The Xbox Wireless Controller is the primary game controller for Microsoft's Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S home video game consoles, as well as the official controller for use on Windows-based PCs; it is also 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.
The controller has had three revisions, with several changes to its design and functionality. Microsoft also markets the Elite Wireless Controller, a premium version that includes interchangeable parts and programmability features. In turn, each of the aforementioned variations has been offered in various color schemes, with some featuring special designs tying into specific games. The Xbox Series X and Series S introduced an updated version of the controller, with further refinements to its shape and ergonomics.
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 officially called the Xbox button (whereas this was merely a common nickname for it on the Xbox 360 controller), 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.[1]
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.[2][3][4] For communication, the controller uses a new proprietary protocol with a greater
Models
Base model
Original version (2013)
The original controller (model 1537) launched with the Xbox One console in November 2013 was black, with colored face buttons. A commemorative white variant was issued to Microsoft employees at launch, but was not available to the public until almost a year later, initially bundled with a matching white console and Sunset Overdrive.
First revision (2015)
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.[13][14]
Second revision (2016)
Colors and styles
Besides standard colors, "special" and "limited edition" Xbox Wireless Controllers have also been sold by Microsoft with special color and design schemes, sometimes tying into specific games.[49]
Xbox Design Lab
On June 13, 2016, Microsoft launched the Xbox Design Lab (XDL) service, initially restricted to the US, which made custom color combinations available for the Xbox One S controller (model 1708) at extra cost. Initially, clients could choose one of fifteen colors for each of five different sections of the controller (body, back, bumpers, triggers, D-pad); one of eight colors for the thumbsticks; five choices for face (ABXY) buttons; and four choices for the View/Menu buttons,[50] which according to Microsoft, allowed for approximately eight million distinct possible combinations.[17][51] Additionally, customers could request laser-engraved text up to 16 characters for an additional fee.[17]
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.[68] The Xbox One Wireless Adapter for Windows is a USB dongle that allows up to eight controllers to be used at once wirelessly.[69]
Per a partnership between Microsoft and Oculus VR, the Oculus Rift CV1 virtual reality headset initially included an Xbox One controller, up until the launch of the Oculus Touch motion controllers.[70]
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.[71]
Accessories
Chat Headset
The Xbox One Wired Chat Headset (model 1564) is a single-ear headset with a boom microphone permanently wired to an adapter that plugs into the rectangular expansion port on the bottom edge of the Xbox One controller; it also engages the two round holes flanking the expansion port with plastic alignment prongs for stability. There are three buttons on the adapter, which allow the player to adjust chat volume and mute the microphone. A version of the Chat Headset was later available with a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack instead of the adapter; on the updated version, the controls were on a small plastic pod inline with the cable.[77]
Stereo Headset Adapter
The original Xbox One Wireless Controller (model 1537) has no 3.5 millimeter headset jack on the bottom edge of the controller.[78] The Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter (model 1626) allows the use of stereo headsets with 3.5 millimeter headphone jacks using the rectangular expansion port on the bottom center of all Microsoft Xbox One controllers, including the original (model 1537). The Stereo Headset Adapter includes five buttons which allow the player to balance chat and in-game audio output levels, adjust overall volume, and mute the chat microphone.
See also
- Microsoft SideWinder
- Xbox controller
- Xbox 360 controller
References
- 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^
- Update your Xbox One Controller to use the Stereo Headset Adaptor xbox.com, Xbox Support, retrieved February 1, 2015^
- Xbox One controller can be plugged in via USB to save power