Logitech Force 3D Pro Joystick

Reviews: Peripherals

Accessories | Gaming Devices | Keyboards / Mice | Printers

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Anthony Fiti
Kurtis
Logitech
Mar. 26, 2006

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Introduction

While joysticks rarely break ground in terms of innovation, they are still a very important part of the gaming experience. If you have ever tried to use a keyboard and mouse in a flight simulation game you know what I am talking about. I wasn't very good at flying in games when I was using a keyboard and mouse, but once I started to use a joystick not only did I perform better, but it was a much more enjoyable experience.

Today we will be taking a look at Logitech's Force 3D Pro joystick. As you might have guessed by the name alone, it features force feedback technology. Force feedback is a feature that your standard joystick isn't likely to have, and although it might make flying a little harder at times, it goes a long way to make your gaming experience a more realistic and therefore immersive one. When gunfire from another plane hits you, you feel the joystick shake and fight you as you struggle to control the damaged aircraft. Or if you're piloting a gigantic mechanical robot and are hit by an opposing robot, the rumbling indicates your damage quicker than you can hear a warning message and/or read a flashing status display. You get the drift. Let's go crash some airplanes.

First Looks

The box for the Logitech Force 3D Pro has a picture of the product on all four sides of the box. In fact, the picture on each side of the box represents the corresponding view of the joystick - the left side of the box has the left side of the joystick, likewise for the front and the right, and the top of the box shows what the joystick looks like from the top! It is an interesting way to package a product - I didn't even realize it until I had looked at the box a few times.

Once the Logitech Force 3D Pro is out of the box, you may have to make room for it on your desk. The base of the joystick measures 8x8" square (that's 20cm by 20cm for you Canadian fellows). While this isn't a huge joystick, it is important in the gaming experience to have enough room on your desk to accommodate the joystick and any other input devices you'll need while you play your game. You won't enjoy moving your mouse or keyboard out of the way every time you want to use the joystick if you don't have ample space!

In addition to the joystick you will also receive a user manual, driver CD, and a power adapter. You might expect that a force feedback joystick would require more juice than could be provided through the computer's USB connection, and you'd be right. You'll need to make room on your power strip or surge protector, as the transformer is located at the outlet rather than in a power brick. This means you'll probably have to clear an outlet on each side of the outlet you want to use.

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Page 1: Introduction / First Looks
Page 2: Taking a Closer Look / Setup
Page 3: Testing
Page 4: Conclusion

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4 User Comments

1 - Posted by Nick on March 27, 2006 - 7:44 pm

You mention that its setup for Righties. Thought id throw out the Saitek Cyborg Evo series as a good 'Lefty-friendly' joystick. The Cyborg series has gotten pretty good reviews and there are many different parts that can be adjusted for both handedness and hand size.

2 - Posted by Anthony on April 1, 2006 - 8:16 pm

Indeed, I own a Saitek joystick and have configured it as a lefty would use it just to see how it felt. It seemed to work well (minus my inability to play games well w/ my left hand).

3 - Posted by nsppatel on January 4, 2007 - 3:22 pm

Is it compatible for the playstation 2? (Ace Combat 5)

4 - Posted by J2T on January 5, 2007 - 12:53 pm

Yep, I have the Cyborg Evo Wireless (courtesy via a contest from TTL and Saiteck :) ) and the only thing I wish it had was force feedback.

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