Xbox Controller Regional lock-out Update

We recently brought you news that Microsoft’s Xbox controllers were regionally locked for hardware and software. This would have meant that the Japanese controllers, preferred by many over the American and European pads, would have been incompatible with non-Japanese machines.

It has emerged that there is no regional lock-out function in relation to the Xbox controllers, in terms of both hardware and software.

If you have had the chance to get your hands on an Xbox, you will have noticed that as well as being the biggest console ever made, it comes with the largest controllers too. Sensibly, Microsoft realised that these were too big for the slender hands of the Japanese, and gave the design a complete overhaul. The end result is an ergonomically improved and better looking controller, with an enhanced D-pad and button layout.

That just leaves one question though: How does Microsoft expect children, women and everyone with small hands to play the machine in Europe and the US?

We expect an announcement in the coming months proclaiming that the Japanese hardware will go on official sale in the US and Europe.

Stay tuned for updates!