D-pad
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Rumor: New 360 controllers feature revised d-pad [update]
Update: D-pad rumors are cleared up and it looks like we aren't getting an improved d-pad anymore.In rumor news coming straight from the Leipzig Games Convention floor, Eurogamer is reporting that Microsoft has plans to release new Xbox 360 controllers featuring a revised d-pad.Eurogamer heard about the d-pad revision from a third party publisher who confirmed that the new controllers will look exactly like the current model, but with 32 direction support. We're also told that the Games Convention booth for Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer is using the new controller and Capcom's Street Fighter IV will supposedly support the new d-pad as well. Eurogamer posted pictures of the revised d-pad controller which is coincidentally the new green controller set to release next month. Does that mean the new green and red controllers are the rumored to be revised controller models with improved d-pads? We aren't exactly sure, so we'll wait for Microsoft to comment.
GC 2008: Xbox 360 controller's d-pad d-leted
Finally. After molesting countless thumbs and ruining everybody's Pac-Man CE scores, the Xbox 360 controller's dismal d-pad looks to be replaced by, well, a functional d-pad. IGN's Martin Robinson claims to have played with a redesigned controller at Leipzig's Games Convention, describing it as "aesthetically identical" to the original (it's actually a sickly green), with "the d-pad sitting in a larger rocker and proving more tactile." The new controller is expected to debut alongside Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 and is thought to have been prompted by the upcoming release of Street Fighter IV.Good riddance, you worthless, clacking agent of spongy misdirection. Oh, and tell The Duke we said "Hi." Update: Curses! The pad is a "limited edition, promotional item" for now.[Thanks, Fenix]
Hacker crams NES experience into NES controller
While we lack the skills (and free time) it takes to do anything other than blog, folks are out there, doing crazy DIY projects. This is one of them. Now, we don't condone the use of illegal emulators and ROMs, but cramming an entire NES experience into the NES controller is impressive nonetheless. [Via Engadget]
Promotional Consideration: Humanitarian aid crosses with the DS
Promotional Consideration is a weekly feature about the Nintendo DS advertisements you usually flip past, change the channel on, or just tune out.As we've discussed before, a company's logo or branding can be just as important as the commercials and ads used to promote a product. This week, we'll take a look at a print piece that combines our favorite handheld with one of the most recognizable emblems in the world. Join us past the post break!
DS Daily: Our good pal, the mic
One of the features the DS has that we feel gets underused most is the microphone. It's always getting left behind by the school bus, receiving countless wedgies in the hall from more popular features of the hardware and also getting its milk money took. It's a hard-knock life for the DS's microphone, if you ask us.Do you feel the same as we do? Could you care less about the microphone on the DS? Do you think it should only be utilized in Ace Attorney games?
DS Daily: D-pad vs. stylus controls
Sometimes, a game offers us multiple control schemes. Either we can utilize the DS's unique touch-screen interface, or we can navigate the tried-and-true seas of the d-pad and the handheld's face buttons. While each game is different and we can't really generalize on which is a better control scheme overall, we do have our preferences, just as you must. So, do you find yourself loving the idea of stylus controls, but often revert to d-pad-based solutions when confronted with the option? Or, do you think the precision of the touch-screen puts a skip in your step? Which do you prefer most of the time?
And the Emmy goes to ... well, Nintendo, of course
Cue the bright lights, red carpet, shrimp cocktail platters and Reggie in a little black dress. Okay, so maybe it didn't actually go down that way, but Nintendo still won an Emmy yesterday for "excellence in engineering creativity" at the Technological & Engineering Emmy Awards. The award was given to Nintendo because of the innovation seen in the company's latest systems, the DS and the Wii. In the case of the DS, it was the handheld's dual-screen display and touch-screen controls that won the hearts of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.While the Academy might have been a little late to recognize this innovation (the DS has been around for three years, after all), it's better late than never. We suppose it could have been worse, considering that Nintendo only won an award for creating the D-pad last year. At any rate, well done Nintendo, and keep that innovation coming.
Buffalo introduces d-pad-equipped mouse
While it likely won't replace your gamepad anytime soon, Buffalo's latest optical mouse here should at least bring some of that familiar video game flavor to your more mundane, scrolling-related computing tasks -- although you'll have to decide for yourself if that's an improvement or not. Apart from its newfound four-way action, however, the mouse is about as garden variety as they come, with an 800 dpi resolution and, well, two buttons and a cord. On the upside, it does come in your choice of silver or black, and it won't put much of a hurt on your wallet, demanding just 3,320 Yen (about $28) when it streets in Japan next month.[Via Impress]
Get your mobile phone game on -- with pop-out joysticks
Talk about a concept whose time has come -- the pop-out joystick for mobile phones. From initial research, this design gets pressed in and turned to allow the 'enter' button in the middle of the d-pad to actually protrude from the handset for all those times when, you know, you need more tactile control of those J2ME or Mophun games -- hey, you might even feel like you're on a PS3 (not). Regardless, this is an extra-cool development for the mobile space. For anything more than phone menu navigation (ahem, mobile gaming), we for one hope this concept comes to light in future mobiles, because you haven't lived unless you've fragged some folks on that 2 inch screen.
Mad Catz goes retro with Xbox Live Arcade Stick [update 2]
Peripheral manufacturer capitalizing on gaping market hole news now, as an EB Games listing reveals a Mad Catz product that's sure to raise more thumbs than eyebrows: a retro arcade stick for the Xbox 360. The sole available image reveals the face buttons, guide button and right analog stick to have been retained in the design, though the fate of the triggers is somewhat less clear. It's likely safe to assume that they're cowering somewhere behind the mighty joystick. Another safe assumption one can make is that the Arcade Stick will make a far more adequate (and authentic) tool for guiding our pellet-munching Pac-men through mazes and our amphibious allies across deadly divides. Then again, strapping a rabid badger to you lap and randomly shoving your fingers into its mouth is already a few steps up from playing XBLA games with the 360 controller's squeaky directional pad. The current retail listing has the Mad Catz stick releasing on the first day of October for an anti-retro, better-be-wireless $69.99 $49.99. We've contacted Mad Catz for further details (and a larger picture!). [Thanks Master X 24.][Update: We suspected EB Games might yank the page, so we made sure to save a copy. The post now links to a screenshot of the original page.][Update: It's been indicated that the price is actually $49.99 and that several Live Arcade titles will be included the stick. More details here.]
360 D-pad sucking? Use a Saturn gamepad
The honeymoon's over. We were in love. Our shotgun wedding with the Xbox 360 gamepad and subsequent months of marital bliss have come crashing down. We've had our first fight ... err, 2D fighting game that is.Anyone who's been playing the recently released Street Fighter II on XBLA has undoubtedly noticed the Xbox 360's D-pad seriously cramps your combos. Fear not DIY-friendly gamers, there is a solution: Don't use the Xbox 360 gamepad. Remember the Sega Saturn, geared for 2D in a world of 3D consoles? The good news is the Saturn's gamepad has a well respected D-pad and, with some soldering skills, you can start rocking it on Xbox Live. Here's how it works: Saturn controller gets plugged into a breadboard connected to a gutted Xbox 360 controller, so the whole thing is wireless (sort of). Fine, so this isn't the most attractive hack, but it illustrates a demand for an alternative gamepad. How long before some enterprising peripheral company makes a wireless Xbox Live Arcade pad?[Via b&b&p&s]
Sega Saturn controller hacked to work with Xbox 360
If you've got a flair for retro gaming, or you just hate the design of the Xbox 360 controller, you'll be interested in this clever adapter project that give your old Sega Saturn pad, which is revered by fans of 2D fighters, the ability to control your brand new 360 games. The job required a gutted wireless 360 controller – that's right, it's wireless – a few common electronic components and about 2.5 months of work. From the video provided in the thread, it looks to function solidly, avoiding expected problems like the nightmarish button lag that could've rendered the whole thing completely useless. We know not many of you are going to be rushing to your workshops to try this, but every 360 mod we see gives us a little more hope that the hack (and accompanying tutorial) we've all been waiting for is coming sooner than later. But, until then, you'll have to watch out for this guy and his new rig on Xbox Live Arcade -- unless you have one of these on your coffee table.
