Jim Johnson investigates the Ktron Stealth, the latest in hi-tech games control gadgetry.

I remember, not too long ago, when my dear old Ed asked me if there was anything decent on the market, resembling a steering wheel, to help out racing lovers in a fix.

Call it fate, destiny, or what you will but, as I was pondering this very question and, looking through my archives, what should come through my door but Merthyr Tydfil-based Ktron's latest test model of the Stealth games controller.

Ok, so at first glance it doesn't look like a conventional steering wheel but, let me assure you, you won't get much closer in terms of playing power than this novel device.

Of course, ergonomics (don't you just love that word?), played a major role in the construction of the Stealth and, as soon as you get your hands on this little beast, you'll understand how thumbache could well be a thing of the past.

You can't really call the Stealth a joystick, as it doesn't have one, but that doesn't stop this gadget from being one of the most comfortable and user-friendly controllers on the market.

So how do you control it? Simple. Depending on whether you buy the left-or righthanded version, one of the hand levers is designed to pivot, multi-directional power at the flick of your wrist.

The two-handed grips give extremely accurate firepower and, with the two fire buttons placed within easy reach on the underside of the unit, blasting or racing for extended periods has never been more comfortable.

A little stiff to start with, you might like to wear this device in on the race games before using it for blasts requiring more subtle movements though, as with most joysticks, the durable microswitches do soften with use, allowing for excellent control on all manner of games.

Obviously, the Stealth is designed with aircraft simulators in mind, but that shouldn't stop you trying it out on all of your fave games. You certainly won't be disappointed. If I have one small criticism to make about the controller, it is that the hand grips, or the unit as a whole, is a tad on the small side. However, seeing that I have the size of hands more usually seen on a blacksmith, and that most joysticks are designed with the younger market in mind, this should not cause too much of a problem for the majority of users.

All in all, the Stealth is a novel approach to games controlling and it is certainly more than just a gadget, which seems to be the in-thing at the moment. Looking like a yoke, the Stealth is an extremely powerful piece of equipment to have on your side during any battle.

No longer do you have to worry about stickers not sticking onto desktops, or grappling to reach the fire buttons during crucial moments of the chase. For all round durability, firepower and user friendliness, you'll need to go a long way to better the Stealth and, at an incredible £14.99, the price will take some beating as well.

Take one out for a test drive when you next visit your computer shop and get to grips with the excellent Stealth as soon as you can.