Review of’Xbox Series X Controller’

Basically, the Xbox Wireless Controller is reliable. The same goes for this controller. The new Xbox Wireless Controllers coming to the Xbox Series X and Series S aren’t “next generation” controllers because they’re an update of what we already know and have experienced, as Microsoft decides how to connect without dividing generations. Of course, there are small changes that improve the Xbox experience, such as the D-pad and grip. However, there is no big change to be called the “next generation”. It’s just a slightly better controller than the previous one. If you want the next vision you’ll feel like the next generation, you might be disappointed with this controller. Personally, it’s okay to stick with a comfortable and familiar controller design, as Microsoft now shows.

Xbox Wireless Controller (2020)-Design and Function

With the launch of the Xbox Series X on November 10th, the models you get are very similar to the Bluetooth-enabled models that appeared when the Xbox One S and X were released. The pairing button on the top, the plate connecting two AA batteries, and the 3.5mm audio jack for wired headsets are the same.

With some subtle, but some cosmetic changes, such as the black Xbox button and matte bumper and trigger button, we expect users who have spent 7 years with Xbox One to notice this change, but more casual users don’t know the difference. I think it will.

The controller body hardly changed

The controller body hardly changed. The size is virtually the same. It weighs 287 grams, a bit heavier than the 279 grams of the Xbox One controller. (This weight was measured with two AA batteries inserted) Despite the slight changes in size and weight, the new controller weighs to some extent. Like the’Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2′, the weight is well balanced and fits well in the hand.

Of course, the new model enjoys the Xbox and has three changes that will affect it. First of all, it’s a new Share button located between the menu button and the view button. (Currently, the’button’ is displayed as a’button’ in Korean) You can quickly take a screenshot with a single press of this button, or start recording a video clip by pressing it for a while. These features can also be replaced with the ability to record recent scenes (record events) from the console’s Xbox Accessories app.

There will be many more moments you want to improvise.

Thanks to the Share button, Xbox’s basic sharing features are even more immediate. Recording was a bit cumbersome because previous controllers had to press the Xbox button and enter the recording option, and it was difficult to take accurate shots even if they wanted to take a screenshot. Of course, I still can’t say that using the Share button to take a screenshot is the best way to do it. However, this method is much faster and simpler than before. I know I can now do this with the push of a button, and there will be far more moments I want to improvise in multiple situations.

The biggest change is the faster click response depending on the design.

The controller also features a new clickable D-pad in a “hybrid” style, in the middle of the abstract and concave D-pad design of the previous controller’s cross-hair D-pad and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Based on this slightly concave circle, the style with the basic directions rising up, down, left and right can be seen more clearly than the elite wireless controller series, but the actual operation can be clearly felt. The biggest change is the faster click response depending on the design. Depending on the user, it may or may not be a huge upgrade, but it was helpful from my point of view of frequently touching the D pad during crazy play.

Finally, the controller’s side grips and triggers are textured. This has the effect of preventing the controller from slipping on the hand even when sweating on the hand. However, the texture of the trigger is a feeling that focuses on beauty rather than practical use. You can prevent your fingers from dripping down, but how often do your fingers slip while playing a game?

I wanted Microsoft to have an internal battery installed by default.

There are two small changes to the controller’s wireless technology: Like the last Xbox One controller, Bluetooth can be used to pair with other devices such as mobiles and tablets. And in this situation, the power is changed to low, resulting in a longer battery life. Unfortunately, Xbox controllers continue to require AA batteries, not internal rechargeable.

In addition, it was changed to a USB-C port. Personally, it’s a bitter change, but I wanted Microsoft to have an internal battery installed by default. Still, there is an Xbox Rechargeable Battery Kit to choose from, and charging via USB-C can speed up charging. (I’ve only tested one, so I’m not sure) At least USB-C is much easier to connect than a traditional microUSB.

Xbox Wireless Controller (2020)-Software

Using the Xbox Accessories app on Xbox One and Series X consoles, you can map many, if not all, buttons on the new Xbox Wireless Controller. As before, the app’s interface is concise and clear.

Triggers, Xbox buttons, menu and view buttons cannot be reconfigured, and the share button can only change functions related to recording. The most regrettable is that there is no extended function that allows you to map the function of opening a specific app with a share button to a button. Being able to map all Xbox controllers to some degree is definitely nice, but it’s weaker than the elite controllers, which have more input and button mapping options.

Xbox Wireless Controller (2020)-Gaming

The new controller takes advantage of better wireless connectivity technology in Series X and Series S. Called “Dynamic Latency Input,” this technology exchanges signals with Xbox more often than before. In theory, this technique will reduce the input time between the controller and the machine and the wrong button input. But when I play the game as standard, it feels fast, but I don’t feel that this controller is faster than before. The previous controllers were able to move quickly, and there were no erroneous inputs.

To experience the most noticeable change, actively use the recording function using the share button. I have a lot of confidence that I can take screenshots at the right moment, usually in a variety of games. Just press a button. Recording performance is also unfortunate, but now that I can record quickly, the possibility of making more gameplay clips has increased.

The new controller shines in games with a lot of D-pad use.

The new controllers are released with Series X and Series S, but can also be used on older machines. The new controller shines in games with a lot of D-pad use. For example, it provides useful feedback so that there is no error in direction input when playing a fighting game. It is easy to detect if you are trying to move in the forward direction, but you have accidentally touched the diagonal.