The leaks and rumors have turned out to be completely true as Microsoft has officially unveiled a new Xbox One controller that features the long-rumored 3.5mm headset jack. However, they still had a couple of surprises waiting for us with the announcement today.
The new controller has also had a couple of additional redesigns and changes, with improved bumpers, and wireless updating. One of the issues that Xbox fans have had with the Xbox One controller since launch was that the bumpers had a sort of dead zone near the middle of the controller. This has seemingly been eliminated, with Xbox Live’s Major Nelson saying that they have “fine-tuned the bumpers for more consistent performance along the full surface of the bumper.”
Along with that is the wireless updating, which will let players update the firmware inside their Xbox One controller without having to connect via USB. This should save some time and frustration, letting Xbox One gamers get their controllers onto the latest firmware with little hassle.
The new Xbox One controller will launch alongside the new Xbox One bundle. It will be the new default for all Xbox One consoles, so once current stock has been depleted, all future Xbox Ones should come with the new controller. It will also retail in a stand-alone package for $64.99, which can be purchased in the usual matte black or a silver and gray “Covert Forces” version.
