The xbox360 wireless controller is the main controller for the xbox360 games console by Microsoft, it used to control the console using two hands, navigating the various screens and to control the games available for it. The controller itself is battery powered and was one of the first controllers available that contained wireless technology.
The Controller itself was announced on MTV may 12th 2005 and details of the controller were fully divulged later that may at the E3! conference for gaming in 2005, and was initially released with the xbox360 consoles, and is seen as a later version of the xbox original controller. However unlike the games from xbox original the controller was not compatible with xbox360’s game play, and so a new controller was required which I am reviewing today.
Usability & Design
The controller I found initially very easy to use as the Joy sticks, triggers and overall shape of the controller were very easy to use. I found the controller very easy to hold and the controls interact well with the console and game play. Even though the controller as a lot of buttons and directional aspects, I believe its simplicity is in its complicity, once using the controller once I found it a breeze to use.
The controller’s buttons are well labeled either by colour, name or number. The controller is light and not a punishment to hold, however if younger or have smaller hands I believe it may be uncomfortable even though I have no issues with it. There are many accessories available that can be connected to the controller this easy to do via the plug-in port at the bottom.
Style
The style of the control matches that of the xbox360 theme, and fits in well with colour scheme of the brand, however if you’re not pleased with this faceplates in different designs can be bought to manage it to your personal needs.
The style doesn’t affect the usability at all, looking at the controller you can see the thought that went into the styling I believe was truly amazing and this is the perfect design and style for gaming controller.
Alternatives
Alternatively you can purchase other controllers for the xbox360 including wired controllers which are wired and cheaper or other navigational devices such as keyboard and mouse… but at the end of the day most of these weren’t designed by Microsoft but some are, even looking at this I could not compare any other controller I have used for the xbox360 or on other consoles do no where near match the style and grace of the xbox360 wireless controller.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Looking at the advantages of this controller are many, the first one is its wireless which gives you the flexibility to move around without the constraints of wiring, which to me after years of gaming with wired controllers is a blessing from gaming manufactures, it’s like going commando on a sweaty day!A second advantage of this amazing piece of technological genius is the light inbuilt rumble pack which vibrates in game according to game play this has previously been attempted by Nintendo and other Manufactures and as never been designed to the standard of the Xbox 360 wireless controller, I say Kudos to the developers.
A third advantage is that this one of the first controllers to have supreme response time a versatility which allows you to control the xbox360 and the game worlds within in swiftly moving through environments to a supremely high quality standard.
Looking at the disadvantages now, yes there are some shock horror, the first of which being the controller is battery powered by two AA batteries which add to the weight and can be quiet costly to the user constantly purchasing batteries, although Microsoft have came up with a solution for this in the form of a rechargeable battery pack however this does cost a small amount to purchase.
A second disadvantage is the fact that most of the additional controller addons cost money, e.g the headset and messenger keypad, which sadly weren’t included in the original package, but oh well you cant have everything and for what you get it’s already an amazing product.
Overall the advantages out way the disadvantages for what I truly believe to be an amazing product, which even though three years old still is the latest and best technology.
Price & availability
The xbox360 wireless controller if you did not get one with your console or if you would like to buy another one to team up with your mates or family can be found in most media stores, super markets and on the internet for a price between £24.99 and £39.99 the cheaper option being from sites like Amazon or ebay and the more expensive from stores like Game or Argos.
Conclusion
In conclusion the xbox 360 Wireless controller is truly a product I enjoyed, found easy to master and appreciated the design that went into it. The product itself may have some disadvantages but the advantages out weigh these and I would recommend this controller to anyone who plays xbox360 or who is into gaming.
Thanks for reading, Ben
Pictures of Microsoft Xbox 360 Wireless Controller - game pad
Microsoft Official Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
With a half black/half white case and custom LED buttons, your 360 controller can be given ... more
a new lease of life with the addition of this simple to fit, funky case shell. This unique case has been manufactured using a special colouring process, called '...
Postage & Packaging: £4.39 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Technical DataInput Device / TypeGame padTechnical DataInput Device / Form ... more
FactorExternalTechnical DataInput Device / Connectivity TechnologyWiredTechnical DataSystem Requirements / OS RequiredMicrosoft Windows XP SP1 or laterTechnical DataHeader / Pro...
Postage & Packaging: £3.99 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Superb controller with no wires and loads of features and very good feel Disadvantages: None- except a bit more expensive than wired controller
Advantages: Superb controller with no wires and loads of features and very good feel Disadvantages: None- except a bit more expensive than wired controller
exceptional by (4%):
very helpful by (96%):
