AFTERGLOW AW.1 for the Wii
Score: 87% Developer: Performance Designed Products Device Type: Controller
Function: AFTERGLOW AW.1 for the Wii not only rearranges the button layout for the Wii controller, but it also adds quite a bit of flair with a liberal use of LED lights, coupled with a few different modes of running those lights. First the button changes. The most noticeable relocation include the (+) and (-) buttons and the (1) and (2) buttons. The Numeric buttons are no longer centered on the controller, they are now set askew. While this appears to be purely a design change, the feel of going between the two buttons does seem slightly better when using the controller in the vertical style. As for when you turn the controller on its side, the feel becomes slightly more akin to the button layout of a SNES controller and seems to fit the ergonomics of the thumb a bit more as the buttons line up with your thumb tip's natural arc of movement. While that change feels minor, the migration of the (+) and (-) buttons make a lot of sense. Instead of being positioned between the number buttons and the D-pad, they flank the D-pad. This makes those buttons imminently more accessible to your thumb while you are on the D-pad. When using the controller horizontally though, the buttons don't seem to be in any better of a location than they are on the standard Wii-mote since they are just as awkwardly placed. At least this way, they are close to your left-hand-thumb instead of equally out of the way of both hands in the middle of the controller. The last button change is the Home. While this normally sits between the (+) and (-) buttons, PDP has moved it to the top of the controller, opposite the power button. Quite frankly, there doesn't really seem to be much difference as far as ease of use is concerned, and it seems like one of the main reasons PDP wanted to move these buttons out of the way was to make room for the apparently bigger speaker. Now, while the button layout is important for a new controller, that isn't the AFTERGLOW's big feature. That is, of course, the lighting effects it can pull off. The version of the AW.1 for the Wii we got in is studded with six blue LED's and through the clear plastic case, you can see the blue circuit board to match the lights. These lights can be set to either Off, On or Acceleration. The first two modes are self explanatory, while the third changes the lights based on the controller's movements and speed.
Performance: AFTERGLOW AW.1 for the Wii encases its circuits in a pretty strong clear polycarbonate body that not only looks clean, but also seems to have no problems taking a drop or two, something I have to confess to doing on occasion. The added LED lights don't seem to have any major effect on the controller's battery life, and considering the low power consumption of the diodes, this is to be expected. As for how the controller itself worked in games, I found that it handled itself at least as well as the first-party controller. The redistributed buttons took a little getting used to, but I found the position of the (+) and (-) buttons to be the best change of the set. The only time when this wasn't really the case was while playing a racing game. In other words, holding the controller sideways, and wanting to pause the game with the (+) button - it still feels a little odd to reach up with my left thumb instead of towards the center.
Features: Color Coded Circuit Board and LED Lighting System Three Modes of AFTERGLOW Lighting For Any Mood: On, Off, and Acceleration Button Layout Redesigned to Improve Player Performance In Shooters, Action Games, and Classics Includes Matching Wrist Strap For Secure Gameplay Available In Three Striking Colors: Green, Blue, and Red
Drawbacks & Problems:: AFTERGLOW AW.1 for the Wii has a few minor issues, but nothing insurmountable by any means. While the clear case looks great, and the lights are dazzling, it makes it very hard to read the white lettering on the buttons, especially when the lights are turned on. Granted, once you get used to the new button layout, you won't be doing that as much, but if you often switch between the AFTERGLOW and the first-party controller, you are probably going to be glancing down quite a bit. The other main issue I have with the controller is the placement of the light switch. From what I've seen of the other AFTERGLOW controllers (for the PS3, 360, and the Wii Nunchuck), the buttons are all fairly easy to get to. With the exception of the Nunchuck, the switches are on the bottom and require little to no effort to flip. On the Wii-mote replacement though, the switch is under the battery cover and that must be removed if you want to change the setting. I'm not really sure why PDP felt like this needed to be less accessible for this particular controller, but it seemed an odd design choice to me. Like I said though, these few issues can be overcome and worked with. Overall, the AFTERGLOW AW.1 for the Wii is a good, cheaper replacement controller. If you are looking for a new one, and have a thing for pretty lights, definitely check this one out.
-J.R. Nip, GameVortex Communications AKA Chris Meyer
Related Links: Game Vortex's Review of the AFTERGLOW AW.2 for the Wii
AFTERGLOW AW.2 for the Wii AFTERGLOW AP.1 for the PS3