The good folks over at Kontrol Freek, www.KontrolFreek.com, let me get my hands onto their SpeedFreek Model, a controller add on for both the 360 & the PS3.
What Speedfreek does is allow you to relax your thumb and not worry about sliding off the analog stick. With its unique design, SpeedFreek keeps your thumb on the existing analog stick surface. The additional supporting side walls lets you make quicker and sharper movements, while adding control and precision. As a result, less stress on their thumbs and quicker lap times.
As more and better racing games come out (both in gameplay and graphics), gamers want that semi-real racing effect, at least i know I do. A decent racing wheel with force feedback start at around $150 and with the expensive price tag, who can afford them (considering games themselves cost $50-60 each) in this economy. Not to mention, the size of these peripherals and the amount of room they take up. KontrolFreek aims to solve both the cost and size factor by offering SpeedFreek.
SpeedFreek is made of plastic and in the shape of a “U” or a half-pipe. The design is very simple and basic and comes in two colors (black or white), and attaches to the left analog thumb-stick with prongs that attach to the thumb-stick. The side rails provide extra leverage in racing games and makes turning in corners and passing cars smoother than ever. I no longer had to nudge the analog stick in order to make the turn. With a slight move of the thumb-stick, I was able to squeeze into tight spots as opposed to using a regular thumb-stick and bouncing off cars like a pinball machine.
The packaging is eye-catching. You can purchase a pack of two or four, in black or white for 9.99$ for the 2 pack. The SpeedFreek comes packaged in a plastic tube with the instructions rolled up inside, which also helps the SpeedFreek stay upright and in place.
Overall, the KontrolFreek SpeedFreek works great for racing games. Now I can make those sweet smooth turns every time and faster lap times. I tried the SpeedFreek with some Borderlands and a bit of Halo3 and although it helped me with aim and accuracy, it wasn’t perfect but what IS great about it is that it works both on the PS3 and Xbox. They also make an FPS specific model called the FPS freak, which you can find on their site.
If you’re at all into racers, I’d push these little guys. At $9.99 the price is right!
