Microsoft took advantage of the release of its Xbox One S, a slimmed down and Ultra HD version of the Xbox One, to improve its controller. The opportunity for us to revisit this reference compatible with both Xbox One and PC.
Without revolutionizing its controller, Microsoft offers an interesting development, even more comfortable to use during long games, easier to use on PC and equipped with an integrated headphone and microphone jack to avoid the need for an adapter. The arrival of a battery would be a good thing, but the use of batteries provides some flexibility in case of breakdowns.
Strong points
- Comfortable grip, well-designed ergonomics.
- Nice production quality.
- Precise and non-slip analog sticks.
- Large vibrating triggers.
- Battery compartment, practical in case of battery failure. Battery optional.
- Precise directional intersection.
- Works on PC via USB or Bluetooth.
- Integrated mini-jack connector.
Weak points
- Battery not included, batteries required (works with HR6 rechargeable batteries).
- Click on the directional intersection that may be unhappy.
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
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.