Controllers are one of the most.. if not the most essential product for every gamer so when Microsoft was going to make some small changes to the controller it peaked my interest. Microsoft is now shipping all new Xbox S with the new and improved controller. It just so happens that i needed a new controller. One of the reason is that i have an original Xbox One that came with a standard controller and unlike my Dualshock 4 this controller doesn’t have a 3.5 mm Jack on it unless you purchased an adapter ( Bad Microsoft engineering ) so I cant use my Turtle Beach headset to chat. Eventually I did purchase one, but you see I have a small toddler at home and he notorious for grabbing my gaming gear and making some accessory disappear from time to time. (ask my my Fellow Digital Crack Friends who have to hear me complain)
Fortunately for me the 3.5 mm Jack is included on this revision of the controller (so no more adapter for grumpy Joe) but that not all that made me purchase this new controller. The newest version come packed with some really useful features. One of the biggest new features is that Microsoft has finally added Bluetooth to the controller for wireless play with Windows 10 PCs Tablets and phones. I easily paired this controller with my Macbok Pro and even though it doesn’t work with all games in my steam library the functionality is there and if your a Window 10 PC gamer there are more games that support this feature. Another small but great new addition to the controller is the new textured grip that was added to the back of the controller PlayStation owners have a similar feature and it feels great for those long gaming sessions when your palms get sweaty.
Some of the new design features are less obvious but still noticeable and welcomed for example the menu and view buttons have been raised slightly and easier to access. The left and right bumpers are less clicky and fell more like buttons. The change is minimal but I noticed it. The triggers are the same and in my opinion they are the still the best triggers in the gaming world so no need to change this. The Xbox Home button now sits more flush on the controller. Microsoft also claims to now have twice the wireless range with its proprietary wireless transmission so more range is always good. From an aesthetics point of view The new colors scheme looks great I’m a big fan of the white and black look. Some can make the arguments that the controller should of included a 3.5 mm Jack, Bluetooth or rechargeable battery (but it still includes 2 AA in the package) since the inception of the console considering the competition has been doing it for quite some time.
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Regardless better late than never the new Xbox S Controller is a great addition to the Xbox family and the best standard controller for Xbox One to date. If your in the market for a new controller and have that disposable income pick up the Elite.. But if your on a budget pick the up the new Xbox S controller you wont be disappointed and will appreciate the great new additions to the controller.
