To accommodate the launch of Mortal Kombat X for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC, PDP released the Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad. So is the officially licensed controller for the worth buying or are you better off looking at other alternatives? Let’s check out some factors that could impact your decision.
Differences when compared to PlayStation and Xbox Controllers
First off, let’s compare the Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad to the DualShock 3, DualShock 4, Xbox One and Xbox 360 controllers. The PDP game pad is designed specifically for fighting game. As a result, the analog sticks have been removed while two of the shoulder buttons (L1 and R1 on the PlayStation version and LB and RB on the Xbox One version) are now part of the six face buttons.
Its shell is also asymmetrical as its shape is used to accommodate for the six face buttons on the right side. So, while it may be a little awkward at first with one side of the controller having a different shape of handle when compared to the other, you can get use to holding it after some time.
Moreover, all of the buttons that were used to pause the action, with the exclusion of the PS and Xbox buttons, have been placed near where the cord is. This is to prevent you from pausing the game by accident during the middle of a match.
Micro Switches
PDP also added micro switches to the weapons. This makes pushing the face buttons on the Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad feel more like pressing the ones on a arcade fighting stick. So you will get strong tactile feedback in addition to a loud clicking audio noise. With that said, it seems like several users are having problems with these micro switches, which can sometimes register multi button inputs with just one push or none at all.
Lack of Headset Support
Another factor you may want to take into account in the lack of headset support. The port required is not included in either the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One versions of the Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad. So, if you are planning to chat while playing online, you are better off using the official first-part controllers.
Game Compatibility
Another issue that you may run into is game compatibility. Since there are no analog sticks, the Mortal Kombat X Fight Pads won’t work with a majority of other games aside from 2D fighters and other games that take place in the second dimension.
Verdict
While the Mortal Kombat X Fight Pads feel great after getting use to the layout, it has some durability and compatibility issues that really hurt its image. If you are still interested, you can check out the controller with the following links: Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad for PS4/PS3 and Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad for Xbox One/Xbox 360.
If you want an alternative to the PDP pads, you may want to check out the upcoming Fighter Commander 4 for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3. There are also several arcade fighting sticks if you don’t mind paying for something that is more expensive, but with better quality. Check out the alternatives on Amazon with the next pages: Hori Fighting Commander 4 Controller (PS4/PS3), Hori Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai (PS4/PS3), Hori Real Arcade Pro Hayabusa (Xbox One), Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 (PS4/PS3) and Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 (Xbox One).