gaming Does the Xbox One controller feel too...safe?

[TheMisterManGuy 344]

I won't say the Xbox One controller sucks. It feels nice, and is comfortable and responsive. At the same time, I feel it's a bit... Behind compared to other control inputs. With a few very minor exceptions, the Xbox controller has not evolved since the OG platform. There's no motion or gyroscopic sensors, nor is there any touch input. Sony at least has the foward-thinking to equip the Dualshock 4 with a clickable multi-touchpad and motion capabilities. Valve is at least trying to bring the precision and customization of PC gaming to a console style controller, and we already know about Nintendo and their bizzare contraptions. The point is, I feel the Xbox One controller seems limited and dated by comparison. I know the old saying, if it ain't broke don't fix it, but when most of your closest competitors are trying to take game control beyond just the generic sticks, triggers, and buttons, I think it's time to start following in their foot steps. No, Kinect doesn't count.

[crispy fries 432]

I feel like all the other bells and whistles that other companies have in their controllers aren't totally necessary. Things like the new features on the Dualshock don't present any serious evolution, and all the new features aren't much more than gimmicks. Simply adding new things for the sake of adding new things isn't necessarily good. Look at the WiiU's gamepad: it was innovative, sure, but it was clunky and made it harder to develop for.

[S.F. 1,560]

I can't speak for the ps4 controller, as I've only briefly played them at a friends house, but my friend said that whenever it is being used it is usually a bit of a gimmick.

 

I do have a PS3 and an Xbox one (my 360 rrod'd on me D:) and the only time I can remember them using the gyroscope on the PS3 was the Arkham games (and tbh, the joystick on the dual shock would have done the job just as well, if not better).

 

I personally think the Xbox one controller is the best that I've used (the only thing the 360 controller did better were the bumper buttons, they feel a bit cheap on the xbone's). It does what it's supposed to and is comfortable to use for a fair amount of time - I can't complain with that.

[Megas 27,655]

I don't own a PS4 but does the little touchpad actually have any use? But even that aside, the Dualshock 4 felt like a huge step up from the last 3, and while I've liked past duashocks I know they've been pretty divisive

 

I love the Xbox One controller, it's definitely a case of "don't fix what isn't broken" because the 360 controller is damn near perfect save for the awful d-pad, and people loved the controller.

 

This is why changing controllers is incredibly risky for Nintendo, they always try to change their controller in an attempt to stand out from the competition, even if past controllers were very well liked like the GC controller or the Wii U Pro Controller. While the Wii Mote and the Wii U Game Pad are solid controllers all things considered, they both have their issues that leave a lot of people split(though at least they aren't the N64 controller)

[Slendy 2,918]

I feel as if the Xbox One controller is just the 360 controller but with a few minor changes that nobody really cares about. The only really good addition to it IMO is the latest Xbox One controller with the 3.5 mm jack.

 

I personally loved the 360 controller and I like the Xbox One controller, but as someone above me said, don't fix something if it isn't broken. The 360 controller was incredibly liked by most people, so they didn't want to change it drastically as they'd risk fucking it up.

[Guest]

Honestly... In my opinion the Xbox One controller is actually a step backwards. Still no rechargeable batteries, requiring a separate purchase. And somehow they have made the bumpers really clicky and annoying sounding while taking the triggers and making them rather spongy feeling. The 360 controller had a lot going for it, but the Xbox One controller feels like a gimmick to get you to buy the elite.

[Leave a Whisper 703]

They found a formula that works. As a Nintendo owner I sometimes get annoyed with having to adapt to a new controller every gen.

[Rarity Is Best Pony 634]

If by safe you mean comfortable then yes. However if you want to look at a riskier venture check out the elite xbox one controller.

[Ziggy + Angel + Rain 11,302]

While the PS4 controller is a definite improvement over the PS3 controller, the touch pad annoys the shit out of me.  It's too small to be implemented in any meaningful way; it's usually just a "button" you press in order to access an in-game map.  A button I either hit accidentally or forget I'm supposed to hit.  And the motion controls are used almost never.  I still feel as though the whole thing was an answer to the Wii U Gamepad when Sony mistakenly thought Nintendo might pull another Wii; which means, if true, there was no real reason to include it.

 

Okay, actual topic question: I like it.  The Xbox One is the first Microsoft console I've ever owned, but the Xbox One controller already feels comfortable and familiar (with the exception of how the face buttons are labeled xD).  The analog positions remind me of the Nintendo Gamecube controller, and that suits me just fine.  I have had issues with the d-pad, but I'm hoping that I just got a controller with a funky d-pad out-of-the-box or managed to break the damn thing playing Killer Instinct a little too enthusiastically.  If there were a touch screen somewhere or worthless motion controls that maybe four games utilized, it would hurt my overall impression of the Xbox One controller.  The one thing about it that I think is genuinely behind the times and ought to change is its reliance upon standard AA batteries.

 

My favorite controller, this gen, is actually Nintendo's Pro Controller.  No bells or whistles and completely worthless for any of the games that actually do utilize the Gamepad, but it's the best-feeling traditional controller I've ever held.  The d-pad is also perfect; kinda wish I could transplant Nintendo's d-pad onto my Xbox One controller.

[Guest]

 

 

While the PS4 controller is a definite improvement over the PS3 controller, the touch pad annoys the shit out of me.  It's too small to be implemented in any meaningful way; it's usually just a "button" you press in order to access an in-game map.  A button I either hit accidentally or forget I'm supposed to hit.  And the motion controls are used almost never.  I still feel as though the whole thing was an answer to the Wii U Gamepad when Sony mistakenly thought Nintendo might pull another Wii; which means, if true, there was no real reason to include it.

 

I would rather motion controls be there and never get used than be the whole controller and be forced to be used like the Wii.

 

 

 

My favorite controller, this gen, is actually Nintendo's Pro Controller.  No bells or whistles and completely worthless for any of the games that actually do utilize the Gamepad, but it's the best-feeling traditional controller I've ever held.  The d-pad is also perfect; kinda wish I could transplant Nintendo's d-pad onto my Xbox One controller.

 

The Pro controller is so much missed opportunity. Their best controller, but they keep making more and more reasons not to use it in games, it's really stupid. Like you don't get the gamepad functionality and then they will do crap like in Smash where they make the Gamecube controller compatible, so you have that as the "Definitive" controller. The Pro controller was a whole lot of "release it and forget about it". A shame because since the cable on it does not support data transfer it's not even usable as a good PC controller. :c 

[Ziggy + Angel + Rain 11,302]

The Pro controller is so much missed opportunity. Their best controller, but they keep making more and more reasons not to use it in games, it's really stupid. Like you don't get the gamepad functionality and then they will do crap like in Smash where they make the Gamecube controller compatible, so you have that as the "Definitive" controller. The Pro controller was a whole lot of "release it and forget about it". A shame because since the cable on it does not support data transfer it's not even usable as a good PC controller. :c 

The VC, alone, justifies my owning one.  I use the Pro for nearly every Virtual Console title I own (DS titles being the exception), and I own a LOT of them.  And who says you have to run out and get a Gamecube controller and adapter for Smash?  I didn't; I used my Pro.  I also switch to my Pro when my Pad is charging at its station in games where that's an option.  I believe Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and Resident Evil Revelations even allowed me to play with the Pro and still display some info on the Pad, and, if I'd ever managed to drag someone over to play Wii U, the Pro is a great option for player two on some multiplayer modes.

 

I will, however, agree with you where the Wii Remote is concerned.  I already had some of them lying around when I got a Wii U, but making Wii U exclusive titles and pushing people into using last gen's controller was kind of odd.

[Phanact 333]

I won't say the Xbox One controller sucks. It feels nice, and is comfortable and responsive. At the same time, I feel it's a bit... Behind compared to other control inputs. With a few very minor exceptions, the Xbox controller has not evolved since the OG platform. There's no motion or gyroscopic sensors, nor is there any touch input. Sony at least has the foward-thinking to equip the Dualshock 4 with a clickable multi-touchpad and motion capabilities. Valve is at least trying to bring the precision and customization of PC gaming to a console style controller, and we already know about Nintendo and their bizzare contraptions. The point is, I feel the Xbox One controller seems limited and dated by comparison. I know the old saying, if it ain't broke don't fix it, but when most of your closest competitors are trying to take game control beyond just the generic sticks, triggers, and buttons, I think it's time to start following in their foot steps. No, Kinect doesn't count.

 

While I agree, I still think its the most comfortable. 

 

Sure, it hasn't changed, by why would it need to change if it was already pretty good? I dunno, I've always preferred the xbox controller over the playstation conroller personally. The way their thumbsticks are laid out confuses me, so I've always kinda just stuck with xbox

 

And as for the valve controller, I've no experience since I hardly even know what it is.

[Guest]

 

 

The VC, alone, justifies my owning one.

 

 

I would agree if all my Wii purchased titles were ported over to the Wii U side of things to where I could USE the damn thing. Most of my VC titles I bought in the Wii days and I am not buying them a second time and the Wii U VC store is so tiny in comparison. So if you were someone who ported your Wii purchases to your Wii U, you're just fucked.

 

 

 

I use the Pro for nearly every Virtual Console title I own (DS titles being the exception), and I own a LOT of them.

 

You're one of the few then. Most people I know ported their stuff from their Wii.

 

 

 

And who says you have to run out and get a Gamecube controller and adapter for Smash?  I didn't; I used my Pro.

 

Well unfortunately if you want to play "competitively" you basically need it. It's considered the "definitive" controller sadly for that game.

 

 

 

the Pro is a great option for player two on some multiplayer modes.

 

I would agree if both players could use the same controller. The big gamepad feels awkward and definitely could mess someone's game up enough to where it's not a fair match up giving two players two different controller. 

[TheMisterManGuy 344]

I feel like all the other bells and whistles that other companies have in their controllers aren't totally necessary. Things like the new features on the Dualshock don't present any serious evolution, and all the new features aren't much more than gimmicks. Simply adding new things for the sake of adding new things isn't necessarily good. Look at the WiiU's gamepad: it was innovative, sure, but it was clunky and made it harder to develop for.

Well I'd argue that a touch panel like the one of the DS4 can add a big improvent to stuff like map navigation, and even aiming. It baffles me as to why developers are STILL limiting themselves to dual analog shooters. It's been proven multiple times that aiming with a mouse, IR pointer, or some sort of touch input is far faster and more precise than dual analog aiming. Motion controls are also great for racers, sports games, puzzles, and tilt based games too. So gimmick can have good uses.

[Ziggy + Angel + Rain 11,302]

 

 

I would agree if all my Wii purchased titles were ported over to the Wii U side of things to where I could USE the damn thing. Most of my VC titles I bought in the Wii days and I am not buying them a second time and the Wii U VC store is so tiny in comparison. So if you were someone who ported your Wii purchases to your Wii U, you're just fucked.

I did buy my Wii-purchased VC games a second time, but it only cost me $1 or $1.50 per title because I ported them all over.  I thought being able to play them on my new console (instead of booting up the then-obsolete Wii), being able to play with the superior Pro, and being able to button map however I liked made it worthwhile.

 

 

 

You're one of the few then. Most people I know ported their stuff from their Wii.

Yeah, I did that.  Using the Pro for those games - as opposed to the Wii's Classic Controller or Wii Remote - is far better.  Porting and then playing with the Pro made sense to me.

 

 

 

Well unfortunately if you want to play "competitively" you basically need it. It's considered the "definitive" controller sadly for that game.

I don't see how Smash can be played competitively with that damned lag in online multiplayer; I don't see that with Mario Kart 8.

 

 

 

I would agree if both players could use the same controller. The big gamepad feels awkward and definitely could mess someone's game up enough to where it's not a fair match up giving two players two different controller.

I still think that the Pad, held in a sure, two-handed grip, ain't nearly as bad as some people think.  I've had more issues, oddly enough, with the face buttons than I ever had with just holding the thing.  Is it cumbersome compared to the Pro?  Oh hell yes.  But unless you're spending hours balancing it in one hand for the likes of Art Academy (that hurts), it's really not that much of a burden.

[1943 57]

The Xbox controller is already a great one being compatible with PC. It's also still rated the best controller by many, with the GameCube controller taking second place. The Xbox one controller is almost exactly the same as the Xbox 360 controller, which was a good idea instead of adding a seemingly useless touch pad.

Edited April 26, 2016 by 312 R3MIX

[crispy fries 432]

Well I'd argue that a touch panel like the one of the DS4 can add a big improvent to stuff like map navigation, and even aiming. It baffles me as to why developers are STILL limiting themselves to dual analog shooters. It's been proven multiple times that aiming with a mouse, IR pointer, or some sort of touch input is far faster and more precise than dual analog aiming. Motion controls are also great for racers, sports games, puzzles, and tilt based games too. So gimmick can have good uses.

While they can be used for more things, that would be a pain to develop for. One of the reasons why the WiiU failed was that the gamepad shot it in the foot and made it hard to develop for. Why bother with spending extra time making use of all kinds of fancy stuff for just one system if you can make more or less the same game and be able to sell it on two systems with relatively minor changes? 

[Guest]

 

 

I did buy my Wii-purchased VC games a second time, but it only cost me $1 or $1.50 per title because I ported them all over.  I thought being able to play them on my new console (instead of booting up the then-obsolete Wii), being able to play with the superior Pro, and being able to button map however I liked made it worthwhile.

 

To each their own, I suppose.

 

 

 

 

Yeah, I did that.  Using the Pro for those games - as opposed to the Wii's Classic Controller or Wii Remote - is far better.  Porting and then playing with the Pro made sense to me.

 

Yeah but for those of us who had tons of games that were not/still not on the Wii U VC console, that option is not available.

 

 

 

I don't see how Smash can be played competitively with that damned lag in online multiplayer; I don't see that with Mario Kart 8.

 

Smash sadly has a competitive scene... One that takes itself way too seriously as well...

 

 

 

I still think that the Pad, held in a sure, two-handed grip, ain't nearly as bad as some people think.  I've had more issues, oddly enough, with the face buttons than I ever had with just holding the thing.  Is it cumbersome compared to the Pro?  Oh hell yes.  But unless you're spending hours balancing it in one hand for the likes of Art Academy (that hurts), it's really not that much of a burden.

 

The battery life is also pretty crap.

 

However we're deviating... This is about the Xbox One controller, I apologize. 

[TheMisterManGuy 344]

While they can be used for more things, that would be a pain to develop for. One of the reasons why the WiiU failed was that the gamepad shot it in the foot and made it hard to develop for. Why bother with spending extra time making use of all kinds of fancy stuff for just one system if you can make more or less the same game and be able to sell it on two systems with relatively minor changes? 

Well I think the fault in that lies in both the platform holders, and the developers. Developers don't want to make the effort to take advantage of what could be, a superior input methoid for one platform if it means the other gets gimped, either that or publishers don't want them to, or they're just lazy (hard to tell). I also blame the platform holder for not having a simillar control inputs. If the Xbox One controller had a touch panel, and motion capabilities, then those same features in the DualShock 4 would be used much more often, because both sides are now on a more or less equal playing field. Same with Nintendo, although with their dual screen phillosphy, they may stand out a bit more. What I'm trying to say is, these feature won't truly become viable unless all the platform holders are on board.

[Ziggy + Angel + Rain 11,302]

 

 

Yeah but for those of us who had tons of games that were not/still not on the Wii U VC console, that option is not available.

In other words: ME. xD  As the games became available, I repurchased them individually at an 80 to roughly 82% discount.

 

 

 

However we're deviating... This is about the Xbox One controller, I apologize.

Xbox One controller is fine as-is; with the exception of the baffling battery choice.  There's only so much to be said there.

[crispy fries 432]

Well I think the fault in that lies in both the platform holders, and the developers. Developers don't want to make the effort to take advantage of what could be, a superior input methoid for one platform if it means the other gets gimped, either that or publishers don't want them to, or they're just lazy (hard to tell). I also blame the platform holder for not having a simillar control inputs. If the Xbox One controller had a touch panel, and motion capabilities, then those same features in the DualShock 4 would be used much more often, because both sides are now on a more or less equal playing field. Same with Nintendo, although with their dual screen phillosphy, they may stand out a bit more. What I'm trying to say is, these feature won't truly become viable unless all the platform holders are on board.

That's kinda my point. Like I said before, just adding things for the sake of adding things isn't necessarily a good thing. If a platform holder wants to add some new innovation, that means more time and money spent, and if only that platform has it, then that means said innovation won't get much use from third party developers. It boils down to profit. Why spend resources to add features if what you've got is profitable? Why should Microsoft be inclined to add a touchpad to the Xbox One? It ended up not being much more than a gimmick for Sony, so why spend the money on it?

[TheMisterManGuy 344]

That's kinda my point. Like I said before, just adding things for the sake of adding things isn't necessarily a good thing. If a platform holder wants to add some new innovation, that means more time and money spent, and if only that platform has it, then that means said innovation won't get much use from third party developers. It boils down to profit. Why spend resources to add features if what you've got is profitable? Why should Microsoft be inclined to add a touchpad to the Xbox One? It ended up not being much more than a gimmick for Sony, so why spend the money on it?

Well Sony's first party games at least try to make use of the DS4's features. And some 3rd party games have an option for them. But you are right that developers don't want to put for the extra effort or resources to take advantage of unique features if it means making an exclusive that may or may not sell or, gives the competing platform an unfair advantage. It's the same reason why a lot of PC multiplatform games are locked at 30 fps as opposed to 60 fps or higher. The PC is more than capable of it, but publishers want their games to be on a more or less, equal playing field for all platforms. I feel one of 3 things need to happen. Either

 

A. Gamers be more accepting of the benefits of these "gimmicks"

B. All platform holders implement the same exact inputs as each other

C. Publishers and/or developers man up, and stop playing it so safe all the time.

 

It's easy to say touch and motion controls are gimmicks because they're underused or differentiate from the norm. But if gamers and publishers allow for more leeway, maybe they can be more than gimmicks. I always believed that innovation comes from both software AND hardware, and we can't just get by on only stick, triggers. And buttons forever, not when other input methods have some clear advantage s and potential.

[joanro 247]

I personally agree with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" expression in regards to the Xbox One controller. I love it, but to each their own. I think they improved the controller in every way minus the rechargeable battery. Basically, it's a sleeker version of the 360 controller.

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 41,534]

The Xbox One controller is by far my favorite controller of all time. The design might seem 'safe' on the surface, but it is what it is like in play. The vibrating triggers as an example. Something that seems so small, yet they are an awesome addition, for games like Forza, where the vibration will actually give you information. Then of course the analog sticks which work so incredibly well and the D-Pad, which is one of the best D-pads on any controller. 

 

While the design itself may seem like it is very similar to the 360, there are so many changes that aren't as easy to notice that make a huge difference. 

[Luminance 2,186]

I personally hadn't have enough time with an One controller but man, it feels great and so familiar. I agree that it's more evolutionary than revolutionary in when you take a couple of seconds to grasp the controller you feel at home. The D-pad is a great change and the trigger motors are something on their own too. If I wasn't stuck with Usb 2.0, I'll have this hooked up to my PC already!