We had a chance to check out the Major League Gaming Pro-Circuit Controller from Mad Catz today at CES. This is a pro controller available for PS3 and Xbox 360, and it lets you freely switch out analog sticks, d-pads and more to customize the controller to your liking.
Imagine being able to pop out an Xbox 360 style d-pad and switch it out for a PS3 style one. You could also switch the d-pad and analog sticks around to any of the three slots on the controller. Even the caps of the analog sticks are customizable as you can unscrew them to pick from either domed or concave tops. These ProModule components can be swapped easily, as a simple twist of the base of each module lets you pop them out and plug in any other one.
Even the controller's look and feel can be customized. Different types of faceplates and grips can be used, which could allow users to pick colors or finishes. On the back, a module with two slots lets users play with hand feel with removable weights.
These are nice, slick controllers that I'm sure pro gamers will be drawn to. They look and feel great, and it's clear that Mad Catz went to great lengths to make this a tournament level controller. They even consulted with MLG gamers and had them play-test the controllers.
As you'd expect with a controller of this caliber, the price of entry is a bit high: about $100. You get quite a bit for the price, though. Each controller comes with 4 analog modules, 2 d-pad types, 2 top and side plates, one weight module, 1 3-meter cable and a controller case. Mad Catz tells us that different module types, sizes and even textures will be available at a later date, priced somewhere between $15 and $20.
The Major League Gaming Pro-Circuit Controller has just begun shipping. We hope to put it through its paces with some games soon, so stay tuned.
Contest:
10:00 AM on 01.11.2012 | 
I actually thought these would be cross platform, so dropping 100 bucks for a single system controller is a little rough.
Im gonna have to save up my pennies to get this
For a product sold on customization options, seems absurd that you would have to buy ALL of the options up front.
There has been a lot of buzz regarding this Mad Catz MLG licensed Pro Controller, and it seems to deliver on promises but $100 seems to be a very high price, maybe they should offer just the controller and all the extra standalone.
If price goes down I might pick one up...still I have my doubts when it comes to the quality of Mad Catz products.
Well, you can use the 360 one on PC without special drivers, so 2 out of 3 ain't that bad.
...still doesn't justify the $100 investment, in my humble opinion.
The main thing it is missing is moveable buttons, so that lefties could swap the four face buttons with the d-pad.
If that thing has bluetooth Im sold.
I mean, take away $15 for removal of the shitty d-pad no one wants and another $20 for the extra analog sticks (since no one would ever want more than one set and they probably already know which type they prefer) and you've got a $65 controller with replaceable parts.
As it stands though, this thing is just loaded up with unnecessary extras. Not to mention that it STILL sucks and has no option for 6-button fighter players (ie, SF, Marvel).
Try this Hori gamepad if you're looking for an inexpensive, accurate, and customizable tourny controller:
http://www.amazon.com/PS3-Fighting-Commander-3-Pro-Playstation/dp/B0057WDD6O/ref=sr_1_1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1326303485&sr=1-1
You realize that wired 360 controllers work on PC, right? Even the off-brand ones? I have 1 official, 2 Madcatz, and my favorites, a Horipad EX2 Turbo. Windows 7 recognizes them all and uses them as 360 controllers, it already has the drivers.
They sell a "PC version" of the Microsoft 360 controller, but you're basically paying $5 for a CD with the driver on it, in case you have XP (but you can download it free). If you want wireless, though, you do need to buy a special PC version.
These look interesting, but I can't believe that the interface quality wouldn't suffer, or that it wouldn't be more fragile.
The fact that they would make an awesome controller like this and only market it to the extremely limited number professional gamers and completely ignore the dozens and dozens and dozens and dozens of millions of gamers who don't want a wired controller is troubling. I was so into this until I read about the wire. Looks like I'm sticking with Microsoft and Sony's offerings.
I would. Wireless controllers fucking suck, just saying. I can't use my wireless controller anymore without it dying in 3 hours. I bought the battery pack a month ago, so yeah, I don't see how anyone could honestly prefer wireless.
Play PS3 games with a controller you like you say?
Unfortunately, that cable isn't long enough. They need an adapter or something. It's doable, but it could be better.
Just being able to give myself a PS D-pad on the 360 would be enough for me to give up all other controllers, not to mention the other stuff you can do and move around.
Wish the price was lower.. and I wish they'd let us pick and choose the pieces we wanted right off the bat. Like, I'd pay 30-40 for the unit and then 15 for the parts I wanted. I Don't need all the extra pieces, like once I get that PS3 style D-pad in I'll never be using anything else again. The analogs are trickier, but I don't think I care if they're domed or concave. And I can pass on the weight unit, its not like a mouse where you need a little heft (for me at least, others might like it)
@Baines
"The main thing it is missing is moveable buttons, so that lefties could swap the four face buttons with the d-pad."
Don't get me wrong, I get what you mean, but most left handed gamers should have made piece with this a long time ago, since buttons have been on the right since the beginning. Honestly, it would be cool to swap the buttons too, but then we'd see complaints that lefties couldn't manage it because they've always used them on the right, and they'd switch back -making the design, and the money put into it, a complete waste.
Btw, the ps3 controller is horrible... convex analogs which are next 2 each other and convex triggers suck!
Nyko raven and giotek hf 1 are great alternatives.
You got it backwards bro.
Also, it's always been possible to switch Xbox and Playstation analogue sticks. They've always shared the same pin mount shape and will fit into the opposites case.
I've already never had to spend $60 a year on any systems controllers as I've never had any break on me, even with TONS of play.
Also, I always buy my controllers on sale for $30.