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

[Snotnarok]

I'm not sure why they bothered including a d-pad at all. Might as well have made them BOTH analog sticks. The Dpad on the 360 isn't even good for weapon selecting it keeps screwing up.

 

[blankedboy]

I'm a PC/Playstation person, so... no.
What was so bad about the N64 controller, huh? It was completely fucking awesome.

 

[Stickwell]

I've never liked symetrical sticks, Thats why I love xbox.

 

[Kermi]

I prefer the offset sticks, myself. If I was going to use a 360 with aligned sticks I think I'd rather have the right aligned to the left, switching with the face buttons, and leave the d-pad where it is.

 

[jacx]

360 controllers fit my hands too well and thier a bit fragile but i prefer it to mouse and key board accept were sesitivity is concerned i like the controll on turns and other player actions with mouse and key board but there are tooo many buttons for my dumb console oriented mind to comprehend....but hey its called an opinion for a reason right?

 

[elilupe]

Im completely fine with both PS3 and Xbox 360 controllers. I never notice where the thumbstick is, I just play the game.

 

[joshuaayt]

Doesn't really matter, for me. I've been holding the fiddly things for so long that I can immediately adapt to any controller shape. Actually, I kinda miss the Nintendo trident, but that's not really relevant to the discussion.
Still, this is, at least, a pretty cool idea. Sorta like how you can change keyboard config- it'll be awesome if they figure out a way to make every button shiftable.

 

[DPutna17]

Ok, seriously though. Fuck all this cackling about what's the best controller for the big handed or the best placement of the analog stick. Just PLEASE, xbox 360 folks, admit the d-pad is freaking HORRIBLE. its GRUESOME. It's freaking impossible. Please. Could some controller fix that too?

I don't know if I will got that far but I will admit that i sometimes go to hit down on the d-pad and accidentally hit one of the diagonals. However I use the d-pad so little it doesn't bother me

 

[Delusibeta]

As a GameCube graduate, I have to say: waddyatalkinabout? The analogue sticks are acceptable on the 360 controller, although I'd admit that the GC controller is superior. The D-pad on the 360 controller, however, is third-party quality (i.e. rubbish).

 

[Azure Sky]

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.

I played both for a while and handled them both pretty well.

The GameCube controller I never managed to get tough. Damn buttons all over the place.

Where as I found the GC's controllers to be really comfy, second only to the N64's.
But as you said, spend enough time with any controller and you will get used to it.

Unless it is the Original Xbox L controller... Eww...

 

[Ashsaver]

I grew up with Nintendo and Sony controllers,they fit well with small hands like mine(minus the N64's and the GameCube's).

To me,the Xbox and Xbox360 controllers are a bit too cumbersome for me,not to mention that their Left Analog(Thumb) Stick,is in the opposite place of what i used to.

Something like this can make me a bit more comfortable with the Xbox360 controller...for a bit.

 

[Jesus Phish]

Meh for me too. I've always preferred the non aligned sticks on the 360s controller.

This is true for me. I can remember in some games on the ps2 and trying to run and gun at odd angles, and my thumbs started hitting off each other because of the proximity of the sticks.

And as someone else said, the only problem with the d-pad on the xbox controller is its a piece of crap, thats essentially a really bad analogue stick, as all the buttons are mounted to on a single lever going to several buttons rather than each direction getting its own dedicated one.

And also, Mad Catz... noooooo thanks

 

[Serving UpSmiles]

Its fromm HELL!! *throws red barrel and hides behind sofa*

 

[imnot]

why would you want that, the original controller is like a gift from the starbourne ones, its just perfect the way it is!

 

[nelsonr100]

Pfftttt, we all know controllers will never get more comfortable than the gamecube original! Its just so damn comfortable and ergonomic!

 

[GLo Jones]

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.

I'm sorry but I have to call bullshit on this one. I can play for hours on end without any side effects from 'poor ergonomics.' In fact, I'm more likely to get a headache from eyestrain way before I start to feel pain in my hands or wrists.

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.

Again... what? Clearly a majority of the population are absolutely fine with the current 360 controller. Don't you think that if that many people found the 360 controller uncomfortable that there would already be a lot more variety on the market? Ergo, my next point.

I understand everyone has their preferences, but apparently Microsoft doesn't...

Are you shitting me!? When would Microsoft (or any other big company for that matter) turn it's nose up at the chance of making more money? See point above: if the controller was so unpopular, Microsoft would be making money by offering alternative styles of controllers.

This exactly.

The 360 does not cause strain on most people's joints, because it is actually more aligned with the resting position of your thumb, the lower section of the controller you have to extend your thumbs down to reach.

This is why with the PS1 controller [http://www.axess.com/twilight/console/detail/psx.jpg], the D-pad and buttons were at that 'higher up' position.
People (and Sony) liked this controller scheme, so when they made the PS2 controller [http://home.comcast.net/~ben999000/ps2/controller.jpg], they simply stuck those thumbsticks onto the lower section of the controller. Due to the PS2's success, not much changed [http://images3.souq.com/uploaded/240610/f54ebd3bd6814f3be985424a3e43d341_99455525691277383720.jpg] with the PS3.

When designing the 360 controller, Microsoft took into consideration the flaws and successes of the original xbox controller, along with the 'important parts higher up' aspect that Sony have recently come to overlook, meaning that the main analogue stick is raised, along with the buttons. This means that quickly and repeated moving your thumbs over the buttons and left stick should in fact use less effort than the right stick and D-pad, hopefully minimizing any irritation.

It's a shame you have a problem with it, but you're clearly in the minority, and saying it's not ergonomic is pure nonsense IMO.

Edit: Just remembered, the analogue sticks were actually planted on before the PS2 was released (I think), regardless, my point still stands.

Edit:Edit:

Pfftttt, we all know controllers will never get more comfortable than the gamecube original! Its just so damn comfortable and ergonomic!

Another prime example of 'important parts higher up (the controller)'.

 

[NLS]

I like the 360 controller as it is, fits much better than that awful PS3 one. Of course, there's the dpad issue, but I don't play much fighting or other games where the dpad is a must.