Video Game Wholesale: Bannco FRAGnStein Wireless PC / PS3 Mouse Controller Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Before I review the fragnstein, I'll point out the following: I will only speak for performance on modern warfare 2 and the call of duty series on the ps3 (playstation 3 console). I'm running the newest firmware (2.30) and have extensively tested the button mapping software from Bannco. I own the fragnstein, fragfx v2, the frag pro, and the XIM. I will try my best to give an unbiased review. Please note that the review below assumes you are planning on using the Fragnstein by itself, without the aid of the XIM.

1.The fragnstein (currently as of 3/3/2010) has acceleration whereas the splitfish fragfx v2 does not. The fragnstein has a noticeable "dead spot" whereas the fragfx v2 does not. Translation: fragfx v2 gives linear movement whereas the fragnstein does not, at least in this game, and alas micro-movements are not possible with the fragnstein. Moving the mouse very slowly translates to NO movement on screen: this is a major handicap. The youtube video(s) comparing the fragnstein to the fragfx v2 are incomplete as they fail to mention this very important fact, and they never show "how" slowly the user is moving the mouse. Furthermore, the apparent "jerkiness" of the fragfx v2 is flawed since the user/video-maker had the dial set too high (4 instead of 3). This infamous video, to my understanding, was created by a man who works for Bannco, not an unbiased customer.

2.The frag pro is not worthy of comparison really, as its performance in MW2 is worse than the v2.

3.The fragnstein has a scroll wheel, whereas the fragfx v2 has a button for R3. The scroll wheel is intended to give the user the ability to turn, and look up and down quickly... but it's actually quite useless and CANNOT but disabled even from within the config software. I dislike the scroll wheel; it's an annoying gimmick that just gets in the way instead of improving your gaming skillz. You will need to upgrade your firmware to remove this unwanted feature.

4.The Splitfish products have an extra button dubbed the "frag" button, intended to ease headshots with a sniper rifle. However, I've never been able to use this in any game as it is impossible to press while pressing L1... I only have so many fingers. In other words, we really don't want/need this button so don't even consider it when comparing Bannco to Splitfish.

5.Build quality of the fragnstein is much superior to the splitfish fragfx v2 and the Pro. So, in terms of hardware quality and durability, the fragnstein wins BIG TIME.

6.There is NO lag with any of the three products I've mentioned, so I can't compare them in that respect.

7.The left grip of the fragnstein is far superior to the Splitfish products. My hand does not cramp even after extended periods of use, I find it much more ergonomic. The joystick is centered instead of off to the right, it's is much more comfortable.

8.The mouse on the other hand, is not contoured to the hand and I do get cramps in my pinky. The Splitfish mice are more comfortable to hold, but much MUCH lower quality mice, physically.

9.The fragnstein and the dual sfx frag pro are advertised to have a 2000 dpi laser, whereas the fragfx v2 is a mere 300 dpi optical mouse. However, the fragfx v2 still outperforms the fragnstein in MW2 due to the aforementioned firmware related problems (acceleration and deadspot).

10. The fragnstein can be used as a regular pc mouse, the fragfx cannot. What this means is you can also use it for PC gaming! It also means is that you CAN combine the fragnstein with the XIM to fix all of the aforementioned problems: deadspot and acceleration... if you're willing to shell out another $90 and have a computer running next to your PS3, that is.

So there you have it. Until further firmware/software releases from Bannco and Splitfish, I rank these products in terms of performance on the call of duty series including the latest, Modern Warfare 2:

1.XIM + Fragnstein - BEST
1.Fragfx v2 - Decent
2.Fragnstein (by itself) - Eh
3.Dual sfx frag pro - Bad

Finally, I would like to point out the optimal settings I have found for Modern Warfare 2 to be "playable" with the fragnstein: Button mapping software's sensitivity set to max, In-game sensitivity set to 4, and with the "F" button held down, 10-12 clicks forward on the scroll wheel.
Feel free to comment. Thanks.

-----------UPDATE 3/3/2010--------------------
I have now tested the XIM1. The XIM blows the Splitfish Fragfx and Bannco Fragnstein out of the water. You can completely remove the deadspot problem and have complete linear movement with the XIM. Combining the XIM with the fragnstein is THE ultimate setup for a serious gamer. You get all the benefits of having all the buttons next to your thumb, plus you're lethally accurate. Although for all the money you're going to spend (XIM + Fragnstein), and the fact that you'll need to have your computer running anyway in order to use the XIM, you might as well just buy MW2 for the PC.

-----------UPDATE 2/27/2010-------------------
The firmware keep disappearing from Bannco's site. You will need to dig through the forums in order to find the "expert" firmware mentioned in the previous update as it is no longer posted on Bannco's firmware page. The current available firmware is 2.30 and still has massive acceleration problems as discussed in the above review. The best firmware I've found for Modern Warfare 2 is 1.2a (no longer available directly from Bannco) :(

Bannco has promised to create an advanced config tool similar to the XIM interface in the future, but there's no set date. I waited 3 months now, when they first said "it should be available sometime next week." Well... there's still no advanced config tool. As soon as it's released, I will update this review.

As this device works both on a pc and the ps3, it can be used in conjunction with the XIM1. I recently purchased one, and I will test out this combination extensively and give you guys another update.

------------UPDATE 12/8/2009------------------
The latest firmware, "expert 1.2" (available at [...]) for the Call Of Duty series is AMAZING to say the least. This is THE controller to have. Here's what they fixed:

1. The deadspot has almost been completely corrected, both X and Y
2. The mouse movement is somewhat linear now.
3. The scroll wheel has been disabled (THANK YOU BANNCO!)and acts like a button now for R3.

Note that this product currently ships with firmware 2.0. You will need to upgrade to Expert 1.2 to really enjoy it on Modern Warfare 2 and the other Call Of Duty games.
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Product Description:
FRAGnStein is a PC/PS3 controller that is compatible with all PC and PS3 games. Use the mouse for targeting prey while moving with the left hand Grip. You get full 6-axis motion control.

Between the Mouse and Grip, the FRAGnStein contains all the normal PS3 controller buttons making it ideal for that first person PC shooter game style you're used to.

For PC use it does not get any better, you can use the mouse just as any other normal mouse but with the high resolution adjustable 2000 CPI. Silky smooth no lag game play.

Simply put, FRAGnStein is the most advanced controller in the world. Programmable, digital sniper buttons and upgradeable firmware provide unprecedented levels of accuracy. FRAGnStein is also a full-featured wireless PC gaming WASD controller. The worlds most advanced ultimate console controller that maintains that PC first-person shooter experience across the PC and PS3.Configuration Tools High Quality