Features & Specifications
GoLive2 is the maker of the Stix 200 controller. The company also makes a Stix 400 system that is compatible with 2D and 3D video games. The Stix 200 we are looking at today is only compatible with 2D video games. The controller runs off two AA batteries and has a base station that houses part of the sensor system that controls the cursor on the computer screen. The base station connects to the PC via USB and can support two controllers at once for dual player gaming. We are looking at the Stix 200 Starter Pack, which includes one base station and one Stix 200 controller and retails for $49.99.

Installation & Use
Connecting the Stix 200 to the PC only requires a USB connector. On my test machine, the Stix 200 base station had to be plugged into a USB port on the motherboard. The base would not work when plugged into the keyboard USB port on my Logitech G15.

The worst part about the USB connection being needed is that the USB cable on the Stix 200 is only about two feet long. That means that the base station would barely fit on my desktop. The controller won't work at all if there is anything blocking the sensor on the base station.

The Stix 200 controller itself looks very much like the Wii Remote. It has the same white color and "D" shape design with a trigger on the bottom of the controller, two buttons on top, and a circle with four other buttons on it that is like a "D" pad on a normal gaming controller. The buttons are backlit with a green light and are touch sensitive so there are no real buttons to press other than the trigger underneath. All of the buttons are fully programmable.

Once the base station is plugged in, your web browser is launched automatically and sends you to the page where you download the drivers and software for the Stix 200 system. Once the software is installed, you can register for free access to tons of games on the GoLive2 website. The games range from driving and puzzle to shooting games.

As soon as the Stix 200 was plugged in, it was very apparent that accuracy and speed were not the Stix 200 forte. The mouse cursor moved so slowly on the screen that there was little chance of hitting moving targets in shooting games. The controller worked decently for puzzle games where you could take your time.

The cursor moved as slowly on screen as you would see with a mouse running at about 200 dpi. If the Stix 200 is ever going to be accepted by gamers, the speed and accuracy are going to have to be greatly improved.