Spin the big ol' wheel. details Specs: Force-feedback controller Standard PlayStation button layout. By: Namco Category: Controller Price: About $35

What it is

The JogCon is sized a little larger than the standard control pad for the PlayStation. Its handles extend an inch or two further than the stock controller, but the button configuration is, for all intents and purposes, exactly the same. But what makes this controller unique is the heavy knob that hangs below the Start and Select buttons – this knob is the new way to control your vehicles in R4 (and future racing games). The wheel is motorized. Why? Because it offers true force-feedback, but I'm getting ahead of myself.

How it works

There's many ways to hold the controller, but the best way is this: wrap your hands around the handles, extend your index and middle fingers to where the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons rest on the controller's shoulder. Set your thumbs atop the wheel on both sides and you're good to go.

You steer the wheel with your thumbs, keeping the knob indentation as the center point. As you drive, the controller will receive data from the game that will result in feedback on the controller. For example, if you're screaming through a turn, you'll feel the tension of the wheel increase to represent the power of the turn. If you nudge another car (or the track wall), the wheel will jolt – hopefully it won't slip out from under your thumbs. And if your car goes airborne, well, you'll feel that too – the wheel goes completely loose when that happens, so make sure the wheel is straight when you land.

Games that support the JogCon (well, at least R4) will have user-defined settings to adjust how the JogCon operates. You can set the tension, how responsive it is, as well as reposition button configurations.

Is it worth it?

The JogCon is the first console-based force-feedback steering wheel, and when R4 hits the US some controllers will come packaged with the game. More people who buy the controller, the better the support from outside developers. And who knows? Maybe some company will build a full-sized wheel that supports the JogCon force-feedback.

It's a well-built controller, but it's got a bit of a learning curve that will frighten some folks away. Racing fans should keep their eye on the JogCon, especially if they're looking to get a little more kick from their favorite genre of games. The JogCon has a Japanese price at around 40 bucks, so expect that when the controller hits stateside with the release of R4.Hey, maybe Hasbro will support it for a new Wheel of Fortune game...

-- Craig Harris