Controller design changes for Xbox2
"Inside sources point to removal of buttons for Microsoft's next console on the back of extensive internal research
15:44 Microsoft is set to drop the black and white buttons from the current Xbox pad for the next console's model, according to a highly placed source operating close to Microsoft US. While the world awaits the first official showing of the console known internally as 'Xenon', expected at the Game Developers Conference in the US next month (see here), it seems Microsoft is already briefing its closest allies as to what set-ups to prepare for.
Our senior development source, speaking anonymously, said: "Microsoft has been talking to us a lot on the subject of Xenon [Xbox 2], and has said its studies show that the black and white buttons are the two least used and hardest to use buttons on the standard Xbox pad, so are therefore unlikely to feature in the Xenon version."
We certainly wouldn't disagree with Microsoft's alleged line of thinking here; in many people's experiences those buttons are quite unwieldy and so wouldn't be the greatest loss in the world. It also shows, moreover, that following the negative criticism the Xbox hardware itself received, along with the first iteration of the controller, Microsoft is being very pro-active to ensure similar mistakes are not repeated for the next model.
We contacted Microsoft UK for comment and a spokesperson issued the stock "this is a rumour and we do not comment on rumours" response.
Don't expect official clarification of this imminently, but do expect an awful lot more on all next-gen systems over the next few months. With early development kits for Xbox 2, PS3 and PSP already in place in key developers across all territories, major announcements are only just around the corner; we'll keep you bang up to date with all developments as they happen.
How do you feel about the potential loss of the black and white buttons? Give us your comments below. And you can check out our revelations regarding Sony's PS3 controller by clicking here"
www.computerandvideogames.com
Comment