Microsoft has released a new video showcasing the Xbox One Wireless Controller and the way it will change players gameplay.
Improving the design of the existing Xbox 360 controller with 40 new features, Microsoft states that the Xbox One controller is far easier to move around, especially for longer gaming sessions.
“Moving the battery inside really enabled thinning out this section of the body. Doing that opened up the possibility to create this really great grip surface that exists here,” Quintin Morris, Lead Designer on the Xbox One Controller. “This means you can grip it with a lot less effort and grip it into the top of your hand. this leaves this whole thumb joint totally free to access the controls. You’ll be able to get around the controls way faster than you ever have before.”
The Kinect and the Xbox One controller are much more compatible with each other. Using Kinect, the Xbox One will know who is holding which controller, and where they are in the room. This is similar to how the PS4 and the light bar on the front of the PS4 DualShock 4 controller works as well.
“We’ve added some IR LEDs into the controller. You just press the bind button on the controller while you’re sitting on your couch in view of Kinect and your controller will just connect.”
As soon as the Wireless Controller is plugged into the Xbox One it becomes a wired controller, with all the data transferring along the wire.
Introducing 40 new features over the existing Xbox 360 controller, the Xbox One Wireless Controller has new Impulse triggers that bring the responses right to your finger tips, while the spacing between the triggers and bumper buttons have been decreased.
The X,Y,A and B buttons are also closer together to increase the speed with which players can move around the controller.
The triggers also twice as sensitive as they were before, which will be especially useful for those who play a lot of racing and driving games.
The thumbsticks are smaller in diameter too, with improved grip around the outside to make it easier for people get traction on their movements in game.
The Xbox One release date is still set for a loose “November 2013”. With the PS4 launching on November 29 here in the UK, we could see both consoles launch within a week of each other. Expect madness.
Next, read our pick of the best games of 2013.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
