The Run'N' Drive gamepad for PS3, PS2 and PC
In addition to having an awkward appearance, Thrustmaster's Run'N' Drive gamepad may run (and/or drive) away with the dubious distinction of most awkward name and capitalization schema for a gaming product. Our fingers pause, apprehensively, every time we write a brand name, fearful of mangling some marketing team's carefully focus-grouped formatting. Occasionally, we remain obstinate and refuse to conform (we're looking at you PLAYSTATION 3 and SIXAXIS), but we're at a loss with the Run'N' Drive. So, instead of complaining about the name, we'll talk about the controller.
As luck would have it, the Run'N' Drive (RND from here on out) claims to be "7-axis" making it exactly one more axis than Sony's gamepad ... too bad SEVENAXIS isn't palindromic ... that would be sixaneves. We're not sure where that extra axis comes into play; you see, the RND "does not offer a motion sensor" on the PlayStation 3. What it does offer is compatibility with the PS3, PS2, and PC platforms (note: the RND "only supports PS3 games" on the PS3) as well as an optical wheel for "spot on precision."
As luck would have it, the Run'N' Drive (RND from here on out) claims to be "7-axis" making it exactly one more axis than Sony's gamepad ... too bad SEVENAXIS isn't palindromic ... that would be sixaneves. We're not sure where that extra axis comes into play; you see, the RND "does not offer a motion sensor" on the PlayStation 3. What it does offer is compatibility with the PS3, PS2, and PC platforms (note: the RND "only supports PS3 games" on the PS3) as well as an optical wheel for "spot on precision."












Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jack of No Trades @ Mar 23rd 2007 9:24AM
Well, that looks pretty.....
JodyAnthony @ Mar 23rd 2007 9:49AM
so if it doesnt offer motion control how would it work with ps3
steve Johnson @ Mar 23rd 2007 8:40PM
No motion control, no sale. Sorry. The motion control is KILLER on the PS3, IMHO. It's is soooooooo much easier for me to race with motion rather than the thumbsticks in Motostorm.
hvnlysoldr @ Mar 23rd 2007 1:51PM
If it doesn't even use the first six axes, I still think it's three, then what's the seventh? Rumble? It looks like the boomerang controller. Has a weird name. And that wheel looks like it can fly off at any second.
REUYL @ Mar 23rd 2007 2:16PM
Ugliest controller since the boomerang.
Grindstone @ Mar 23rd 2007 3:16PM
"ThrustMaster"
Sounds like a dildo with dual purposes.
Yes, I went there.
Crono @ Mar 23rd 2007 3:26PM
I said this earlier, but joystiq ate my comment.
This controller is 7 axis. You can count them just by looking: 2 for each analog stick, 2 for the d-pad, and 1 for the scroll wheel makes 7 axes.
vidGuy @ Mar 23rd 2007 3:54PM
The question is: does it rumble?
Je2037 @ Mar 23rd 2007 4:23PM
Nope, it only thrusts.
Je2037 @ Mar 23rd 2007 4:23PM
vigorously.
Trujillo @ Mar 23rd 2007 4:41PM
wow, i wasnt expecting that nasty ass boomerang to come back
BPM @ Mar 23rd 2007 5:07PM
That controller confuses and scares me.
thunderleg @ Mar 23rd 2007 8:13PM
...and they still insist on using those circular d-pads.
When will they learn?
Ghost @ Mar 23rd 2007 10:45PM
I don't see an optical wheel let alone know what it is. And what's that weird thing around the D-Pad?
Kato @ Mar 26th 2007 12:55AM
Think that thing around the d-pad is the wheel...ugh. :-P
elnaran @ Apr 13th 2007 4:32PM
hey, see the bright side of things : at least it'll make us laugh once more when it doesn't sell at all (and then goes to the grave to meet with his daddy-oomerang)
Sadihy @ May 19th 2007 4:37PM
Does anyone know where can I buy this pad online?
wink @ May 24th 2007 8:49AM
I've tried this controller and YES it does rumble - it has awesome force feedback effects. The optical wheel is pretty cool too. You have to try to understand, but it gives a lot more control than the motion sensor of the Sixaxis.