I'm sure many of you will agree that the 360 has one of the best traditional controllers ever designed. It's only real weakness is the d-pad which obviously needs an overhaul but what else could Microsoft do to take the controller to even new heights next generation?
One change I'd really like to see is the replacement of the thumbsticks with something much faster and more accurate. A trackball immediately came to mind and Googling it I found that someone selling a modified 360 controller with a trackball:
Here's a like to a video of someone using it here: http://www.trackballcontroller.com/
Of course I'd like to see the other thumbstick replaced as well since it would be awkward using a thumbstick with a trackball so I think replacing the other thumbstick with a ball as well (one that is self-centering - think of a thumbstick but much closer to the controller and a little more sensitive.
As for the d-pad why not replace it with a number pad?
A small 9 digit number pad located where the d-pad is now would be far more intuitive for menu navigation, choosing weapons, and for making hotkeys than a d-pad ever could be.
Anyways so what do you guys think? Would you rather see a traditional controller, a Wii-like controller, or something else? Do you think the changes I've suggested would be good or can you see problems with them? Lets design the perfect videogame controller.
