As mentioned in my prior article, I recently was evaluating the thought of changing my PS3 controller in order to purchase a controller of the Xbox 360 layout. I won’t harp on the same things as before, so check out my review of the Nyko Raven controller for my rationale behind this.
In the midst of this hunt for a new controller I found myself at the local Wal-Mart and sitting on an end cap I was surprised to discover staring at my the Afterglow ap.2. The price was around $5 higher than the Nyko Raven, but I figure it was worth a shot and so I picked it up.
I will admit that given the light-up features of the controller I thought I was in for a real flakey controller right out of the box – I was wrong. Immediately after pulling out the controller I could tell that the controller was better built than the raven and even the plastic felt more durable. Where I really noticed the difference was in the use of the primary buttons, especially the d-pad. The buttons on the Afterglow ap.2 are very close to the calibre of the genuine PS3 controller and the analog sticks are close too. It was pretty apparent without even hooking up the controller that this was superior to the Nyko Raven.
After hooking up the unit to my PS3 I began to play Battlefield 3 – instantly I found myself forgetting that I was using a third party controller with the analog sticks performing quite smoothly. While the controller’s analog sticks are still not perfect, I have to admit that it is very possible to make the Afterglow ap.2 as your primary controller in a first person shooter.
Now I know what you’re thinking – lights, really? While I’m the first to agree light-up functions like the one on the Afterglow ap.2 are a total gimmick, the company has thought this out by giving the option to either have the controller lights always on, always off, or light up on vibration. At first I thought I’d just leave the lights off; however, after playing the dark a few times, I found having it light up on vibration was the best. Having an extra indicator of when I was under fire was especially useful when staying up far far too late.
While I do wish the Afterglow ap.2 had the option of reversing the triggers like the Nyko Raven, the superior button quality is enough for me to take back the Nyko. If anyone is looking for an Xbox 360 layout PS3 controller (or a controller that lights up) – I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Afterglow ap.2.
Hey man,
nice review.
Yesterday I also bought this controller cause of the xbox layout.
The only thing i dont understand is when Im recharging the controller the lights keep flashing, even after several hours, so i dont know when the controller is full.
Do you have this same problem, and can you see the battery level in your ps3 menu, when pressing the home button?
Thanks.
Hey there, thanks for the comment.
My lights also keep flashing even after several hours. Looks to be a common problem since we’ve both encountered it. As for the battery level, it doesn’t appear to work unfortunately – did yours?
That is actually an error in the manual, The lights will not go off. You will know it is charged, when it is paired and the led light is solid. When it starts to blink rapidly, when paired, you should recharge again. Though it will typically take 5 hours or so to charge.
hey if you use it on battlefield 3 will the fire button be on r2 or still in r1? im curious because i struggle with firing with the bumpers and i dont wanna waste money on a controller i dont like. thanks :)
I have the ap.2 and BF3, the layout is still the same. Also I have found the battery life to be very good. I prefer it to the ps3 controllers because of the 360 layout. I think you will like the controller.
I got the AP.2 when I had to do a system exchange at gamestop. i wasn’t sure about it at first, with having to have the USB dongle to sync and all, and have heard that previous models were quite weak….but after playing little big planet 2, lego pirates and battlefield 3, I love this controller, we want to get more and replace our ps3 sixaxis controller. I like the 360 layout a lot better than the PS layout, and I never use sixaxis function, find it quite annoying. the AP.2 is definitely the way to go for aftermarket controllers, but if you are going to run more than 2, get a usb hub, if your ps3 is the slimline, it only has 2 usb ports.
I have a problem with mine. Randomly my usb wireless just stopped lighting up making the pad useless. Is it a common problem? I’ve only had it 2 months and don’t have box or receipt to take it back. Help please
This controller sucks…Me and my friend have one..We both have the same problem. Charge controller for 24hrs. Lights just flash and won’t sync. Google it. Many have the same issue. Controller still not working.
I got the same controller from my cousin but it only flash when i try to turn it on. Even when i hook it up with the ps3 charger it still wont turn on only flash and charge, it worked fine for my cousins ps3…i just saw the usb drive in your picture, do i need its usb drive? Or does this controller even have a reset button? Or is it messt up? P.S He told me he smashed it, its that why it isnt workihg?
I have to admit that I’ve since migrated to Xbox gaming so I did give this controller away to a friend who I’ve lost contact with – but I have heard of people having issues with charging. It sounds like the charging light indicator doesn’t work properly – and a lot of time it’ll show as still charging but when you take it out and use it it’s full. I’ve also heard that some people say that they plug it in, there’s no indication it charges, but after a couple hours, disconnect and it works. Looks like although my initial experience with it was good, perhaps if I had still been gaming with in the life would have been disappointing. If I can get a hold of him I’ll see what my friend has to say.
@Wesley Cruz – As for the USB dongle – yes that is needed. As this is a third party controller, like many of them it does have to go over USB. The USB dongle needs to be plugged into the front of the PS3 and that’s how it sync.
Thanks
my controller never flashed or vibrated new out of the box. also does not react to tilting it. either it was a lemon or they are all bad? I would not purchase another one. ive had it for 1 year now
I got this controller this Christmas and it’s been working fine. The lights even stopped blinking when fully charged. My problem is the stick layout and the overall feel of it. I’m way too use to the standard PS3 controllers and I’m afraid I’ll never adapt to the left stick way up above the D-pad.
For me it was a nice hybrid at the time go to to the 360 layout (which I liked better at the time). Truth be told I’ve got rid of my controller now as all my gaming (as limited as that is) is on the 360.
why is there no reset button on the afterglow ap2