As the name suggests the key point of the Microcon is the fact that it's small, very small as a matter of fact. Compared to the GamePad Pro and official MS 360 pad, the Microcon is a good 30% less bulky, most similar to the original Playstation controller in overall measurements. Face buttons and the d-pad are all slightly shrunken compared to the GamePad Pro, as are the LB, RB, and Triggers. Analog sticks remain the same size.
So small. So cute!
If you're a gamer with small hands and you've found the official 360 pads unwieldy, the Microcon may well be an excellent alternative. Even those with larger hands might get a kick out of the Microcon. We sat down to some Fight Night 3 sessions and got a variety of feedback. A fair number of people with large hands really liked the Microcon, while a few with smaller hands actually liked the larger controllers more. I've got pretty big hands myself, and I really liked the Microcon a lot.
The downside of using the Microcon with big hands is the fact that the triggers are small and close together, meaning you end up pulling them with the middle of your index fingers instead of the tips. It's not exactly bad, but it's the big difference between the Microcon and the larger controllers.
The second big difference between the Microcon and its big brother GamePad Pro is the texture of the plastic housing. Whereas the GamePad Pro makes use of smooth, hard plastic, the Microcon is composed of a very nice feeling rubberized plastic. The soft-plastic housing is comfortable and pleasant to hold, definitely nicer than both the GamePad Pro and official MS 360 controller.
Quite a bit smaller than the GamePad Pro 360 as well.
The Microcon retains many of the best features of the GamePad Pro. The analog sticks are quite nice and have a "meaty" character that makes them feel more responsive and tight than the official 360 pad's sticks. The difference is especially apparent in a game like Fight Night 3, allowing for a great deal more precision than the slightly loose official sticks. Like the GamePad Pro, the Microcon's triggers have a longer throw than the MS 360 pad. We like the triggers a quite a lot, and the longer throw allows for greater touch on the gas and breaks in driving games.
The Microcon has a turbo key to save the thumbs of button mashers. It also has a hard-invert switch that allows the sticks to be hard-set to inverted look, a boon for gamers that dig inverted controls but have found games that don't support the option in software.
Nicely contoured under side.
Conclusion
MadCatz's Xbox 360 Microcon is a tight controller in a small package. Younger gamers, those with small hands, or even those with large hands that prefer the PS1 feel should all take the Microcon for a spin. The very precise analog sticks and the very comfortable surface material make it an excellent alternative to the official 360 pad, and it's lower price makes it a nice option for those not keen on spending $230 for four wireless MS pads.