September 19’s huge Xbox leak revealed lots of neat {hardware} we weren’t imagined to find out about. Whereas getting a peek into Microsoft’s concepts for a mid-gen console refresh and even its next-generation console is thrilling, the leaked piece of {hardware} that intrigued me probably the most is the brand new Xbox controller, codenamed Sebile.
Additionally known as “The New Xbox Controller” within the leaked Roadmap to 2030 doc from Could 2022, this Sebile controller contains many neat options that would assist an Xbox controller stand out from the competitors. Whereas Microsoft’s controllers have all felt nice to make use of for the reason that days of the Xbox 360, Microsoft’s major controller haven’t innovated as a lot because the competitors in current generations.
With options like cloud compatibility, haptic suggestions, and modular thumbsticks, Microsoft may lastly have a controller that feels uniquely Xbox. That’s, if plans haven’t modified.
A extra bold controller
I’ve felt that the Xbox Sequence X was a really succesful and highly effective console since I picked one up in 2020, however probably the most underwhelming a part of the package deal to me was the Xbox controller that got here with it. Whereas Sony’s DualSense innovated with haptic suggestions and adaptive set off, and the Nintendo Change’s Pleasure-Cons toyed round with IR sensors and HD rumble, the Xbox controller all the time felt comparatively plain by comparability.
I anticipated Microsoft so as to add the again paddles from the Elite controllers to the bottom mannequin, however it didn’t. As a substitute, the one enhancements have been a Share button, which PlayStation’s controller already had, and a D-pad rework to deliver it extra consistent with the Elite controllers.
That’s to not say the default Xbox Sequence X controller is unhealthy. Ergonomically, it’s one of many best-feeling ones you should buy. It’s sturdy and even customizable because of Xbox Design Lab. I exploit it on a regular basis whereas enjoying video games on my PC too. That mentioned, it lacks the standout nature I search for within the newest flagship piece of first-party {hardware}, which unintentionally made it really feel like Xbox lacks the ambition or creativity to evolve the expertise of enjoying a recreation with a controller.
The Sebile controller may deliver again a number of the creativity seen in merchandise just like the Xbox Adaptive controller to the first Sequence X controller. Sebile’s outlined additions sound refined, however the distinctive technological capabilities of the controller proposed make it appear much more distinct than what’s at present on provide as the fundamental Xbox controller.
If the ultimate product matches the plan, Microsoft will extra carefully combine the controller with its cloud gaming plans. Taking notes from controllers made by Google and Amazon, this leak says that the brand new Xbox controller can have “Direct-to-Cloud” help that may seamlessly let gamers join their controller to Microsoft’s servers to make sure probably the most minimal latency whereas enjoying cloud-based video games. As Xbox is backing extra video games that make the most of its cloud know-how, it is a smart addition and likewise one thing not discovered on different residence console controllers.
In the meantime, the Sebile controller will apparently have haptic suggestions just like the PS5’s DualSense. The define additionally mentions “VCA haptics double as audio system,” so it also needs to present Xbox builders with a brand new option to output some audio for his or her video games. The buttons and thumbsticks are slated to be quieter than these within the present modular, which already aren’t too loud; higher but, the brand new thumbsticks are modular, which ought to add extra customization choices.
Lastly, different smaller enhancements like a chargeable and swappable battery, accelerometer gyro help, and a lift-to-wake characteristic that appears to point that gamers received’t even should press the Xbox button to activate the controller make Sebile seem much more distinct. It looks as if this controller might be comparatively reasonably priced within the realm of recreation controllers too, with Microsoft aiming for a similar $70 price ticket of its present specifically designed Xbox Wi-fi Controllers as a substitute of the $130-$180 price of an Elite Sequence 2.
In fact, that is all topic to vary. Sebile would possibly lack a number of the options outlined on this leak when it’s launched or be considerably dearer than anticipated. Nonetheless, if the Sebile controller finally ends up being a strong product and Microsoft phases it in as the brand new Xbox controller, it may lastly really feel like Microsoft is again within the controller innovation recreation.
In line with the leak, the Sebile controller may come out as early as Could 2024.
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