Xbox 360 controller coverage

[if76]

Say what you will about IGN (www.ign.com) but they're the only site I've seen so far that gives in-depth coverage of the Xbox 360 controller (http://gear.ign.com/articles/613/613588p1.html). Check out the screenshots.

Although I like this design a lot better than the controller S, I can't help but feel like all the next-generations are converging into one. For better or worse, this is essentially the PS2 controller.

[bapenguin]

umm...I really don't think this is anything like the PS2 controller. I like this:

To charge a (the optional) battery pack, you can use either a separate battery charger to charge it up quickly, or plug the controller into one of the USB ports on the Xbox 360 and recharge the battery while you continue to play. When the battery's charged again, you can just remove the cord and keep going. The charge cable hasn't been officially shown yet, but it's very likely that it will be a 9-foot cable with a breakaway connector like on the wired version of the controller.

[Mojopin]

The placement of buttons and triggers is exactly like the DSII but it trumps the DSII as far as functionality goes with it's lower triggers and how they are designed. The overall feel of the S controller is excellent but I kinda wish they would not place the sticks the way they do. Having them side really feels better but I know MS wants to try and seperate their product from their competitors as much as possible so I doubt it's gonna happen. Supposedly that big silver X symbol is supposed to be a button of some sort to right? o.O

[BenSkywalker]

Although I like this design a lot better than the controller S, I can't help but feel like all the next-generations are converging into one. For better or worse, this is essentially the PS2 controller.

You mean because the buttons are in a different location, because the trigger buttons are completely different or because the analog sticks are totally skewed? Maybe the fact that it is white while the DS is black is what makes it look identical. Actually, it is probably a combination of all those things- being nothing at all like the DS makes it just like the DS.... :confused:

[Ghost_Saint]

Supposedly that big silver X symbol is supposed to be a button of some sort to right? o.O

Yeah, it takes you to the Live service(which is integraited into what you'd call the 'dashboard' of the 360). Supposibly if you have one of these controlers for your PC it'll take you to live too (yes there have been persistent word from microsoft that the 360 controlers will be PC compatible). Since XNA is an Xbox/Windows PC developement software it makes that much more since for everything to be the way it is. It's all part of an over all strategy by Microsoft to capture a much larger chunk of the market by providing not only a next gen console, but a next gen service and providing not just upgraded hardware, but new ways to make games. (there's been talk of using XNA to make a game where PC players have an RTS that commands people playing on their XBox in an action game)

As for controlers converging, well we'll just have to see if the Revolution's controlers have nifty enough features to be adopted by everyone else.

[Knite]

I like that they're keeping the sticks separate. I know some people like the PS2's stick layout, but I have larger hands, and having the sticks separate cause me FAR less need for a break in playing just to flex my hands.

[Kelegacy]

another great milestone in Microsoft innovation and originality.

HA!

[holysin]

those 2 analog triggers make a HUGE difference in racing games, and they feel a lot better in FPS.
today the xbox's controler is way better for FPS games, thanks to the precision of the analog sticks.

[Draft]

It is nothing like the DS2. It is just like the controller S with the black and white buttons moved to the shoulders.

I mean, I'm looking at a controller S right now, and they're practically identical, except that the new one is slightly thicker to accomidate the shoulder buttons, and the start/back buttons have been moved. Anyone who thinks that design is ripping off the DS2 is blind, drunk, retarded or any combination of the above.

[TrackZero]

The placement of buttons and triggers is exactly like the DSII but it trumps the DSII as far as functionality goes with it's lower triggers and how they are designed. The overall feel of the S controller is excellent but I kinda wish they would not place the sticks the way they do. Having them side really feels better but I know MS wants to try and seperate their product from their competitors as much as possible so I doubt it's gonna happen. Supposedly that big silver X symbol is supposed to be a button of some sort to right? o.O

Actually I prefer it the way it is, the gamecube also does this with it's analog/c-stick setup. Though I suppose it's a matter of what your used to, and simple preference.

IMHO I find the dual shock uncessicarily confusing. The analog sticks are crazy-loose and I hate Sony going off on their whole shape concept. Hit circle? WTF is circle? R2? Which right trigger is that again? At least MS will be keeping it's triggers seperate on the 360 so it's easy to tell them apart.

[amusedtoe]

Personally the Controller S is the best one I've ever used. It fits my hands perfectly, and I like the stick layout since the DS2's side by side at the bottom left my hand really cramped really fast. I still think the whole thing's hideous, but if it's backwards compatible I'll be out there on launch day camping out for one.

[Cupelix]

The Xbox 360 Wireless Controller connects via a 2.4GHz connection and features "frequency-hopping spread spectrum" technology in order to keep interference from, err, interfering with the signal.

Hopefully that means it won't screw up my wireless internet like my 2.4GHz phone does.

[kid cabelgo]

Hopefully that means it won't screw up my wireless internet like my 2.4GHz phone does.


Hey to fix that problem, you just need to go into the settings for your wireless router and change the channel to something else.

[MosBen]

In regards to the placement of the analog sticks, if you take your hands and hold them in front of you with your palms perpendicular to the ground, your thumbs should naturally be mostly parallel to your palms. Well, at least mine are. They're certainly not naturally perpendicular to my palms the way they need to be to hit analog sticks placed where they are on the dual shock.

[AbeLincoln]

I'd just like to voice my agreement with the other posters in saying you're really reaching in trying to say this is like sony's controller. The sticks are in completley different places and for crying out loud the analog triggers. Even the Dreamcast had them why can't sony do it?

[Pigeon]

mmm.. i'm in love

[DCJoeDog]

Looks like ANOTHER sytem from MS I will need to buy. LOL

[sTubbs]

Two things that pleased me. One is the 40 hour battery life, which is on par with the brilliant Wavebird. And two is the ability to turn the console off and on with the controller. The only thing that worries me about that feature is the possibility of shutting down at a less than appropriate time, like when you are about to finish off an amazingly hard boss on your 30th try. I am sure that will be a non issue, though, as it the feature will probably be buried under several menus, which is where it should be for the sake of sanity.

[Reanimated]

Are you fucking kidding? This is NOTHING like the PS2 controller. It's much more like a Wavebird & S-Type hybrid - which is fucking awesome.

[chechenepiphany]

Hey to fix that problem, you just need to go into the settings for your wireless router and change the channel to something else.
changing the channel doesnt change the frequency. i get what youre saying but i dont believe it works like that. there are 12-16 channels and all are in the 2.4 ghz range. afaik.

[amusedtoe]

Two things that pleased me. One is the 40 hour battery life, which is on par with the brilliant Wavebird. And two is the ability to turn the console off and on with the controller. The only thing that worries me about that feature is the possibility of shutting down at a less than appropriate time, like when you are about to finish off an amazingly hard boss on your 30th try. I am sure that will be a non issue, though, as it the feature will probably be buried under several menus, which is where it should be for the sake of sanity.

Yea if they're smart it'll at least bring up an are you sure you you want to leave the game thing, especially since the big button thing's also going to take you to the new dashboard. I'm still wondering how the controllers are going to tell which ones are tied to which system if there's several of them in a room, ala a 16 player Halo lan, if they don't have some kind of dedicated anchor.

[if76]

It is nothing like the DS2. It is just like the controller S with the black and white buttons moved to the shoulders.

I mean, I'm looking at a controller S right now, and they're practically identical, except that the new one is slightly thicker to accomidate the shoulder buttons, and the start/back buttons have been moved. Anyone who thinks that design is ripping off the DS2 is blind, drunk, retarded or any combination of the above.

Ok to clarify I'm not accusing Microsoft of ripping off the PS2 I'm just merely noting the fact that other than the left joystick and dpad being in different places, the button layout is exactly the same. You have your 4 buttons on the right in a diamond configuration, your start and select buttons in the middle and your R and L buttons on top. Like the Sony controller, your R1 and L1 are much smaller than your R2 and L2. Now personally I think this new Xbox controller is pretty great and I never liked the DS2's analog sticks. Nevertheless you can't ignore the fact that it is very similar to the DS2 controller in terms of button layout. Once again, microsoft is not taking ideas from Sony any more than Sony took them from the Super NES and then from the N64.

[Dirty Harry]

Ok to clarify I'm not accusing Microsoft of ripping off the PS2 I'm just merely noting the fact that other than the left joystick and dpad being in different places, the button layout is exactly the same. You have your 4 buttons on the right in a diamond configuration, your start and select buttons in the middle and your R and L buttons on top. Like the Sony controller, your R1 and L1 are much smaller than your R2 and L2. Now personally I think this new Xbox controller is pretty great and I never liked the DS2's analog sticks. Nevertheless you can't ignore the fact that it is very similar to the DS2 controller in terms of button layout. Once again, microsoft is not taking ideas from Sony any more than Sony took them from the Super NES and then from the N64.
You are aware the ps1 was based off the Snes, so that is where the whole concept of a diamond style design is considered, the angled parts of the controller are sony's design. Aswell the duel analog sticks and the presure sensitive buttons and dpad. Aswell from what i remeber the ps2 controller is the first mainstream console controller to include non-battery operated rumble features.

and the playstation one came way out before the n64.

[sTubbs]

Ok to clarify I'm not accusing Microsoft of ripping off the PS2 I'm just merely noting the fact that other than the left joystick and dpad being in different places, the button layout is exactly the same. You have your 4 buttons on the right in a diamond configuration, your start and select buttons in the middle and your R and L buttons on top. Like the Sony controller, your R1 and L1 are much smaller than your R2 and L2. Now personally I think this new Xbox controller is pretty great and I never liked the DS2's analog sticks. Nevertheless you can't ignore the fact that it is very similar to the DS2 controller in terms of button layout. Once again, microsoft is not taking ideas from Sony any more than Sony took them from the Super NES and then from the N64.


And what is wrong with that? Would you rather have MS try and create another controller layout that will most likely be inferior? I would much rather have a layout that has been proven to work, and that is exactly what MS has given us.

[[HATE]MyLife]

and the playstation one came way out before the n64.

But the Dual Analog controller arrived after the N64.

You do know that Nintendo co-designed the PS1, right? Sony hasn't really had an original idea yet. Not bashing Sony -- they implement their ideas fairly well, and market them better than anyone -- but they aren't exactly innovative.

[chechenepiphany]

it would be interesting if they came up with a controller that used more of your fingers. most controllers only utilize the thumbs and two or four fingers.

[if76]

and the playstation one came way out before the n64.

Yes but the original playstaion controller didn't have analog sticks. It wasn't until the N64 controller that sony decided to include analog sticks and a rumble feature.

[chechenepiphany]

Yes but the original playstaion controller didn't have analog sticks. It wasn't until the N64 controller that sony decided to include analog sticks and a rumble feature.
were earlier games designed with rumble in mind? because once i got rumble controllers, i seem to remember having functionality with all of my games.

[Dirty Harry]

Yes but the original playstaion controller didn't have analog sticks. It wasn't until the N64 controller that sony decided to include analog sticks and a rumble feature.
yes, because THE NINTENDO 64 is the first console to have a joystick style control setup EVER. ever play the atari 2600? ;).
(your not winning me over in any way, my stance is still firm). (the duel shock is still the first controller in my mind anyways that contained duel joysticks as well as the usual d-pad fare and such.)

[B_Money]

The original playstation controller didn't have any analog sticks, did it? Maybe later we can rehash how Sony used the plans that they developed with Nintendo to design a CD-Rom add on for the SNES to make the playstation. And of course the idea for using CDs originated with the Sega Genesis.

[*Legion*]

OMG all cars are becoming the same because they all use a plain round steering wheel and gas/brake pedals!!

You don't reinvent the input, uhm, wheel. The controller should be as intuitive and transparent as possible, not a puzzle in itself (*glares at Nintendo*).

The "difference" is supposed to be what the controllers control, not the damn controllers themselves.

[Wyrm]

If it aint broke...

I personally loved the S controller, and the behemoth that was the original one too.

I've always believed in the following:

Gamecube controller works well for quarky, creative games.
PS2 controller is great for fighting and racing games.
Xbox is the best FPS controller, hands down. The placement of the sticks just works so flawlessly, it couldnt be any other way.

Plus, this controller is the obvious next step in the technology. It is NOT at all similar to the DS anymore than the DS is similar to it. First off, the Duel shock controller has the two analog sticks directly adjacent to eachother, which I hate. I cannot stand holding that controller for more than an hour at a time. The placement of the buttons on the monster xbox controller was stupid (I mean A, B, X, Y). They were kind of off, and I didnt like that either, MS fixed it with the S. This one looks like a perfect mix of features.

Innovative? Yes, they actually made a sleek looking wireless controller that looks as though it will be comfortable to hold.

[Zanzibar]

SWEET - I was hoping they'd have a plug-in cable that doubles as a battery-recharger. And a BUILT-IN headset jack? Fuck yeah.

I'm still curious as to how multiple 360s for a LAN party will work with wireless. Plus I've seen something on some website where it says 'Wireless ready', but they defined that as 'you can plug a wireless bridge into the network port.' Is that website fulla shit?

[Dirty Harry]

If it aint broke...

I personally loved the S controller, and the behemoth that was the original one too.

I've always believed in the following:

Gamecube controller works well for quarky, creative games.
PS2 controller is great for fighting and racing games.
Xbox is the best FPS controller, hands down. The placement of the sticks just works so flawlessly, it couldnt be any other way.

Plus, this controller is the obvious next step in the technology. It is NOT at all similar to the DS anymore than the DS is similar to it. First off, the Duel shock controller has the two analog sticks directly adjacent to eachother, which I hate. I cannot stand holding that controller for more than an hour at a time. The placement of the buttons on the monster xbox controller was stupid (I mean A, B, X, Y). They were kind of off, and I didnt like that either, MS fixed it with the S. This one looks like a perfect mix of features.

Innovative? Yes, they actually made a sleek looking wireless controller that looks as though it will be comfortable to hold.
while im not a gamecuber by day, i have to say my experience with the wavebird was very very positive. It's a great controller.

[holysin]

PS2 controller is great for fighting and racing games.


I´ll have to disagree :)

FIghting games, yeah, but the analog triggers and the higher precision of the S controller make it way better for racing games.

Sure, the dual shock 2 has analog buttons (so does the s controller) and you can use the secong analog stick for gas/brake, but its so much better to use analog triggers to control how much you´re pressing the gas and brake buttons.

[InstaPete]

Anyone notice this? It also makes a total of four shoulder buttons like the PlayStation 2's Dual Shock 2, which turned out to be the best control mechanism for games that made use of four shoulder buttons, like EA's NBA Street series.

So the four shoulder buttons.... worked the best... for games that used four shoulder buttons. Huh.

[Tyrant]

PS2 controller is great for fighting and racing games.

I disagree wholeheartedly.

When it comes to 2-d fighting games, the d-pad is absolutely awful for precision moves. Regardless, I prefer an arcade stick over a control pad. As for racing games, while the DS2 sticks were not as loose as the DS1, there still isn't enough resistance for accurate control.

[Dirty Harry]

I disagree wholeheartedly.

When it comes to 2-d fighting games, the d-pad is absolutely awful for precision moves. Regardless, I prefer an arcade stick over a control pad. As for racing games, while the DS2 sticks were not as loose as the DS1, there still isn't enough resistance for accurate control.
I agree with the negative for fighters, but i feel racing games are perfect for the controller. It feels so good with the duel sticks.

[Hijinx]

I have to chime in and say that this is nothing like any Sony controller. Except in the since that it is an electrical instrument used by the hands.

[mister_slim]

In regards to the placement of the analog sticks, if you take your hands and hold them in front of you with your palms perpendicular to the ground, your thumbs should naturally be mostly parallel to your palms. Well, at least mine are. They're certainly not naturally perpendicular to my palms the way they need to be to hit analog sticks placed where they are on the dual shock.
I wish I could give you a cookie right now. I am consistently amazed at how often people ignore ergonomics.

Wish I could see how the motion of the L & R buttons works. It looks like they have a DS-style click, which is a bad idea. The triggers give you analog, so the buttons should be as On/Off as possible, like the PS2 buttons, where the amount of pressure needed is just this side of imaginary. I would also like to see MS use the fully-depressed click that the GC had. And maybe Sony will evolve the GC ABXY layout further.
yes, because THE NINTENDO 64 is the first console to have a joystick style control setup EVER. ever play the atari 2600? ;).
Anyone confusing joysticks with thumbsticks should be beaten. Ever tried to play a platformer with a flightstick?

Xbox is the best FPS controller, hands down. The placement of the sticks just works so flawlessly, it couldnt be any other way.
Really, the ideal layout for FPS would have the right thumbstick where the buttons are, because that is closer to the thumb's rest position.

[Dirty Harry]

I
Anyone confusing joysticks with thumbsticks should be beaten. Ever tried to play a platformer with a flightstick?

Man i own all the command keens and uhhh damn i cannot remeber the damn, it was a green alien girl, cosmo? not sure.

[raVen]

What? I'm not sure any of that made sense, but Cosmo's Cosmic Adventure ruled. And Cosmo wasn't a girl. I think.

[if76]

ok here's a question: how many of you used a joystick for first-person shooters before you discovered mouselook? I remember playing Duke Nukem 3d this way using the hat for my WASD.

[Draft]

I actually used to play D3D with just the keyboard- WASD to move, arrow keys to look.

[Rommel]

You liked the GCN shoulder buttons? Yuuuuck! Anyway, my discovery of mouselook came while reading an issue of PC Gamer where they mentioned the term "Mouselook" for one of the FPS titles available. Confused, I loaded up the original quake and nudged the mouse with the back of my hand. I was all... "Ooooo..."

[Chagrinful]

I can't believe people are actually happy with this bullshit, it looks just as fugly as the last horrible Xbox controller.

Nothing wrong with the GC(N?) controller, except for the Z button placement.

[Roc Ingersol]

So are they going to release an XB1->USB adapter so I can use my original XBox controllers if I dont feel like buying 3 new wireless ones out of the gate?
Not to mention that I absolutely love the original controller.

Also, any word on if you can toss a USB hub on there and get all 4 controllers charging with, say, an iPod plugged in to use for songs?

And any confirmation on whether this thing will actually stream media from the network? (rather than only from Windows MCE - which is a crock)