Kontrol Freek gives serious gamers a new edge

June 1, 2010 - By Jason Hamilton

In the never-ending quest to be the best gamer out there, a new company brings to the public a new gadget that just may give you the upper hand….or thumb, in this case. Enter Kontrol Freek with their two snap-on accessories for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 controllers: FPS Freek and Speed Freek.

FPS Freek and Speed Freek are universally-fitting, snap-on attachments for Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 controller. While Kontrol Freek touts some pretty strong hype about their products, it seems to be able to back it up with many favorable customer reviews.

FPS Freek on the Xbox

FPS Freek comes in a set of two devices that snap-on to your analog sticks, essentially making them longer. Designed with the First Person Shooter (FPS) in mind, the product is designed to work like a lever…with less effort and more output. If you’re a serious gamer like me, you may get a little too excited, from time to time find yourself over-correcting your aim and missing your target. Having the analog sticks extended helps prevent this over-correction without sacrificing control or speed. An added bonus to the analog sticks being made longer is that they become more ergonomic. As a positive result, I noted less fatigue in my thumbs, after extended periods of gameplay.

The FPS Freek attaches firmly to the analog sticks of both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3/Dualshock controllers. For the 360 controller, it’s a perfect fit. However, the attachment to the Dualshock is not a perfect fit, as the base of the FPS Freek will occasionally leave rub marks on the Dualshock’s housing that surrounds the analog stick. Because of this, you may want to periodically check that the FPS Freek isn’t about come off the Dualshock’s analog stick.

This shortfall to the Dualshock/FPS Freek fit does not affect game play in the slightest, but you will be able to tell it’s not quite a perfect fit. Using the FPS Freek on the PlayStation 3, my accuracy and kill ratio in Battlefield: Bad Company 2 improved noticeably. Additionally, while playing Mass Effect on the Xbox 360 (particularly while driving the Mako), I experienced reduced frustration and was able to enjoy the game much more than in previous experiences.

Speed Freek, the sister attachment to FPS Freek, comes in a set of two, but you will likely only use one. Speed Freek does not increase the length of the analog stick. Rather, it provides a perfect pocket for your thumb to rest in and serves as a brace to prevent excessive movement.

Speed Freek on the Dualshock

Speed Freek was designed with racing games in mind. I have found that there is a lot less play between the contact of my thumb and the analog stick, providing more accurate control of the vehicle I’m driving. I have put this device to the test in Wipe Out on the PlayStation Network. My control is more precise, and, as a result, my lap times improved.

FPS Freek or Speed Freek can be purchased, from Kontrol Freek’s website, in varying combinations of white, black, and gun metal, for $9.99. You can also purchase a bundle (one set of FPS Freek and one set of Speed Freek) for $19.99. There are other online retailers who sell these as well, but they don’t offer the choice of colors. You may want to shop around for a better price. Either way, the $19.99 I spent on the bundle was a worthy investment that I highly recommend to every gamer out there.