GB Feature: Xbox 360 Impressions

[GameBanshee News]

We've published a three-page review of the Xbox 360, after spending some firsthand time with Microsoft's next-game console. A bit about the controller:

If you've owned an Xbox, GameCube, or Playstation, then you know how annoying wired controllers can be. In the case of the PS2 and GameCube, the cable on a standard controller wouldn't even make it to my couch, which meant I had to to go out and purchase cable extensions. The Xbox controller had a slightly longer cable than the GC and PS2, but I still ended up having to purchase extensions for all of my Xbox controllers as well. Luckily, Microsoft paid attention to this drawback and has pretty much made wireless controllers a standard with the 360. You can still use wired controllers if you'd like (the Core system even comes with one), but an additional $10 for the wireless version is a small price to pay for gaming freedom. If you own multiple controllers, you simply push the "X" button in the middle of the controller and it automatically synchronizes with the console and sets itself up for the next player. This keeps you from having to hunt for the first player's controller when you initially start up the 360, as any controller will automatically take that first player spot.

In addition to the wireless aspect, Microsoft has slimmed the controller down considerably. It now has a very slick design with the hand grips at such an angle that your hands stay comfortable even when playing games for an extended period of time. It's also extremely lightweight, yet feels very durable. Even with the smaller design, the button placement is near perfect, with all buttons within easy reach of your thumbs. All of these features puts the 360 controller far ahead of its competition and makes it the best gamepad I've ever used - by far.

It's that good, folks.