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Xenon Controller revealed? (Apparently leaked pics inside)
- Thread starter gofreak
- Start date
Juice said:
It's just you... well and a stable of relentless anti-MS fanboys.
I mean the only people that could have a problem with this controller are the fighting game fans that want 6 face buttons. But I'd think those people would have an arcade stick at this point anyway.
The diamond pattern of face buttons has proven to be a great success in usability by the Playstation and Xbox, and hell the SNES before those. The Controller S and GC controller have shown what proper placement of the dual analogue should be, as well as the dpad. It's unclear as to how good the dpad will be on these new controllers, but hopefully they harken back to the SNES days. It has triggers which everybody loves, plus the extra pair of shoulder buttons which the Playstation controllers have shown to be useful.
And on top of all of that it's wireless.
What is there not to like?
OTHER than the colour which I'm sure they'll have many different of, the plastic might not be rough enough (remains to be seen) and the handles might be a bit too chunky, which also remains to be seen.
Essentially this controller is taking all the best parts of the most successful controllers and putting them into one. If you think this is atrocious then you're only preferred method of gaming must be a keyboard and mouse. In which case it all makes perfect sense.
Yes, it does look like shit. But that's because it is a plain-jane prototype unit. The final thing will obviously have surface texturing and design elements added, and will likely have a somewhat adjusted layout. I also would assume that the sticks and and button designs on this unit are placeholders.Juice said:
Pedigree Chum
Banned
rastex said:
Very well done Ownage.
Red Dolphin
Member
2&2 said:
This is the problem I've always had with the Dual Shock controller though. It just feels weird using your middle fingers as trigger fingers. I really don't like using 4 shoulder buttons all at once.
With the Xbox 2 controller it seems it's designed where you use either the analogue triggers or the digital shoulder buttons depending on the game or your preference. Racing and shooting games are better suited to the triggers whereas games like SSX or Tony Hawk are better with the digital shoulder buttons.
monchi-kun
Member
Hitler Stole My Potato said:Here they are:
is that a tiny trackball in the middle of the controller or have i been masturbating furiously again....
The Shadow
Member
They've finally designed the controller I've always wanted.
Hitler Stole My Potato
Banned
You know, the more I look at it the more I like it. It's taking the best parts from several different controllers and putting into one package. Wireless from the Wavebird, shoulder buttons from the Dual Shock, triggers from the DC, and the stick placement and feel of the S-controller. That's exactly what I've been wanting. MS really fucks up sometimes but it looks like they got this right.
As far as cosmetics are concerned, I happen to like the i-Pod white. I know I'm sick of the standard black and most electronic equipment manufactures seem to be on the same wavelength. The glassy fantastic plastic sheen is a little annoying but I kinda doubt that the final product will have the same texture as this. I remember seeing prototype Xbox controllers before the system was released that had the same shiny plastic surface as the white one here, so I think that this is probably a prototype as well.
Honestly, my biggest gripe would be the color of the analog sticks. If they would make 'em a light grey this controller would be picture perfect. I tried to photoshop the color in but it still doesn't seem right (it might still be too dark), but you get the idea.
While I originally thought the circle might be a microphone, the more I think about it the more it seems likely that it's the on/off switch for the wireless.
As far as cosmetics are concerned, I happen to like the i-Pod white. I know I'm sick of the standard black and most electronic equipment manufactures seem to be on the same wavelength. The glassy fantastic plastic sheen is a little annoying but I kinda doubt that the final product will have the same texture as this. I remember seeing prototype Xbox controllers before the system was released that had the same shiny plastic surface as the white one here, so I think that this is probably a prototype as well.
Honestly, my biggest gripe would be the color of the analog sticks. If they would make 'em a light grey this controller would be picture perfect. I tried to photoshop the color in but it still doesn't seem right (it might still be too dark), but you get the idea.
AniHawk said:
While I originally thought the circle might be a microphone, the more I think about it the more it seems likely that it's the on/off switch for the wireless.
shpankey
not an idiot
people who don't like the looks. i wouldn't concentrate too much on the color or the shiny, slick, smooth material... both of which are likely not to be in the final. just concentrate on the button/stick/trigger placement and it's functionality. those are what's ace in this marvelous controller and what's important in the long run.
to me, this controller is flat out absolute perfection in design. nothing could be better placed imo. nothing.
p.s. one of the best improvements over the current s-pad imo is the handles. the s-pad has very short slightly inverted handles. where in this they have been extended and angled outward more, for i'm sure will be a much more comfortable position. if you think about the angle of these handles in relation to where your elbows are and draw an imaginary line from your elbows to the controller, you will see that it's also the natural line of the angle of your arms while holding it. very smart thinking there. nice and comfy for those extra long sessions.
p.p.s. looks like they have also changed the d-pad a bit. looking at it, it's obviously not as high as the current one (and I don't mean placement on the pad, I mean like how high it comes out from the controller itself). the s-pad d-pad was already very good though, so it only needed some minor adjustments i'm sure.
oh yeah, and i don't know who it was that said the A button was no longer green, but it obviously is. so, dunno why you thought that.
to me, this controller is flat out absolute perfection in design. nothing could be better placed imo. nothing.
p.s. one of the best improvements over the current s-pad imo is the handles. the s-pad has very short slightly inverted handles. where in this they have been extended and angled outward more, for i'm sure will be a much more comfortable position. if you think about the angle of these handles in relation to where your elbows are and draw an imaginary line from your elbows to the controller, you will see that it's also the natural line of the angle of your arms while holding it. very smart thinking there. nice and comfy for those extra long sessions.
p.p.s. looks like they have also changed the d-pad a bit. looking at it, it's obviously not as high as the current one (and I don't mean placement on the pad, I mean like how high it comes out from the controller itself). the s-pad d-pad was already very good though, so it only needed some minor adjustments i'm sure.
oh yeah, and i don't know who it was that said the A button was no longer green, but it obviously is. so, dunno why you thought that.
rastex said:
While I typically enjoy being called an anti-fanboy of this or that, I really think you just sound defensive when I say something looks like shit and you come back with a dissertation on how it'll probably play wonderfully.
I'm sure the thing will play marginally better than the S (the black/white button placement is obviously less awkward). But other than that and the slightly less assy-shaped handles, what real improvement is there? More importantly, what's it offer that we haven't seen somewhere before?
While I still stand by my comment that it looks like shit, I'll see your whining and raise you another that there's nothing special about this pad. It's really just same-old, same-old, which sounds like what most of you guys wanted. I personally was hoping to see something interesting or new thrown in (or at least evidence that MS isn't going to be a bunch of cheapasses trying to make a God-forsaken profit off us this gen :lol ).
The controller is the only thing I ever give a shit about in new consoles. Seeing a new controller unveiled that does something cool or alters the way games are played is all I ever get excited about in new gaming hardware. So to see a controller almost identical to the last one is a huge let down to me. Especially since the old controllers almost certainly won't be compatible with the new system, even though not a single functionality was added. Why dish out another $100 for three extras of the same thing I already own 4 of?
And I think the thing's probably going to stay light colored, given the whole "Circle of Light", 360 degree theme they've got going. And it just looks retarded as a result.
I'll still buy one within a few months of launch, but I won't be nearly as excited to.
The one thing I don't like is how the Dpad is white and the analog sticks are black. All 3 should be the same color imo.
Other then that I really like it. Looks very functional - nice size, perfect button placement, wireless, etc. I'm glad they made a white controller. Ever since the Panzer Dragoon Xbox i wanted a white controller.
Other then that I really like it. Looks very functional - nice size, perfect button placement, wireless, etc. I'm glad they made a white controller. Ever since the Panzer Dragoon Xbox i wanted a white controller.
Kleegamefan
K. LEE GAIDEN
I like it..
the motor resides in the controller, which is self powered. it'll just get a binary sequence transmitted that'll tell it to turn on/off. actually it isnt any different from wired controllers aside from being self powered. just the signal is transmitted via air instead of conductors.Bebpo said:
Catchpenny
Member
I love the placement of the face buttons, shoulder buttons and triggers. The handles should be a bit straighter and longer. Glad they're keeping the same analog sticks.
The Faceless Master
Member
what about the vocal minority that for various reasons like the duke more and think the S stahds for 'sucks'?rastex said:
like the people who think the S analogs suck
like the people who think the S back/start/black/white button placement is worse than the duke
like the people who think the S is just an odd shape that isn't really much smaller than the duke anyway
like the people who think the S A/B/X/Y buttons suck in shape, size and/or placement
and i don't have problems with the dualshock or gamecube controller, but the controller s sucks... DUKE FOREVER!
Juice said:
I agree with the sentiment that since the controller is so close to the original S that hopefully the S is compatible with the system. I really appreciate Sony's direction with that.
But I don't really know what you're expecting by a new controller, or how controller's can be revolutionized. I mean there really hasn't been a significant change in controller design from the NES. It's still a box-like device with buttons on one side and directional input on the other. The general gaming population has been trained for over 10 years now on a dual-shock design, to introduce a radical change will discard 10 years of knowledge that has been built up.
If you're looking for a Revolution then you're going to have to look at that console. Sony and MS recognize that there is a basic design for an input device for games, just as computer retailers have known that for keyboard input. What MS has done with this controller is refined the formula and addressed the problems with their initial effort. Hopefully Sony and Nintendo follow suit.
Red Dolphin
Member
rastex said:
I would say that the addition of an analogue stick on the N64 controller and then 2 analogue sticks on the PSX Dual Shock were pretty significant changes for controllers. Ppl seemed to have gotten used to using analogue sticks..
I still remember Microsoft hyping their "innovative" BACK button! I wish I still had that magazine scan of the Xbox brick controller and the hilarious blurb for that button.
rastex said:
To be honest, this controller (assuming it's the real deal) has made me a lot more interested in Revolution and has finally gotten me thinking that Nintendo's point might be valid. Not "we're going to be number one again, valid" but definitely, "what's the point of all three console makers making the exact same console?" valid.
I guess my frustration is that from a control perspective, it's likely that PS3 and XB2 will be nearly indistinguishable. Sure it's a case of extreme refinement, but I think refinement without some variation or experimentation just kills innovation. Which is what we should expect, since gaming has gone the way of the movie industry. It's the EA factor, I guess.
I'll still get either PS3 or XB2, but for the first time I'm really hoping that Nintendo cooks up something fun that everyone can agree is a worthwhile alternative. If there's no controller "cooks in the kitchen" left, you can color me a really fucking sad panda.
Guess I'm just kinda blah about the whole issue. Hoping Revolution makes me feel better about the fact that Sony and Microsoft aren't going to take any chances with their next consoles.
And yeah, if it doesn't have any S compatibilty it'll be a downright shame (if this controller is all wireless, what about the reports that the console would have two controller ports???)
soundwave05
Member
I think that new controller looks better than the old Type S, if simply by virtue of having the black/white buttons moved to the shoulder.
Wireless standard is going to be hot.
Agreed all the way on Nintendo. There's no point in having three "standard" consoles, one of the three might as well try something different.
I think its good for the industry overall. Sony/MS can hold down the traditional style (and of course there's nothing wrong with that), but yes, I do think the industry could also use something new and different.
Wireless standard is going to be hot.
Agreed all the way on Nintendo. There's no point in having three "standard" consoles, one of the three might as well try something different.
I think its good for the industry overall. Sony/MS can hold down the traditional style (and of course there's nothing wrong with that), but yes, I do think the industry could also use something new and different.
IntestineBoy
Sasquatch of 1000 (hairy) colons
the big thing in the middle is the xbox 360 logo surrounded by four led lights, red, green, yellow, blue, to signify which wireless slot you're bound to. and one of the other buttons is the "bind" button to wireless attatch the controller to the xbox. and the other is the start.
soundwave05
Member
drohne said:
What's the point of having three consoles that are exactly the same though?
I don't think its healthy for the industry.
The arcade business went to the dogs, because while 3D fighters and 3D racers were great, after a while that was the only thing that was coming out in the arcade business. None of the arcade game makers had any forsight in trying to make anything really new.
I understand prefering a traditional design, but if you're going to have two consoles that more than cover that categorey as is, what exactly is the problem?
Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat is a blast IMO, I wouldn't mind a console based around quirkier ideas like that.
if a game or games call for a new control method, then fine. but if your guiding principle is difference for the sake of difference...well...you get bad designs like the ds, and no games to justify them.
the progress of controllers over the years -- or at least post-nes -- has been to add more functions and more buttons. current controllers work, and they have enough buttons. there's nothing wrong with controller design reaching a happy equilibrium. computer keyboards have been pretty much the same for decades. violins have been the same for centuries.
but if someone has to build weird controllers "for the good of the industry," then i'm glad it's nintendo and not a company i like.
the progress of controllers over the years -- or at least post-nes -- has been to add more functions and more buttons. current controllers work, and they have enough buttons. there's nothing wrong with controller design reaching a happy equilibrium. computer keyboards have been pretty much the same for decades. violins have been the same for centuries.
but if someone has to build weird controllers "for the good of the industry," then i'm glad it's nintendo and not a company i like.
soundwave05
Member
drohne said:
I don't entirely disagree, I just think if you're going to have three consoles, why not have one which is different.
It's not a matter of being "right" or "wrong". I think there are merits to what all three companies are trying to accomplish and it creates a healthy balance within the industry.
And yes I would agree absolutely that if Nintendo is going to try something different, they better have the software to back it up. The DS currently is lacking in that regard.
drohne said:
Well it was suggested here, and it was a pretty good idea too- add a trackball. Really, if the A button could double up as one, it could make controlling certain games that much more precise (maybe there can be a "stopper" switch so it doesn't move in normal play). My dad was playing Myst IV on the Xbox this past week, and he had a really hard time getting used to the Xbox controller (S). He was using the right thumbstick to try and move the camera (and then it'd be moving too slow or too fast for him to react to anything in the environment).
As far as building controllers go, I think it's great to find new fun ways to control games, but I don't think at this point anything'll be completely industry-changing. I want to see some home VR, or some form of that reverse Eye Toy stuff. Perhaps a mix of the two. It could be very, very fun.
gollumsluvslave
Member
Wouldn't it be sensible to reserve judgement on the controller until people have actually *held* it, and *played a game* with it, or at least read a first hand report of someone who has?
...wait a minute this is GAF :lol :lol :lol
These pics are like game screenshots - they don't tell me dick IMO
...wait a minute this is GAF :lol :lol :lol
These pics are like game screenshots - they don't tell me dick IMO
i think a console's basic controller should be as neutral as possible. unconventional controllers may allow for superficially new game styles, but they also push developers in particular directions. i think peripherals are great. i love my lightguns and bongos and steering wheels. but i think it's a mistake to force innovation through stock controllers...it's easy and showy, and doesn't really facilitate deep innovation in game design.
though who knows -- maybe nintendo will come up with something really smart. their recent history isn't encouraging, but all they need is one good idea.
though who knows -- maybe nintendo will come up with something really smart. their recent history isn't encouraging, but all they need is one good idea.
soundwave05
Member
DK: JB is a fun and unique game though.
The biggest problem with it is its probably a bit too hard on the arms, heh.
The biggest problem with it is its probably a bit too hard on the arms, heh.
MightyHedgehog
Member
Hitman said:
That's how I've always felt about the Dual Shock 1&2 design. But it does work.
Also, I'm agreeing with drohne's statements about Nintendo's insistence of creating 'new' methods of input...pretty much my thoughts on controller design, as well.
It's one thing to go for new forms of input to allow for new stuff, but really, the best innovations are often very simple...like a new button or analog stick control, for instance. Still, interested to see what Revolution brings.
soundwave05
Member
I will say this, I hope Sony at least redesigns the Dual Shock.
That design is really starting to age and the d-pad and analog sticks suck ass.
I'm kinda hoping they go with those "see-saw" shoulder buttons from that Sony patent we saw a while back, that might create an interesting new kind of play dynamic.
That design is really starting to age and the d-pad and analog sticks suck ass.
I'm kinda hoping they go with those "see-saw" shoulder buttons from that Sony patent we saw a while back, that might create an interesting new kind of play dynamic.