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Review: Xtreme Enterprises 'S' Controller Replacement Shells
>> Xtreme Enterprises “S” Controller Shell Replacements Review.
Some of the manufacturers/resellers of the replacement Xbox Cases I had hoped to review in the continuing series of Case reviews have dropped out of the scene for one reason or another so I’ll continue that series along a different vein.
Recently, I had the opportunity to review 2 “S” Controller Shell Replacements made by Xtreme Enterprises, the same people who make the very popular quality line of Playstation2 Replacement Cases I’ve been using for awhile. After receiving the initial samples I put in an order for most of their product line, and waited until most of the requested colors could be delivered. They are extremely popular and it took some time to get all of the colors I wanted at the same time.
Tools Required: Philips Screw Driver.
Tools Recommended: Tweezers (optional)
One of the first things you will notice is that these shells are a perfect replacement for the stock Controller shell. Right down the every detail, including the “MS Logo” between the memory slots.
Migrating the innards from your Stock Controller to the new replacement shell couldn’t be easier. All you need to pull off this easy mod is a screw driver and some patience.
I removed the 7 black screws from the stock “s” controllers, including the hidden one behind the metallic MS scan code sticker. Carefully, I separated the top and bottom of the shell, and the buttons more or less dropped out on their own. (Work in a clear and un-cluttered area so that you don’t lose parts).
The pcb of the game controller easily slips out of the bottom of the shell, as do the rumble motors. Removing the memory slot panel isn't any harder, as it is only held in place by 4 clips. Depressing them, the panel slide off, and the new one is easily mounted. Just ensure that the new one snaps into place.
Removing the D-Pad from the top of the stock shell is a bit trickier though. First you’ll need to remove the 2 fine watch type screws that secure the D-Pad. Then, you’ll need to carefully squeeze the two tabs in to remove the D-Pad. (I managed to destroy the tabs, but it didn’t matter as the screws are more than enough to secure the D-Pad in its new home. I recommend using tweezers to press the tabs. That’s how I managed to not destroy the tabs in other installs that followed. (not shown)
Once The D-Pad is free of its original housing, migrating the parts to the new shell is easy. To improve the fit and feel of the shell, I took the time to work in the 7 screw holes before assembly. Taking a single screw, I drove it into each hole in the shell a few times to “work” the hole. These are new virgin shells, with holes that come "un-threaded" so prepping like this will provide “threads” for better tightening later.
Once done, the motherboard slides into place in the bottom half of the shell, as do the rumble motors. Place all the buttons into the top of the shell. Sandwich both halves together and the assembly is almost complete. Grab those 7 screws that were removed from the stock controller and use them to secure and re-assemble the new shell.
For that final touch, place the new sticker to cover the center bottom screw hole to complete the professional look and feel.
The completed “S” Controller looks, feels, and plays like an original stock, only now I have a choice of almost a dozen color options, including a lot of translucent colors.
- Want a Crystal controller but don't need yet another controller lying about?
- Want a controller that you can light up with leds? EL Wire?
- Want to see the rumble motors of your existing controller in action?
- Or any combo of the above?
Using these Xtreme shell replacements for the "S" Controller will give you all of that.Suitable for interior light modding with Leds or EL Wire options.
For those of us who don’t/can’t paint, or want translucent shells for lighting effects, these Xtreme Enterprises “S” Controller Shells are exactly what you are looking for.
I only have 2 issues with these replacements shells. The first is the ugly Jewel. That was an easy fix as you can easily transplant the stock jewel to the new controller shell, or you can add a third party replacement like Brahm2’s “S” Controller Jewel from last year. The other issue I have now is, what do I do with the Stock black empty shells I’ve replaced?
Pros:
- Cost (most are around 15$)
- Color Choices (dozen or so..)
- Professional Look and Feel (tough and durable ABS plastic)
Cons:
- Slight Shipping Delays (fixed)
- Ugly Silver Jewel
- Left over stock shells.. useless?
Anyone wanting colored controllers, and don’t want to purchase a new ms controller, or a third party one will enjoy these shells and the customization options they provide. There are more colors than I have shown, and probably more to follow.
Official Site/Manufacturer/Sales: (Xtreme Enterprises)
Sales Inquiries: Email Xtreme Enterprises
Continuing Discussion and more photos: XS Forums
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