A quick glance at the Duke controllers from Halo Fest

If this year's Halo Fest is remembered for anything, it will be for it's retro-fitted Duke controllers used to play Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. Hardware modder (and straight up awesome dude) Ben Heck was asked by Microsoft to transform these "crusty" controllers bought at Good Will into the playable, wireless versions they are now. Kotaku's Stepehn Totilo was able to speak with a Microsoft representative and get a hands-on with the new Dukes, detailing the ins and outs of them.

If you want one of these controllers, two will be given away at PAX, and another two will be donated to this year's Child's Play benefit where seekers can bid on them.

Halo Fest Allows Attendees to "Duke" it Out

There's no better way to play Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Edition at this year's Halo Fest than with the original Xbox controller which has come to be known as "Duke." Remember "Duke?" It was the pack-in controller when you un-boxed that mammoth Xbox back in November 2001, and it was perhaps the most colossal controller you've ever held.

It went on to be replaced by the more consumer friendly "S" controller, but still, to some the "Duke" controller remains a fond memory.

Obviously, that's why Halo studio 343 Industries gutted out some "Duke" controllers and added the components of the current Xbox 360 controller. 343 Industries' Frank O'Connor revealed on NeoGAF there will only be about six of these controllers made--and again, strictly for Halo Fest--and they will be auctioned off for charity after the festivities.

Halo Fest runs during PAX Prime 2011--August 26 to August 28--at the Washington State Convention Center. Admission is free with a PAX Prime badge purchase.

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