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.
