A big improvement since the original XBOX controller.
Pros:
Good build quality, many buttons & functions, well designed, built in vibration.
Cons:
Can be expensive with accessories, no tilt function.
The Bottom Line:
Well designed control pad with good build quality, highly recommend the wireless version due to the convenience of no cables
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
The first Xbox controller released on the original Xbox was a disaster, too big, clunky and poorly designed. This was soon replaced by the Japanese designed Controller S and the original was discontinued. Having been so used to the Controller S over the past few years, unable to find fault, it was interesting to see what improvements would be made to the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller.
Upon first inspecting, what is clear is, the controller is wireless and slightly smaller, the select and start buttons have been moved to the center and there is the new addition of the guide button in the center. This pad is one of the most comfortable I have ever used and even beats the controller S for comfort.
The original Controller S had circle in the middle which was simply a piece of plastic of no use. On the 360 controller, the guide button enables the console to be switched on/off and directly access the blade features & settings while in game. This is a useful feature that is easy to use, something I use frequently to communicate with other live members while in game.
The pad has a decent build quality, the analogue controls, button and triggers are responsive. However, the d-pad is slightly stiff and could be improved.
The wireless feature removes the need for cables reducing clutter but this also brings the problem of batteries. The batteries last for a reasonable length of time. 2 AA batteries last me several weeks. Switching off the vibration function consumes less battery life. You can also use rechargeable or opt for the play & charge kit.
The wireless controller is not only compatible with Xbox 360. There's also the wireless gaming receiver for the PC, enabling the 360 wireless controller to function with the PC.
To compare the Xbox 360 wireless controller with the standard PS3 wireless controller. The current standard version PS3 pad does not include built vibration and therefore much lighter than the 360 pad. Overall both have a good build quality and comparable number of functions with the exception of XBOX 360 controller lacking any tilt function since the console was never designed with this function in mind. They are both equally very well designed in their own way, just different and suited to each system.
In the UK, the wireless controller retails for £32.99 GBP ($66 USD). With the addition of the play & charge kit (£12.99 GBP ($26 USD) ), bringing the price to just under £46 GBP($92 USD). This seems quite expensive for a controller, and probably Microsoft's way of making up for the competitive price of the console.
You can still buy a wired 360 controller; however I would recommend the wireless due to the convenience of no cables and most importantly the feeling of being able to just move around without worrying about someone tripping over the wires. Just like TV remotes are wireless, eventually wired controllers will be a thing of the past.
A previous version of this review has been posted under my username (shuttlex) on Dooyoo and Ciao.
