Technabob » d-pad

Evil D-Pad Xbox 360 Controller: Good for Gaming

Lambert Varias — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:40:14 +0000

It’s not the only controller with problems, but it’s no secret that the d-pad on the vanilla Xbox 360 controller has its flaws. It’s basically one big button that serves four functions or directions, and sometimes this hampers accuracy when playing the game. That’s why Microsoft released the new controller with the hybrid d-pad/analog stick. Now there’s another alternative to the default controller, and it’s called the Evil D-Pad.

As you can see, the solution that the Evil D-Pad offers is actually simple – it has four separate buttons instead of one multipurpose button. Diagonal input is, as you’d expect, accomplished by pressing two buttons, so that should eliminate mistakes or ambiguities in controls. Unfortunately I haven’t actually tested the unit, so I don’t know how comfortable the buttons are. Looking at it I’d say pulling off sweeps like quarter circle or half-circle moves might be awkward or even a bit painful.

Ready to go evil? You can order the Evil D-Pad at Evil Controllers’ website. It comes in two variants – the wired version costs $55 (USD), while the wireless one costs $75.

Wii Magic Stick Gives Your Wii-Mote D-Pad a Makeover

Technabob — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:53:08 +0000

Do you love playing games with your Wii-mote, but prefer a joystick to a D-Pad? Well have I got something for you! The Wii Magic Stick is a cover that slides over your current Wii-mote and (sorta) turns it into joystick.

It’s also supposed to make gameplay more comfortable for your fingers, but you’ll have to get one to find out if that’s the case. In addition to transforming the D-Pad, the Wii Magic Stick covers the “A”, “1″ and “2″ buttons with slightly larger, easier to press buttons that protrude from the face of your controller. You just snap the Magic Stick onto the front of your Wii-mote and you’re all set.

A pair of Wii Magic Sticks will set you back just $7 (USD) over at Brando. Of course if you want some real joysticks for your Wii, I’d suggest you hold off and wait for the new Wii Classic Controller Pro.

Xcm Crystal Makes Xbox 360 Controller Clear and Bright

Technabob — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:25:44 +0000

The guys over at XCM are at it once more with another cool mod you can buy to make your Xbox 360 just that much better.

The new XCM Crystal Controller Kit not only redresses your 360 controller in a spiffy clear skin, but it also adds a brand new oversize D-pad that’s designed to prevent you from mistakenly pressing it in the wrong direction.

I can speak from experience when I say there’s nothing worse than accidentally selecting that plasma rifle when you meant to select the rocket launcher.

Of course, the best part of the Crystal Controller is that it comes pre-wired with a gorgeous array of nine colorful LEDs which illuminate the A/B/X/Y, back, start, dashboard and shoulder buttons.

You can get your grubby little paws on the complete Crystal Controller kit over on RenChi for $29.90.