One of the few hardware announcements at the Xbox E3 media briefing today introduced a new controller for hardcore, and competitive gamers. The controller has been designed alongside top pro-players for many genres, to ensure the control pad is suited for a range of purposes. The controller will cost $149.99 is the United States, and launch close to both Forza Motorsport 6, and Halo 5: Guardians. The controller has been designed with top competitive games in mind, and customisation as a key feature.
The controller is compatible wth Xbox One, and Windows 10, compatible with all games with controller support. The controller comes with a carry case, with the interchangeable parts included.
Here is what you’ll find in the box:
• Xbox One Elite Wireless controller
• Carry case
• Four paddles
• Six thumbsticks (2 tall, 2 domed, and two standard)
• Two D-pads (faceted and standard)
• USB to Micro USB cable.
• AA batteries
• Setup guide/manual
The controller drivers for PC will be compatible with Windows 7 and up, however apps to customise inputs will only be available on Xbox and Windows 10. The controller weighs 343g-363g depending on the attachments currently in use, with batteries inside. This is slightly more than the Xbox One controller currently.
The controller will be fitted with metal thumbsticks and a directional pad, which can be interchanged to your preference. This feature eliminates the need for third party extensions, such as Kontrol Freeks.
On the back of the controller, there are four slots, where paddles can be attached. These paddles can be configured to your liking, by having them mapped to certain inputs. This uses the Xbox Elite controller app to configure these settings.
The following inputs can be mapped:
• A, B, X, and Y
• D-pad up, down, left, and right
• Left and right bumpers
• Left and right trigger activation
• Left and right thumbstick click
Hair trigger locks allow the left and right triggers to be limited, so they cannot be completely pressed down. This therefore reduces finger travel distance and time, without affecting the input of the controller. This is especially useful for shooters.
This controller looks very interesting, and will most likely be popular once it launches. The price which has caused some controversy is justified, as many top-level competitors also use a similar price point. (eg Scuf controllers)
For more information, see the Xbox site here
Matt was a regular ICXM contributor in 2015, publishing 110 articles across game reviews, Windows and PC, and Xbox news. Their work focused on hands-on reviews, platform commentary, and breaking-news reporting during the Xbox One’s first full year of post-launch coverage, including the early days of Backwards Compatibility and Windows 10 gaming. They post on X as @RTEnvi.