Topic: The D-Pad...

[Artimus]

Nintendo has used the exact same d-pad (just a different size) on every controller since the NES. Yet on the DS it changed, and now the Rev is different again. Why did thye change it, and what do you guys think?

[ShyGuy]

I donno, perhaps to get an acceptable level of comfort and responsiveness in a smaller footprint? I'm really liking the d-pad on the DS, very comfortable.

[Bill Aurion]

Because the DS version is more form-fitting for left-handed gamers?

[JonLeung]

I remember how people on GameFAQs couldn't understand the basic concept that the four cardinal directions on the D-Pad could replace the four buttons if you were right-handed and playing a game that needed you to use a stylus at the same time as buttons.  So long as you don't have to press X/Up and B/Down or Y/Left and A/Right and the same time.  The GameCube D-Pad is essentially that; just four buttons, it's too small, awkwardly placed and redundant to use for movement.

So for the Revolution, I guess they figured that if they're going to make it extremely sleek and unconventional, they might as well put the classic D-pad up for revision as well.  

[Artimus]

I like the DS too. Nintendo has the best d-pads, by far, but the DS pad (and the Rev's looks similar or better) is smoother for the thumb. I HATE the XBOX's horrific thingy, and the PS2's is not good for thumb resting. It just goes to show you can reinvent the wheel, but not improve it. Though I also prefer Nintendo's joystiqs, much easer to control (not the C-stick) and the grooves in the circular base make directions SO much easier. I've never figured out how people can stand the PS2's horrible round things.

[Ian Sane]

With the exception of the Cube of course I've always been quite impressed by Nintendo's d-pads.  But the traditional pad had a rough surface that I feel was a little hard on the thumbs after a lot of playing.  Now it's nowhere near as a bad as the Playstation split d-pad but there was some discomfort.  They DS d-pad is much smoother so it's not so hard on the thumb.  The left handed stuff is probably the main reason they changed it but I think the smoother surface is a good enough reason to change like that.