Review: Zeemote JS1 Bluetooth Gaming Controller

I am a huge gamer, that’s why I was thrilled to try out Zeemote’s JS1 Bluetooth gaming controller for the BlackBerry.  The good folks at Zeemote were nice enough to send me one to play with and boy did I play with it.  The BlackBerry gaming community isn’t very big, this shouldn’t surprise anyone but it is growing.  As you already know the BlackBerry was built for business first and gaming was at the end of the list.  Now things are starting to change and gaming is slowly becoming a focus in the BlackBerry world.  The JS1 from Zeemote is a prime example of that and it will help take mobile gaming to the next level.

Most BlackBerry games focus on puzzles, mind teasers and strategy.  There are a handful of these games that are both addictive and fun but for me they aren’t enough.  I prefer action and arcade games the most and I was finally able to enjoy them with the JS1.  See the JS1 uses the latest Bluetooth technology to successfully connect to your BlackBerry just like any other Bluetooth device.  In order for the JS1 to work on you BlackBerry you need to download the Zeekey software app which is available on the Zeemote website.  Once installed all you have to do is power on the JS1, activate the app and hit connect.  From then on the app will automatically connect to your controller which is a nice addition.  They also offer a Key Mapping option that is ideal for playing BrickBreaker.

The retail pack comes with two AAA batteries that are needed to power the device and one free game from GameLoft.  The good thing about this gaming controller is it’s compatible with almost every new game.  There were two games I specifically picked to use with it.  They were NFL 2010 and X Men Origins: Wolverine.  I focused specifically on Wolverine because of the amount of action and animation involved.  Let’s just say I made a good choice because the JS1 was tested in every way possible.

Once you are connected to your controller you can load the game up and it will work instantly, no other options need changed.  I started with Wolverine and let me just say the controller made a huge difference.  If you have played Wolverine using the trackball and the keypad you know it can be frustrating at times.  The trackball is supposed to move you in all different directions however it has a hard time moving you right or left and you never really get into that running motion.  With the JS1 you can easily move around with joystick and it feels like you are more in sync with the game.  The thumb joystick is very responsive and with one quick flick you can jump or duck down.  I would say the JS1 improved the overall gaming experience tremendously and made a lackluster game actually enjoyable.

As for the design and layout, the Zeemote fits comfortably into your hand and almost all of it is covered in a nice softy rubbery material.  Located on the top of the device are the A and B buttons.  You will use the A button the most as it is the main button in many of the games.  On the back is where the thumb joystick is housed and underneath that a power button and an indicator light.  There is a C button located on the bottom front and it is the only button I had a problem with.  In fact it really is the only thing wrong with the JS1, the button needed to be placed better on the unit.  The good thing is it really isn’t used a lot and you can do without it.  Overall the design and layout is spot on with just a minor flaw that you can work around.

My experience with the Zeemote JS1 was a pleasant one, in fact I plan on using it exclusively for all my future BlackBerry gaming needs.  As we look toward the future of mobile gaming there are many things to improve on and this Bluetooth controller will help pave the way.  The BlackBerry is certainly capable of producing better quality games and having peripherals like JS1 will make the experience more enjoyable.

Suggestion: Buy It

The Zeemote JS1 Bluetooth gaming controller is not yet available in the US but will be shortly and you will find it at shopblackberry.com for $39.99