This comic came about when I saw the new XBOX 360 Messenger Kit, and how it made the already multi-buttoned, complex XBOX controller even more so. One of the reasons the Wii is doing so well is because people aren’t scared off by its input device, namely, the Wii Remote. It has few buttons and its motion sensing technology is fairly user friendly. Nintendo actually designed the controller to resemble a TV remote so as not to scare off any potential players like moms and grandparents. Microsoft however, doesn’t seem to mind scaring off anyone outside their “hardcore” demographic – indeed, when I first saw the snap-on keypad online, I knew I had to have it – and so the Messenger Kit was born. Having the device snapped onto my controller elicits much stares and questions when friends come over. I don’t really message much on XBOX Live anyway, so have hardly ever even used the device, but you know, if they ever bring a good MMO to the 360 (or a script writing program, I suppose), I’m prepared.
Here’s the device in the wild. As you can see, I didn’t have to use much artistic license to show what a beast this thing is.
Let the thinning of the nerd herd begin…
Great webcomic, jefBOT!! This is so true, I have videogamecontolersalwaysmakemedosomethingIdidn’twanttodophobia.
countless times I have sat on a couch next to jefbot and been made fun of due to my lack of dedication and/or smarts in the gamer world. after all these years, the torch has now been passed to the cornfather. congrats!
I need to come to your house and see what’s going on.
Ok, I KNOW I’d be shooting myself in the face too…now I know enough not to play HALO!
Thanks again for the laugh!
fig, the “nerd herd” will only grow mightier.
michael, um, yeah.
akira, there are multiple torches, and yours cannot be extinguished until you finish Dark Cloud 2. get on it.
anonymous, okay. bring a controller.
laura, this strip was meant to encourage game playing, not discourage it!
The only thing harder for me than game controls is setting the clock on my car’s dash! Nice job!! And so true…
Good lord, that thing is as big as my CAR!
I sympathize with Mike. I hate playing first person shooters on a console…too much to do!
funnyshaffer, thanks, man. i’m just glad i don’t have to mess with vcr timers anymore.
bon, at least it’s not gas powered.
john k, you know you want to.
Oh my holy moly! Do you have to employ the use of your toes as well? That thing is crazy!!! I’m sure that there is some real world benefit that you’re able to apply with those dexterous finger skills, right?
the heat! what do you mean “real world” benefit? the skills gained can be applied to more videogames!!! what other world could you mean?
there is an MMORPG on the 360. Final Fantasy XI. take that as you will.
^^ I love that thing. I rarely use mine, but I sure love having it for when I do.
Xbox controllers aren’t multi-buttoned complex things, they have the same number of buttons as a playstation controller.