Speaking at Gamefest, Microsoft hardware guru, Robert Walker
Texas Ranger, spoke of a possible
redesign of the 360 controller. This "advanced" -- and optional -- control would be in lieu of keyboard and mouse support -- something Microsoft still has no intention of doing. Thus, the new control would feature a redesigned right analog stick to allow for more precision, mouse-like movements. Naturally this controller would appeal mostly to gamers who prefer first person shooters and possibly RTS games.
Also worth mentioning, Walker again brought up the possibility of Mircosoft
copying Nintendo designing a motion sensing controller as well, since they seem to be hot stuff these days.
So, what should Microsoft do to make their new pad more FPS friendly?
[Via
Xbox-Scene]
{ Aug 16th 2006 at 10:30AM } 
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Hans @ Aug 16th 2006 10:40AM
I guess that a small trackball could be an improvement, even though I have never used a trackball before.
A touch-sensitive area on that place wouldn't work I guess, so I don't know what else is possible...
J.Goodwin @ Aug 16th 2006 10:41AM
Microsoft hasn't banned mouse and keyboard support from games.
USB mice and keyboards work fine on the console for games that support them. But the game makers aren't going to waste their time building in support for mouse and keyboard (tuning etc) when the controller that comes in the box with every console is not a keyboard or mouse.
J.Goodwin @ Aug 16th 2006 10:42AM
Touch sensitive pads have been done before (Remember the Turbo Touch 360?)
It could work, I guess.
KilgoreTrout XL @ Aug 16th 2006 11:07AM
First and foremost, the resistance on the left thumbstick needs to be stronger. It was a huge task to become comfortable with the relative looseness of that stick, which you have to aim with in basically every FPS on the console.
This was especially true for Halo 2, where I was used to the Controller S's much stronger spring.
Paul @ Aug 16th 2006 11:21AM
I agree with the resistance needing upgrade. For FPS I dont want any changes the S was perfect.
For RTS, just give us a mouse and keyboard OR put a trackball on the right side and the buttons on the left. Feels more natural that way.
Steve @ Aug 16th 2006 11:37AM
I think the current 360 controller is really quite good. I don't see the need to come up with a revision...unless they do something about the terribly insensitive d-pad.
I remember the Turbo Touch 360. It was awful and almost unusable for most games. Trying to play Street Fighter II with it was an exercise in futility.
krackalot @ Aug 16th 2006 11:38AM
if we get a track ball, that would be cool, but I personally can't say I would prefere that. Definatly more resistance. Leave motion sensing out, it's too gimmicky for a Hi Def console, that's not what I believe the core 360 market really wants, maybe for a minute, but they'll just buy it and not use it.
Deezul @ Aug 16th 2006 11:42AM
Not to beat a dead horse, but MS mentioned soon after E3 that they had a motion sensing control for the PC. I had one. I think I finally threw it out during a old computer parts cleaning because the only game I played it with is the one it came with - a motorcycle game.
Richard Mitchell @ Aug 16th 2006 11:46AM
Aw...man. It smells like dead horse in here.
:)
Tha truth @ Aug 16th 2006 12:05PM
Um Microsoft had a motion sensing computer periphial in the late 80's.
360 fanboy tha truth
Insomnious @ Aug 16th 2006 12:45PM
My first through to this post was "People are never happy, are they?", but on second thought, some minor adjustments would make me a little happier;
- Better D-pad accuracy. "I press Left dammit, not Down!!!"
- Scarp the left-stick's abilty to click down? When playing GR:AW, I'm constantly pressing it, ending up on the floor when all I wanted to do is lean out of cover.
- Set the guide button to flash when the battery is much lower; at present, it begins flashing much too soon, and I can usually get another 7-8 hours of play out of the battery.
Deezul @ Aug 16th 2006 12:48PM
How about an "ARCADE" joystick? Since there's such a big push to put on the classics on XBLA, why not make a corresponding controller? I know Street Fighter folks would snap it up, and my wife would love for a realistic controller for Galaga. Heck, I would even consider paying for Smash TV for a two stick version.
Yes, I know there are homebrew options available, but some us don't have the time or the desire. I'd gladly pay $10 above the standard MS joystick cost for an arcade stick.
CrimsonsniperX @ Aug 16th 2006 2:01PM
I think they should make a different crouch button for some games. I like the crouch in COD2 but i don't like it in games like pdz and halo. Clicking in on the thumbstick should only be for zooming in not crouching.
Insomnious @ Aug 16th 2006 3:40PM
I agree with No.12 - crouching using the joystick 'press' ultimately results in you messing it up and moving in an undesired direction.
Although for zooming, I liked Left-trigger method that Quake 4 used, which resulted in me using the zoom far more than I have previously done in other FPSs.
Welshbloke @ Aug 16th 2006 3:41PM
If they do actually make an improved joystick for FPS gameing in particular how does that then fair with the argument that of an unfair advantage. Can they not just be done with it and allow/encourage USB Keyboard and Mouse support in more games.
tim @ Aug 16th 2006 4:12PM
microsoft needs to bring back the duke sticks.
flyguy @ Aug 16th 2006 5:08PM
Anything to make BF2MC easier to aim WITHOUT using the slowest setting is good news to me.
steveo @ Aug 16th 2006 9:06PM
MS should just make a Panther XL type joystick and trackball combo. I have been using them for FPS since 1996 on the PC ! I convert them to USB when the Panther XL was a joystick device (I had custom usb electronics made for converting the joyport to usb). I can use a joystick trackball device far better than a mouse and keys and I can't play with the damn Xbox dual sticks at all.
I have always wanted to convert the Panther XL so it works on the consoles, maybe MS will make one so I don't have to.
Jeff @ Aug 17th 2006 12:03AM
http://www.joy-stick.net/reviews/other/orb360.htm
I used to play Duke Nukem 3d with this and I seem to recall it working wonderfuly compared to the thumb sticks.
Paranor @ Aug 17th 2006 6:51AM
Dont know why M$ dont just open up, and allow third party peripherals to work on the machine.
Then i could use any of my large selection of controllers,instead i have to wait for them to decide what i can or cant use.
Fuji Sartono @ Aug 22nd 2006 10:37PM
i like 360'x left & right analog trigger buttons and i use them to precisely control the gas & brake pedals in driving games. this feels way more natural than using the thumb sticks like on the ps2/3's ..
i would however love to find a better way to control the steering instead of using my left thumb stick now .. maybe a scroll ball would be good.