THE HUB

OMG!!!

FEATURED GAME

FEATURED MEMBER

elementxstyle

elementxstyle

GP Design shop.

QUICK POLL

What's the next big game coming this year?

ASK THE PROS

THE GAMEPROS

FREE NEWSLETTERS

Sign up now to receive weekly or daily updates on your favorite games, stories, and more!



International | Feature

Feature: Next-Gen Console Score Card (page 4 of 10)

Feature by Sid Shuman | 10/09/2006 | 16:19:24 PM PST

CONTROLLER

A controller is essentially the "face" of a game console. It's what you see, touch, and feel the most. Countless systems have been doomed by shoddy controllers (the Jaguar's 9-button keypad, anyone?).

The good news is, all the next-gen consoles have something unique to offer in terms of handling and function. There's never been a better time to be a gamer!

Xbox 360

The original Xbox controller was an undisputed disaster: huge, clunky, and downright awkward. But when Microsoft unveiled the Xbox 360 controller, it proved that it's capable of learning from its past mistakes. Sleek and ergonomic, the Xbox 360 controller is a giant step in the right direction...yet not quite as time-tested as Sony's design (formally called "DualShock") nor as daring as the Wii's motion-sensitive controller.

Though the controller doesn't feature any fancy motion-sensing or integrated speakers, it does feature solid support for force feedback, aka "rumbling." And wireless models are available, complete with long-lasting rechargeable battery packs. The Xbox 360 controller might not be ground breaking, but it's as safe, familiar, and comfortable as an old pair of grass-stained Pumas.

Controller score: 4.0 (out of 5.0)

PlayStation 3

As with all PlayStation controllers, the grip is comfortable, the buttons are placed well, and the overall package is slim and sleek. The PS3 goes one step further with its Bluetooth wireless connectivity (standard on all models), its smoother, more sensitive analog sticks, beefed up shoulder triggers, and a new tilt-sensing feature that will let players control actions by waving the controller around, ala Nintendo's Wii.

Yet it's not quite the perfect combination. Sony made one key sacrifice: force feedback. The PS3 controller will not "rumble," which is a damn shame considering that force feedback has been a standard feature in video game consoles since the original PlayStation. Is this a result of Sony's lawsuit with force feedback patent-holder Immersion Corp., or merely a byproduct of the integrated motion sensor (as Sony claims)? One thing's for sure -- dropping rumbling will be a painful sacrifice for players.

Media Format score: 4.0 (out of 5.0)

Wii

Definitely in a league of its own, the Wii supports an arsenal of unique controller options. The most hyped, and readily recognizable, is the Wii's motion-sensing capabilities. The Wii controller set, which consists of the wireless "Wii-mote" and the wired "Nunchuck" add-on, allows gamers to experience gameplay in an entirely new way by merely waving the controller in the air. The Wii also features built-in rumbling support (we can confirm this), a small built-in speaker (a welcome addition sure to be exploited by clever designers), and onscreen pointer functionality that allows the remote to act like a computer mouse. The Wii is definitely groundbreaking, but is it truly a "revolution"? The jury is still out, but early signs are promising.

In addition to the uniquely recognizable Nintendo Wii controller, players can also buy a re-engineered dual-analog stick controller, which looks like the SNES controller fused with the PS2 DualShock. As a nice bonus, the original Nintendo GameCube and WaveBird controllers are fully supported.



Media Format score: 4.25 (out of 5.0)

DECISION



Wii

It may seem a bit early to make this call, but ask yourself this: of the three next-gen consoles, which one will change the way you play games? The only answer is "Wii." The Xbox 360 controller is vanilla all the way; the PS3 controller is a nice baby step forward, with its motion-sensing abilities, but the lack of rumble is a slap in the face. Only the Wii really tries something new...and judging by our most recent experiences with it, it works just as advertised. Of course, the onus is on game developers to design the best experiences.

After extended playing time with the Wii, we've come to appreciate what it does for gaming. It's super comfortable (even for extended stretches of play), super intuitive, and, well, just plain super.

Victor!

Victor!


More International Articles