PixyJunket

http://www.destructoid.com/undeniabl...ad-76299.phtml

The article sounds like it was written by a knob but with the Digg link quickly racking up numbers, this could be the best chance gamers have to bring real attention to a problem that Microsoft probably knows about but doesn't care about since it doesn't affect Halo 3. Granted, under that same reasoning I'm not sure this is the best place to post it, but we've got an XBLA thread 775 replies so I know there are people out there playing games like Pac-Man: CE and Puzzle Quest and whether they know it or not, are suffering because of the miserable dpad. Whether they're using it and flubbing or using the analog stick and dealing with the meticulous inaccuracies in its inability to replicate digital input.

And while I would strongly suggest anybody that is seriously considering playing the game to get a Hori EX2, when Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Extreme comes out, people are going to notice this in a big, bad way.

Also, here's a post from NeoGAF that I think people on this forum might be able to relate to:
Digg the article here:
http://digg.com/xbox/Undeniable_fail...Xbox_360_D_pad

kakihara1

The nightvision comment was great. I can't even count the number of times my Dpad has screwed me over in COD4

devilshalo

The analog stick is my downfall.. I can deal with the night vision, but trying to swing your gun around to shoot someone rushing you but pulling your knife instead of firing has been my nemesis.

dvd182

It's a good article, but it's 2 years too late.

argh923

Never have had a problem with the d-pad.

PixyJunket

Both Sega and Microsoft have replaced their primary controllers partway into a console's life. Sony did it TWICE on the PS1. This would be even more low-key to be honest. The original PSP had a useless, miserable failure of a dpad that was quietly rectified on later models (and then perfected on the slim). All Microsoft needs to do is start issuing new controllers with a usable dpad and the people that want the improved working dpad will know they're on the shelves.

Michael Corvin

That's because you're using the d-pad. Give in man. Analog Pac-Man all the way. My score certainly isn't suffering.

kakihara1

Changed my knife to the B-button long ago.

fujishig

I never understood this... is there some patent on a reliable d-pad or something that they refuse to pay? You'd think at the very least, a 3rd party would've made something (though I guess the wireless controller tech is still 1st party only, right?)

PixyJunket

This part is important:

Analog Pac-Man is shit. But it's the only option on the Xbox 360 controller.

PixyJunket

The article goes over the problem, they used different mechanics inside the controller from EVERY single controller's dpad ever made since the NES controller. Every one of them. The actual plastic piece you see and press is just fine, it's what's underneath it that causes it to suck.

Michael Corvin

Pac-Man wasn't designed around a 'pad.' It's designed for a stick(albeit 4 directions). I think any inaccuracies can be made up for in comfort and ease of use. Who want's to play Pac-Man with a 'pad' anyway?

Nosmo Rex

Same here. It's fun to watch the kill cam to see yourself swinging a knife at your killer from 30 feet away.

PixyJunket

I agree with that.. but analog stick is not equal to joystick, the biggest reason being that you're still using your thumb. Comfort and ease of use would just be your particular preference.

PixyJunket

This is from an MS Survey from 2006.

pinata242

"slightly improved" because it'll still suck?

PixyJunket

The backlit buttons would be pretty bling though, right?

spainlinx0

Hate the D-pad. It was a pain in my ass trying to swap stuff in Oblivion.

pinata242

How can they justify $60-$70 for something like that? Are there smurfs doing all the magic inside the thing?

Michael Corvin

Well the standard wireless is still $49 SRP. $10 more for some pretty LEDs doesn't sound too outrageous.

pinata242

Yeah, but even $50 for the standard is too much. I don't like the trend...

Silkk_34

Glad to hear I'm not the only one that gets the random night vision. I thought I was just a retard.

porieux

The Dpad is so bad it can't even be used reliably for things like changing weapons.
I can't even scroll down a list of items in the marketplace without unintentionally changing categories.

I can't understand how they got so many things right yet got this one so very very very wrong.

Giantrobo

I have NEVER liked D-pads and I think a lot of the hatred for them comes from playing the early Resident Evil games with their Tank like control scheme and the crap Playstation 1 controlller.

For me, Analog sticks are perfect; and I was glad to see them added to the Playstation controller. In the future I think I'd rather see a D-padless controllers with more buttons/Bumpers.

fujishig

What's odd is that they've had this problem for two generations now... though the one major thing that this generation got right when it comes to controllers is making wireless the standard. The motion detection stuff is still hit and miss (especially when shoehorned into a game), but wireless is great. I'll pay the extra 10 bucks for that feature.

I'm not sure if I want any more buttons or bumpers on my controller.