For hardcore games, owning a joystick or a PlayStation type controller is a must. Some games are just a lot easier to control using a game controller than a mouse/keyboard. Gravis, now a part of the Kensington Technology Group, has been making award winning game controllers for the Macintosh longer than any other vendor. And their long development for the platform shows in the Eliminator GamePad Pro.

The Eliminator GamePad Pro connects to your Mac via the USB port. It is plug and play in the true sense of the word. There is no software to install; you just plug the unit into your USB port. In fact, I plugged the Eliminator GamePad Pro into both the built-in USB port as well as a USB hub, and the unit performed flawlessly every time.

The Eliminator GamePad Pro uses Apple's own InputSprocket technology. When you plug it in, the Mac will automatically see the GamePad. The catch? Whatever game your playing must also use Inputsprockets, otherwise you will not be able to use the Eliminator GamePad Pro.

I tested the unit with a number of different games, all of which used InputSprocket. Only Rune, which uses the Apple technology, had problems with the Eliminator GamePad Pro. Diablo, as an example, had no problem using the GamePad.

I used to hate the game controller for the old Nintendo game system, while I loved the ones for the Sony PlayStation. I did not think anyone would make a more comfortable and intuitive controller than that, but the Eliminator GamePad Pro has taken the lead in both comfort and usability. The Eliminator GamePad Pro works, works well, and is easy on the thumbs and palms.

The GamePad hosts ten buttons, all of which you can assign different functions via InputSprockets. It also has a small button titled "Precision" right in the middle of the GamePad, which theoretically make the D-pad much more precise. I saw no real diffrence when pushing this button, but this may be more useful to a flight-sim game, which I did not test the unit with.

Gravis is so confident in this product it also supports a 3-Year warranty and free technical support. With good reason, I think. The unit works well, feels very durable, and is well crafted.

If you are thinking of buying a game controller for your Mac or PC, the Eliminator GamePad Pro is a great choice. And at $29.99, the price makes it more so.

Requirements
Macintosh
Mac OS 9 or later. USB port. InputSprocket games only.

PC
IBM PC or compatible with USB port. Windows® 95, 98, ME, or 2000 Hard drive with 15MB available. CD-ROM drive (2X or faster) for installation.