N-Control Avenger
 | This article is missing information about release history, current status and newer versions. (May 2023) |
The N-Control Avenger is an attachment for video game controllers. It is a clamshell for the existing Xbox and PlayStation 3 controllers that alters the location of where the player interacts with the face buttons.
Marketing
[edit]Prior to release, the Avenger was subject to a public relations debacle. N-Control had collected money from customers for preorders, but was missing the expected arrival window. The company had hired Paul Christoforo, operating under the names Ocean Marketing and Ocean Distribution, to handle marketing of the project,[1][2] and he handled responses to emails as customers began mounting inquiries about orders. Christoforo's replies to one particular customer compelled the customer to forward the email exchange to several Internet media outlets. Penny Arcade's Mike Krahulik posted a transcript correspondence with Christoforo.[3][4] The media's response was to roundly criticize Christoforo's approach to customer service, which included vague excuses for delays and belittling the customer.[5] Christoforo was removed from his role in the Avenger's marketing, with N-Control apologizing to customers and assuming control of the marketing itself.[1][6] N-Control also discounted the cost of PlayStation 3 attachment preorders and donated to Penny Arcade's Child's Play charity.[7] Christoforo still held a number of N-Control's digital assets for a number of months before being compelled to give them up.[8]
Reception
[edit]The Avenger received largely positive reviews, specifically appreciating that a player's thumb need not leave the right analog stick to interact with the face buttons.[9] After using the device, Engadget appreciated the functionality and said that it should "not be mistaken for a crapgadget".[10][11] Gizmodo proclaimed that after an initial learning curve, "you'll see no reason to ever take it off".[12] Other reviewers also noted the learning curve, though they generally felt that reaction time was improved after adapting to the device's layout.[13]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Buckley, Sean (2011-12-29). "N-Control dismisses marketing consultant, discounts PS3 Avenger pre-orders". Engadget.com. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ Haley, Sebastian (29 December 2011). "Ocean Marketing fiasco addressed in official press release". VentureBeat. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
- ^ Paul Miller (2011-12-27). "Penny Arcade vs. Ocean Marketing". The Verge. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ Wawro, Alex (2011-12-27). "Penny Arcade Publishes Transcripts Of Customer Service Blunder". PCWorld. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ Daniel Nye Griffiths (2012-04-18). "Avengers, Controllers and Games PR in the Wild West of the Superfan". Forbes. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ Crecente, Brian (2011-12-27). "PR Trolling "Ocean Stratagy [sic]" Out of Business, Avenger Controller Maker Asks For Forgiveness". Kotaku.com. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ Pereira, Chris (2012-01-19). "Following PR Blunder, Avenger Controller Makes a Child's Play Donation". 1up.com. Archived from the original on 2012-02-03. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ "Ocean Marketing holds N-Control's digital accounts hostage, relents after more drama". VentureBeat. 2011-12-30. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ "Review: The N-Control Avenger | Marooners' Rock". Maroonersrock.com. 2011-06-15. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ Buckley, Sean (2011-06-14). "N-Control Avenger Xbox 360 attachment makes it look complicated, we go hands-on (video)". Engadget.com. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ Hollister, Sean (2010-11-11). "N-Control Avenger gives your Xbox 360 controller hair triggers (video)". Engadget.com. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ Woody Allen Jang (2011-06-27). "N-Control Avenger: Killer Appendages". Gizmodo.com. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
- ^ "N-Control Avenger Review [Xbox 360]". Gamerwok.com. 2011-10-17. Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved 2012-11-29.
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