I got an Xbox the over day, thinking that the video streaming and such plus the gaming would possibly make this a worthwhile purchase, but I find that I have several complaints about the controller.
When I play games on my Wii, I can sit with the Wiimote in one hand, the nunchuk in the other, and have both hands on the arms of the recliner. It’s very comfortable.
When I play games on the Xbox, I have to have both hands clasped on this tiny little controller that forces me to bend my wrists at an odd and quickly painful angle; as tho I were praying with my hands right on my belly.
Also, the springs in the joysticks don’t offer much resistance, so it’s difficult to do fine movements. I could possibly overcome this with practice and repeated use, but I find that the discomfort from trying to use a device obviously made for an 8-year-old’s hands is too much. I simply can’t use the thing for more than about 30 minutes.
So, my question: are there any Xbox controllers made by another company that are bigger, or (preferably) in 2 pieces like the Wii controllers?
There are adapters for the 360 (I assume you mean the 360 and not the original xbox) that will allow you to use a keyboard and mouse. The problem is the reviews are so-so.
Man, different strokes an all that, but I think the Xbox controller is the best designed controller in gaming. There are other third-party controllers out there for the 360, though. I’m sure one of them is a bigger one.
360 controller is generally regarded as the best control pad made due to great ergonomics and durable responsive hardware though the D-pad is horrible.
Get used to resting your hands in your lap. This is in fact a very ergonomic position. You should be able to keep your wrists straight as well - you don’t have to bend them inwards to grip the controller. Maybe this stuff sounds obvious, but it’s how the device is designed to work, and if it’s not working that way for you, it’s probably not a problem with the device.
And yes, fine movements will come - I doubt you were making fine precision motions with a Wiimote right away either (I -still- can’t.)
I wouldn’t bother with the keyboard/mouse adapters. They’re not really effective for anything except typing out text messages. If you’re expecting it to give you a PC-like experience, you’ll be very dissappointed. Also, how the heck would you use a keyboard and mouse from your recliner anyway? o.o
I did, for many years. Recliner, gaming PC, video projector, and a tray that went across the arms of the recliner for the keyboard and mouse. Bliss.
As far as getting used to a gamepad - you just need to get used to a gamepad. (As a PC gamer, this kept me away from the X-box for a full decade, myself - until the Wii’s innovative control schema broke down my resistance to post-Colecovision consoles.) It sucks less after a while.
My problem is really just with the physical size of the controller. It’s too damn small. It’s made for an 8 year old to be able to hold comfortably. My hands are easily twice as big as an 8 year olds.
Also, I hate having to essentially clasp hands to use the thing. I really wish it was 2 pieces like the Wii controllers.
For the record, the Super Nintendo controller is the best ever. It gave us the shoulder button and the four-button diagonal square arrangement that every design since have relied on.
See the bent wrists in that picture? That’s what I’m talking about. It’s the same wrist position as if praying. That’s uncomfortable after about 30 minutes.
If I can only play for 30 minutes at a time, it’s unlikely I’ll ever get good enough at a game to enjoy it, and it would take me weeks to finish a game, while not ever being immersed in what is going on (due to the brief time playing). That’s not what I think of when I think “fun gaming session”.
As I said in the OP, when I play with the Wii controllers, my arms are comfortable at my sides, a couple of feet apart, due to the controller being in 2 pieces rather than glommed together in one piece like the Xbox 360 controller.
When you hold your controller, are you keeping your hands right on top of your stomach? I ask because I just picked up my Xbox controller and my wrists are in the position you describe only if I keep my hands directly in front of my stomach. Not to sound insulting but have you tried gripping the controller and moving away from that position? I often play with my hands up under my chin, which doesn’t hurt my wrists at all.
My wife just asked if you’re trying to rest your elbows on the arms of the recliner while you play and if so, is that causing the uncomfortable angle you’re experiencing?
For the record, I’m neither an 8 year old boy nor a man and I find the Xbox controller to be quite comfortable.
If you put your arms to your sides instead of on the arms of the chair, it would cut the angle of your wrists. I often play with the controller on my lap with my forearms resting on my thighs. It relieves any tension in my shoulders and arms and doesn’t cause a stressful angle in my wrists.
I’m sitting here with an XBox controller trying to figure out how you’re holding it so that your wrists are bent. The only way I can do it is if I hold it against my stomach and cock my elbows out away from my body, in an extremely awkward and unnatural position. When I hold it normally, my wrists are pretty much straight.
I’m a male in my mid thirties with fairly large hands, FTR.