http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/>>the man himself mentioning that Microsoft is "doing a lot of stuff there," but that they won't release a product that's not "intuitive and innovative."]]>Jun 25th 2006 12:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 12:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
Funniest line all morning.
Thanks for the laugh.

]]>Jun 25th 2006 12:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 12:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 12:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 1:06PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 1:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 1:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 1:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 1:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 1:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 2:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 2:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 2:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
Don't get me wrong, there are lots of cool games with simple controls, but it's the bloody 21st century here. All games can't be as simple as Pong.]]>Jun 25th 2006 3:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 3:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
True, but the vast majority of people who should be playing games and aren't are attracted to Pong like games. Complexity scares people away when it comes to casual gaming.]]>Jun 25th 2006 3:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 3:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 3:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 4:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 4:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
The Playstation controller has has the same ammount of buttons/joysticks/triggers as the 360 controller now has for what... 9 years (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_Analog_Controller)?

Have they changed that controller? Well, they have made it smaller and added the vibration feedback elements, but that is about it!

So I seriously do not understand what microsoft is trying to do...]]>Jun 25th 2006 4:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 4:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 5:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 5:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 5:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
http://www.axess.com/twilight/console/detail/gcnprot1.jpg

Only I would have put two face buttons (A & B) rather than the customary four.

A pair of analogue sticks, a pair of shoulder buttons and a pair of face buttons. And one Start/Pause button. Perfect.]]>Jun 25th 2006 5:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 5:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 25th 2006 7:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
As for this article, much as I dislike Microsoft and Xbox, I'm glad they're actually at least trying to seem like they're making a response to a problem. Of course it's up to Microsoft to make a move like this work well. I mean come on people, they're basiclly saying "the Xbox controllers right now a pretty sucky, so we're going to make brand new ones". I say good move. Wii fanboys will still complain that Microsoft is copying Wii, especially if the new controller supports any type of motion or tilt sensing, which I doubt. If MS can come out with a decent, easy-to-use controller with rumble and wireless, they'll be fine.]]>Jun 25th 2006 7:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
The DualCube=Wii has not been confirmed at $250. Sorry to burst your bubble.

Guruboy I don't know what reviews you've heard but from what I've read the Xbox 360 controller is getting rave reviews for being easy to use and extremely comfortable. Microsoft is not making a new simpler controller just because the one they have is "sucky" they are making it as an addition to there already phenomenal first party accessories. If anything it may be even better than the Wii mote. ]]>Jun 25th 2006 7:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
I smell a lawsuit!]]>Jun 25th 2006 9:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6151827.html
http://www.betanews.com/article/Nintendo_Wii_Will_Sell_for_Under_250/1148574717

Just a couple of links. I can find more if you want.

The Xbox 360 controller is great. It's comfortable and nice to use. The only problem is the top shoulder buttons aren't as accessible.

However, the Wii's controller has unlimited potential, in either direction. It could be a titanic flop, or the start of something truly unique and wonderful for gaming.

Half-Life 2 does have a great story, but Halo? How can you say Halo is a shining example of a storyline?

Lots of aliens invade. You kill them. That's it. Halo is revered for being an FPS game with above average -control- and -gameplay- on a console. No one is wondering if Bungie is going to turn out the next Final Fantasy FPS. They want Halo for the gameplay, specifically multi-player.

The storylines for games have absolutely been lacking. To say otherwise is to ignore the absolute chasm that is the Xbox gaming market in the RPG-any-decent-storyline sector.
Much like Sega in the 90s, Xbox is appealing more to sports and high-intensity gaming. And there's nothing wrong with that. But they might be up against the wall this winter when the Wii is released.]]>Jun 25th 2006 10:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
So you make the same controllers you've always made for gamers, and you make a simple controller that Mom can use, you're good to go.]]>Jun 25th 2006 10:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
I wasn't insulting the Xbox 360 controller, nice try. The 360 controller is a big improvement over the original one, but that's not saying a lot is it? lol. The point is that people are still confused with current controllers and the fact that there's just too many buttons! The Playstation controller might have the same number of buttons, but it's been unchanged since the original, save the rumble feature and analog joysticks. This means zero learning curve for PS3 users who have ever owned a Playstation (which I would assume to be a lot). The 360 controller is the same as the old, except the loci of the black and white buttons has been changed, and there's a headset jack. Plus obviously it's much smaller. Want to know why it's getting such good reviews? Because they made the right changes. I mean come on, how hard can it be to produce a good controller? Look at the Xbox/360/GC controllers and tell me how much industrial design expertise had to go into it.

If Microsoft releases another controller with any different set of buttons than the current 360 controller, what does that mean for games? How can two different controllers cater to the same game? Does this mean the current controller will become obsolete? Will our newly double-jointed thumbs for turning on the flashlight in Halo 1 and 2 go to waste? Does anyone realize that Microsoft is moving closer and closer to the button layout of the Playstation controller?

Who knows...]]>Jun 25th 2006 11:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 26th 2006 12:03AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 26th 2006 12:19AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
At any rate, simpler controllers and controls are great. I have such a super busy life, that its just frustrating to learn a new playing scheme for a sixteen button controller. Damn, I want to play games, not live them. Its about time they make these games simpler.]]>Jun 26th 2006 12:33AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
whatever. MS controllers have always sucked, and at heart, all controllers are basically elaborated Nintendo controllers. (If you can tell me the PS controllers are anything more than just an elaborated SNES controller, you're lying to yourself.)]]>Jun 26th 2006 1:02AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 26th 2006 2:00AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 26th 2006 2:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 26th 2006 2:14AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/]]>Jun 26th 2006 8:07AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
Nintendo has done really well in their goal of changing how we play games. They were the first console system (not counting Atari as a console). They first introduced the control-stick type of controller, they are the forerunners of games today, as the gaming industry is now becoming almost as big as movies and TV as a form of entertainment. People give Nintendo way more crap than they deserve, as pretty much nothing else would be around without Nintendo's innovative ideas.

Also, I really see nothing wrong with the current Xbox controller. I find it easy to learn, and everything is within easy reach. If you're not smart enough to figure it out, don't play it. I doubt you'd do to well in the games anyway.]]>Jun 26th 2006 9:56AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
I just got a DS Lite. It ADDED a controller -- the stylus -- over the GBA. This SIMPLIFIED Metroid Prime Hunters Immensely! You use the the stylus for 3-D look and jump. The D-Pad for motion, and the L-Button for shoot. Very intuitive.

This beats the hell out of "Hold A-X-B, L-Button, and Start to ENGAGE POWERUP."

IMHO, IT'S NOT THE NUMBER OF CONROLS, IT'S HOW YOU USE THEM THAT COUNTS.

-Pie]]>Jun 26th 2006 11:31AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 26th 2006 11:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
As for the Wii controllers not working very well at E3, it's already been reported that UbiSoft has already tightened up the controls since the E3 version. For those who say that the mouse and keyboard is the best way to go, I think your time of Multi-platform FPS game dominance (ala Quake and Unreal) is almost over. I have a funny feeling that the Wii-mote will be much more responsive and accurate.]]>Jun 26th 2006 12:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 26th 2006 12:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/Jun 26th 2006 3:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/25/microsoft-planning-simpler-controller/
What is up with that?

Does no one else see this?

Personally, Since i have been playing with nearly the exact same controllers for 6 years, I DO NOT want to get the Wii due to its new technology with the controllers. I am VERY used to the controllers, and have always been able to use them easily.

But I can see why Nintendo is being praised. They have made a monumental development in the video game department. I just personally do not like the technology.

However, my argument is not between the 360 controllers and the Wii Controllers, and they are obviously completely different. But the 360 controllers and the PS3 controllers are very similar.

Yet the 360 is scolded for being "too complicated" when it is more simple than the PS3, which is getting thumbs up!

Why? Why might I ask is this so?


(P.S., I know, I repeat myself alot)]]>Jun 26th 2006 7:56PM