Revolution Rip-Off in Dangerous Territory

Chinese manufacturer reveals two-handed Revolution-style controller for PS2 - trouble brews?

Apparently the only official image of the DualFX device to date
A Chinese firm called Splitfish Gameware has unveiled a controller peripheral for PlayStation 2 that bears more than a passing resemblance to Nintendo's extraordinary Revolution controller, which itself was only announced at the Tokyo Game Show in September.

The controller, DualFX, comes in two separate units for each hand - one a pointing style device that can be used as a light gun; the other held in the left hand with analogue stick and d-pad. A selection of existing PS2 games are revealed as compatible with the controller, including Half-Life, Tomb Raider Angel of Darkness, the TimeSplitters trilogy, Kill.Switch, 007 Agent Under Fire and Ace Combat 5.

The Beijing, China-based developer of the device also has offices in Canada - conveniently distanced from Nintendo's western and eastern HQ welcome mats. The company also produces a gizmo that apparently turns a selection of average PS2 games into a "3D" world, requiring you to don a pair of stylish 3D glasses.

Technology website CNet had a chance to check out the device at last week's CES show in Las Vegas, and reports that the laser system is "very inconsistent".

The actual Nintendo Revolution controller

Nintendo's stance seems a bit "crouching tiger" right now, with a spokesperson telling Kikizo today, "we don't comment on third party or competitor products". However, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that bosses at Nintendo won't be happy; one reliable gaming commentator added: "I think Nintendo's lawyers will be all over it."

Nonetheless, the DualFX is scheduled for release in March at a price point of $60.

Kikizo Staff