Free As The Wind
David A. Dodson

Nyko's Wireless Air Flo for the PS2

Back when I first reviewed the original Air Flo controller from nYko, I remember thinking that the only way that it could be improved would be to make it wireless. I also recall thinking that with a variable speed fan on board, removing the controller's power source would be at best impractical and at worst impossible. I'm glad that I didn't mention it in the review, because nYko would have proven me dead wrong with their Wireless Air Flo controller for the PlayStation 2. Not only did they make wireless work, but they've also thrown in a host of other upgrades that I never would have foreseen.

For the uninitiated, nYko's Air Flo technology is a process by which a fan is placed in the body of a controller or mouse, and is used to blow air through vents in the handles. The idea is to keep the palms cool and dry during extended or particularly heated gaming sessions. In the old days the fan drew power directly from the gaming console via the cable; in the wireless version, power comes from four AA batteries (included).

Along with the cooling system, the Wireless Air Flo controller sports RF (radio frequency) technology, guaranteeing unbelievable range that doesn't depend upon line of site with the receiver. And with the ability to choose from eight different channels, you can be sure of uninterrupted play should a neighbor own one also. Another cool new bonus is a removable joystick that screws into the center of the D-pad, perfect for stringing combos and quickly scrolling through weapons. The joystick also stores conveniently in the battery chamber when not in use. And just in case you slip out the door and forget to turn off the controller, the Wireless air Flo has an automatic Power Save mode that shuts it off for you after a few minutes.

The Fan is in the Front

And, friend, does this baby blow. The Wireless Air Flo benefits from better fan placement than its older brothers. The fan has been moved from the middle to the front of the controller for more direct airflow to the grip-vents. This is mainly due to a larger case (remember the four AAs). The larger size may actually be a problem for younger players and women, who may not have the hand mass to comfortably handle the Wireless Air Flo.

My only other concern is power consumption. Any electric motor is going to put a serious hurt on battery life, and the Wireless Air Flo is no exception. If you run the fan full blast all of the time, then you're looking at anywhere from thirty five to fifty hours worth of playtime before it's back to the store for more batteries. Luckily, the Wireless Air Flo has a fan speed control to stretch this out some. Also, if you use the fan only when you need it, you can extend the batteries' life to seventy or eighty hours. We were getting upwards of one hundred hours by not using the fan at all.

Bottom line is nYko's Wireless Air Flo controller is an exceptional wireless controller for the PS2. The range and reliability are simply unbelievable, and the fact that it keeps your hands dry when needed makes it all that much better. For about fifty bucks you can get one wherever games are sold or online at www.nYko.com.