Xbox One Controller Shown In-Depth, Improvements Detailed

Just like the Xbox One unboxing of last week, Major Nelson has gone in-depth with the Xbox One controller. So what improvements can you expect?

Among the 40 changes promised with the new generation of Xbox controller is a 20% reduction in latency. Microsoft has spent time developing a proprietary wireless protocol to improve bandwidth. The controller’s designer states that some consumers won’t notice the bandwidth increase, but the result is instantaneous controller input to make gameplay as seamless as possible.

Ergonomics were also a major point during the controller’s design stages. The popular Xbox 360 controller has been refined in some minor ways, the most noticeable of which is the removal of the rear battery pack. Though, the controller still runs on AA batteries, which will be included with the console. Microsoft has justified its stance by saying that lithium-ion based controllers, like that of the PS3, die slowly over time. After a year or two of continued use competing controllers needs to be replaced. Well, that isn’t the case with the Xbox One controller.

Then there are the little things. The controller is said to be extremely durable to stand up to moments of frustration. The rumble is powerful to provide more feedback during firefights. There’s a lengthy battery life aided by the absence of a built-in speaker or screen.

Really, the Xbox One controller appears to be very carefully crafted. See the full in-depth tour below:

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