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Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller: 5 Things to Know

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Every Xbox entertainment console released by Microsoft has had multiple controllers. Typically, these controllers were crucial upgrades needed to move their respective consoles forward into a new era. The original Xbox needed a smaller controller after the company released the controller was simply to big for most regular-sized hands. The Xbox 360 didn’t get a redesigned controller, but Microsoft did make the wireless version of the controller available to anyone and everyone. Never has there been something like the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller.

Microsoft announced the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller at today’s E3 2015 Media Briefing in Los Angeles, California. Here’s what you as an Xbox One gamer need to know about the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller and why you should or shouldn’t look into buying one when they arrive on store shelves.

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The Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller is Made for Performance

Microsoft says it made the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller because it wanted something for pro video gamers to use specifically. Broadly, the Xbox One Elite Controller isn’t just for people who make money by playing video games. Instead, it’s for people who need as many options and extras in their controller as they can possibly get.

In creating the Xbox One Elite Controller Microsoft set out to create something with better accuracy and faster response time, according to the company itself.

The Xbox One Controller Has Different Buttons

The first thing you’ll notice is that the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller’s buttons don’t look anything like the buttons on your Xbox One Wireless Controller.

The regular Xbox One Wireless Controller has an indented surface. The Xbox Elite Controller has joysticks that can be changed out depending on play style. Gamers can keep the concave surface on their joysticks or switch them to convex surfaces. The classic D-Pad from the Xbox One Wireless Controller is replaceable too. It can be switched out for a new convex D-Pad surface that Microsoft Elite Wireless Controller will give gamers more precise control.

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The Xbox One triggers and bumpers have always been a point of some contention. Some say that they aren’t as fast as they should be. For those people who need an upgrade Microsoft has added user-replaceable paddles directly to the back of the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller. You need only a screw driver to remove these paddles.

One of the biggest complaints leveled at the Xbox One Wireless Controller was its cheap feel. This Xbox One Elite Controller shouldn’t have the same Elite Wireless problem. It’s covered in a new rubberized texture. In addition to that, Microsoft has ditched the plastic for the joysticks and replaced their stem’s with metal.

You Can Reprogram the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller

Don’t like the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller’s set-up? Buyers can remap each of the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller’s buttons to new functions. To do this Microsoft has Windows and Xbox One apps planned. It’s also worth noting that the Xbox One Elite Controller will work with its Windows 10 operating system flawlessly.

What Comes with the Xbox One Elite Controller

The Xbox One Elite Controller will cost $149.99 when it arrives on store shelves this coming October. Gamers do get a lot for that price. Included is a carrying case the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller itself, 4 paddles, 6 thumbsticks, 2 D-pads, a USB cable and a single set of batteries.

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You Probably Don’t Need the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller

So, the hard truth is that you likely don’t need the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller. The original Xbox One Wireless Controller that Microsoft launched with the console works just fine. The added durability is fine, but this add-on is really for people who abuse their controllers or play in a league where every bit of performance counts. If you find yourself replacing Xbox One Wireless Controllers on the regular, you should consider the upgrade. Otherwise, stick to the Xbox One Wireless Controller you already know.

The Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller is available for pre-order at the Microsoft Store beginning today. It is worth noting that there are Xbox controllers with performance enhancements made available from third-party accessory makers. You’ll definitely be purchasing the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller on its own. Microsoft refreshed it’s line-up of Xbox One consoles last week and added a version with a 1TB hard drive for $399. The company didn’t rollout an Xbox One bundle with the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller included.

9 Comments

9 Comments

  1. Marty

    07/03/2015 at 12:19 pm

    Can anyone tell me if the Left & Right sticks can be swapped/remapped please? Not the “clicks” but the up/down/left/right functions so I can turn this controller into a Southpaw configuration for FPS? Thank you!

    • copesnuffdss

      11/12/2015 at 1:54 pm

      Yes you can swap the up, down, left, right, and the click any way you want it doesn’t matter you can do it. This controller is something amazing. 10/10

  2. copesnuffdss

    11/12/2015 at 1:53 pm

    Yes you can swap the up, down, left, right, and the click any way you want it doesn’t matter you can do it.

  3. vader3234

    11/13/2015 at 4:57 pm

    how about mapping d pad buttons to paddles?

    • copesnuffdss

      11/13/2015 at 6:31 pm

      yes even the d pad buttons can be remapped

  4. PAPAA993

    11/15/2015 at 10:54 pm

    Can you remap it in order to play with a Legacy mode configuration?

  5. Riaz Harris

    01/02/2016 at 7:56 am

    Can the controller work on the Xbox 360

  6. kevin

    01/02/2016 at 1:15 pm

    how do I remap the dpad to mimic the left joystick

  7. John McGraw

    06/14/2016 at 6:58 am

    Can you still use a regular xbox one controller with the xbox one elite console?

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