2010 Controllers

Released at the same time of the new 360 Slim console that was a surprise announcement at the E3 2010 Microsoft Conference.

It's a matte black shell front and back, black thumbsticks, d-pad, start/back, bumpers, sync, and triggers. They changed the guide button to shiny silver, which I personally think makes it look cheaper. The ports on the top and bottom are now black and the top and bottom trim pieces are glossy black with the top trim now saying Xbox 360 in the middle of LB/RB. All these controllers will have the new 1403 boards inside.

The packaging also changed to a cardboard flap style, no more needing scissors to cut through the thick blister plastic packaging. The controller was still visible as the plastic was clear on the inside, and because it's a re-openable box, you can place the same controller back in, or another if you rather display that while being protected.

• Release/End Date: Jun. 21st, 2010

• Retail Price: $64.99

• Sold As: Cardboard Packaging

• Package Model: QFF-00001

• Package Part No: X16-62261-01

• UPC: 885370118667(US)

• Batteries: None

Comes with an all black play & charge kit(black cable, black rechargeable battery advertised as 35hrs per charge.

“Everything you need for continuous gaming is here in one package. The Wireless Controller gets you into the game without being tied down, while the Play & Charge Kit lets you charge up while you play, and gives you up to 35 hours of play with every charge.”

• Release/End Date: Nov. 21st, 2011

• Retail Price: $79.99

• Sold As: Cardboard Packaging

• Package Model: GTA-00120

• Package Part No: X18-05488-2

• UPC: 885370384413(US)

• Batteries: Duracell

Copied the description below from the official Xbox.com website.

The Xbox 360 Essentials Pack has the gear you need to play games online with friends, and experience Xbox entertainment in HD. The pack includes a Wireless Controller, Media Remote, High Speed HDMI® Cable and a 3-month Xbox LIVE Gold membership.

• Save nearly $55 over versus purchasing individual items.

• Join the fun with an Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Four friends can easily play together without being tied down.

• Control your console entertainment with an easy-to-use remote control.

• Experience high-definition movies and games at up to 1080p resolution with the included high speed HDMI cable.

• Enjoy your 3-month Xbox LIVE Gold membership. Xbox LIVE Gold is your connection to online gaming, HD movies and TV shows, friends, music, and more!

Interesting enough, they never released a Black/Grey wired. So the all black wired controller was the first change since 2005. This was released a few months after the new 360 Slim console release. Not exactly sure why there is a delay, but Sept. is the earliest date I’ve found as far as retail releases.

100% the same as the black wireless, but it's a matte black shell front and back, black thumbsticks, d-pad, start/back, bumpers, and triggers. They changed the guide button to shiny silver, which I personally think makes it look cheaper. The port on bottom is now black and the top and bottom trim pieces are glossy black with the top trim now saying Xbox 360 in the middle of LB/RB. The cord is now black, still has the breakaway section at the end, and is the same 9.7ft length. Unsure on/if the board changes, but would assume so as I’ve seen more complaints about this one failing.

This Black Wired is the most common fake out there, if it doesn’t have a breakaway at the end, it’s not an official controller. In other cases, you’ll find the guide is just silver, no xbox logo, that’s also a very easy giveaway it is not legit.

Another way to know an official box or not, is the hole for the cord. Officials have a narrower, V shaped hole for the cord on top. While fakes have a wide, U shaped. Sometimes it can be hard to tell just from the cardboard, so relying on the cord part is pretty consistent.

Special Fable 3 design on the front, standard matte black backing, and glossy black top and bottom trims. Black thumbsticks, d-pad, start/back, bumpers, sync, triggers, standard ABXY buttons and a shiny silver guide button. The battery shell/cover is also the standard matte black. It also came with a code to unlock a unique tattoo for the Fable III game released, Oct. 29th, 2010.

Realize your destiny with the Xbox 360® Fable III wireless controller. Designed by Lionhead Studios as the gold crown of Albion and including an exclusive set of in-game character tattoos, the exclusive limited edition controller puts the future of the kingdom right in your hands.

• Outfitted in collectible packaging, the controller comes with an Xbox LIVE token for an exclusive in-game downloadable tattoo set to further customize your hero’s appearance.

• The regal crown of Albion comes to life as the hand-painted artwork wraps to the contours of the distinctive controller for the perfect fit for any Fable III fan.

Released bundled with the Halo Reach slim console, and fortunately they individually sold it as well. But was still a limited run production.

Has a special Halo Reach design on the front, but is plain silver on the back and glossy black top/bottom trims. Then black thumbsticks, d-pad, start/back, bumpers, sync, triggers, standard ABXY buttons and a shiny silver guide button. The battery shell/cover is also the standard matte black.

If it was released in the console bundle it will have a top sticker, but if sold individually it will only have the back battery cover sticker.

The planet depends on you. Blast Covenant forces like never before with the Xbox 360® Halo: Reach Wireless controller. Designed by Bungie in sleek silver and complete with a Halo: Reach Banshee vehicle prop for your avatar, the exclusive limited edition controller frees you up to roam the room (up to 30 ft. range) and save humanity.

• Features artwork created by Bungie, inspired by Halo: Reach, the blockbuster prequel to the award-winning Halo trilogy

• Features all the functionality of the award-winning wireless controller while fitting in perfectly within the Halo: Reach mythology.

• Includes a token for a Banshee aircraft avatar item

Announced Aug. 31st, 2010 by Major Nelson's blog(sadly the webpage no longer exist).

First controller released with the silver transforming d-pad. It can switch from 8 way(standard or their official term ‘disc’) to 4 way(‘plus’). It’s also the only official controller that doesn’t use colored ABXY buttons, instead they are Light Grey(A), Dark Grey(B), Black(X), and White(Y).

Also, the first controller to use concave sticks(no dots) that are a dark grey tone, with the claim of helping with better grip. It’s matte silver front and back, with silver start/back buttons. Then, black bumpers, sync, triggers and has glossy black bottom and top trims. Does not have a matching silver battery shell/cover, so simply uses the standard black cover.

The package also includes a black usb charge cable and a 2400mah rechargeable battery. Doesn't seem to include non-rechargeable AAs, but will have the empty black battery shell on the controller itself if ever wanting to use normal AAs.