Xbox Elite Wireless Controller - Customizable hardware, $150, October Launch

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RanceJustice

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On the heels of their updated Xbox One console and newer XBOne controllers (ie with built in headset connector), Microsoft has unveiled their latest peripheral - Xbox Elite Wireless Controller!

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-one/accessories/controllers/elite-wireless-controller

The Elite is a new variant of the XBOne controller that seems to be targeted at the enthusiast, in both features and price! Some of its new features include customizable pads and sticks (6 sticks, 2 pads included!), hair triggers and new trigger locks, 4 new optional "paddles", and more! There seems to be a focus on the premium nature of the product, such as the paddles and other parts of the hardware are noted to be built on metal cores instead of plastic. Comes with a nice little carrying case and batteries, but unfortunately not the XBOne Play and Charge Kit and thus, no rechargeable batteries; of course you can always buy if you wish them. Kind of disappointed that they are not just using Bluetooth, but that's a bigger picture issue.

On the software side, it is stated to work with both Xbox One and Windows PCs. Some stated that it would only be Windows 10 compatible, but they note that Windows 7 or higher is required. However, MS is creating an "app" this time for keybinding and customization and it appears this app will only be for Xbox One and Windows 10. Of note is that the controller will have onboard memory for profiles and a hardware switch to allow you to toggle them at will. It is also notable that USB connections will allow the passing of data besides simply charging batteries; a new feature for Microsoft's wireless controllers. They even provide a USB cable!

So now the big news - price and availability! Microsoft must really believe in this, because they're charging $150 for it. It seems like they're positioning it as a similar purchase to a custom Arcade Fight Stick Tournament Edition style controller, but honestly I'm wondering if they're overshooting it financially; a $100 price would have still doubled just about every major competitor including third-party "enhanced" variants a la Razer. The scheduled release date is October, which is no coincidence given the Steam Controller shipping around the same time.

Personally, I'd be interested in testing one of these out as a replacement to my X360 Silver Edition, but I have a few concerns overall. The price is a minor one, but I really would like to get a bit more for as much as they're charging; including the PC Wireless Adapter would have made it a better deal.f I'm curious about the openness of this new implementation, especially on Linux. The X360 controller works flawlessly on Linux thanks to a kernel-merged driver package and I hope that the Elite is equally as viable, plus the new profile setting and customization options (assuming that the community writes a program for such things).

Microsoft has made a big gamble with a high priced item like this, given that the XBOne didn't sell very well given its high price (amongst other reasons). Now that they're pushing PC gaming on Win10 (maybe in reaction to SteamOS), Oculus partnership and whatnot... they should have made it more PC friendly with the inclusion of the Wireless Adapter. However, as an individual product it looks promising, albeit with an inflated pricetag.
 
And yet, still comes with batteries. Fucking obscene they can't get with the program like everyone else and just include rechargeable functionality in their wireless controllers. A $25 premium for charging is fucked.
 
I still prefer the DualShock 4 but if they drop the price under $100 I might pick one up
 
I dont have xbox one anymore, but jeebus christ! MS like to stick in there till it bleeds.
 
$150 for a controller...
And the XBots will still buy this shit up.

I'd pay $80 for it.
 
I'll stick with the $50 STEAM Controller but thanks anyway
 
DPI said:
I'll stick with the $50 STEAM Controller but thanks anyway
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Kind of hard to stick with it seeing as you probably don't have one? :p

This seems nice, but a bit pricey as others noted. But seeing that expensive mice often cost that much I don't think it is too unreasonable. I suppose it is an interesting development for consoles to have controllers with different button options.
 
I'll be the lone person who is all over it. For years there have been little quirks I've had with gaming controllers and this one allows me to essentially "fix" my gripes by swapping out different components and re-map things as needed. It's expensive, but it's literally the exact thing I've been wanting for years.
It's the best of all the controllers IMO...and I'm willing to pay extra for that.
I also like that I can toss my black eneloops into it instead of making it an internal battery.
 
I might consider them when/if my I wear my current XB1 controller out, but the D-Pad (without seeing the alternative D-Pad that is included) and the lack of ability to change main movement stick to the D-Pad, it would look I would be keeping my F310 as an alternative Joypad for a while longer.

I do like the totally black/grey colour scheme though
 
So am I understanding this correctly that through the mapping app I can force a southpaw thumbstick configuration that just universally works and I no longer have to worry about whether or not developers care about lefties enough to give us the option?
 
Definitely expensive. Still cool that they're producing it.

I do agree with another poster though... the steam controller is a lot more attractive. I just hope that it has a headphone jack in the bottom.
 
Blue_Scholar said:
So am I understanding this correctly that through the mapping app I can force a southpaw thumbstick configuration that just universally works and I no longer have to worry about whether or not developers care about lefties enough to give us the option?
Click to expand...

Yes?

No?


EDIT: After a further look on the official product page no where does it state anything about switching analog stick inputs for southpaw or legacy or inverted or FUCKING NNOTHING you'd think for something touted as being fully customizable they'd have the simple ability to switch those inputs but nooooooooooooo
 
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Nolan7689 said:
And yet, still comes with batteries. Fucking obscene they can't get with the program like everyone else and just include rechargeable functionality in their wireless controllers. A $25 premium for charging is fucked.
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I must be the only one that hates those internal rechargeable batteries for controllers like Sony. In 5-10 years what happens when the battery dies? I'd either have to go on amazon and find a replacement then go through the hassel of opening it up or throw it out. With the Xbox all I have to do is find a pair of AA batteries or rechargeable AA's at that which will be around for the next 50 years.
 
150 is waaaaaay too much. I am more interested in Valve's controller. Plus my wireless 360 is still good enough for my emulators and XBMC lol
 
Armenius said:
$150 for a controller...
And the XBots will still buy this shit up.

I'd pay $80 for it.
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This x1000 and that would need to include the wireless adapter at that price too.

As it it stands the standard controller with the wireless PC adapter is going to cost $80. So 360 controller it is for the time being.
 
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