Microsoft has
released the Xbox Controller S a much smaller version of their original behemoth
controller. Just a few weeks after its release, the Controller S was shown all over E3,
definitely the preference of many developers working on Xbox titles. Its no wonder
the new controller has been so readily accepted one of the most vocal complaints
from Xbox supporters and detractors alike is that the controller is too large. I, for one,
like the original size and button configuration. Its not that I have very large
hands, but for some reason the original controller fits me nicely and helps prevent hand
cramps after serious gaming sessions. Still, I applaud Microsoft for listening to their
audience and putting out an official controller which addresses all of the complaints
about their original.Of course the first complaint is about the size. The original Xbox
controller is quite large, designed in large part based on the Dreamcast controller. The
Controller S is a compact little package, about the size of Sonys DualShock II
controllers. The giant X logo in the middle of the controller has been replaced by a much
smaller X logo, and that seems to make all the difference. To accommodate the smaller
size, the Back and Start buttons have been moved to the lower left corner of the
controller. This change is a bit awkward at first, but not a problem once you become used
to it (and how often are Start and Back used in a game?). The black and white buttons have
also been moved to the lower right side of the controller. Again, this is weird if
youre used to the original configuration, but easy to acclimate to.
But size wasnt the only issue with the Xbox controller. On the original game pad,
Microsoft used the same style direction pad they had used on their PC controllers. This
style of d-pad has divots instead of the more standard raised cross, and some people just
couldnt get used to that. Responding to the cry for a raised cross direction pad,
Microsoft endowed the Controller S with a much more traditional looking button. This
should make the fighting game fans and the wimpier THPS players pretty happy.
In addition to the new direction pad, Microsoft made the tops of both analog joysticks
the same apparently the concave versus convex joysticks on the original got in the
way? This is the only change I dont really understand, but so be it both
sticks still work just fine. The last thing Microsoft changed is the A, B, X, Y button
configuration. On the original controller, the buttons are configured in an irregular
diamond shape. On most other console system controllers (okay, on Sonys controller,
which everyone loves) the buttons are arranged in a more regular diamond shape. Some
gamers also complained that the tops of the A, B, X, Y buttons themselves were a problem,
being fairly steeply angled on the original controller. Microsoft has addressed this by
making the buttons on Controller S much flatter and a bit wider.
Microsoft has answered all of the complaints about their original controller. As many
Xbox owners will tell you, the controller wasnt such an issue once you got
used to the original it worked just fine. However, there was always a vocal group of
disgruntled gamers, and more importantly, the perceived discomfort of the original
controller was often being used to justify not even trying an Xbox. Clearly Microsoft saw
this problem and they have succeeded in solving it. In doing so, they have also remained
true to their commitment to support their gamers. Since the beginning of Xbox development,
Microsofts governing credo has been to put the gamer first. The Xbox controllers are
still the only ones with a nine foot cord, and youd be hard pressed to find beefier,
more solid first party controllers on any system. If your Xbox controller has been giving
you a hard time, or if you just could never bring yourself to really get close to it,
check out the Controller S. Choice is never a bad thing, and one of these controllers will
make you a happy gamer.