Microsoft XBOX 360 Wireless Halo 4 Limited Edition Controller

Pros: Ok first the pros: This controller is the superior of the two Halo 4 limited edition controllers. The one that comes with the console, while being Halo 4 branded on the bottom, doesn't quite have that same "Halo" feel we've come to know and love. The designs on it, being Forerunner-inspired rather than UNSC or Covenant, are a departure from what fans have grown accustomed to. That said, both controllers are equally striking in their own right. This one just retains more of that ineffible Halo aura to it.

Another pro is, of course, the transformable D-pad. This was a long time in coming for our xbox-360 controllers and is certainly a welcome change for gamers looking for a more proper first-party fight pad.

The blue LED lights this controller shares with its Forerunner-themed brother are another bonus. There's just something about blue, ins't there? This isn't a knock against the Xbox's trademark "green" theme. Microsoft was smart in realizing the console needed to establish its own identity in the console wars. Now that said identity is established, it's nice to have lighting that is more aesthetically pleasing.

Finally the see-through shell may be a turnoff for some, but most will find it quite enjoyable. It's nice to look into the controller and see the guts of what translates your finger and thumb movements into the director's commands in gaming universes as-yet unexplored.

Artistically, it is well worth the $10 premium to have the looks this controller commands.

Cons: The only real con I can think of is that this controller will likely succumb to the same "drifting" problems the 360 controllers have always had with heavy use, especially with shooters where you're constantly holding the left thumbstick in the "forward" position. The thumbsticks here don't seem to have any major changes made to them. I'll find up soon enough if they hold up better than previous controllers, but my money is on no considering they are for all intents and purposes the same as the rest of the new transformable d-pad controllers with just the Halo 4 design and clear shell to set them apart. I've already put a couple of other controllers from the new wave through the ringer, namely the Modern Warfare 3 console bundle ones, and I can tell you I got the same drifting with the left thumbstick after a few months with those as I did with the "old" 360 controllers from the first 5 or 6 years of the console's existence.

This is a pretty minor qualm in the context of the overall controller though. I find the 360 controllers to be the perfect size, shape, and ergonomic design for gaming. If I have to sacrifice once in a while and swap out for a new controller once I've worn out an older one, it's worth it.

Pros: The mostly-transparent/slightly opaque lightning blue looks great. The balance draws your attention not only to the board on the inside but the artwork on the outside as well. Joysticks have the same design pattern as the Reach controller, but the texture is a bit smoother; more akin to the texture of the Dualshock controllers. This create a smoother feel rather than a dry and gritty one found on the Reach controller.

Cons: The glossy front doesn't attract fingerprints, but it is slick to grip even with the slightest moisture present. Thankfully, the textured plastic on the back provides a good grip. Also, there's no charge kit included which surprised me considering the price.

Other Thoughts: The price is a bit steep (even with a 10% off coupon). If it included a play-and-charge kit, I'd give it 5 eggs.

Pros: i just recived two of these from my local gamestop the other day and let me tell you, the pictures do no justice. both me and the sales rep were in awe over the beauty of these controllers, its a nice translucent dark blue plastic with a white circuit board for appearance, and is semi-gloss but dosnt show fingerprints at all.

Cons: the only area it actually says "Halo 4" gets covered up by my chatpad, not a big deal, but im wishing it had more than just the UNSC logo and Halo 4 written on it. the forerunner ones coming with my console will hopefully have more details