The world of light guns has come a long way since the days of Duck Hunt on the NES. Today, we’re comparing two popular light guns in the market, the AimTrak and the Sinden Light Gun. We’ll go over their key features, pros and cons, and help you decide which one is the best for your gaming needs. So, let’s dive right in!
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Overview of AimTrak Light Gun
Key Features
AimTrak is a versatile light gun designed for use with PCs and arcade machines. It uses an infrared camera to track the position of the gun, and it’s compatible with a wide range of emulators, including MAME. Some of its notable features include:
- Adjustable sensitivity
- USB connection
- Easily modifiable design
- Available in various colors
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Works with a wide range of emulators
- Easy to set up and calibrate
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- Requires an IR sensor bar
- Not as accurate as the Sinden Light Gun
- Limited out-of-the-box software support
Overview of Sinden Light Gun
Key Features
The Sinden Light Gun is an innovative solution that works with modern displays, including LCD and LED TVs. It utilizes a built-in camera to track the position of the gun, eliminating the need for additional sensor bars or hardware. Some key features of the Sinden Light Gun include:
- No additional hardware required
- High accuracy and precision
- Compatible with various platforms (PC, Raspberry Pi, and more)
- Regular software updates
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely accurate
- No need for additional hardware
- Strong software support
- Works with modern displays
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to AimTrak
- Limited customization options
Comparison: AimTrak vs Sinden
Compatibility
Both AimTrak and Sinden are compatible with a wide range of systems and emulators, but Sinden has an edge when it comes to modern displays. AimTrak requires an IR sensor bar, which might not work well with newer TVs.
Calibration
While both light guns offer calibration options, AimTrak is known to be more time-consuming and finicky in this regard. Sinden’s built-in camera makes the calibration process quick and painless.
Accuracy
Sinden’s camera-based tracking system provides higher accuracy and precision than AimTrak’s infrared-based system. This makes the Sinden Light Gun ideal for gamers who demand pinpoint accuracy in their shooting games.
Price
AimTrak is typically more affordable than the Sinden Light Gun, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.
Customization Options
AimTrak offers more customization options, allowing users to modify the design, sensitivity, and other features. Sinden is more limited in this regard, but its out-of-the-box performance is impressive.
Software Support
Sinden Light Gun benefits from regular software updates and a growing community of users, ensuring its compatibility with various platforms and emulators. AimTrak, on the other hand, has limited out-of-the-box software support but can be configured to work with many emulators with some tweaking.
Which Light Gun is Best for Different Gamers?
Retro Gamers
AimTrak might be a better option for retro gamers who primarily play on older displays or arcade machines. Its compatibility with a wide range of emulators and ease of customization makes it suitable for this group.
PC Gamers
Sinden Light Gun is an excellent choice for PC gamers, thanks to its high accuracy, compatibility with modern displays, and strong software support
| Feature/Aspect | AimTrak Light Gun | Sinden Light Gun |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | Works with older displays and a wide range of emulators | Works with modern displays and various platforms |
| Calibration | More time-consuming and finicky | Quick and painless due to built-in camera |
| Accuracy | Lower accuracy due to infrared-based system | Higher accuracy with camera-based tracking system |
| Price | Typically more affordable | Higher price point |
| Customization Options | Highly customizable (design, sensitivity, etc.) | Limited customization options |
| Software Support | Limited out-of-the-box, but configurable | Strong software support with regular updates |
| Additional Hardware | Requires an IR sensor bar | None required |
| Ideal for | Retro gamers, arcade enthusiasts | PC gamers, users of modern displays |
