Product Description

The Xbox Game Controller, which sports the "jewel" logo, is built for maximum control and comfort. Its design is the result of thousands of hours of usability testing. Features include eight-way directional pad (D-pad), left and right analog sticks, left and right shoulder triggers, six pressure-sensitive multicoloured analog buttons, dual slots for memory cards and other peripherals, and built-in "rumble" feature to increase gaming realism.

The controller also features a cord over 9.5 feet long to give gamers the freedom to sit nearly anywhere they want while playing.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6568 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Microsoft
• Released on: 2002-03-14
• Platform: Xbox
• Original language: German
• Subtitled in: German

Amazon.co.uk Review
With four ports on the front of your Xbox, why not add another Xbox controller to your system to benefit from the many games that are two players to four players. Controls include one eight-way directional pad (D-pad), left and right analogue joysticks, six pressure-sensitive multicoloured analogue buttons, left and right shoulder triggers giving gamers plenty of options whether they are playing Halo or Amped. In an nod to the Dreamcast controller, it also features a built-in "rumble" feature and dual slots for memory cards and other peripherals due to be released.

Thankfully, the controller has a long cable (2.74 metres), eliminating the need for costly cable extensions. The inclusion of a cable-break mechanism attached to the controller means that if snagged, the handheld unit detaches from the main system without pulling the console across the room. --Jason Denwood

Manufacturer's Description
The Xbox Game Controller, which sports the "jewel" logo, is built for maximum control and comfort. Its design is the result of thousands of hours of usability testing. It has an eight-way directional pad (D-pad), left and right analog sticks as well as left and right shoulder triggers. Also there are six pressure-sensitive multicolored analog buttons and dual slots for memory cards and other peripherals. The built-in "rumble" feature is designed to increase gaming realism. The controller also features a cord over 9.5 feet long to give gamers the freedom to sit nearly anywhere they want during gameplay.

Customer Reviews

Pleasantly surprised!
When I got an xbox I was quite wary of the controller, having heard bad reports about it, and thought it might let the system down. A quick demo in a games shop didn't impress me either. However I can honestly say, after hours of gaming, it is on par with the classic N64 pad. Although the controller is quite hefty, it feels satisfyingly solid, unlike the Dreamcast pad (which it was clearly based upon). The underside triggers are a total godsend and feel like the most natural and intuitive place for buttons when you're absorbed in a game. It is ultra responsive, and gives an amazing level of control and fluidity in games like Halo. I was glad to see Microsoft made the cable quite lengthy (3m), as extention leads for the Nintendo Gamecube controllers were irritatingly essential. All in all, this is a quality piece of kit, and I wouldn't consider getting any third party offerings as my 2nd, 3rd and 4th controller.

What's everyone got against it?
This controller is not bad at all. In fact, it's perfectly comfortable.

I've read many reviews of this item that calls in uncomfortable and horrible for people with small hands. I have very small hands and it works fine with me. The controls are easy to access, and you can play for ages without your hands aching. The vibration can be annoying in some games (eg Harry Potter) but I find them useful in other games (eg Blinx). Any problems with the controls are probably because of a badly designed game.

I've had no problems with it at all. Get the small controller if you have very small children, but other than that, it's fine for everyone.

A lot more comfortable than it looks
One of the many criticisms of the Xbox is the size of the controller. While its true that its larger than that of PS2 controllers, its actually pretty much the same size of the DC controller.

That said, its not until you hold it for the first time that you realise just how comfortable it is. Its smooth curvy design fits your hands nicely. The buttons are easily accessible, though I would agree someone with very small hands would probably have a problem with reaching the central buttons. For the majority of people though, just give it a try, and put the bad press to rest. Its one of the best controllers I've ever used.