In the words of Peter Moore, the Xbox 360 controller is pretty "damn complicated." So let's simplify. Straight from AcidMods, this Xbox 360 controller mod makes life easier, with just the two joysticks on top, and the D-pad and face buttons on the back. Details and a vid after the link.

Thanks to Mark for the tip on this awesome mod!

Talk about wanting the best of both worlds: gamer mmmonkey wasn't getting along with his PlayStation 3 controller because his thumbs kept slipping off the thumbsticks. The solution? He got a donor original Xbox controller and replaced its joysticks with the PS3's (pictured left).

Read more in the full article.

Like a much-needed power-up in a time of desperation, Arcade-In-A-Box, LLC. comes rushing in to satisfy the occasional but all-too-powerful retrogaming urges of players all over with its recently-unveiled line of arcade controllers for the Microsoft Xbox 360.

While this generation's wireless controllers are designed for ergonomics and convenience, there's no denying the appeal of an old-fashioned joystick-and-button layout that Arcade-In-A-Box's line of peripherals provides.

The joysticks in particular look quite durable and ready to stand up to some heavy-duty punishment - not to mention the buttons look almost inviting, as if they want you to repeatedly hammer upon them in your quest for video game victory.

And before you ask, yes, Arcade-In-A-Box not only has models for two players, but also solo ones for those with a budget (or if you simply want to keep the arcade experience for yourself).

Of course, this luxury comes at a price, but one easily affordable. The Dual 360 Controller model costs about US$ 299, while the Solo Controller model will run you for about US$ 149. And for those of us who really have a lot of money lying around, the Arcade-In-A-Box Arcade Console that comes with 100 arcade games, sells for about US$ 2000. A hefty price, but as we all know, reliving the past through some sweet arcade gameplay is priceless.

Interested in grabbing one of these beauties? Then check out the read link below for a peek at the official website, which includes a full list of models, prices, and ways on how to purchase them.

Computer pioneer and inventor Allan Kotok, has died of a heart attack at age 64 in his home in Cambridge Massachusetts. A native of Philadelphia, Kotok is an MIT alum and a W3C associate chairman.

Known for being "technically adept well beyond the norm," Kotok worked for a variety of high tech firms. While working at Digital Equipment Corp (DEC) Kotok designed a family of computers, did some consulting and went on to fulfill various leadership roles.

His background in creating the AI for chess computers was subsequently found to be indispensable in his capacity as a tech researcher and game inventor. Mr. Kotok's life was a catalyst for growth in the fledgling gaming and computing industries of his time, and he is someone all gamers should know about.

Credited with creating the first videogame, along with the joysticks used to play them, his role in the history of gaming and computing in general cannot be overstated. Who knows, without his contributions to the history of gaming, the gaming industry we see today could be drastically different.

Mr. Kotok is survived by two daughters, a son and two grandsons. Everyone who uses computers or enjoys gaming today should recognize Alan Kotok as an integral figure in the evolution of the videogame industry.