XCM Cross Battle Adapter Review with Mad Catz FightStick

Many Street Fighter IV tournaments like EVO are run using Sony PS3 consoles. Without dual-modding your controller, this leaves Xbox 360 owners with very few options. The best but most expensive option of course, is to purchase an additional Mad Catz FightStick. Another option that’s a bit cheaper is to purchase the Mad Catz FightPad which many pad warriors use. The problem is that PS3 FightPad is wireless (unlike the wired Xbox 360 version) and wireless controllers are banned at most tournaments (especially major ones like EVO or Devastation). The ultimate solution for Xbox 360 owners would be an adapter that would allow the use of their FightStick or FightPad without having to purchase additional PS3 controllers.

Currently the only adapter on market that connects Xbox 360 wired controllers to PS3 consoles is the XCM Cross Battle Adapter ($70). Sounds great on paper, but unfortunately not so great in action. The problem is lag and dropped inputs. The lag is slight enough where the game is still playable, but unfortunately it’s noticable. With a game like SFIV where every frame counts, this is really unfortunate. Add random dropped inputs into the mix and the adapter becomes even more unacceptable for tournament use.

At $70 it may sound like a bargain compared to buying another tournament stick, but unless you’re only interested in using it for casual play I highly suggest not buying it. Hopefully, someone will come out with an adapter soon that works flawlessly between the two systems.

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