The GameStop XBox controller is not designed with fancy bells and whistles. It doesn't have leather grips or gold plated buttons. However, it certainly lets you play with your XBox system for only $15.



The problem with consoles over time is that the controllers get hammered, abused, and broken - and fewer people make replacements. Luckily GameStop does still make controllers that work with the original XBox system. Where most companies either have them out of stock or completely out of production, GameStop allows you to buy a controller and keep enjoying those XBox games that simply will not work on your XBox 360 (Bounty Hunter, anyone?)

The blister pack packaging is minimal but annoying. You have to cut open the unit with scissors and then can you really recycle the plastic? I'm certainly going to try, but the results will be iffy.

The controller itself is simple and solid. The buttons all work without any problem. It lacks the cute grips and other features of many other controllers - however, to be honest, all of those have long since broken. The whole reason we had to go out and buy this one is that none of the other controllers we had left were functional. Sometimes it is the simple units that stand the test of time.

It fits well in the hand, it does its job, everything is where it is supposed to be. the thumb wheels move smoothly and the buttons are responsive to clicking and hammering.

It's almost worth it to buy a few controllers for your system when they are available. That way you can play with the games and enjoy the system long after the companies produce accessories for them. Who knows, if you keep things in working condition you could sell the set for thousands of dollars as a collector's item, once nobody else has them around! In the meantime, though, at least you get to enjoy the games that you love.

Highly recommended for people who still nurse their XBox original systems along.