It actually exists! An Xbox 360 controller with symmetrical analog sticks

[UberNoodle]

Everyone who talks about how the 360 controller fits perfectly is ignoring that you do more than just hold the controller, and that ergonomics have to be taken into account. The left analog stick placement is very poor ergonomically.

As for a PS3 controller for people with bigger hands - there's every sort of 3rd party controller that will accomodate the specific needs of everyone. With the 360 all the 3rd party controllers are almost exactly the same as the default one, except they're wired or require a dongle for wireless most of the time. I understand everyone has their preferences, but apparently Microsoft doesn't, and Saitek/Mad Catz are the only 3rd party peripheral maker to understand this as well.

http://cyborggaming.com/prod/cyborgpad.htm

It shows how sad the state of Xbox 360 controllers is when the only pad with symmetrical analog sticks is one where the left stick and d-pad are reversible.

I'm happy though, my left wrist is starting to really hurt from dealing with the 360 pads, and it's nice to finally find a controller that solves the issue.

Sad State? It's a great pad and much more comfortable and accurate than the Playstation and Classic Controller Pro designs. Having both analogues low on the pad is awkward. The left stick on the 360 pad is therefore Fwd, Bkwd, L, R; which is more intuitive because it is for movement. The right stick is Up, Dwn, L, R; which is more intuitive because it is usually for camera control.

 

[Latino Gamer]

I think it's just a matter of what you're used to. I've had each Playstation console, so the Playstation controller feels more natural than any other. I've hardly ever played with an Xbox.
From the sound of it, the reverse is true for a lot of people.

 

[TACOnightmare]

I love the Xbox 360 controller, fits perfectly into my hand.

It's all a matter of getting used to it tough. Doesn't matter what console.

Wise man.

I wonder though, is anyone used to both PS3 and Xbox controllers? For me I have to admit the Xbox controller sort of bugs me, though that's simply as you said, because I play PS3.

*raises hand*
I've been with the PS since I was six, so it fits in my hands like a glove-shaped-controller-thingy-that-was-made just-for-me. However, my best friend (whose house I might as well live at over the summer) bought a 360 day of release and so I've gotten used to it's *ahem* oddities. Not sure if it has to deal with hand size or if my hands just adapt so I can play video games (anybody who has performed "the claw" on the PSP knows what I am talking about), but it doesn't really matter. I can play video games without blaming the controller for my downfalls.

 

[xXAsherahXx]

I think it's cool. It has a nice design, and it can be changed to fit your playing style. Great idea in my opinion.

 

[Treeinthewoods]

The sticks on my X-box 360 aren't aligned well you learn something everyday!

Wow, I said the same thing! I even had to look at my controller to understand what OP was talking about.

My problem is a disease known as "stupid hands" which causes me to be extremely used to one type of controller and struggle with any other layout. I was totally used to the PS2 but ended up getting used to the 360. Now when I play my friends PS3 all I feel is confusion.

I think a controller that would allow me to lay it out exactly the same as my 360 for the PS3 would be amazing and I'd buy it. Ten years ago if someone gave me a 360 controller I would have cried for something more like the PS2. So, I ask if anyone knows if there is a PS3 controller with a Xbox layout?

Also, I noticed on the PS2 I used the pad more often then the stick but with my Xbox that changed. Hmmmmm....

Allright, I spent way too much time thinking about the controller. Time to go game.

 

[Just_A_Glitch]

The 360 controller is my favorite controller I've ever used. Aside from the D-Pad, it is perfect. I've never had my hands cramp up on me or felt like the layout was awkward. Its always been perfect for me.

The playstation controller could learn a thing or two from it (like how to make a good joystick. I can't stand the PS2 joysticks feel. I'm not crazy about its placement either).

This is my oppinion naturally. But I see no flaw in the 360 design.

Not like any of it matters anyway. Haven't you heard? Controllers are a dying breed. Its all about motion controls... oh goody...

 

[darthzew]

I much prefer the placement of the analog sticks on the Xbox controllers. It's much better for modern games that use the sticks over the d-pad.

The PS3's controller is the same design as the original Playstation controller, which was made for D-pad play and had the thumbsticks as add-ons.

It all boils down to personal preference though.

 

[Snake Plissken]

Dude...no. If the controller is causing you pain, it is not the controllers fault. Period. Ever. Unless it's covered in syringes and broken glass.

Let's say you walk up a flight of stairs...ten flights of stairs. Would you complain that it was the stairs fault for being poorly designed?

Nope. Controllers are meant to be designed to be as comfortable as possible, which means making sure it doesn't cause any pain.

The PSP was badly designed because the handheld had uncomfortable edges and only one analog. Some games required you to use the analog and d-pad at the same time to compensate, which was bloody awkward and painful.
The NES controller caused a lot of pain for being sharp too, and the Wiimote had a weird spiky bit on one side which i've found to be painful when you need to hold it sideways.

Those are the controllers fault.
It could be that he's just playing games too much, but he said the left analog in particular was causing him pain. If both of his hands were hurting it'd be much more likely that any controller would have had the same effect.

About your slightly irrelevant point, you could say a flight of stairs is poorly designed. That's why elevators and escalators were invented!

I'll grant you the NES and Wiimote controller issues, but those weren't causing an ache or joint pain, which seems to be what the OP is referring to. Those were examples of sharp stabbing pains.

My stairs point may seem irrelevant, but it truly isn't. Is it a stretch to compare them? Sure. But it doesn't negate the fact that lacking the proper "physique" to deal with the problem doesn't excuse the user from strengthening their muscle group to become better equipped. I wasn't being insulting, I was offering advice. It goes for anyone...if you have weak hands and they hurt after playing games, do something to strengthen your hand. Play guitar (GH does NOT count), pick up a hand excerciser, work on a car, or lift weights.

Again, I don't mean to sound insulting, but why does everybody insist on paraphrasing my posts?

 

[migo]

I prefer the original design, symmetrical analog sticks are uncomfortable for me.

This doesn't make any sense to me. I could see the lower position potentially being a problem (for some reason, couldn't say what right now), but I can't see how having a symmetrical design is a problem but if it's asymmetrical you're not still having problems with one of the sticks.

What? It's just a personal preference.

While comfort would lead to a preference, I don't see something being comfortable or uncomfortable in itself as a preference. How would you not still find the right stick uncomfortable with the staggered layout if you find them both uncomfortable with the symmetrical layout?

 

[Troublesome Lagomorph]

The xbox 360 controller has always been perfect for me. That controller looks like it would disagree with me.

 

[migo]

Not to be rude, but why on earth would you want symmetrical analog sticks? the current 360 controller is set up so that the most used controls fall directly under where you fingers naturally rest when you grip the controller. honestly, it's the primary reason why i don't get all of the games I want to get on my ps3, rather than just the ones that i have to get on it.

The 360 controller was good in theory, but in practice it doesn't work. It's where your thumb rests naturally when it's close to your hand, not where it has a central position to move in all directions.

the only real problem with the 360 controller is the crappy d-pad, but how often do we really use that thing in games any more anyway?

It's not used anymore because it sucks donkey cock, both because of the bad design and because of the placement. The D-Pad design works well enough if it's where the analog stick normally is (see the Saturn Pad as an example), but it's got both bad design and bad placement going against it. If the D-Pad were actually good, games would rely on it more.

hmm...I hadn't really thought of the movement issue, but I've never really found it that uncomfortable to use, in fact I've found it more comfortable that the ps3 controller.

in terms of the d-pad, it isn't used in more not because of where it's position, but because it's an inferior form of control. it only offers 4 (8 if you count combining buttons) ranges of motion, where as an analog stick offers, full range... so i would argue that no, the d-pad does not work well enough when it's placed where the stick is...it doesn't offer nearly the functionality of an analog stick.

I agree the analog works better for most purposes, but before analog sticks came around, D-Pads worked fine as long as they were placed well. Poor placement of the analog sticks incidentally is a major problem for arcade fighters that use digital sticks, there's a tendency to miss a diagonal or straight slightly which wouldn't happen on a NeoGeo.

 

[General Recluse]

I dont get why people complain about them. their position really doesnt effect my gameplay

 

[migo]

An unneccesary addition to the annuls of gaming history. I like the 360 controller just the way it is.

I still have a gripe with the PS3's squishy shoulder buttons and their crap compatibility with the God of War Collection. Having to turn the controller and spank it the same way you would a disobediant pet weasel during active gameplay is frustrating and infuriating.

The PS3 shoulder buttons are annoying in some situations, but much preferable for driving games where you don't have so much resistance while holding them down continuously.

 

[Dragonshredder]

anyone consider this? http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/review-rocketfish-rapid-fire-ps3-controller/

 

[Stormz]

I actually have that controller only it isn't for 360. It's for my PC so it doesn't have the 360 logo. Wonder if it would still work in my xbox...

Spoiler

 

[XUnsafeNormalX]

Some people are a bit country, and others are a bit rock-n-roll.

This controller caters to both.

 

[migo]

Mouse + Keyboard

More buttons, More control, More accuracy.

Would be nice, but you can't use Mouse + Keyboard in games with the 360. Another sad state of affairs.

http://cyborggaming.com/prod/cyborgpad.htm

It shows how sad the state of Xbox 360 controllers is when the only pad with symmetrical analog sticks is one where the left stick and d-pad are reversible.

I'm happy though, my left wrist is starting to really hurt from dealing with the 360 pads, and it's nice to finally find a controller that solves the issue.

To preface my post, this isn't meant to be an attack or anything - I'm really just curious. Your wrist hurts from using a 360 controller? Any idea why?

I actually get serious cramps in my fingers from using any Playstation controller (from pre-Dual Shock to present), since I'm a tall dude with big hands. Then again, I was one of those guys who genuinely liked the original XBOX controllers [http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/benheck_xbox_controller1.jpg].

Yeah, I know exactly why. With the right stick that's lower and to the side, I can use both joints on my thumb to move it in all four directions, so there's much less movement necessary and it's more responsive. With the right analog stick, it's already at the end of my thumb, so it's a chore to push it further, which will give me blisters eventually, to move it left it's poor ergonomics and rather like trying to open or close a door right by the hinge. The only thing that's remotely tolerable is the 90 degree arc between right and down which moves closer to the position of the right analog stick.

The D-Pad is also a pain with the position, since it requires pressing down (I can't use both joints in the same way), so pressing right is very difficult since it's againt at the extent of where my thumb can go. Both the analog stick and d-pad placement are bad, and they're both on the same thumb. My wrist hurts right at the radius and I can feel it come in every time I have to move left on the analog stick.

Ah, that has to suck. While I don't have quite so precise an explanation, I can safely say that my thumbs rest much more naturally on the 360's analog sticks than on the PS3. With Playstation controllers, it always feels as though I'm curling my thumbs as tightly as possible in order to position them properly. This wouldn't bother me if it weren't for some of the PS3 exclusives that I love. Hopefully someone will put out a larger controller at some point, though I'm not holding my breath there.

Anyway, I'm really glad you posted the link to the Cyborg controller. Had my eye on their R.A.T. mouse for a while, and had no idea they were churning out other products. If you end up purchasing one, please post a review! I'd be very interested in hearing more about it.

Will do, I've got it on order at a local store already, so I should have it within a week and then I'll spend a few weeks playing with it.

migo... I have to say that, judging by the population of this thread, my own personal experience, and the general attitude I have observed across the internet, you are wrong.

I don't think so, everyone who was happy with the DualShock wanted it to stay the same for the PS3 despite the Duke, S and GameCube controllers being out, and every PC GamePad emulated the DualShock rather than the Xbox or GameCube controllers. If the asymmetrical design were really in such high demand we'd have been seeing it more before the 360 came about.

I mean, I'm not saying that the DualShock design doesn't work better for you; ergonomics are entirely subjective, and there is no such thing as a "correct" ergonomic design, since everyone's hands are different. But the grand majority of people, including myself, prefer the 360's layout.

Compare the number of people who bought a PS1 to those who bought an N64, the number of people who bought a PS2 compared to Dreamcast, GameCube and Xbox and you'll see that there isn't much support for your idea of a majority. Now maybe the majority of 360 owners prefer the 360 controller, and that would make some sense as they'd likely go for it because of that, but the majority of gamers in total - I don't think so. A crappy controller is a major point against a console, and no amount of good games could overcome that. If the majority of gamers didn't like the DualShock and preferred the GameCube or S Controller there would have been far fewer PS2 sales.

I have both a PS3 and a 360, I spend a lot of time gaming on both, and I have to say that I, personally, vastly prefer the 360's pad. I find it more comfortable in my hands, and I have always found that I perform better with the 360's analogue and button layout. The majority of your argument seems centred around the fact that, while using a 360 pad, your thumb is extended further than it is on a DualShock. That is an undeniable fact, but I see it as a plus, rather than a negative; on the DualShock, my thumb always feels too bent over, too cramped, whereas on a 360 pad I feel perfectly comfortable.

If that's the case, then how is your right thumb on the 360 not cramped? If there were any sense to the left stick placement on the 360, the right stick would also be higher up and the action buttons would be lower.

Now, as I said earlier, ergonomics are entirely subjective, but the vast majority of people in the thread, and indeed over the entire internet, seem to prefer the 360's design, as I do.

Thread, yes. Internet, no. Someone who has a PS3 isn't terribly likely to click on this thread.

It's hurting your hand? Are you sure you just haven't been on the computer too much? Carpal Tunnel is a *****.

I've got a MS Trackball Explorer which now sells used between $250-$400 because of how awesome it is for dealing with carpal tunnel, and a natural keyboard. Computer use is definitely not what's contributing to the pain. Good games and lack of controller options on the 360 are what's causing it.

I have no problems with the 360 controller, it feels perfect in my hands, I never feel any kind of pain after gaming for a long time. The PS3 controller just feels uncomfortable in my hands. I also still have my gamecube and I find really easy to switch between my 360 and gamecube because the controller layouts are pretty similar.

Edit:

No way it worked perfectly well for Geometry Wars, and that's practically a 360 staple.

My brother and I have geometry wars on our xbox 360 and neither of us have ever had any problems playing it with the xbox 360 controller.

I've played with switching the sticks for movement and firing and it's pretty obvious that the right analog stick is worse when you try aiming your shots, and I get a lot farther on surfing using the right stick for movement instead of the left.

Everyone who talks about how the 360 controller fits perfectly is ignoring that you do more than just hold the controller, and that ergonomics have to be taken into account. The left analog stick placement is very poor ergonomically.

As for a PS3 controller for people with bigger hands - there's every sort of 3rd party controller that will accomodate the specific needs of everyone. With the 360 all the 3rd party controllers are almost exactly the same as the default one, except they're wired or require a dongle for wireless most of the time. I understand everyone has their preferences, but apparently Microsoft doesn't, and Saitek/Mad Catz are the only 3rd party peripheral maker to understand this as well.

http://cyborggaming.com/prod/cyborgpad.htm

It shows how sad the state of Xbox 360 controllers is when the only pad with symmetrical analog sticks is one where the left stick and d-pad are reversible.

I'm happy though, my left wrist is starting to really hurt from dealing with the 360 pads, and it's nice to finally find a controller that solves the issue.

Sad State? It's a great pad and much more comfortable and accurate than the Playstation and Classic Controller Pro designs. Having both analogues low on the pad is awkward. The left stick on the 360 pad is therefore Fwd, Bkwd, L, R; which is more intuitive because it is for movement. The right stick is Up, Dwn, L, R; which is more intuitive because it is usually for camera control.

This doesn't make a lick of sense. It's not any more intuitive being lower because it's used for camera control. The left stick I could vaguely see an argument because it's where the D-Pad used to be for controllers and people used the D-Pad for movement.

 

[migo]

anyone consider this? http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/review-rocketfish-rapid-fire-ps3-controller/

That's the thing. If you're a PS3 user and didn't like the SIXAXIS or DS3, you had plenty of options, so it wasn't really a barrier. With a 360 all the options are just like the 360 official controller, if you don't like it, then you don't buy a 360.

I actually have that controller only it isn't for 360. It's for my PC so it doesn't have the 360 logo. Wonder if it would still work in my xbox...

Spoiler

One way to find out? I'd suspect it doesn't work though.

The 360 controller is perfection as is. What is this "sad state" you speak of?

The only problem with the 360 controller is that the d-pad sucks. Not its placement. A better d-pad would make it very well close to perfect, though.

Amen. That D-Pad is just horrible and actually ended me getting killed in Gears of War 2 because I switched to some pistol instead of a shotgun. Changing back was taking too much time and WAM, I died.

Oh wow you died one time big deal.
The controller's fine

No, it's a definite problem with the controller, crops up in lots of games, if you try to press right it often registers as down.

 

[VivaciousDeimos]

Compare the number of people who bought a PS1 to those who bought an N64, the number of people who bought a PS2 compared to Dreamcast, GameCube and Xbox and you'll see that there isn't much support for your idea of a majority. Now maybe the majority of 360 owners prefer the 360 controller, and that would make some sense as they'd likely go for it because of that, but the majority of gamers in total - I don't think so. A crappy controller is a major point against a console, and no amount of good games could overcome that. If the majority of gamers didn't like the DualShock and preferred the GameCube or S Controller there would have been far fewer PS2 sales.

This argument isn't valid. Correlation does not imply causation, or vice versa. Controller preference may factor in to what system is purchased, but a wide variety of other things also come into play. Saying that a controller layout resulted in more or less system sales is bordering on ridiculous.