Let's just get this out of the way first thing: the import paddle controller works on the U.S. versions of Arkanoid and Space Invaders Extreme in both the DS Lite and Phat. But with that answered at last, the question that remains is: should you go to the trouble of importing the Japan-exclusive peripheral?We've been test-driving both titles, with the paddle and without, and it definitely adds to the experience. Arkanoid without the paddle is fun, but not terribly engaging, and seems like the kind of game that would work only as a temporary diversion. For a budget title, that's fine! But with the addition of the paddle -- which turns the purchase into something decidedly not budget -- Arkanoid really comes to life as an exciting way to spend some time with your DS.
But what is this paddle controller we've been talking about? The peripheral, which was packaged with Arkanoid in Japan, is a simple add-on for the GBA slot that features a spinning knob that controls the bumper in the game. It was designed to bring the full arcade experience to the handheld title, and it definitely improves every aspect of the game.
As stated before, the paddle also works with Space Invaders Extreme, and similarly adds an enormous amount of depth and fun to that game. For some, however, it may make the new Space Invaders a little too easy, as the early stages of the game (we're still in impressions mode here) were a breeze with the paddle, compared to the regular DS controls.
However, Space Invaders remains a fun and frenetic experience, and the paddle just adds to that -- it feels like a very natural way of playing. It's just right, and it's a shame that so many people won't get to experience the game in that fashion, due to the hassle of importing the controller. Here's hoping something spurs Square Enix into bringing it over after all.
Look: Not only does the paddle boast a lot of personality, but it has a simple, clean aesthetic.
Weight: Light enough that it's unnoticeable on the Phat. Adds a hair of weight to the DS Lite.
Durability: Impossible to determine effects of longterm usage at this stage, but it feels very well made. The knob spins freely and feels very solidly connected, with no noticeable loosening after lots of fiddling.
Price: ¥1800, or $26.90 at NCSX, one of the few retailers that has consistently had the controller in stock.
Colors/Patterns: Available in white, silver, black and pink, but good luck trying to find any retailer with more than one shade in stock at any given time.
Essential? If you're planning on buying both of these games, it's definitely recommended. It is an investment, however -- nearly as much as another full DS game! -- but if you're also into homebrew, armchair programmers have already been working with the controller, and it seems likely we'll see a few more uses for it in the future. So we say yes ... if you're into extras and importing, the paddle will definitely maximize your Arkanoid and Space Invaders Extreme experience. Get!
Essential Extras is an irregular feature here at DS Fanboy, in which we check out one accessory and determine whether or not it's a good buy. Is there something you'd like to see us feature? Leave a comment here, or fill out our direct comment form with your suggestions.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-16-2008 @ 11:05AM
pr0vidence said...
THANK YOU THANK YOU thank you...ordering ordering ordering ordering.
Reply
6-16-2008 @ 12:20PM
Alisha Karabinus said...
We live to serve!
6-16-2008 @ 12:09PM
RupeeClock said...
Those paddles seem to sell out pretty quickly.
If you can't get them from that site, you might find them on play-asia (but they're sold out right now anyway.)
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-zvy-49-en-15-Paddle+Control-84-p.html
Then again, you can just import the japanese game with the paddle anyway. >_>
Reply
6-16-2008 @ 12:19PM
Alisha Karabinus said...
Too true! It's not like you need to read the EPIC STORY of Arkanoid. :)
6-16-2008 @ 12:36PM
rikki said...
FYI, it's actually less expensive to buy a US copy of either game and import the paddle. Budget price point = awesome.
6-16-2008 @ 12:40PM
RupeeClock said...
I'm not so sure, looking at play-asia, the japanese game with the paddle is $50, the american game without the paddle is $25, on NCSX the paddle is $26.
That's not accounting for shipping costs either.
Sometimes you have to ignore cheap and go for what's available, you might not get the paddle experience otherwise. :(
6-16-2008 @ 1:08PM
rikki said...
The MSRP for both games is $19.99, so there's no need to pay Play-Asia's slightly-inflated price unless you're not in the US—in which case you can disregard everything I've said.
Even if you pay 10% tax on the game (lol) and ship the paddle cross-country from NCSX, it's still less than the $50 + 9.40 shipped it'd cost you for P-A's JP bundle. (And you wouldn't have to wait several weeks for it!)
But you're right about going for what's available rather than what's cheap. I have a feeling the paddle supply is going to disappear after the US releases come out and people realize what they're missing.
6-16-2008 @ 1:30PM
Alisha Karabinus said...
Yeah, it is really probably going to come down to what's available. As of this morning, NCSX only had the silver ones, and they've been out of stock off and on, as have most other retailers.
6-16-2008 @ 9:24PM
Roto13 said...
I can't imagine paying more for an optional peripheral than for the game you play it with.
Reply
6-16-2008 @ 10:18PM
BlackDS said...
I can't imagine buying the paddle unless they had black available.
As silly as it sounds, I want the paddle to match the color of my DS Lite, and I'm not about to import a metallic silver DS Lite just to play Arkanoid and Space Invaders Extreme.
I also wished they would redesign the paddle to snuggly fit the DS Lite. I hate the extra plastic sticking out.
Peace.
Peace.
Reply
6-17-2008 @ 1:50AM
Alisha Karabinus said...
Having tried both, I actually like the positioning better on the Lite, though I usually hate GBA stickout. It's more comfortable to play a little further away, at least for me.
But I totally get the matching thing. Wonder if the white one is paintable....
6-17-2008 @ 5:40AM
BlackDS said...
I'm glad it's more comfortable. :)
I have a Japanese DS Lite Rumble Pak, because I really hate things sticking out of the GBA slot. I keep worrying that I might accidently hit the side of a desk and "snap" whatever is sticking out of the GBA slot will break at where it's sticking out (the weakest point). If I bought the paddle controller, I would worry about breaking it.
Probably just paranoia on my part.
Peace.
6-17-2008 @ 12:13PM
Alisha Karabinus said...
I get that -- I hate playing GBA games on my Lite because I have this deep-seated fear that, in my extreme clumsiness, I will catch it on something and somehow magically tear my entire handheld to pieces.
I manage to fall up stairs, so this is not unpossible.
6-17-2008 @ 2:15PM
BlackDS said...
LOL
:)
6-17-2008 @ 5:56PM
Eleniel said...
Knowing that the paddle works might just convince me to get these games and the paddle; otherwise they didn't really interest me. Uniqueness wins!
Reply
6-17-2008 @ 8:42PM
Kimiko said...
I always thought a mouse was the best way to play Breakout/Arkanoid games. I know a pen/tablet isn't that great for them. But, a wheel thingy? I don't see how that would improve the game.
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6-18-2008 @ 1:22PM
Akukami said...
My DS that's been doing nothing for the past few months thanks you for giving me the final push to import this device as well as pick up both funtastic looking games. I have a feeling I'll be as delighted with this as I was with both versions of Ouendan.
My wallet on the other hand...not so much...
Reply
7-09-2008 @ 1:34AM
RWilloug said...
I love the paddle and I hope we'll see some more games that take advantage of it. My first nominee would be a Tempest 2000 remake.
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