Xbox Controller S-Black Reviews

• Funky color, but it's popular...

  
  By A423XLYS1Q1D6 on 2004-11-19
  ...at least, it's popular at my store. I say "funky" because the dark blue color doesn't seem to go well with the black and green XBox...but my customers don't seem to mind. It outsells the green S and almost outsells the black S at my store. Those who bought an XBox when it first came out remember the monstrously oversized controller that came with it. Fans complained, and Microsoft created the Controller S ("S" for "small") to alleviate the cramped hands and aggravation the original controller caused. (The original still has its fans, though; I get a handful of requests each month for it). The control layout may take some getting used to, as many games require the use of all of the buttons, and reaching the small black and white buttons near the bottom of the controller can be risky in heavy combat (such as switching grenade types while battling an Elite in Halo). Otherwise, this controller is great. It's just the right size for most people, although if you're buying a controller for someone with small hands (like a child, for example) then I suggest the Mad Catz MicroCon, perfectly suited for smaller hands. The Controller S is also available in green and black.
  
  I hope this review was helpful
  
  --Christian Wheeler
  
  
  

• Much better than the original XBox controller

  
  By A423XLYS1Q1D6 on 2004-10-24
  Those who bought an XBox when it first came out remember the monstrously oversized controller that came with it. Fans complained, and Microsoft created the Controller S ("S" for "small") to alleviate the cramped hands and aggravation the original controller caused. The control layout may take some getting used to, as many games require the use of all of the buttons, and reaching the small black and white buttons near the bottom of the controller can be risky in heavy combat (such as switching grenade types while battling an Elite in Halo). Otherwise, this controller is great. It's just the right size for most people, although if you're buying a controller for someone with small hands (like a child, for example) then I suggest the Mad Catz MicroCon, perfectly suited for smaller hands. The Controller S is also available in green and blue.
  
  I hope this review was helpful
  --Christian Wheeler
  
  

• Microsoft Finally Got the Controller Right!

  
  By A8EO864QVNMC2 on 2004-04-14
  The original controller that Microsoft released with the XBox was like the system itself, big and bulky. Those of you who remember how your hands felt after playing hours of Halo with those big bulky controllers will truly apreciate the new "S" type controllers. They are much more comfortable on your hands and make game play much better. Your hands are not crampy and in pain like before. The most notable difference will be in the white and black buttons. I remember how annoying it was to have to reach all the way to the top of the controller in an odd fashion to hit one of those buttons. They are now on the bottom of the controller, and it takes geting used to, but you will find they are much easier to reach and work way better in the new spot. All the buttons on the controller are more accessible and the control sitcks are easier to use. The blue color on this one is just cool and since it is the same price why not go for it?
  
  

• It's a good controller

  
  By A283NP8NG7X11F on 2003-12-26
  I'm not going to compare this to the other system controllers out there, as they're all good in their own right. But this Controller S is very comfortable. I just got my Xbox yesterday (with an extra controller in this color) for Christmas, and I just don't get what everyone's problem is with holding this. All the buttons are where they sould be. The 'start' and 'back' buttons are easily accessable, as are the white and black ones. Not to diss on the original controller, but I like this model better, as the Xbox logo doesn't take up so much space.

  Unlike previous system controllers (ie- the N64), my hands weren't sore or cramped after playing. You shouldn't have any problem when using this model, or the original one. Oh, my blue controller is a little darker than the one pictured here. It's more of a midnight blue.

  ...man it's lame when your review of a controller is even this long.
  
  

• The $30 is worth it

  
  By A2DVQHR6FYBSC3 on 2004-07-09
  I know they have cheaper Xbox controllers out there, but most of them suck. I remember when I got a $20 controller, and shortly, it started working like crap. I know $30 is a little pricey for a controller, but I'd rather spend $30 for a good controller than spend $20 for a crappy controller.
  
  
• Same as the old one---very good
  By A2O2EFX8JA0MHV on 2004-05-17
  In my mind, the thing is a great controller. However, I thought it was just as good as the old big ones. The only reason I'm glad that microsoft put out a smaller one is now my dumb gamecube owning friends can't say "the controller is too big."
  
  
• Perfect color for the XBox
  By A423XLYS1Q1D6 on 2004-11-19
  Those who bought an XBox when it first came out remember the monstrously oversized controller that came with it. Fans complained, and Microsoft created the Controller S ("S" for "small") to alleviate the cramped hands and aggravation the original controller caused. The control layout may take some getting used to, as many games require the use of all of the buttons, and reaching the small black and white buttons near the bottom of the controller can be risky in heavy combat (such as switching grenade types while battling an Elite in Halo). Otherwise, this controller is great. It's just the right size for most people, although if you're buying a controller for someone with small hands (like a child, for example) then I suggest the Mad Catz MicroCon, perfectly suited for smaller hands. This semi-tranparent green controller goes well with the black and green Xbox. The Controller S is also available in black and blue.
  
  I hope this review was helpful
  
  --Christian Wheeler
  
  
  
• "not for people with baby hands"? Whatever.
  By A283NP8NG7X11F on 2004-08-08
  Since this is the same as the blue S controller, I'll just copy/paste my review for that for the most part.
  
  I'm not going to compare this to the other system controllers out there, as they're all good in their own right. But this Controller S is very comfortable. I got my Xbox a few months ago I just don't get what everyone's problem is with holding this. All the buttons are where they sould be. The 'start' and 'back' buttons are easily accessable, as are the white and black ones. Not to diss on the original controller, but I like this model better, as the Xbox logo doesn't take up so much space.
  
  Unlike previous system controllers (ie- the N64), my hands weren't sore or cramped after playing. You shouldn't have any problem when using this model, or the original one. A nice addition is that the cord is seperated into two parts. The first part connects to the controller port in the Xbox console, which connects to the rest of the cord leading to the actual controller. This makes it so that if you trip over the cord at all, it'll seperate and not screw up the game at all (a menu will pop up, pausing the game, stating that the controller isn't plugged in properly). More companies need to start using this system, it'd save a lot of stress on gamers.
  
  So get an extra one of these, or one if all you have is the first version of the Xbox controller. They're well-made and shouldn't fall apart or anything. Plus the rumble feature actually lasts a long time unlike the ps2 dual shocks.
  
  
• Great addition to your XBOX setup
  By ATYLNL3F53MPY on 2003-09-25
  This is a great addition to any XBOX owner's setup. If you havn't used a Controller S before, you'll fall in love with it after only a few minutes. I swear I'll never go back to the original controller again.

  The blue color is darn cool. And it's not third party junk, either. Always go with Microsoft if you can.
  
  

• Uber Green
  By A15WDXYC6OI29R on 2004-02-25
  This controller is great. I've owned it for about two months and no problems. The 'S' design is great. I mostly play Halo, PGR, and Top Spin for hours straight and I'm not sure why, but my hands dont sweat as much with this controller as with a PS2 controller. And the clear green makes it look awesome. And another feature that's very much overlooked is the detatchable cord that comes apart when you trip over the cord, this way your console stays safely on the shelf. I've tripped over the PS2 controller a few times and it comes tumbling down onto my foot. And the end of the controller easily snaps into the port. XBOX Rules.
  
  
• best to date
  By A1QEE97NRW9C5J on 2004-05-07
  While no controller has bested the gamecube one yet for comfort and ease.

  That being said, this is definitly the best xbox controller I've seen. Unlike the original xbox controller this one is easier to hold and it isn't ungainly and has no hard-to-reach buttons. the one change for the worse that I can find personally though is that the black and white buttons have been moved from above the main analog buttons (A, B, X, & Y) to below them. while some may consider this an improvement, I dislike for one main reason, that's that I am continually pressing the black and white buttons by accident as well as the a and b buttons.
  
  

• The Best the XBox Has to Offer, Still Not a Great Controller
  By A1517476XFOC7A on 2004-10-07
  My hands certainly aren't baby-sized, but the D controller is just too large (one industry reviewer has called the D the "hamburger" controller).
  
  I own 2 S controllers, and they've been able to handle a lot of playing (10 hours per week for over a year) with no problems to my hands or to the controllers themselves. They still work perfectly, and the analog sticks are as sensitive as ever.
  
  Compared to the 2 other consoles, the S controller is still very large, but it is a vast improvement over its predecessor
  
  
• Takes a licking and keeps on ticking
  By A2F1A0OH8JBB2O on 2005-08-25
  After buying the cheaper no brand controllers and having them last less than a month i finally invested in the real controller. I was not disappointed because my 4 year old is very tempermental so whenever he loses which is very often he slams the controller to the floor. I am happy to say that after months of this abuse the controller is still hanging in tough and working 100%.
  
  
• I miss the original controllers
  By A12PNRTQULY2EX on 2004-04-05
  I have been playing the Xbox longer than probably anyone else who has written a review here. I started playing as an alpha tester about 5 months before they hit the retail shelves. The primary focus of the group I was in was the development and testing of the controllers.

  We were given a handful of games (none of them completed yet) and several different controllers (the S and D controllers among them) and were instructed to play for a while. Just to keep it fair we had to use a different conroller everytime we started a different game and would rotate games and controllers every 45 minutes or so.

  After we had used all of the controllers in all of the games, we all had measurements taken of our hands and then were asked to write a review of the controller we liked best any why.

  The D and S controllers were ahed by a wide margin and the other designs were scrapped as far as I know. The D controller was liked buy about twice as many people as the S so it was decided that it would be packaged with the Xbox when it was finally released. The S controller was still prefered by many, so it was available as an option to buy separately. I like the S controller, but I love the D controller much more and will always choose it if I have a choice.

  I can't understand why Microsoft would stop making the D controller as it is the preferred controller of almost everyone who I play with. There are several stores in my area that still carry the D controllers and the sales people tell me that they sell as good if not better than the S controllers. I think it is a huge mistake for Microsoft to only offer the S controller and take the choice away from everyone else. This is why I cannot recommend this product and would advise you to either seek out a store that still sells D controllers, or find a 3rd party brand that you like.
  
  

• The coolest looking controller out there.
  By A283NP8NG7X11F on 2004-08-23
  Since this is the same as the blue S controller, I'll just copy/paste my review for that for the most part.
  
  I'm not going to compare this to the other system controllers out there, as they're all good in their own right. But this Controller S is very comfortable. I got my Xbox yesterday a few months ago I just don't get what everyone's problem is with holding this. All the buttons are where they sould be. The 'start' and 'back' buttons are easily accessable, as are the white and black ones. Not to diss on the original controller, but I like this model better, as the Xbox logo doesn't take up so much space.
  
  Unlike previous system controllers (ie- the N64), my hands weren't sore or cramped after playing. You shouldn't have any problem when using this model, or the original one. A nice addition is that the cord is seperated into two parts. The first part connects to the controller port in the Xbox console, which connects to the rest of the cord leading to the actual controller. This makes it so that if you trip over the cord at all, it'll seperate and not screw up the game at all (a menu will pop up, pausing the game, stating that the controller isn't plugged in properly). More companies need to start using this system, it'd save a lot of stress on gamers.
  
  So get an extra one of these, or one if all you have is the first version of the Xbox controller. But, because this is green, it's the best one. Because green, is faster. I mean, lookit that picture of it. It's orgasmatastic.
  
  
• Great Controller. GREAT SIZE
  By A3MDQ8E1F0BQRE on 2004-11-16
  This controller is the perfect all around controller. I am 17 years old 6'6" and I have pretty large hands. I love this controller especially for the new release of Halo 2. I have had my Xbox for just over a year and I could not wait to get new controllers after I got my Xbox because the Xbox came with "D" controllers. I felt like the "D" controllers (I got two for my birthday) were very uncomfortable and i envied my friends for having the "S" controllers, which have a much more convenient button layout and more comfortable mold. I am going to sell my two "D" controllers and purchase four new "S" controllers to replace them. The only thing that could make this controller better was if there was a headphone/headset jack on the controller so that it is compatible with the newer Xbox Live headsets, instead of having to buy a memory slot adapter.
  When compared to the third party (accessories not made by Microsoft) controllers I would say that it is a no-brainer to buy this model and not a third party controller mainly because of quality. I have been an avid video-gamer for 13 years now and I have never bought a third party controller for any console that I have owned.
  
  
• FINE FOR CASUAL GAMERS
  By on 2006-01-30
  Okay, so you have your Xbox ready to play. You are putting the giant "Bigfoot" controller in your hands. You are sitting on the couch wondering if your hands will ever be able to fit around this monsterous controller. Well, now they will thanks to the new Controller S from Microsoft. This controller is perfectly sized for small and large hands. You can move it around easily, and it is more compact than the original Xbox controller. It has wires, but they are very long so they can reach to your sofa or easychair. When I got my Xbox, I bought "Project Gotham Racing" with it. It came with a basic "S" controller, and I was very happy. Even better, It is less confusing to use than that of the PS2. Even though the PS2's controller is nice, it has very odd button placement and the buttons are close together, so you can't really get a grip on the controller. The Controller S is very well designed with smaller children in mind. The only flaw that this controller has is that when you play a game with a lot of vibration, the little spinners that make the controller vibrate, get loud and annoying. I think that this may only be a problem in my Controller S but maybe it is a flaw in a load of them. The price is reasonable for a wired controller, but for an extra ten dollars, you could get a Logitech Wireless controller. They are very good also, but you have to push down on the A, B, Y, and X buttons for them to work properly.
  
  BOTTOM LINE: This is a great controller for casual gamers, but not really for pros. I would recomend this product if you don't care if the vibraters whir loudly. The price is reasonable, but for a few more dollars, you could go wireless.
  
  
• Yup. Green.
  By AC6LV5D2RKTIR on 2003-11-23
  First off, this is literally a translucent green controller S. Short of change in color, there's no other difference in playability or quality. If you want in-depth reviews of the quality of the Controller S, you may want to read reviews of the standard black controller (as there are probably many more). I'll just go over the highlights:

  Pros:
  -Microsoft brand. Perfect quality of control, super durable, all the features, etc etc as noted above.
  -Cool translucent green color matches the visual style of the XBox in addition to just looking cool.
  -The S is probably the single best XBox controller, and is superior to the origional controller for fast games (fighting, Tony Hawk, etc).

  Cons:
  -If you've read any reviews for the S, the cons are the same. The white, black, start, and back buttons are a little hard to reach, and the D-Pads aren't perfect.

  Summary:
  -This is the best XBox controller, in a cooler color. I wish I had a full fleet of four just so they'd all match.
  
  

• I prefer the original controller
  By AO2V6YDDYQ2CR on 2003-12-02
  I don't know why people fall for this. For me, the original Xbox controller is much more comfortable to hold and press. The original one is more contoured and the buttons are softer, whereas the S controller feels stiff and rather clumsy. Of course, nothing beats the GameCube controller.

  The S is good if you have really small hands.
  
  

• cool but dangerous
  By A1MZJV3Y2LCG76 on 2004-02-20
  I was playing meadle of honor on my xbox and a piece of the right triger button broke into my hand. I bleed alot and there was a big cut on my finger, I thought that I was dying, but of course my wish of my death did not come true. I hoped that this poorly designed controller but it didn't so now I just by from different video game company's.
  
  
• 2nd best controller
  By A3MWJVL54IB1LR on 2004-03-26
  This is the best wired controller for any system. I own three and only one has broken (because my friend repeatedly threw it against the ground, when i was beating in Soul Calibur II, hehe). They can take a large amount of abuse, and keep going. The buttons are in perfect spots and they are better placed than other controllers.
  
  
• Simply a step in the right direction
  By A2A4A231RMOJL7 on 2004-05-14
  The original Xbox controller I found to be similar to the Nintendo GC controller - I hate 'em!

  The type S controller offers much more logical button placement , is far more comfortable in your hands, and on top of that, it feels more "natural" when playing a game. What I mean is that you can make "instinct" moves a lot easier than with the D controller, on which I failed in many games because I couldn't find a button fast enough or the clunky thing just pissed me off.

  But if you don't want to listen to me don't. I'm telling you though this controller is the best one on the market - other than maybe the PS2 controller.
  
  

• Best Controller Out There
  By A2CE8L1BN6P4OS on 2004-09-18
  I received this controller when I purchased the special edition Halo Xbox system. Unless you have huge hands this is the best controller out there. It fits perfectly into my hands making it so that you don't have to move your hands around too much when you play. Lots of other third party companies try to duplicate the S controller with both wired and unwired versions but don't buy them. All of the third party ones slightly mess up the details. I personally don't like them even though I own 2 third party wireless controllers simply for having the convenience of wireless. However if you don't need to have wireless controllers buy the Microsoft S controller because it feels better and is well worth the extra 5 bucks when compared to a third party controller
  
  
• Best Controller
  By on 2004-01-02
  I find this controller very ergonomic and intuitive to use. It fits the hand well and can be held comfortably for quite some time without stressing the hands. The alignment of the buttons is very ergonomic and intuitive. I find it to be the most comfortable, easy-to-use controller.

  I disagree with the earlier comment about the Gamecube controller. While I have a lot of respect for the Gamecube system, the controller is one of the weak points given the incredibly awkward Z button and the wierd arrangement overall. I think that the X-Box controller is more intuitive and ergonomic.
  
  

• Really good
  By on 2004-05-12
  I'll say it in four words. This is the bomb. Except the contoller connecters easily fall out if you play from a far distance. But other than that this is the bomb.
  
  
• The Best Controller For Xbox
  By ARXB0T5TJO9HN on 2004-07-28
  This is by far the most comfortable and durable controller there is for the Xbox, and any system for that matter. I have owned an Xbox since it came out and have purchased many controllers and have found that the button placement on this controller is excellent. I have bought an Intec and Pelican controller, and this one far surpasses the quality and comfort of the other controllers. I have big hands, but this controller suits me( and anyone else i know that has played on it for that matter). Highly recommended.
  
  
• Better Than PS2
  By A1OZOE7SQU818Y on 2005-05-02
  I have played every type of system on the market with exception of the PSP, and have found that the XBOX Controller S is the most comfortable of the curent controls. The White, and Black buttons are rather dificult to use (especialy in a first person shooter like Doom 3). The start and back buttons are almost as difficult but most games don't use them as major buttons in game play.
  
  The grips are the perfect size and the plastic is of a high enough quality that it wont break under normal use (excesive pressure will break it). There is room for two more buttons above the left and right trigers posably a place that would be better suited for the White and Black buttons. The PS2 has the Left and Right Buttons/Trigers (aka: L1, L2, R1, and R2) it would be more comfortable if they were tiered.
  
  The XBOX Control also has two expansion slots. These slots alow for the headset and a memmory card to be used and there isn't another courd strung across the room that you (or your dog) could get tangled and ruin the system. another great feture is the quick/easy disconect built into the cord that prevents the system frome geting pulled off the shelf when the "dog" tramples between the system and control. this is a feture that tells you that the system was designed by gamers and not white collar nitwits with a degree in accounting.
  
  All-in-all, the XBOX control puts everything at hands reach so you don't have to get up and change memory cards just to find you have to do it again because it is the wrong card or unplug the headset. I like the Controller S and think it IS the bluprint to be emulated.
  
  
• The way to never stop to play.
  By A2PPWXAT9N1T0X on 2005-09-26
  This is a way to never sleep again'. The Xbox is a powerfull tool to play a lot of excellent games that you can enjoy all life.
  
  
• What Crap
  By A1Z1CE3P4P4420 on 2004-01-05
  This controler is too small. And it hard to hit the right button. The y is too far from the control stick.
  
  
• Notice something...
  By A19ZDE50BJ0QIJ on 2005-04-21
  This is probably the most comfortable controller for the xbox on the market- if you're just starting to play the xbox. The original controller was way too freakishly huge, (says me, and every xbox review i've seen), but the S seems just right. The greatest testiment to this is the fact that they don't even sell the big ones anymore.
  
  The only people i wouldn't recommend this controller to are people who are already used to the tank-of-a controller that the originals came with. The two controllers, while they look similar at first, have a completely different feel, and it won't be anything like you're used to. Just look at the other reviews. The only people who gave the S a bad review (1 star, 2 stars) are people who have gotten themselves used to the original.
  
  

• The Official Xbox Magazine [1-year]
• Electronic Gaming Monthly
• Play
• Tips & Tricks Magazine

• Xbox Core Console USM
• Halo 2
• Halo: Combat Evolved
• Xbox Controller S-Blue
• Xbox Controller S- Green