Codenamed the “Aberdeen” the new controller comes in cardboard packaging complete with the re-branded Xbox swoosh, which is much more pleasing to the eye than the graphic design of Xbox’s previous peripherals and hardware, whats more is that packaging no longer comes in that awful plastic that was tough to break into. The pack itself comes with a ‘special edition’ control pad featuring the new transformable dpad and custom colours on the buttons, as well as a play and charge kit, why then do Microsoft insist on packing in a battery casing so you can use AA batteries? Also I noted an excessive amount of instruction sheets, ok so it has a new transforming dpad, people may need instructions on how to transform it (as simple as it is). I’m sure this is something that has to be included in the pack but I doubt many gamers will actually read them, besides there is a perfect holographic sticker next to the d-pad which shows off the different stages in the dpads transformation – a nice touch.
The dpad itself protrudes a lot more than previous d-pads on the Xbox controllers (a good 3-4 mm in height) it’s also in the metallic silver that the newer controllers opted for in the look of the guide button. The dpad transforms into a protruding disc by rotating in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. It is easy to get it to transform to a disc, the diagram shows you that you hold the pad with one hand and use your finger and thumb of the other to make that transformation. I found it easier to use my finger and thumb of both hands and rotate the dpad in either direction. To get the dpad back again a further rotation is required but this time there is little to grip so you need to use your nails to get a hold of the dpad which still protrudes a tiny bit when in disc form.
Although fiddly at first, the transformation process is a very firm and satisfying motion. Whether using it as a dpad or disc, it doesn’t feel flimsy in any way. Previously, I’ve always found that the dpad has felt like its attached loosely onto the pad which seemed to make it less responsive when making movements. The new dpad feels like your movements are more commanding and it actually made me want to consider using the dpad rather than the left stick.
The disc mode of the pad feels a lot more like using the left stick but without the loose movement that sticks can suffer from. Microsoft mentions on the packaging that it’s a more sweeping movement which can certainly be used to make more slight adjustments and movements, like tweaks to a drift in a racing game or pulling off the straight punch in Fight Night Champion (if only you had the option to be able to actually use the dpad for this ingame!). This would certainly benefit games other than the streetfighters or arcade style games, something that the dpad has been stereotyped as being used for.
The dpad mode is a traditional dpad, a more assertive movement is achievable in the X and Y axis directions and although it wont help you spam fireballs faster, pull off moves that you couldn’t achieve before or gain an advantage over someone not using a new pad, it does mentally help your brain gauge and map those directional combination’s. Often the left stick can be rotated just that little bit too far and combat moves are messed up, with the new dpad these movements are more definite and almost ‘click’ into position as your thumb dances over the dpad.
The pad comes in a really nice matt silver finish and the X,Y,B and A buttons are all in differing tints and tones of silver. The dpad and the guide button are in the metallic silver finish that has begun to find its way into the more recent peripherals and hardware of Xbox. I really love the look of the new controller, ok so your not going to rush out and buy one just because it looks really smart unsecured loans (ok well some people will) but it certainly helps. The whole look is smooth and somewhat understated with silver highlighting the key points of the pad and the all important heart of the Xbox, the logo and guide button.
The sticks have also seen a slight redesign. Using a harder plastic and doing away with the nubs on top, the new sticks almost look like those of a much older worn down controller. They are however slightly more springy when you push against them and feel less loose in comparison to my latest controller which came with the Xbox 360 S. There is more of a recess in the top that your thumbs sit into rather than rest and I can’t say that I particularly liked this new look and feel of the sticks underneath my thumbs, although I really liked the new resistance feel when moving them.
I’m actually quite taken with the new look pad, being dubbed as a special edition I’m not sure how long these pads will remain in circulation in the shops or whether the special edition part refers to the transforming dpad or the custom colours. Whatever the answer I now own one of these pads and I can actually see myself sticking with and using the new dpad over the left stick, particularly for shooters, something I never dreamt I would have said before. The only problem bad credit loans with this statement is that games now seem to reserve the dpad for minor actions like nightvision or perk activation which brings me to the question “is it too late for the dpad to re-enter gaming as a main control option?” If so then the effort gone into the transforming capabilities of the dpad is a bit demeaning leaving it stuck in stereotypes and reserved for fighting and arcade games, a real shame because I really like the new pad and its abilities.
I love the aesthetic look of the new pad and coming bundled with a Play and Charge Kit it makes it great value for money at £44.99 (Previously these packs were £42.99) although I would have thought most gamers would have already purchased a Play and Charge Kit by now.
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