Xbox Controller
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The base Xbox controller. |
The Xbox controller is a hybrid of most controllers that came before it, but it owes a great deal to Sega's Dreamcast controller from a visual perspective. Similar to the console itself, the US Xbox controller is rather large and features a large face with a circular green jewel emblazoned with the Xbox logo. Force feedback will be included in the Xbox controller and will be powered by two separate motors for varying degrees of response. There are two analog sticks, and their placement closely mirrors that of the GameCube controller in that the left stick is located above a directional pad
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Hands-on with the Xbox controller. |
and the right stick is below the face buttons. Both analog sticks may be pushed down and clicked for added functionality, and the thumb dimple on the top of the left analog stick is slightly larger than that of the right stick. Microsoft has brought over the eight-way directional pad from its Sidewinder controller for the PC, which could present some problems for fighting games because of its slick surface and stiff action. Menu navigation buttons are located in the center of the controller for both start and back options.
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The smaller Japanese Xbox controller. |
The face of the Xbox controller has six buttons. The four primary analog buttons (A, B, X, and Y) are configured in a diamond shape. Just above the diamond configuration are two more analog buttons--one black and the other white. On the back of the controller are two analog trigger buttons, which are nearly identical to those found on the Dreamcast controller, and two slots where memory cards and other peripherals like headsets and microphones may be plugged in. Based upon our time with the Xbox controller at various trade shows, there are several problems that should be corrected. The most pressing issue is that the face buttons are too close together. It's often difficult to press one button without pressing another.
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The peripheral slots on the back of the Xbox controller. |
Also, the black and white buttons located above the diamond configuration are nearly impossible to reach. Video game journalists were quick to point out the controller's shortcomings at E3, and rumors have circulated that it is currently being redesigned. At the Spring Tokyo Game Show, Microsoft unveiled the Japanese Xbox controller. Its face is significantly smaller than the US version, and it features shorter handles and a drastically altered button configuration. Both versions of the controller feature cords that are more than nine feet in length and analog buttons with 256 degrees of sensitivity.
Xbox Memory Unit
Despite the fact that the Xbox comes stock with an 8GB hard drive, Microsoft knows that portable data storage is an important asset of a video game console. How else can someone take characters and game saves to a friend's house? Similar to the PlayStation 2 memory card, the Xbox Memory Unit will hold 8MB of data. That should be enough to hold saves for well over a dozen games. The Xbox Memory Unit plugs into the top of two expansion slots located on the back of the Xbox controller. Pricing for the Xbox Memory Unit has yet to be announced.
Xbox Advanced/High Definition AV Pack
This combination of S-video and standard AV inputs lets the Xbox connect to virtually any television set. A high-definition AV pack will also be released to take advantage of televisions that support HDTV. The high-definition pack supports 480p, 720p, and 1080i component video signals, analog audio inputs, and digital receivers. Pricing for either AV Pack has yet to be announced.
DVD Movie Playback Kit
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The Xbox DVD Playback Kit. |
As mentioned earlier, the Xbox does not have the ability to play DVD movies out of the box. To enable DVD movie playback, a separate remote must be purchased. A small module plugs into one of the Xbox's four controller ports, and the remote communicates with it. The remote comes with all the functionality you'll need to enjoy DVD movies to the fullest, such as scene selection alternate angles and menu commands. The DVD Movie Playback Kit will retail for $29.
Xbox Headset
Thanks to its Ethernet port, the Xbox has the ability to include voice communication in its online games. Recoton recently announced that it is jointly developing the Xbox Headset with Microsoft for use with online games that use voice recognition. Presumably, the Xbox Headset will let you both send and receive voice transmissions during play. The headset is currently scheduled for release alongside the launch of the Xbox network in the spring of next year. Pricing has yet to be announced.
Third-Party Peripherals
Several companies have already signed on to make Xbox peripherals. Nuby announced in April that it is currently developing Xbox controllers and a yet-to-be-disclosed console interface. InterAct has also announced that it is currently researching and developing Xbox peripherals, including controllers, driving wheels, and arcade sticks. You can also count on InterAct to provide alternate forms of Xbox Memory Units. Pricing and images of third-party Xbox peripherals have yet to be released.
