Microsoft designs new Xbox controller

[Xantar]

The rumors are true. Microsoft is working on a smaller controller for the Xbox.


Microsoft has officially announced that it will be releasing a redesigned controller for the Xbox called Controller S. The new controller is similar to the recently released Japanese controller in that it's much smaller than the original Xbox pad, the button placement is different from the original, and the D-pad has been changed to make it a little easier to use. However, the new gamepad will have a longer cable than the Japanese controller, the green logo in the middle has been replaced with a black one, and the triggers on the back of the pad have also been slightly adjusted.

Microsoft plans to put the new controller on sale April 30 for $39.99. There are currently no plans to start bundling Controller S in with systems.

Source: GameSpot (http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2852514,00.html)

As you can see, they've definitely made the black and white buttons much more accessible this time. This controller could actually turn out to be as good as the PS2 controller (in my opinion. Then again, I'm a Nintendo fanboy. :p).

http://gamespot.com/gamespot/images/2002/vgnews/030402/c/c_screen001.jpg

[BigJustinW]

is that the Japanese one or the new one???

because a lot of the games I play on Xbox wouldn't make sence with that controller... because the Black and white buttons are out of place.

[Perfect Stu]

yeah, the black and white buttons are kinda...out of place

although this does look like a better controller...IMO...can't truly judge it until I get my hands onto it though

[BigJustinW]

I think that this controller would work perfect with future games... but... with that layout games that are currently out will play wierd... especially sports games.

[Gamer]

Well, ya,it doesnt look too bad to me, but the two odd bottons are kinda ... uhh in a wierd place...wonder hwy they put em there.

[Yoda9864]

Yeah, I'm confused as to why they changed the position of the black and white buttons. Oh, and I like hte non-oval buttons.

[Bond]

I'm pretty sure that's the Jap Xbox controller.

[gekko]

That's definetly the Jap Xbox controller. I'm getting one for my b-day :)

As for the B&W buttons, they are out of place, but no worse than the American controller. They should form the 2 rows of 3 like the old Sega controllers. On the American controller though, they are hard to reach, and not in the best position. I'm also liking how the buttons are arranged correctly, and not in a parallelogram. That's the main reason I can't stand the controller.

The new placement for the start and back buttons is pretty good. Allows the controller to be much smaller, and still doesn't get in the way. I also like how the D-pad is more... D-pad like.

Those handles still look pretty fat. But I'll wait and see how they feel. Mesa get controller on 4/10.

Here's the Japanese controller, looks similar, eh?

http://hh141.hiphip.com/Merchant/0701/0202/jpn_pad.jpg

[Yoda9864]

Yes, that does look quite similar.

[braiden99]

Penny arcade has that controller on yesterday's comic. You should check it out.