Amid Xbox’s numerous game announcements was a high-end offering for the most niche and, possibly, most loyal consumer-base of the Xbox One: ...
Amid Xbox’s numerous game announcements was a high-end offering for the most niche and, possibly, most loyal consumer-base of the Xbox One: the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller. Anyone who plays games for long stretches of time knows the values of a great controller, and Xbox has seemingly delivered.
The pitch goes something like this: it’s built for performance and to fit a gamer’s individual needs — after all, no hand is the same. It weighs 12.27 ounces and connects wirelessly or via USB to the console or PC. But the best is yet to come, the controller is bundled with a number of components, such as stainless steel metal thumbsticks (standard, tall, and domed) and D-pads (faceted and standard). All so users can find the level of comfort that suits their style of play. The reach, size, and shape of various pieces can be the difference between a controller that sits naturally in-hand or makes a game session feels like a constant stretch.
What’s more, several stainless steel paddles located on the gamepad’s underside allows you to utilize more fingers, so while your thumbs are busy you can execute a series of combos. These pieces require no extra tools to remove or apply.
Shooter enthusiasts will be happy to hear about the hair-trigger lock switch — one for each trigger.
Finally, the freedom of button customization is at your control, allowing you to set your own sensitivity and assign button combos and controls; any one of 14 inputs to the ABXY, paddles, D-pad, thumbstick clicks, and trigger buttons. Users will also be able to set a number of profiles for their settings. Only two can be loaded onto the controller at one time, but any number can be stored in the cloud through the app (available on Xbox One and Windows 10). The page also touts an “enhanced grip” that will allow players to “hold the controller with less effort.”
The Xbox Elite controller will travel, as it comes with its own carrying case. The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller will be available holiday 2015 for $149.
