Saitek P3200 Rumble Pad Review

Sep 6 2007, 12:00am CDT | by Shane McGlaun

A few weeks ago we took a look at the Saitek Cyborg Rumble Pad that features a Cyborg-modules allowing gamers to reconfigure the left analog stock and D-pad position. Today we are going to look at a similar product from Saitek called the P3200 Rumble Pad. Read on for all the details.

Gallery

4 images

Benchmarks

Features & Specifications
Saitek uses rumble technology from Immersion in the P3200 Rumble Pad. I don’t play any games that actually support rumble on the PC so to me this feature doesn’t really add to my gaming experience. However, it is nice to know it’s there if I do play rumble games in the future.

The P3200 Rumble Pad connects to your PC via USB and feels very much like an Xbox 360 controller in the hands. The analog sticks are arranged in a PS3 style layout putting them both next to each other on the bottom of the controller. The eight way D-pad is in the upper left corner and the upper right corner has four buttons for various game controls. On the top of the P3200 Rumble Pad are a pair of triggers and a pair of buttons just like the shoulder buttons on Xbox 360 and PS3.

Other than the Cyborg-module from the Cyborg Rumble Pad the other thing missing on the P3200 Rumble Pad is the FPS button. That means there is no method of reducing the sensitivity of the gamepad for FPS players. The same Saitek SST software is used on the P3200 Rumble Pad to program the controller to your liking with any keyboard or mouse command. Compatibility is with Windows XP, XP64, and Windows Vista.

Gaming with the Saitek P3200 Rumble Pad
There are no drivers required to use the P3200 Rumble Pad with most PC games, you simply plug it in and it works. However, with games not designed to be used with a gamepad you will need the Saitek SST software which allows you to program the controller. The software is robust, but can be overwhelming to use as there are lots of options.

The controller just worked in BF2142 without needing any programming. Holding the controller in the hand is comfortable, even my 6-year old could use it without issue. Accuracy is good, I missed the FPS key from the Cyborg Rumble Pad when trying to snipe enemies from a distance. The buttons all offer good tactile feedback and the analog joysticks are accurate.

One of the things that always bothers me about my stock PS3 controllers is the fact that they feel flimsy in my hands. The P3200 Rumble Pad is very sturdy and well built. You should be able to game on it for years to come without any issues.

Verdict

Conclusion

Pros

No divers required
Fully programmable
Well built

Cons

Software can be overwhelming to use

Verdict
If you are looking for a gamepad to play PC games other than FPS titles, the Saitek P3200 Rumble is a good choice. At a price not much less than the Cyborg Rumble Pad, if you are a FPS gamer I suggest you opt for the Cyborg. The P3200 is a good game pad for racing or driving games and can be used for FPS titles, but the lack of sensitivity tuning makes it less adept at that type of game.

7.5

where to buy

Buy from Amazon

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Shane McGlaun
Leading our review center, Shane knows technology inside out. His extensive experience in testing computer hardware and consumer electronics enable him to effectively qualify new products and trends. If you want us review your product, please contact Shane.
Shane can be contacted directly at shane@i4u.com.