At the Microsoft Meet Up last night (June 10, 2013), several of us got a chance to try out the new controller.  We tried out a half dozen different demos including: Fire spell, gun, helicopter, car tire, bouncing ball, and heart beat. 

Remember when they added ‘rumble’ to games?  At first it was a bit disorientating – it remind me of picking up an angry crayfish that give you some unexpected jerks, touching a mild jellyfish – that gives a weak sting, or a tiny electric shock.  It is something you are not used to and not expecting.

 Then once you are accustomed to rumble, it is an important part of gaming feedback – like good sound or nice visuals.  One of my biggest complains about the ‘classic controller’ on the Wii was the lack of tactile feed back.  I never understood why they did that, as the vibration feedback in the Wiimote is such an important part of operator and alignment feedback.

So what was it like with the new ‘trigger feedback?’  At first it is a little shocking, it is more dramatic than I expected.  The tips of your fingers are not used to getting ‘flicked’ by the controllers.  So it feels like there regular rumble is one thing like a general feeling – while the finger ruble is more specific.  Like current rumble represent an earth quake – while the triggers are something that specially is happening just to you.   I imagine after playing with it for 20 minutes or so, I would never want to go back.

Personally, I think I like the fire one best.  This also surprised me, as I thought it would be the gun.  I imagine how Skyrim or any other magic spell might feel with it.  Also, just walking through the bushes in a forest, getting whacked by a zombie, or picking a lock in a game, will all be enhanced by this new feedback system.

I think it will be a new standard in gaming.  I think it will enhance the immersive feeling of games.  Congratulations to the people who thought this up!

The D-pad seemed responsive.  I don’t usually have much of a problem with the Xbox 360’s current one.  The only time is when I place my thumb a little different.

 Any Questions?

How is the feel/weight of the controller compared to the 360's?

What was the battery compartment like?

It uses AA batteries? Fuhhck...

Adinnieken said:
What was the battery compartment like?

I didn't notice it at all.  It is all inside.

One guy said that he usually holds it that way, but I don't.  So I didn't notice anything about it not being there like the X360's.

How much does it weigh?

More on the rumble: will it make the military shooters feel better?

How's the home button?

Sounds really good. How does it compare to the 360 controller. Does it have the same basic feel? Also is it true that you can make the controller wired simply by plugging a micro USB cable in it?

you don't have much problems with the 360 d-pad?

I'd rather wait for the next pad review thread(but i hope the batteries are placed where they better balance the pad )

how is the D-pad compared to the 360 controller?

It was attached to a thick cable - I think to make sure we didn't take it, and I am not sure if it had batteries in it or not.  So my experience may be a bit subjective to the situation.  (Note: learned later yes there were batteries.)

It felt to me a little bit lighter - and the triggers a little bit easier to push. 

It felt very familiar to the current Xbox 360 controller, but more like a 'light' version.