The EdgeFX is a great idea marred by shoddy design and manufacturing.

As a former PC-only gamer, I've mostly avoided console shooters until the past few months, because I didn't feel that analog sticks were anywhere near as accurate as a good mouse.  That's why I jumped at the chance to try Splitfish's new EdgeFX PS2 controller, which promises "superior precision and speed".  The EdgeFX takes the standard Dualshock 2 and splits it in half; the right half becomes a mouse, and the left side becomes a  device reminiscent of the Wii Nunchuck.  THe key innovation here is that the right analog stick is replaced by movements of the optical mouse.  Does this unique arrangement deliver on Splitfish's promises?  Read on and find out.

After receiving the package, I eagerly opened the box and removed the contents.  I was momentarily confused by a tiny black piece of plastic that popped out and onto the floor; close inspection revealed that it was the L2 button from the left-hand controller.  Not an auspicious beginning.  It didn't look broken, and it fit back into position easily enough, but throughout my testing it had a tendancy to pop back off with the slightest accidental application of pressure from below (the edge of the button extends past the back of the controller).  I sincerely hope this is an individual defect and not a problem with the design.

The quality of the hardware, as you may already suspect, is a bit of a mixed bag.  The left portion is good overall.  It feels pretty solid, it's quite comfy and fits well in the hand, and everything but the L2 button work and feel fine.  The analog stick especially has just the right amount of springiness.  There is dial to adjust mouse sensitivity on the inside, easily accessible by thumb; unfortunately the directions aren't indicated, so you'll have to remember which is which.  An interesting addition is a third button on top, above the L1 button.  Splitfish calls it the Focus button; it slows the mouse movement down to a crawl for accurate headshots and the like.  Good idea, but the button placement meant I often pressed Focus instead of L1.  Again, something to get used to with practice, but it might have been better placed elsewhere.