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So without regards to the software library, what am I thinking about the actual hardware and implementation of the XBox 360? Well, for starters, I heard from a retailer today that there were still a couple "Core Consoles" available (this was at 5 PM), which didn't surprise me. Of course everyone is going in for the $400 version. Seriously, consumers care about their money, and they know they're going to want all the accessories eventually, so if they have enough dough to consider buying a next generation console then they're going to go all out. That's just common sense.

The graphics, sound, speed, and space on the system are all fine. What interests me most is the controller. The original "Duke" controller for the XBox is by far my favorite controller for a console. It's the only one big enough to fit my hands, and forces them into very ergonomic positions. Never once did I complain about it. The "S" was too cramped for me, and I didn't like the thumbsticks or the placement of the black and white buttons. They just somehow felt unnatural.

The 360 controller managed to fall somewhere in between. The awkward placement of the black and white buttons, for example, got fixed by Microsoft eliminating those two buttons (though part of me is sad to see them go). The thumbsticks feel more natural than on the "S", and - this may just be my imagination - the controller seems slightly larger, or at least has better spacing. The biggest downfall is really the start and back buttons. Not once was I able to press either of them without looking down. They're in totally unnatural positions, and they're so small that they're hard to feel for. Overall though, not a bad job. It'll be interesting to see how the PS3 controller holds up in comparison.

Comments

says

Personally, I am really interested in seeing the new Nintendo controler. I guess for me the XBox 360 and PS3 controllers are just more of the same, I really want to see if Nintendo can take it to a new level.

(post author) says

We do already have preliminary looks at what the other two consoles are going to have as controllers: the PS3 is a more enlongated and ellegant looking version of the dual shock, while Nintendo went with a one handed remote for theirs. I know they thought it would be 1337 to free up one hand to do something else, but I have to disagree with their design choice. I want my video game to be the sole focus of my attention, so I want to have to use both hands. Plus, only being able to use a single thumb severly limits the button combinations possible. Think about games like GTA: San Andreas. It'd be impossible to aim a gun or operate a car with only one hand (especially without any sort of joystick). Decide for yourself, but I'm going to wager that the Gamecube controller will be considered far superior to the Revolution's.

says

But that is why I am so interested to see that controller, it looks like just a horrible idea, but I wont really know untill I try it. The key thing is that you're replacing one of the thumb stucks with physical motion, so I am gonna guess its will still take a fiar amount of concentration. Who knows.