be perfectly smooth.

Those racing games also gave us a chance to experience the controller's lively vibration, which can be disabled instantly via a button on the face of the controller. Indeed, battery life is greatly extended with vibration disabled. Logitech's previous cordless Xbox controller lacked this battery-saving convenience, though both controllers enter sleep mode after five minutes of inactivity and have a LED that indicates when battery life is low.

Our only major complaint with Logitech's Cordless Precision controller is the same one we had with the company's other cordless Xbox controller: There are no expansion slots on the controller itself--only the receiver accommodates attachments. All current cordless Xbox controllers share this omission, however, making these kinds of controllers inadequate for Xbox Live play. Nevertheless, the Cordless Precision's affordable price ($49), quality build, and solid performance add up to a terrific value for any Xbox gamer looking to be free of controller cords.