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When Microsoft entered the gaming console scene in 2001, they went for big! The original Xbox boasted impressive technical specs, innovative online capabilities, and a launch title that took the world by storm. It almost goes without saying that the console is also massive in its physical size, measuring over 12.5 inches wide and weighing in at nearly nine pounds.
Unsurprisingly, the controller that shipped with the earliest units was quite a beast to behold! Due to a time crunch, it had to be based around a large preexisting circuit board. Even the most valiant attempts at making a compact design would been ill-fated. Considering the task at hand, the end-product is quite impressive and the best one could have hoped for. People hated it!
Photo by Evan Amos | Source: Wikipedia | http://www.wikipedia.org
Later unofficially dubbed “The Duke”, its design takes heavy inspiration from the Sega Dreamcast controller, a fitting choice considering the close ties between Sega and Microsoft. The controller really only sat well (both physically and metaphorically) with those who happened to have exceptionally large hands, leaving the average-sized gamer to struggle with an overly bulky piece of hardware. The Duke was heavily criticized for its massive size, awkward button layout, and terrible D-pad. According to an IGN interview with Xbox creator Seamus Blackley. reception was so poor that an audience member in Denver threw a golf ball among other objects at him as he presented the controller.
Photo by Justin Casey / TimelessGamer.net | http://www.timelessgamer.net
In 2002, the Xbox was set to launch in Japan, and with it came a smaller redesigned controller to better fit the smaller hands of a Japanese consumer. Although the Xbox itself never gained much traction in Japan, the updated controller design known as the Xbox Controller S. made its way to North America that same year to much fanfare! With its compact form factor and improved button layout, it quickly became the preferred choice for nearly all Xbox users. In fact, it went onto lay the groundwork for all future Xbox controllers, simultaneously inspiring countless other companies with its their design.
Image source: Amazon | http://www.amazon.com
As years passed, nostalgia for the Duke grew right alongside the advent of social media. This demand culminated in a partnership between Xbox and Hyperkin to release a new version of the Duke for Xbox One and PC. It features a gorgeous (and absolutely unnecessary) OLED screen to display the Xbox logo that will cycle through the original Xbox startup screen on demand. A gimmick? Yes, but a damn cool one! And honestly a fitting tribute to an underappreciated controller.
