Microsoft shows off new Xbox 360 controller for casual gamers

While Microsoft's E3 announcement of "Scene It?" for the Xbox 360 wasn't exactly awe inspiring, there are some brand new casual gaming controllers packed with the title that certainly perked us up. Details are slim at the moment, but four of the simplistic clickers will be included with the game. This could be Microsoft's Trojan Horse to battle against Wii's stranglehold on the casual gaming market -- particularly if the remotes include motion sensing within, which hasn't even been hinted at yet -- or could just be a nice freebie to make "Scene It?" a bit more accessible. We figure we'll know more soon enough. There's another pic after the break.

[Othello @ Jul 11th 2007 12:15AM]

Baby rattle?

[cotten @ Jul 11th 2007 12:21AM]

Could this lead to the return of You Don't Know Jack? That is about the only computer game I ever really had a good time with and would certainly buy if it were available again.

[Cardbored @ Jul 11th 2007 12:22AM]

True dat, You don't know Jack: volume 3. Best. Game. Ever. Seriously, good casual fun lol

[CaptCaveman @ Jul 11th 2007 2:03AM]

When I saw this remote YDKJ was the first thing that popped in my head. Sadly I missed that entire portion of the presentation since I was watching on G4. I missed the presentation for Mass Effect also. I wised up and found myself a internet feed after the 3rd commercial.

BTW, YDKJ is back on the web. They are doing beta tests now. Either the questions have gotten really hard or I've gotten dumber in the last few years. Sadly I think that I've gotten dumber :(

[David Landrum @ Jul 11th 2007 12:40AM]

A big red FTW button?

[Dave @ Jul 11th 2007 12:51AM]

Simon Says

[Cardbored @ Jul 11th 2007 12:54AM]

Once they release this, they need to get some XBLA games out that go along with it. Easy way to distribute little games for casual gamers

[leo2178 @ Jul 11th 2007 1:03AM]

It's a freakin Game Show buzzer.
Wow really next gen.
Guess what..... it's gonna cost like $60 bucks for a TV Trivia Board Game and some buzzers.
I'm impressed.

[alex @ Jul 11th 2007 1:08AM]

nail on the head.
that thing is cheesy.

[Sean @ Jul 11th 2007 1:58AM]

Is that big button or a trackball?

[Oddball @ Jul 11th 2007 1:09AM]

Looks like a Buzz! rip-off.

[Jongscx @ Jul 11th 2007 12:17PM]

Is that just a massive red button or a track-ball?

[strik3r @ Jul 11th 2007 1:13AM]

It's practically a copy of the Buzz games buzzers in PS2...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Computer-Entertainment-UK-Buzzer/dp/B000LWB916/

[Woolly Mittens @ Jul 11th 2007 1:15AM]

Why doesn't Microsoft seem to have a design-department? Everything always looks cheap and under-designed.

[rachub @ Jul 11th 2007 1:22AM]

The accelerometers in the wii remotes are under $2 a piece.

[Patrick Flynn @ Jul 11th 2007 1:26AM]

but its the markups that make money ;) considering that microsoft charges $300 for vista premium....yea...

[RyanTV @ Jul 11th 2007 1:36AM]

This is pretty cool... my wife will LOVE playing Scene It!

[ryanworrell @ Jul 11th 2007 2:06AM]

+1 on You Don't Know jack would love to see that again, maybe i can use these goofy ass remotes with Uno. YAY!

[john @ Jul 11th 2007 2:15AM]

It's called the "win button."

[ElMAGNiFiCO @ Jul 11th 2007 2:51AM]

It doesn't look original

[notdawn @ Jul 11th 2007 3:08AM]

Although it's look like a lolipop but it's fugly, no way I'm gona touch that :P

[Taylor @ Jul 11th 2007 3:16AM]

Hello?! This controller is a *LOT* like the controller for BUZZ!, a series of games that were made here in Australia, which are quiz-show-esque games on a wide variety of topics - music, general knowledge, sports, movie, you name it, there's a game on it. They also made a kids game called Buzz Jr which uses the controls but isn't a quiz game.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buzz%21_The_Music_Quiz

Though, if they DO release You Don't Know Jack for 360 and not for PS3 or Wii, well they've won me over.

[Harry W. @ Jul 11th 2007 7:06AM]

I think the main thing about casual gaming is that it has to be cheap. The Wii has the casual gamers market nailed because it's so cheap, it's a lot less of an investment than the 360. People who don't play games a lot, but want to just pick up something every so often, are not likely to want to spend the sort of money you need for a 360 or PS3, no matter how attractive they otherwise are to a casual gamer.

[Pedro @ Jul 11th 2007 8:43AM]

wow... just like their windoze division... if you cant make it better on your own then just copy someone!

[greatslack @ Jul 11th 2007 8:44AM]

How long until someone beats Gears of War with one of these?

[BobTheCorkDwarf @ Jul 12th 2007 8:24AM]

Are the controllers wireless?

[brettisuncanny @ Jul 16th 2007 1:16PM]

yep they are. not like the 360 controllers but more like a regular tv controller. IR maybe?

source: some podcast.

[oshean @ Jul 11th 2007 10:44AM]

But is it wireless?

[Solomon @ Jul 11th 2007 2:16PM]

About YDKJ: same here. If they release it Xbox 360 only, I will tear my heart out.
And you all (read 'all of you people reading Engadget') should try the beta flash games. YDKJ is the best trivia game ever made, repeat, ever.
http://www.youdontknowjack.com/

[Seven @ Jul 11th 2007 4:32PM]

I fail to see why the iPhone made one reviewer think of Rosie's private parts.
Perhaps because using it made him feel like a big pussy?
Seems reasonable.

But here, I really cannot see how this cutesy family oriented video trivia game somehow reminds you of an instrument of war,a method of sneaking into some folk's place and quietly killing them while they sleep?
Analogy fatigue sundrome?
More like, "Microsoft is Evil...Microsoft is Evil...Microsoft is Evil"
That is very tired, very 1999, and seriously misses the point of what is happenning here, which is below your normal standard, people.
I think it may be time for a break?
Perhaps you have overdosed on the iPhone Kool-aid?
Seems reasonable.

So after E3,Doctor's orders are you all go get drunk and sleep it off, then, as therapy talk about all those little gripes in a Podcast?

You remember podcasts, that when you talk into microphones and stuff?

Thanks.

[Stykx @ Jul 11th 2007 6:42PM]

It's the big red shiny history eraser button!

[Taylor @ Jul 11th 2007 11:47PM]

New announcement from Microsoft: web browser & porn downloads from the Marketplace

[joshfsho @ Jul 18th 2007 3:07AM]

hmm... well... im a straight guy.

(nothing against gay ppl)


so im DEFINITELY NOT touching that thing. im sorry, but dude, ur masculinity is clearly on the line here. for the women its fine, but us men will keep our hands off little plastic weiner-shaped obstacles. thats why we have our own.