The new Xbox controller introduced with the Xbox Series X/S looks similar to the Xbox One controller. Behind the saying “why change a formula that works?”, subtle and very welcome improvements that we were able to evaluate…
In the absence of a very significant technological development during the transition to the Xbox Series generation, the Xbox controller remains the excellent game controller that we have enjoyed for years on Xbox One and PC. Admittedly rather timid, the developments made by Microsoft further improve comfort and precision, enough to make this new Xbox Series controller a benchmark in this area. However, we remain unhappy with the built-in vibration technologies, which would have benefited from catching up to those used by Nintendo and Sony on their respective official controllers.
Strong points
- Safe and comfortable grip.
- Accessible and precise controls.
- Good manufacturing quality.
- Precise and comfortable directional pad.
- Reduced wait time on Xbox Series X/S.
- Triple connection: radio, Bluetooth and USB-C.
Weak points
- Battery and cable not included (only 2 AA batteries).
- Noisy directional pad.
- No real technological development (triggers, vibrations…).
NB: The reported price drop is calculated by comparing today’s lowest price to the average of the lowest prices charged by all retailers for the product last month, with safeguards to exclude prices from stores whose VAT policy is not clear (known as ” gray” stores, typically in the case of imports from China).
Alternatively
Significantly different from the DualShock 4 in terms of design, the DualSense has the good taste to keep the basic elements of its predecessor so as not to disturb gamers on the PlayStation too much. It nevertheless brings many compelling improvements, which certainly come at the expense of the record lightness of previous Sony controllers, but serve as real technological advances. The mention of “haptic” technology is thus not usurped, and the adaptive triggers surprise as much as they convince. A success across the board, in short.