With Microsoft expected to formally unveil the Xbox 720 console in the coming months, latest reports have suggested that, unlike bitter rival Sony, the manufacturer will make few changes to the controller of its next-gen console.
Whilst the PS4 controller has added a new touch panel interface for improved input options, claimed leaks have suggested that prototype Xbox 720 controllers, currently doing the rounds with developers, will largely resemble their Xbox 360 counterparts.
Although this doesn’t sound like the biggest of next-gen console omissions, with the Xbox 720 reported to feature no new input methods, this lack of a redevelopment could put the Microsoft machine, in the eyes of the consumer at least, behind the boundary pushing Sony PS4, and even the Nintendo Wii U.
Despite reportedly featuring a largely similar design and the same collection of traditional buttons, it has been suggested that the Xbox 720 controller will be marginally smaller than that of the Xbox 360, a move currently being attributed to more ‘refined contours’.
Citing unnamed industry sources, gaming blog Kotaku has suggested that the Xbox 720 “seems quite similar to the current Xbox 360 one” with the collection of analogue sticks, triggers, bumpers, d-pad and face buttons all holding the same positions around a large, central power button.
“The new controller doesn’t have any major new input interfaces either,” the sources added. “No new buttons and certainly no added screen like the Wii U controller has nor a baked-in touchpad like the PS4’s.”
Xbox 720 Rumours
Although yet to be confirmed by Microsoft, Xbox 720 rumours have been rife in the online forums. Tipped to play host to an eight-core processor with 8GB of RAM, Microsoft’s next-gen console could also provide two separate CPUs for dedicated multimedia and gaming processing power.
A remodelled Kinect 2 could also play a major part in the Xbox 720’s user interface, with the console also tipped to wield a host of new features including the much-rumoured Xbox TV service.
Do you think there is much to improve on the Xbox 360 controller? Is the PS4 DualShock 4 controller a little too gimmicky? Give us your thoughts via the TrustedReviews Facebook and Twitter feeds or the comments below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
