The Xbox 360 controller is one of my favourites. It’s only real downside in my book was the crappy d-pad, which is poorly located and sorely unable to provide players with precision movement. Did Microsoft learn their lesson with the Xbox One controller?
Upon first grasp, I immediately felt comfortable with the shape of it. At the time, I didn’t notice that the battery pack bulge wasn’t there, though the new controller does not have the battery pack sticking out. Comparing between the two next gen controllers, I think the Xbox One controller feels a bit lighter, though the PlayStation 4 DualShock feels a bit more solid. Both are great for overall feel.
I was not expecting much of a change for the analog sticks, as they’re located right where you’d expect them. However, these did get some changes for the better. The contours at the top make the sticks easier to grip and there’s more resistance when you try and move the sticks, which makes it easier for precision control. I like how these feel quite a bit.
My biggest gripe with the old controller was the d-pad. Here, it is excellent. Testing it on Killer Instinct, I did not have any issues inputting complex motions. With the Nintendo-style cross shape, it reminded me of my days playing the Super Nintendo. Not sure if they tweaked its positioning on the controller at all, but I noticed that reaching for it didn’t seem like an issue anymore, either.
The buttons felt more or less how I’d expect them to. Because I played Killer Instinct, I did not get to try out the rumbling triggers, though I talked to other show-goers who experienced them while playing Forza V and they loved the effect. The big Xbox button is higher up on the controller, though I did not press it at all during my time with it.
Fans of the Xbox 360 controller will not be disappointed with the one that comes with Microsoft’s latest console. It makes a number of obvious and subtle changes to make it feel notably better than its predecessor, which I thought didn’t need much improvement in the first place. If you’re going to pick up an Xbox One at launch, you should be excited to get your hands on this controller this year.
In Third Person 