Why the next Xbox doesn’t need a new controller

Ben Salter of MMGN: Nintendo slapped control sticks on a tablet. Sony jammed a ridiculous touchpad into its 16-year-old controller. Microsoft will, by all reports, ignore all of that nonsense and rehash its perfectly serviceable Xbox 360 controller for the next generation.

That’s totally fine. I’m actually happy to hear it and here’s why:

[Snookies12]

"Sony jammed a ridiculous touchpad into its 16-year-old controller".

Obviously the writer of this article didn't care to see the other features that are good about the DS4. The fact that the triggers are now curved up slightly (not nearly as much as the 360's thank goodness), it has convex AND concave analog sticks, color coded light for which controller is which, the "share" button, which is probably my favorite thing about it, and a redone more Vita-like D-pad. It looks to be an all around improvement. If you're trying to say the 360 controller needs NOTHING to be improved, you're wrong. The 360 controller is good, don't get me wrong, but nowhere near perfect. If Microsoft doesn't even try to improve it, that'll just show me that they're not trying hard enough.

[Y_5150]

I agree with you, they can at least improve the D-pad. People might be disagree with you for numerous reasons. The share button has so much potential but instead the uninformed would think it's just for sharing stuff on Facebook, it's way more than that.

[iGAM3R-VIII]

Agreed, personally I think Sony's DS4 controller is sexy and I cannnot wait until E3 to hold it and get some demos from it. I also think that the touchpad is an amazing new feature and if we are advancing in technology, why not advance the controller

[Blackdeath_663]

also the battery pack that presses against your fingers needs to be gone actually just two days ago i went to a friends house to play fifa, we tried to turn it on what happened? no batteries and we had to go out and buy AA batteries. my reaction "are you f***ing kidding me". that is one area that certainly has to improve other than that i was actually impressed by how comfortable it was the d-pad is annoying as hell though and when playing fifa the tactics menu kept showing up which was irritating.

[3-4-5]

Controller is nearly perfect as is.

A controller has never fit better in my hands.

[AngelicIceDiamond]

@Y_5150 either way if MS even thought about doing something similar like the social button or anything of that nature people would say "MS is copying" and defend what Sony's doing.

If it was MS say who showcased their next gen first instead and had a share feature on its controller people would bash, make fun of it, offend it, and say MS is losing focus with social and media.

It would be a totally different story.

[konnerbllb]

I don't have a problem with the 360's triggers, they are concave, like triggers in fighter jets are. The ps3/4 doesn't have traditional triggers and I think it should.

[Snookies12]

Well to be honest, I liked the 360's triggers at first. However, when a moment in gaming comes up that requires you to repeatedly press it as fast as you can... It gave me the absolute worst hand cramp I've ever had. The sharp upwards curve mixed with the amount of tension that needs to be applied to press it can be a real problem. That's why I'm optimistic about the DualShock4's approach which gives a bit of a curve instead of a whole lot. It goes for the middle ground, which is what I personally was hoping for in a console controller. The PS3 I will agree with. Its triggers weren't good at all, your finger would slip right off. However, if you look at the DS4, it clearly gives a curve at the end to prevent that.

[sengoku]

that's exactly just whats with the x360 guys.
a trigger needs to be exactly like the ones in fighter jets and that's what they always should be compared to and be like.

well it might be good for fight sims or the like but those buttons should just a nicely fit into other games in which there might be goals another shooting and blowing up stuff.

[unchartedxplorer]

Yeah maybe we should have an ejector seat with the controller, just like the fighter jets.
Oh and flares as well!

[xPhearR3dx]

TBH, the only thing the 360 controller needs to fix is the D-pad. Everything else is perfect for me. All though, maybe some sort of grip on the triggers could be nice.

[Snookies12]

Yeah, the main issue I have with the 360 controller is the D-pad. Everything else I'm pretty okay with. I just think that they shouldn't just be "okay" with their controller. Always try to improve, even if you "think" you've found perfection. That's what I want from a company if I'm going to buy their product. Which is why I'm a little concerned about Microsoft, if they end up not redesigning their controller even a little bit.

[MikeMyers]

Not sure how good the controller was when they updated it with the spin style d-pad but the original wasn't that good.

They do need to update the controller but keep it fairly consistent with the original 360. I expect a few more tweaks and perhaps some new type of function. What I would like to see is some more personalization where you can apply whatever button you want for any game. Meaning if a game has the A button for jump I can make it so that every game I play makes the A button the jump button. I hate it when the developer forces button placements. I would also like to see it be linked to your account. Meaning nobody else can use my controller, don't touch! Just like don't touch my seat settings on my car.

[MYSTERIO360]

So you like having to switching battery's and having to get rechargeable ones? As for me no sir-ry i've had my fun /s and don't want to deal with it again next gen. Plus i think it needs some sort of grip on it like the DS4.

[Why o why]

d pad and batteries. Everything else is fine

lol@ domination below regarding the madcatz lookalike. ...I hear ya. A sony pad that doesnt have that 'SONY' printed above the start and select just looks 3rdpartyish... I'm hoping they sneak it on there somehow...lol

[MikeMyers]

"So you like having to switching battery's and having to get rechargeable ones?"

I don't like having to pay for extra batteries but it is really convenient to simply put in another pack or batteries and keep playing wireless. I imagine they will have rechargeable built-in like everyone else now.

[DOMination-]

I must admit, I thought the DS4 looked like a cheap madcatz controller when I first saw it, but is has grown on me. I like it, but I have to say, that share button is kinda useless. Oh, don't get me wrong, I love the features it provides, but why not just have the PS button and choose it from a menu? Does it really need it's own button? It's like having a button for turning subtitles on and off. Yeah it's kinda nice but it's not a big deal that I just pause and go into a menu. It just feels redundant.. if they were gonna add another button, it would have better having an additional button that can be used in proper gameplay..

As for the 360 controller.. if it stayed the same I honestly wouldn't be too disappointed. It's a very good controller with the exception of the dpad. But as with everyone else, I'm always excited to see new stuff so I hope they change it up a bit.

[hesido]

Sharing through the menu would also be sufficient for most cases.

That said, marketing-wise, it conveys the idea so much better, that being able to share your gaming moments is one of the under-lined features. Less people would be talking about the ability to share your game videos online if they just went: "Hey, you can push the PS button, select share -> select screenshot / video to share your screenshots / videos". The button underscores this feature so well.

Non-marketing wise: The button could be preconfigured to do screenshots, or simply start a video relay etc etc. Maybe press-and-hold would differ from a single press, marking the start of a video for storing a longer play than the last 5-10 minutes) which may be better for cases when you are playing multiplayer and don't want to fiddle though menus.

Also, it is not like it gets in the way, nor is it in a place that you could accidentally press it. It is also not in a place that you would want to be constantly pushing for gameplay, so we cannot say how it would be better if that space was used for in-game related tasks.

[dedicatedtogamers]

Am I the only one who remembers the 360 crowd bashing the DualShock 3 because "Sony never updates their controllers"? Hahahha, but now it's a good thing when MS does it?

I miss what they did with the Xbox. Microsoft had multiple sizes of controllers, and that was really cool. They should go back to that.

[Blaze929]

lol multiple sizes? They only had two bruh...

[Nafon]

The share button is your favorite feature? wow. and those curved triggers help keep your fingers on

[aaron5829]

I dont think i'm ready to game without controllers.

[GribbleGrunger]

Because the recent rumours suggests it hasn't got a new controller and the author of this piece wants to play his hand early?

[MasterCornholio]

The DPAD is garbage on the 360 controller. That in my opinion needs to change.

Even though I don't like the positioning of the analog sticks it isn't a design flaw just a preference issue.

Motorola RAZR i

[Captain Tuttle]

It's perfect except for the D-Pad, that's all they have to fix.

[yesmynameissumo]

*For you.

[CanadianTurtle]

You know you're a fanboy when you defend the 360 gamepad.

[Captain Tuttle]

Yep, for me. I don't care about anyone eles's controller preference. Neither should you.

[Y_5150]

He probably thinks that the Xbox needs more than fixing the D-Pad to make the controller perfect for him. You are jumping to conclusions because you assume that he is a fanboy because he said that.

[talisker]

One of the reasons Microsoft (and some other companies like Apple) don't need any significant changes in their subsequent hardware revisions - people like the author of this piece will buy them without any hesitation, regardless of features or improvements. I guess it took many years to train people into consumerism to that extend but I also see it pays off well.

[Captain Qwark 9]

Or its more, don't fix what's not broke. The d-pad is the only real issue with the controller. Fix that, leave the rest. Sony realized this when they tried the boomerang when ps3 was first announced. Nabisco constantly tries to improve the Oreo but the reality is, the first is still the best. That's just how it is sometimes.

[Why o why]

agreed.

slight tweaks are sometimes better than complete changes. Tweak the d pad...nightmare for fighting games.

Quick question. I hold the ps3 pad with a piano grip for fighting games as my right thumb just cant operate quick enough to compete. It means my right hand is not holding the pad in the conventional way. Anybody else have this issue. Im also better on pad than ive ever been on joysticks so buying one of those isn't an option

[Captain Qwark 9]

i personally dont but a buddy of mine holds it like that and he wipes the floor with me in tekken so maybe its the way to go lol

[rainslacker]

I held it that way too for fighting games because of the speed required to input commands. Holding it normal I found I got inputs that I didn't want, like 1 would input 2 or 4 as well. I ended up getting a fight stick, because I find it much better for long term play because I have carpel tunnel.

[Why o why]

Sorry to hear that rainslacker. My sister has cts too. Bloody nightmare for her. Had to adapt all of her work peripherals. My speed input and accuracy is way way better using the piano clutch just like you said.

[OmniSlashPT]

Damage control everywhere and the next xbox has not even been announced yet. Damn Sony is doing things the right way.

[clintagious650]

I agree with mostly everyone here about the d pad is only thing that needs a fix on the nextbox controller but also doesnt hurt if they add things to improve it. Same with the DS4, I already liked the DS3 controller but with the added improvements & a touch screen & a share button thats value right there and always welcomed.

[coolasj]

I look at my DS3 now and think...
Man, look at all this empty space in the middle. Move the PS button down and widen the controller a bit and there's enough room for a touchpad or something.

[cyberninja]

They better get rid of that d-pad and AAA batteries.

[Blaze929]

when did 360 controllers start using AAA batteries?

[cyberninja]

Since it came out, it is using AA batteries(not AAA batteries, my fault, but it doesn't change the fact that you gotta put batteries in it).

[JeffGUNZ]

They don't use AAA batteries and you can buy a play and charge for under 20 dollars, probably cheaper now and you never have to worry about batteries.

[C-Thunder]

They still need to build in Lithiums. It would be a clear sign of them just not caring if they leave the battery pack.

Wouldn't surprise me though, they might even change it just enough to get people to buy new play and charge kits.

[PersonMan]

They don't need to change the controller because there won't be a controller!

Next-gen XBOX is going to be all Kinect!

[sengoku]

lol of course it doesn't need another controller.
the whole thing is going to be boring as hell.

[Kuleman_beast]

it could use an extra button or two, I always thought it would be nice to have a switch that could change the functionality of the ABXY buttons on the fly, somewhere between the right thumbstick and the x button perhaps. I dunno, I just don't think there are enough buttons for all options games give you and i'm sick of those damn in game wheels, it really takes you out of the experience

[Jek_Porkins]

Already the best and most natural controller in my opinion, just need the better D-Pad and it's all set.

[urwifeminder]

No need to mess with perfection.

[-Falaut-]

Yes yes, all the competition does is glue needless things to their control devices while your company of choice ,by your default, thanks to your parents buying you <insert console/computer> most likely, is "teh winz"! You don't say 360.mmgn.com?!

Starting the morning of classy eh?

[inFAMOUS_KRATOS]

i never understood why, the dpad was below the left analog?

did sony patent the button line up in the ps controller?

i think the dpad is only issue with it, if sony could barely change the controller still be loved, then xbox fans will feel no different..

keep it the same change dpad for fighting games.

[Captain Qwark 9]

I think that's more preference. I actually much prefer where the dpad and analog sticks are located on the 360 controller. I think its in a weird spot on the PS controller. Think about it for a min, growing up the dpad was always located above your thumb and it was the primary input for moving. With that in mind, if the primary input for moving switches to a stick, then naturally it should take the place of the dpad. At least that's how I feel. I much prefer the 360 controllers design

[Ninja_G_Aidan]

"Keep the D-Pad the way it is for fighters" The 360 D-Pad is the worst for fighters, it completely sucks!

[rainslacker]

I think those two parts should be interchangeable so people can just use it the way they prefer.

[Kennytaur]

On the neXtbox, the logo-button in the centre will be a trackball. :-P

[Chrono]

They need to replace the d-pad and flatten the ABXY buttons a little bit.

[mcstorm]

I don't think they need a radical change form the 360 controller.(for my hands any way) Out of them all including the WiiU and WiiU Pro it fits my hands best but I think they should make little changes to it like the D Pad and im sure they will add extra buttons to it to access parts of the xbox dash quicker like on the PS4 controller. The other thing that would be nice is if they manage to insert there own battery to and keep it light like the DS3 and WiiU Pro.
They maybe also able to add a way for Kinect 2 to track the new xbox controller to.

[InTheLab]

Let's see...uh

Batteries
No bluetooth
no touch sensitive buttons
broken d pad
stiff triggers

Yeah...the next Xbox needs an updated controller...

[JeffGUNZ]

Batteries? Play and Charge is 20 dollar and under. The PS3 doesn't come with a headset and the 360 does, so the cost for a headset and a play and charge washes eachother out.

No blutooth. Why is that important? Why does one need to game with a 360 controller using blutooth?

"No touch sensitive buttons": That's highly subjective to personal desire. Some love it and some hate it. I really don't see that being a deal breaker.

"Broken D-Pad": The original controllers, yes, but they did address this and released a good d-pad controller: http://www.engadget.com/201...

"Stiff Triggers" What? The triggers are the best part of the controller. Either your reaching to try and make your list longer, you're trolling, or you have a broken controller. How on earth are they stiff?

[InTheLab]

So your answer is to buy accessories to fix the 360 controller?

We're not talking about headsets or the consoles themselves...just the contollers.

Touch sensitive buttons expand gameplay and has been around since the PS2.

The new d pad does not ship with 360s and costs extra

Play and charge costs extra

Bluetooth is superior to IR in every way but...you are right... I suppose it makes no difference.

The triggers are fine for shooting and terrible for everything else. Try running a season in Forza or pulling off combos in SF. The controller is not built for certain genres as it becomes very uncomfortable to hold it down for long periods. By contrast.. you barely need to pull on the R2 L2 to get the same results..

. Also...brand new..those triggers make a ridiculous noise. I own about 5 360 controllers and 4 of them make that ridiculous squeaking noise..

[JeffGUNZ]

I understand that Bluetooth is better then IR, but has their really been any widespread connectivity/response issues with the 360 controller? With Touch sensitive buttons, sure it expands game play, but a lot of people may like it or dislike, it's subjective to each persons preference. The point about the play and charge is you can eliminate batteries with one purchase of under 20 dollars. I compared it to the headset as a way of washing out the costs difference between both systems. I will have to just respectfully disagree with the triggers as I have personally never had an issue with them ever. Again, everyone is different and you may have, but I personally have not.

I think we both can agree that the 360 controller will be beefed up, I highly doubt they will keep the SAME controller for a new generation.

[rainslacker]

Headsets are optional, controllers(or an input method) are mandatory. One shouldn't have to spend more just to be able to play their console. Sony got this right on the PS3. Long battery life, and short charge time at no additional cost to the user.

Agree on Bluetooth, it's just a transmission method, and I never heard anyone saying the 360 controller was laggy. Bluetooth is convenient from a connectivity standpoint on multiple devices though, as pairing is quite easy. IR isn't as common as Bluetooth.

Touch sensitive can be nice, but it's rarely implemented. Analog triggers tend to take their place.

D-Pad seems to be a common complaint with their controllers. Can't speak first hand because I've never played a game on 360 which used it.

Their triggers are pretty good. May just need a refinement to the actual shape to improve their feel, but overall I liked them, particularly the back ones which I did find better than the DS3 for certain types of games, whereas PS3 is better for others.

[Hicken]

Bu-but the 360 controller is perfect!

Strange: the Dual Shock is probably the best controller on the market. Doesn't mean it can't be improved upon.

Everything you've named is something that could be added or improved upon to make the 360 pad a better controller.

[maniacmayhem]

The 360 controller is probably the best controller on the market and you can see this by all the other companies making knockoff that greatly resemble it.

The things he mentioned besides the d-pad which every 360 owner will tell is really the only thing that needs improvement, is nonsense. Especially "stiff triggers"??

If MS added anything else it would be a surprise addition to an already great controller.

[Belking]

Love the 360 controller. It's much better than the DS3(except for triggers)one. I hope they improve it more and add some good features.

[VonBraunschweigg]

Of course the next xBox doesn't need a new controller, but that doesn't mean it won't get one. You bet it will. One in the box, and you will buy a second. Batteries included. Rechargable battery pack sold seperately. Better than the current ones, not compatible.

[Ninja_G_Aidan]

Yes it does! The 360 D-Pad completely sucks!

[DFresh]

Microsoft could still make major improvements to the controller for the Xbox 720.
ex.)
-Fix the damn D-Pad.
-Get rid of the battery packs.
(Use USB support. USB 3.0 for starters.)
-Adjustable analog toggles to make them looser or tighter for certain types of play.
-Custom button remapping.
(Something all controllers on all platforms should have built in.)
etc.

[rainslacker]

USB 3.0 would be overkill for a controller I think, unless it allows for longer cord lengths.

Button mapping is a software thing, and is sometimes implemented by the game designers(like DOA5). I guess it wouldn't be bad to have it on a system wide level though.

[Oh_Yeah]

Give it a new d pad,rechargeable battery, lighter, make the thumb sticks with softer rubber and get rid of the little nipple things on em and it's all good.

[stage88]

It's far too clunky in my opinion and has a very cheap feel to it.

[slampunk]

My wish for the new xbox controller would be some paddles / buttons that are mappable underneath the controller similar to the scuff controllers.....

other than that the layout is good.....the PS4 controller is definitely a big improvement for Sony though....the PS3 controller (triggers) were horribly designed....

[IK IR Y IP T]

I hate the dual shock only thing good about it is the d pad that's seriously the reason my ps3 fat has been a paper weight for years until that one exclusive comes out ...

[CPTN MITCHELL]

Lmfao he's talking shit about the ds4 without putting a finger on it....lmfa at the guy who's xbox controller blew up on his hand because the batterys were old