Pelican Afterglow Pro (PS2, Xbox, GC)

Nintendo GameCube Version

The GameCube version of the Afterglow Pro doesn’t fare as well. It is the same size and shape as a standard Nintendo controller, but it doesn’t function nearly as well because of a few key flaws. For example, the C-Stick has a concave top and is built more like a normal control stick. Functionally, it works just as well, but I’m a fan of the little nubbin on Nintendo’s pad. It also sits a little higher and it just doesn’t feel right. The L and R buttons are also slightly different than you’re used to. They don’t fit your hand as well and you don’t get that nice solid click that Nintendo’s pad gives you. These might seem nitpicky, but feel is everything in a controller and the GC Afterglow Pro doesn’t quite feel right. Something far more serious is the face buttons. The button layout has always been a problem with the GC controller, but they are slightly higher on the pad (thus harder to reach) and they are smaller than on a normal pad. This makes the pad tricky to use since it is a wonky layout to begin with and now things aren’t where you expect them to be. The GC Afterglow Pro functions fine, but it simply doesn’t feel right. I can’t recommend this pad unless you are absolutely desperate.

Microsoft Xbox Version

The Xbox version is probably the best of the three. It is as close to the Controller S as you can get and not have the pad made by Microsoft. There are a few changes here as well, but they work well for the most part. An extra set of black and white buttons has been placed up on the shoulders of the controller and this setup works very well. These buttons don’t play a huge role in most games, but some people were uncomfortable with their placement down at the bottom of the A,B,X,Y buttons. Now you have a choice between using the standard or new placement, so everyone can be happy. Also, the Start and Back buttons have been moved to the area between the D-Pad and R-Stick, but this works well as you don’t really use those buttons too often. The rest of the pad is exactly like a Controller S. The Xbox Afterglow Pro performs perfectly and feels just right. I was really surprised by how good this controller is, and the fact that it also lights up and performs amazingly and is only $20 really seals the deal. The Xbox Afterglow Pro is a very acceptable alternative to the S and I think you’ll be surprised by it as well.

Bottom Line

Something that is absolutely wonderful that Pelican has done over the last couple of years is that they use packaging that allows you to test drive the controllers in the store before you buy them. You can pick up a controller and know immediately whether you like the shape and button placement before you hand over the cash for it.

To sum it all up. The PS2 version is pretty good if a bit stiff. If the Dual Shock 2 was a 100 the PS2 Afterglow Pro would probably be an 85. The GC controller works just fine, but it doesn’t feel right. Feel is everything and the GC Afterglow Pro feels, as Seanbaby once described the GC pad, like a retarded octopus threw up on a boomerang. If the Nintendo Wavebird is a 100, the GC Afterglow Pro is a 70. And finally, the Xbox version. It is amazing how much this feels like a Controller S. If the S is a 100 then the Xbox Afterglow Pro is a 95. It really is a wonderful controller. The glow function on all three controllers works really well and lights up the whole room. Depending on which system you get it for, the Afterglow Pro is a pretty solid controller with a cool gimmick that really delivers the goods.