Written by Glenn Wigmore  on May 24, 2005

Specials: Now that they're wireless, throwing controllers is a breeze!

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The biggest compliment I can pay to the next Xbox's controller is that it felt so natural that I didn't even realize I was holding it Ц that's the truth. When I picked it up to play Condemned, I was marvelling at the gameplay and graphics of the game, and I didn't even realize that I was holding the next-gen Xbox controller. When something feels that natural in your hands, you know that it bodes well for the future of games on Xbox 360.



I must quickly say that the controller that I held at E3 was hardwired to the console, but this was obviously for anti-theft purposes, plus this wouldn't add that much weight to the overall feel. On top of this, I saw the wireless version demonstrated behind closed doors and it seemed very responsive as the MS PR people entered commands and played games. Additionally, I was told the batteries would last approximately four to five weeks, with a few hours of play per day on average. I was also informed that a first-party wireless headset would be released for purchase once the console ships.



The actual controller seems like a mix between the S-Type controller for the current-gen Xbox and the Gravis Gamepad from the PC. You have the two thumbsticks on the left and right side of the controller, and each one now has small УnubsФ in each cardinal direction, which will be helpful for ensuring which direction you're pressing. The D-Pad is one circular УwholeФ like the current-gen controller, but it does have more of a D-pad shape (unlike the current warped look), and it moves more definitively in each direction. The A, B, X, and Y face buttons remain the same color, and each one has the same jewel-type plastic. What is notable about the face buttons this time around is that each one no longer has the curved architecture of the current-gen controller, which was often a pain for button mashers Ц and by pain I mean literally and figuratively. The flat surfaces of the buttons seemed comfortable and responsive for the games I played, and they shouldn't be an issue this time around. The two УtriggersФ return on the underside of the controller, but they are now accompanied by two shoulder/bumper buttons, which actually feel quite good. At first I thought they might be too close to each other, but the triggers and bumpers work quite well together. Finally, the middle of the controller features the УbackФ and УstartФ buttons, which flank each side of the УGuideФ button.



The УGuideФ button is the big, new addition to this controller, and it serves several purposes. Initially, if you point your wireless controller at a 360 console, you can press this X-shaped button and watch as one quadrant of the X lights up, indicating what player you are. No longer will you have to search screens or look for wires, as you'll be able to configure your wireless signal and know what player you are, immediately. Additionally, the УGuideФ button is your portal to the new Xbox dashboard, which will allow you to exit a game completely, change soundtrack options, look for Xbox Live invites/friends, browse for content, and much more. It's quite handy to be able to power down a game or the system itself with this command, and it also pauses the game to allow you to change whatever parameters you need to Ц very creative stuff, here.



As said, the overall feel seems quite natural. I never hurt my fingers pressing or reaching for any of the buttons, and the controller didn't seem overly small (like I thought it might). The color scheme is simple and effective, and the addition of the guide button Ц with an illuminating display Ц is very creative, indeed.



It seems as if this aspect of the 360 is good to go, as you'll be able to do just about anything within your console from the controller, and you'll be able to do it wirelessly. The controller is only a part of the whole, but it does have so much to do with an experience with the system that it is good to see it shaping up so well.