Xbox Official Controller S

Sometimes, the big controller is just too awkward to use, especially when playing something like Splinter Cell, where using the black and white buttons is a necessity, it was awkward to reach all the way to top on above the ABXY buttons.

Now on the S controller, they have been repositioned to below the ABXY buttons, so it is much easier to press with your thumb.

The start/select buttons have been pushed over to the right hand side of the gamepad.

The D-pad has also changed slightly so it now appears as a cross, as opposed to the slightly awkward wavy layout of the official controller.

The ABXY buttons are also actually easier to hit now as the pad has been condensed in size. It will suit people with smaller hands down to ground, and its not too small for people with big hands either.

Both of the thumbsticks have a better texture on them, and they seem slightly easier to manoeuvure.
All in all, I definetely prefer this controller to the official chunky one.


Great   February 14, 2004
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This controller really is brilliant. It fits snuggly into your hands and is just the right size. A lot of people think that Xbox controllers are terrible, and i would have to say that the original controller was to bulky, but this dinky little number really sorts out that problem.
I, at the moment, am in the transition phase from Sony PS2, to Microsoft's Xbox, and this controller makes it a lot easier, to change from PS2's tiny controllers to these.
A great little number...


An essential piece of kit at a reduced price   February 9, 2004
 6 out of 7 found this review helpful

The X-Box Controller S, as the other reviews suggest, is a major improvement on the original controllers. They're much easier to handle, smaller, lighter and all-round user-friendly, especially for someone like me who plays mainly first-person shooter games (Halo, Counter Strike etc).

The major plus is the location of the black/white buttons and the shape of the D-Pad. For games like Splinter Cell and Counter Strike where you're heavily reliant on these buttons, life has been made much easier by packing them into a smaller space (making them much easier to reach and press).

The general feel is comfortable, with better ergonomics: the control sticks now have flat heads (easier to click) and the triggers underneath are closer together (more comfortable to crouch and shoot at the same time).

Overall impression is that it's an ergonomic, comfortable larger version of the PS2 controller, but of a higher quality. An essential piece of kit, and at the reduced price (decent official controllers are difficult to get cheap), it's a steal!


XBox Controller S   September 18, 2003
 15 out of 20 found this review helpful

Originally just for the Japanese Market the controller S was considered too small for us westerners hands. At last Microsoft have bowed to pressure and released it over here.

As well as being smaller than the standard Xbox controller the controller S also features a new button layout

The primary buttons are now in a more traditional cross layout making them much easier to reach.

The secondary buttons (black and white buttons) are located below the primary buttons instead of at the top of the controller.

The start/back buttons are located below the left thumbstick, this doesn't add much to playability but allows the controller to be a lot smaller.

The sticks are slightly redesigned with an increase in surface area allowing more thumb room while the D-pad has an a more traditional cross pattern.

To sum it up the controller S is far more comfortable for extended periods of gaming. Originally I only replaced my old style main controller when it broke but after playing with the new style controller I've replaced all my old style controllers and everyone who plays with them says they're a great improvement.


BRILLIANT   December 15, 2003
 11 out of 16 found this review helpful

I really like the Controller S, it moulds into my hands perfectly and i can use the black and white buttons very easily on Splinter Cell.
The Official Controller was enormous and should only be used by people who have Flippers! The layout is terrible and it is just got a big body ITS AWFUL my mate developed blisters and bruises because he's used to the namsy pansy PS2 controller
Initialy the Controller S was only going to be released in Japan because they said the big one was to big and sales for Xbox Plummeted like a Rock. Microsoft realesed the smaller version in Japan and then us Brits and Yanks started complaining about the controllers size. So microsoft realeased over here and its a major improvement.
I would highly recommend it to you if you've got tiny hands!