If you're looking for a new games controller, prepare to discover that there's almost as much variety in the selection of sticks, pads and paddles as the games titles themselves. Logitech is hoping its new Wingman Gamepad will stand out in this already overcrowded market. How exactly? The company has cut the cord.

The latest Wingman is Logitech's first wireless gamepad and uses 2.4GHz radio technology to 'talk' to your PC. Response to button-pressing and controller movement is immediate and we thoroughly enjoyed using it.

We expected that we would have to pay a premium for a cordless gamepad but, to Logitech's credit, it comes competitively priced at £40.

This is even more impressive considering that no other major bases have been missed. The device has effective vibration feedback and 11 programmable buttons. The Cordless Wingman's need to carry four AA batteries renders it a little heavier than most but we found this to be no bad thing.

It would have benefited from a rubber finish but this is a minor quibble and overall the Wingman is very comfortable to use.

What's more, the unit's a cinch to set up thanks to the thorough on-screen instructions which lead you by the hand through software installation, hardware detection and calibration. However, do remember that although the device is cordless you still need a spare USB port to connect the small receiver.

Those keen to play against mates will be delighted to hear that up to eight of the devices can be used with one PC, thanks to channel-hopping technology used by the Cordless Wingman. The company also claims that this will reduce the risk of interference from other radio-controlled devices, such as cordless phones and baby monitors.

SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum requirements
300MHz PC, Windows 98/2000, 16Mb of RAM, 15Mb hard-disk space, DirectX 7 or later

Contact
Logitech: 020 7309 0127 www.logitech.com