There's a video on Major Nelson's blog I'm not sure about the lack of colour in the buttons. Part of me thinks it won't matter as I rarely look at the controller when I'm playing and I reckon that's typical of most regular gamers. They've improved the D-Pad, that's the main feature. I can't see how they could make it worse. A lot of people talking about the price as ridiculous but I disagree as it includes the charge kit. A controller and charge kit now will cost you about the same. Obviously, you could shop around. Plus, we pay like 25% extra here than US gamers on everything (I believe it's even more in other regions!) Anyway, I'll have 2-3 months to read US reviews before we get it in Europe. I'm definitely interested in this one. Any thoughts?
It looks nice but the D-pad is ether not used that often in games. And games that do use the D-Pad function only use it on selecting choices and whatnot. Though in my opinion, I like how my D-Pad feels atm. I kinda don't fancy the Flatter D-Pad designs just on the way it feels. Also that price is not as ridiculous as people say it is. Them Charge and Play kits will pay for themself in no time. 'Cause no one enjoys driving out to wallmart at the middle of night buying another pack of batteries that only last ya a week or two at most.
People who play fighting games use the d-pad quite a bit. I think it looks interesting. Kind of disappointed they didn't have this ready to go when the new Xbox came out. Doubt I'll ever buy one.
Looks... okay. Nothing worth spending money on 'just because' though. D-Pad isn't really an issue if you ask me, like someone else said - not used enough to make a real problem out of itself. The lack of button colours suxors. Maybe a very lightly tinted clear plastic or clear plastic with coloured letters on the inside; but none whatsoever is lame.
I had the same thought. I figure coloured letters on the inside of the buttons would be cool but maintain the same minimalism they seem to be going for. I had another thought about the colours, as it's designed as a "fighting pad" (well, fighting games being the main user of the D-Pad) maybe the lack of colour is because most fighting games don't use the regular colour system but opt for an A=Kick, X=Punch, etc... type of scheme. Most of the fighting sticks don't use the colours as on the normal controller. Just a thought and purely speculative.
You realize one of the main reasons that the d-pad isn't used by that many games is because it sucks really bad right? It's been a chicken and egg type problem.
d-pad is mainly used in most cases for those ok you have a new upgrade, use various skills or call in airstrikes. but im not going to pay almost 70 american for a d-pad that i can make into a plus. i know its got better grip but why fix something that not broken? im just fine without a plus.
This one is better IMO- http://www.gadgetreview.com/2010/01/raz ... oller.html Adjustable tension on joysticks, better D-Pad, extra button that you can set as anything. The only downside is that it's wireless, but that also means you can use it with your PC and at tournaments, so is it really a downside?
Not all tournaments apparently: http://www.tomshardware.com/news/MLG-Xb ... 11143.html What I'd really like to see is a controller where you could swap the analog joysticks by flipping a switch. Something that was set up like this in the hardware would solve those southpaw issues and game devs wouldn't have to worry about making alternate schemes for southpaws.
Not really, I would say it's not used that much because of the fact you have to take your thumb off the joystick to use it. It's kinda like you either choose to use the joystick or the D-pad for moving your character, If you choose the joystick the D-pad can be used for some uncommonly used options like a purchase menu or a chat button but anything else will impact on your ability to move your character. Back to the topic: I would say this control is only worth buying if your a professional gamer or you play alot of fighting games, A new D-pad cap does not merit a purchase of a new controller if you just play FPS's. I'm sure there are modified D-pad hats that you can probably buy on the internet for $2.99 and replace the old one in your controller if you really wanted to, Some xbox controllers have screwed up D-pads so replacement parts are bound to be available somewhere on the internet.
I think the gray scale color scheme is pretty sleek and modern looking. Makes the bright and colorful controllers look like kid's toys in comparison. That being said, I find no reason in getting one unless maybe my controller breaks.
Sadly all of my battery packs have died and will no longer charge. They all died within months. I just use rechargeable batteries now. They do wonders and are much cheaper than a plug & play.
Great news, but abit to late and definetly to costly. Love the greyscaling, it's just to bad the different shadings on ABYX make it look awefull. I find the current D-Pad is downright terrible for alot of games, sure it is kinda ok for selecting weapons but if you want to play some side scrolling arcade game it's a nightmare. Either way i'm much more looking forward to Razer's Onza controller. They know how to make proper stuff and unlike most of the other 3th parties they actually seem to play test their merchandise. You can adjust the tension of the analogs by twisting them aswell, and those extra bumpers are programmable so you can jump without leaving your analogs for example. Guess we will see more of the Onza at the current Pax. Here's a YT movie from E3 if you are interested http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxeyu1UBFlo
I think it would be cool to have a new D-Pad but it doesn't really matter to me. I wouldn't go out and buy one just to have it because the controller I have now is just fine. When I need to go out and get another controller I might check that one out. Until then, I am just fine with the one I have.
