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Along with Xbox Series X, Microsoft shipped GamesBeat the new Xbox controller. This gamepad comes with the next-gen hardware, but of course you can also buy it separately for $ 60. And you’re probably thinking that this controller looks a lot like the old one, and you’re right. The Xbox designers kept the same overall look, but that doesn’t mean it kept the same feel. Microsoft made a number of subtle changes that result in making this the best Xbox controller (except for the Elite).
Most people probably won’t notice any major difference when choosing the new Xbox controller, but I will. And you would definitely feel some of the changes if you choose one after the other. And for me, this is the right decision. The Xbox gamepad is already great, but Microsoft decided to find ways to improve it. And most of those changes relate to making the same general shape better suited to a wider variety of hands.
Xbox designer Ryan Whitaker said in March that Microsoft focused on the hands of the average 8-year-old. They found that they could improve ergonomics for millions of people without sacrificing comfort for other hand sizes. And I think he did.
Weight distribution on Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X controller has some obvious visual differences compared to its predecessors. It also has some slightly less noticeable physical changes. But it also has hidden revisions that you will only discover once you pick it up, like its weight distribution. This gamepad has a lot more mass in its grips than the Xbox One controller. And this is by far my favorite change so far.
Like the other editions of the design, this is subtle too. But it also helps the controller feel better holding it. Combined with the new textured plastic grip, this weight helps to apply the controller firmly to the fingers and knuckles.
It makes the overall gamepad feel more like the Elite or Elite Series 2. It doesn’t have the same overall weight, but it appears to do because it uses its mass more effectively.
Awesome D-pad
This is a great D-pad. I understand why some worry about that. You want the crossover pattern that we are all familiar with and trust. But this design works just as well as the Nintendo-style crossover, and then it has a number of significant advantages.
The most important thing for me on a D-pad is to avoid false positives. If I move the D-pad slightly up while pressing to the right, I don’t want my character to start moving up. I was glad that the controller has a very prominent demarcation line between their addresses. You have to press diagonal in order to actually activate the diagonal button.
Above: the Xbox Series X D-pad.
Image Credit: GamesBeat
But that doesn’t mean that this address input requires extra effort to control. It has a concave shape that simplifies quick direction changes. This is a huge improvement for me, because I recently found out that I could switch inputs faster with an analog stick, and this changes that.
I played Dead Cells using this controller, and it worked better than anything else I have used for that game.
Consistent and tighter analog sticks
Microsoft did a slight overhaul of the analog sticks too, at least as far as I know. They feel tighter, which is nice. But more importantly, they also feel more consistent. With the Xbox One controller, it seems like you need to apply a different amount of pressure to start moving the stick instead of keeping it moving. This makes it challenging to move the suit to 50% position between neutral and the edge of your pot.
But with the Xbox Series X controller, the movement is very consistent and I find it easier to make those more nuanced control adjustments.
Large bumpers and shoulder triggers
Some of the more subtle but noticeable changes are the shoulder buttons. Microsoft rounded the edges of both the bumpers and the triggers. This makes it easier for me to push them, but I can also see how the kids would find it easier now with these. I find that my index finger now rests on these buttons more naturally than before.
The designers even added textured bumps in the corner where the tip of your finger is supposed to rest. This acts almost like the notch on the J key on your keyboard so you know where the “start row” of your controller is.
Xbox Series X controller has a share button
Finally, the new controller also has a new button: Share. This is an elongated button that sits right in the middle of the gamepad that allows you to quickly capture screenshots and clips as you play.
The Xbox One console has screen capture and recording functions, but it is not built into the controller. This makes it easier to access those capabilities. I’ve already used it a lot and I’m glad Microsoft included it. Also, if you never use the share button, you can assign some other role to it so it doesn’t go to waste.
