Xbox Series X controller could get a PS5-inspired redesign

Xbox Series X controller could go a PS5-inspired redesign

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The Xbox Serial Ten and Xbox Series Due south come equipped with 1 of the best controllers Microsoft has put out, simply the PS5 DualSense controller is arguably more innovative, thanks to its vibration and adaptive triggers. Now, it seems that Microsoft might practice something about that.

During an interview with the Kinda Funny Gamescast, as reported by VGC, Xbox head Phil Spencer had some prissy things to say well-nigh the PS5 controller. He too hinted that an updated Xbox controller could exist coming down the line.

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When asked near the possibility of VR coming to Xbox Series X, Spencer began talking nigh other accessories and where Microsoft could amend. The Xbox controller was 1 topic of discussion.

"There's probably some piece of work we'll practice on controller," said Spencer. "I recall Sony'southward washed a prissy job with their controller. We kind of await at some of that, are in that location things that we should get do?"

Spencer also shed light on his thoughts regarding VR on Xbox Serial X. Unfortunately, players belongings out for VR support on Xbox might be better off buying a PS5 or PC.

"We're watching what happens on PC. As it relates to VR specifically, the best experience I've seen is Quest 2," said Spencer. "And I only call back its untethered, the ease of use, be it untethered in its capability, simply doesn't, to me, require it being connected to an Xbox in whatever way. So when I wait at a scenario like that, I think about xCloud, I think well-nigh the Xbox Live customs, I think about other things of how we can bring content to a screen similar that."

For Spencer, if Microsoft were to pursue VR game evolution, it would look at both its first- and 3rd-political party studios, and see if could leverage any of its existing IPs or relationships.

As for the current Xbox Series X controller, it'due south not bad past any means. All the same, Sony stole some of Microsoft's thunder with the DualSense'due south improved vibration and adaptive triggers.

The PS5 controller uses Voice Coil Actuators: fast and responsive motors with precise tuning. It allows developers to implement very fine vibrations. When playing a game similar Astro's Playroom, players tin "feel" the deviation between walking on glass and walking on metal.

The shoulder buttons are also attached to a motor. By sending an electrical current through the motor, developers tin can add together tension to the triggers, giving button presses varying levels of resistance. Some games, like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Autonomously, use varying levels of tension to mimic the experience of different weapons.

If Microsoft were to implement this type of tech on a futurity Xbox Series X controller, the Xbox fandom might laud the decision.

Doing then might also make things easier for third-party developers. At the moment, first-party Sony games are taking total advantage of the DualSense. Tertiary-political party developers may non feel it's worth the time to fine-melody a DualSense experience when one-half of their players are on Xbox.

Regardless, any futurity controller improvements would be a welcome addition. Maybe these features could make their way onto a potential Xbox Elite Controller Series 3.

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Imad Khan is news editor at Tom'south Guide, helping direct the day's breaking coverage. Prior to working at the site, Imad was a total-time freelancer, with bylines at the New York Times, the Washington Post and ESPN. Outside of work, you can find him sitting blankly in front of a Word certificate trying desperately to write the first pages of a new book.