Xbox One controller

The Xbox One controller (sometimes known as the Xbox One wireless controller) is the primary game controller for the Xbox One and Xbox Series X home video game consoles, also commercialized for its use in Windows-based PCs, and compatible with other operating systems such as macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. The controller maintains the overall layout found in the Xbox 360 controller, but with various tweaks to its design, such as a revised shape, redesigned analog sticks, shoulder buttons, and triggers, along with new rumble motors within the triggers to allow for directional haptic feedback.

Xbox One controller
DeveloperMicrosoft
ManufacturerMicrosoft
TypeVideo game controller
GenerationEighth
Release date
  • NA: November 22, 2013
  • EU: November 22, 2013 (some countries, 2014 for others)
  • AU: November 22, 2013
  • BRA: December 1, 2013
  • JP: September 4, 2014
Lifespan2013—present
Input
  • Digital D-Pad
  • 2× Analog triggers (LT, RT)
  • 2× Analog sticks
  • 11× Digital buttons
    (Y, B, A, X, LB, RB, left stick click, right stick click, Menu, View, Xbox)
  • Wireless pairing button
  • Share button (2020 revision)
Connectivity
  • Wireless
  • Micro USB
  • 3.5 mm stereo audio jack (after 2nd revision)
  • Bluetooth 4.0 (third revision)
  • USB-C (Elite Series 2)
Current firmware2.3.2385.0
4.8.1923.0 (third revision)
Dimensions6.02in×4.01in×2.4in
PredecessorXbox 360 controller
SuccessorXbox Series X controller

It has had three revisions with several changes to the controller's design and functionality. Microsoft also markets the Elite Wireless Controller, a premium version geared towards professional gamers, including interchangeable parts and programmability features. In turn, each of the aforementioned variations has been offered in various color schemes, some featuring special designs tying into specific games. The Xbox Series X will introduce an updated version of the controller; remain

Per a partnership between Microsoft and Oculus VR, the Oculus Rift CV1 virtual reality headset bundle initially included an Xbox One controller, up until the launch of the Oculus Touch motion controllers.[1]

Layout

The Xbox One controller retains roughly the same layout as the Xbox 360 controller, including four main face buttons, two shoulder bumpers, two analog triggers, two analog sticks and a digital D-pad. The "Start" and "Back" buttons are replaced by "Menu" and "View" buttons, while the Guide button now consists of a white backlit Xbox logo, and does not feature the "ring of light" that served as an indicator for the controller's assigned number (1 to 4).

Design

Microsoft invested over $100 million into refining the controller design for the Xbox One; internal designers had created prototypes with various tweaks and refinements to the design over the Xbox 360 controller, along with those including unorthodox features such as embedded screens and speakers (which were rejected due to their effects on battery life, and redundancy to the main display and sound system), and the ability to emit odors.[2]

The Xbox One controller maintains the overall layout found in the Xbox 360 controller's design, but with enhancements such as redesigned grips, a smoother build, and the removal of the protruding battery compartment. The controller also contains light emitters that allow it to be tracked and paired using Kinect sensor, and to detect when it is not being held to automatically enter a low-power state. The controller contains a micro USB port, enabling wired use of the controller with the console or on computers running Windows 7 or later with drivers, and firmware updates.[3][4][5][6] For communication, the controller uses a new proprietary protocol with a greater bandwidth than the wireless protocol used by the Xbox 360 controller, reducing latency and allowing for higher quality headset audio.[4][5]

The analog sticks feature a new textured rim, while the D-pad was changed to use a more traditional 4-way design rather than the circular 8-way design of the 360 controller. This change was made partially due to criticism by players of fighting games who, despite the use of "sweeps" across the D-pad in these games being part of the motivation for the 8-way design, felt that the Xbox 360's D-pad performed poorly in that type of game. The updated 4-way design is also better suited for use as individual keys in games that use them for item selection.[7] The design of the face buttons was revised to improve their legibility, using a three-layer design consisting of a black background, colored letter, and a clear covering intended to make the letter appear to "hover" inside it. The buttons themselves are also spaced slightly closer together.[8]

The bumpers and trigger buttons were overhauled with a new curved shape to improve their ergonomics, as the user's fingers now naturally lie at an angle upon them unlike the straighter design on Xbox 360 controllers. The bumpers were also made flush with the triggers. The triggers themselves now have a smoother feel, and were made more accurate.[8] Each trigger features independent rumble motors called "Impulse Triggers", which allows developers to program directional vibration. One trigger can be made to vibrate when firing a gun, or both can work together to create feedback that indicates the direction of an incoming hit.[9]

Models

2015 revision

On June 9, 2015, Microsoft unveiled a revised version of the standard controller, with model 1697. Its shoulder buttons were redesigned for improved responsiveness, a 3.5 mm headphone jack was added near the controller's expansion port, and support for wireless firmware updates was added.[10][11]

2016 revision

A third revision of the controller, model 1708, was introduced alongside the Xbox One S, an updated model of the Xbox One console, unveiled in June 2016. It features textured grips, and additionally supports Bluetooth, which allows it to be used wirelessly on Bluetooth-enabled PCs without the need for the proprietary Wireless Adapter.[12][13] Users can also custom-order this controller revision via the "Xbox Design Lab" service, with their choice of colors, and an optional inscription of their Xbox Live screen name for an additional fee.[14]

It has been made available in white, black, red, and blue colors, as well as other limited edition colors.[15]

2020 revision

An updated revision of the controller will be included with Xbox Series X upon its release in late 2020. It has a refined build with a slightly smaller body, a "Share" button, a flat concave D-pad similar to the Elite Controller, and a USB-C connector. The Xbox Series X controller is backwards-compatible with existing Xbox One consoles, while the console will be backwards-compatible with existing Xbox One controllers as well.[16][17][18]

Xbox One controller model summary
Model[lower-alpha 1]Intro.Disc.3.5 mm jackBluetoothUSBThumbnailNotes
1537[lower-alpha 2] 20132015  No No Micro-B Controllers packed with launch-day systems are marked "DAY ONE 2013" with chrome d-pad.[19]
1697 20152016  Yes No Standard 3.5 mm audio jack added to bottom of controller.[20] Capable of receiving firmware updates wirelessly from Xbox One console.[21]
1698 'Elite' 2019  Yes No[22] Interchangeable thumbsticks and d-pad; detachable paddles on underside duplicating face buttons; rubberized grip; trigger locks.[23] Standard color scheme is black and silver, but the Elite controller was later available in a predominantly red special edition Gears of War 4-branded theme and a Robot White theme.
1708 2016—  Yes Yes Introduced with the Xbox One S.[12] Externally distinguished from earlier versions by texture & color of plastic surrounding Xbox home button, which now matches the rest of the controller body. Features Bluetooth wireless connectivity additionally to the previous revision's proprietary wireless protocol.
'Elite 2' 2019—  Yes Yes USB-C Compared to the 1698 'Elite', 'Elite 2' adds a third trigger lock position, adjustable thumbstick tension, extended rubber grip (wrapping around to the front side), Bluetooth connectivity, and an internal rechargeable battery.[24]
Notes
  1. The model number is printed on the sticker in the battery compartment
  2. Part number 7MN-0001

Colors and styles
Main article: List of Xbox One controller special editions

Besides standard colors, "special" and "limited edition" Xbox One controllers have also been sold by Microsoft with special color and design schemes, sometimes tying into specific games.[25]

Elite controller
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller

On June 15, 2015, during its E3 2015 press conference, Microsoft unveiled the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller, a new controller which Xbox division head Phil Spencer described as being "an elite controller for the elite gamer". It features a steel construction with a soft-touch plastic exterior, along with interchangeable rear paddle buttons (with either short or long forms), analog stick tops (original Xbox one stick, a convex dome, and an extended version for increased accuracy ), and directional pad designs (either the traditional four-way design, or a concave disc-like design), and "hair trigger locks" for the triggers that allow users to reduce the amount of distance they must be pressed to register a press. Through software, users can customise button and paddle mappings and adjust the sensitivity of the triggers and analog sticks. Two button profiles can be assigned to a switch on the controller for quick access. The Elite Controller was released on October 27, 2015.[26][27][28]

Cosmetic variants

A special Gears of War 4-themed limited edition variant of the Elite controller was unveiled during Microsoft's E3 2016 press conference. It features a rustic, dark red color scheme with a blood splatter effect and the series emblem on the rear of the controller, and a D-pad disc with weapon symbols corresponding to the in-game weapons bound to these controls.[29]

A White Special Edition of the controller was announced on August 29, 2018. Although a revised Elite controller was leaked early in 2018 incorporating functional changes, the White Special Edition was another cosmetic variant of the original Elite.[30]

Series 2

Plans for a revised version of the Elite controller were leaked in January 2018, with a number of new features, including USB-C connector, and other hardware improvements such as three-level Hair Trigger Locks, adjustable tension for the thumbsticks, revised rubber grips, three user-defined profile settings, and Bluetooth connectivity, which had been introduced with the revised Xbox One S controller in 2016.[30][31]

At E3 2019, Microsoft announced they would begin taking pre-orders for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2; the controller would be available starting on November 4, 2019 at a suggested retail price of US$179.99.[32]

Support on other platforms

Drivers were released in June 2014 to allow Xbox One controllers to be used over a USB connection on PCs running Windows 7 or later.[33] The Xbox One Wireless Adapter for Windows is a USB dongle that allows up to eight controllers to be used at once wirelessly. Upon its release in October 2015, it was supported only by Windows 10. Drivers for Windows 7 and 8.1 were released in December 2015.[34][35] The adapter was updated in August 2017 with a smaller form factor.[36]

On Windows 10, support for the controller is built-in, including support for wireless audio when using the wireless dongle or USB cable (it is not supported over Bluetooth). The controller is also manageable via the Xbox Accessories app, whose features include button remapping (for both the regular and Elite controller), input tests, and firmware update. On Windows 7 or 8.1, drivers are required, and the aforementioned features are not available.[37]

Microsoft also supports Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One controllers on Android, specifically listing support for Minecraft: Gear VR Edition on certain Samsung Galaxy devices.[38]

In June 2019, Apple announced support for Bluetooth-enabled Xbox One controllers in iOS 13, macOS Catalina and tvOS 13, which became available in the fall of 2019.[39][40]

Accessories

Stereo headset adapter

The Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter allows the use of headsets with 3.5 millimeter headphone jacks with the original Xbox One controller, which does not include a 3.5 mm jack. An adapter for 2.5 mm headphone jacks is also included.[41]

Chatpad

A keyboard chatpad attachment, similar to the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit, was unveiled at Gamescom on August 4, 2015.[42]

Play & Charge Kit

Similarly to the Xbox 360 version, the Play & Charge kit is the official rechargeable battery pack for Xbox One controllers.[43]

References
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  2. "The Xbox One controller: Projectors, smells (!), and other stuff that didn't make it in (part 1, exclusive)". VentureBeat. November 18, 2013. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  3. "Update your Xbox One Controller to use the Stereo Headset Adaptor". xbox.com. Microsoft. Retrieved February 1, 2015.
  4. "The Xbox One controller: A look at the new rumble, faster speed, smooth design, and everything else (part 4, exclusive)". VentureBeat. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  5. "Xbox One controller can be plugged in via USB to save power". Eurogamer. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
  6. Goldfarb, Andrew (May 24, 2013). "Microsoft Explains Xbox One Controller's New Buttons". IGN.com. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
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  8. "The Xbox One controller: What's new with the buttons and triggers (part 3, exclusive)". VentureBeat. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  9. Lowe, Scott. "Xbox One Controller Hands-on". May 21, 2013. Retrieved May 22, 2013.
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  11. "Microsoft Launches Updated Xbox One, Controller, and PC Adapter". Anandtech. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
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  13. "Microsoft announces the Xbox One S, its smallest Xbox yet". The Verge. Vox Media. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
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  15. "Red Xbox One Controller Launching This Month". GameSpot. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  16. "Inside The New Xbox Series X Controller: Share Button & More Changes". GameSpot. Retrieved December 13, 2019.
  17. Byford, Sam (December 12, 2019). "The Xbox Series X controller has a tweaked design and a Share button". The Verge. Retrieved December 13, 2019.
  18. Tuttle, Will (March 16, 2020). "Xbox Series X: Making Gaming's Best Controller Even Better". Xbox Wire. Microsoft. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  19. Fogel, Stefanie (August 8, 2013). "Xbox One 'Day One' edition comes with special controller, Achievement". VentureBeat. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  20. Warren, Tom (May 28, 2015). "New Xbox One controller will have a standard headphone jack". The Verge. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  21. Hryb, Larry. "New Xbox One 1TB Console Unveiled, Xbox One 500GB Console Reduced to $349" (Press release). Microsoft. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
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  28. Martin Robinson (June 16, 2015). "Microsoft Introduce the New Modular Xbox Elite Wireless Controller". Eurogamer. Retrieved June 21, 2015.
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  30. "Microsoft unveils new Xbox Elite controller in robot white". The Verge. Retrieved August 30, 2018.
  31. Warren, Tom (January 16, 2018). "New Xbox Elite controller revealed in leaked images". The Verge. Retrieved June 14, 2019.
  32. Warren, Tom (June 9, 2019). "Microsoft's Xbox Elite 2 controller arrives on November 4th for $179.99". The Verge. Retrieved June 9, 2019.
  33. "PC Drivers for the Xbox One Controller Now Available". MajorNelson (Larry Hryb). June 5, 2014. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
  34. "You No Longer Have to Be on Windows 10 to Use the Xbox One Wireless Adapter". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved December 10, 2015.
  35. "The Xbox One wireless controller adapter is exclusive to Windows 10 for...reasons". PC World. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
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  38. "Xbox Wireless Controller Functionality Across Operating Systems". support.xbox.com. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  39. "tvOS 13 powers the most personal cinematic experience ever". Apple Newsroom. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
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