Pelican Xbox 360 TSZ Wired Controller review: Pelican Xbox 360 TSZ Wired Controller
The Pelican TSZ Xbox 360 Wired Controller is an excellent economical alternative to the pricier Microsoft offering.
The Pelican TSZ controller--the TSZ is short for Three Six Zero--is a near-doppelgänger of the 360's official Microsoft gamepads. The layout is the same except for the Start and Back buttons, which are slightly above the Guide button instead of parallel to it. The cord is the same 10-foot length and the controller is slightly smaller, but not enough to substantially change the ergonomics. The most noticeable difference between the Pelican and Microsoft controllers is the springier shoulder/bumper buttons of the former, giving them more of a triggerlike feel. They don't feel as sturdy, but they are a bit more tactile; whether the trade-off is worth it is your call.
The Good
The Bad
The Bottom Line
We tested the Pelican Xbox 360 Wired Controller with a few games and found that performance was near the precedent set by Microsoft's pads. The combat in Kameo: Elements of Power was still second nature, and the controller handled the cars in Need for Speed Most Wanted with precision. We were able to weave our way through crowds of zombies in Dead Rising with ease, though we were a little dismayed by the louder and weaker rumble effect in Pelican's controller.
At $30--even less at some retailers--the Pelican Xbox 360 TSZ Wired Controller is a great value as a second controller, as long as you don't mind the slightly weaker rumble effect and the lack of PC support.