"Pah", thinks the standard reviewer as this little monstrosity falls from the packet. Well, yah-boo sucks to "standard" reviewers, 'cos this is one of the best "sticks" in the entire universe. So there!

It's around the size of an individual Fruit 'n' Nut choc-bar, allowing - obviously - some extra size for the two fire buttons and directional thingy on lop.

Performance on Uridium:

It's wonderfully accurate, and easy to operate. The only problem with using the Wiz Card (so-called because it's a bit like a card, and a "wiz" to use - geddit?) is if you've got used to a standard joystick. Once you've got the hang of the movement, it's a dream to use. You don't need to exert any force to change direction, and it fits easily into the hand. It's really quite good.

Performance on Winter Games:

Wonderful! This one worked with hardly any problems at all. Firing was responsive and trouble-free. Direction changes were precise, too. The only problem arose on long events, where continual direction changes are necessary, it was quite hard to get a comfortable grip. You can't really use one thumb, as you've got to press on different areas of the pivoting button. Using the digits though, is rather awkward!

HARD FACTS SPECIAL

Are you having a hard time choosing the right hardware? Hard but Steve Adams has the lowdown on the latest hardware. And it's all under £100.

Euromax
£7.45

A cheaper alternative to a standard stick, this one's surprisingly effective, though if you tend to be a touch heavy-handed you may find it hard to get on with. It's basically a small rectangular shaped card that fits easily into your hand and has a circular rocker for directional control. The fire buttons are positioned at the front, making it a bit awkward to use as your hand practically covers them. Still, it's very sensitive and a worthy rival to the more expensive sticks, even though it's an acquired taste.