Silver Xbox 360 Controller review

Unfortunately I am not easy on controllers and it was time to replace one that has come to the end. The Xbox 360 controller is far from perfect but could name the best controller design to date across all consoles. A few months back Microsoft had designed to meddle with their design and attempt to perfect it. While they may not have perfected it they definitely improved upon a product while not changing it too much to anger us gamers. I decided to pick up one of these new controllers and honestly it's a great improvement. Read below for more details.

The biggest feature is the new and much improved d-pad. Everyone with an Xbox can attest that the d-pad on the original Xbox 360 controller absolutely sucks and is extremely imprecise. Microsoft has decided to give players an option with the new transforming d-pad that can transform from the old school disc design to the plus sign type d-pad with a little twist. Both “modes” work exceptionally well and while in disc mode feels just like an original Xbox 360 controller while the plus sign alternative gives a much more accurate and tactile feel. Overall, great design and works very well.

The control sticks in my opinion have never bothered me. I’ve actually always liked the Xbox 360 control sticks with the exception of the four raised nubs being rubbed off causing more slippage off the sticks. The newly designed controllers have removed the four little nubs and have replaced them with a concave cut or indentation that tends to hold your thumb a little better. I have less fear of this design wearing out like the nub design. At first it was a little difficult to get used to since I was more accustomed to the old nubs. The control sticks also seem to have a bit more resistance in them but not a whole lot to affect my gameplay negatively.

The shoulder buttons while looking the same are definitely been improved. There is a much more defined click giving a much needed tactile response giving you piece of mind you actually pressed the button or rather didn’t accidently press the shoulder button.

Lastly the new Xbox 360 controller has gotten a matte sliver paint job with grays A, B, X, Y buttons. No more colorful buttons on this bad boy but could detract from those who rely on the color coded buttons. One last thing to note about the new matte silver paint job is that this Xbox 360 controller has a less slippery feel that the standard controllers making for a much better grip.

Overall I am very happy with this controller and may look to replace my other controllers with this one. The one dilemma is that this controller is only available as a Play & Charge Kit which kicks the price of this controller up to MSRP $64.99. Although, as of this writing, Amazon has it for $55.99. If you're confused as to what this controller does or can do check out the video below from Xbox LIVE's Major Nelson.