How the Xbox controller has evolved over the years -
Geeko
Since its inception, Microsoft has chosen to deviate from the design of its competitors, who have always above all taken into account the expectations of Japanese consumers in the design of their controllers.
With its "Duke", the pad of its first console, Microsoft delivers a controller not only gigantic but also very thick, which will quickly become the laughing stock of Japanese specialist magazines.
However, the “Duke” found its audience in the United States and proved to be a very suitable controller for shooting games with its two triggers and its exceptionally precise pads.
How the Xbox controller has evolved over the years - Geeko
Regularly laughed at, the "Duke" has its fans, however.
In 2018, Hyperkin and Microsoft released a new version of the controller, redesigned for the Xbox One.
The success is immediate.
The "little hands of the Japanese"
The American giant is however well aware that not everyone likes the design of its controller.
In Japan, in particular, critics are fired on this pad "unsuitable for small Japanese hands".
The American giant is then working on the design of a smaller pad, called the Contoller S, which takes the code name of Akebono.
Smaller, lighter and more comfortable to handle, it replaces the Duke on the archipelago and is also marketed in other parts of the world.
How the Xbox controller has evolved over the years - Geeko
Almost 10 years later, Microsoft is completely revising the design of its controller for the release of the Xbox 360, with some small innovations there too.
The new Xbox controller is thinner, more pleasant to handle and it adapts more to the expectations of Microsoft's international customers.
It is also for the first time completely wireless.
The central island, which previously displayed the brand's logo, is now clickable.
It provides one-click access to the Xbox 360 menu.
According to the designers of the controller, the Pad-S was the basis for the design of the Xbox 360 controller. The new controller also retains the layout of the pad-S, except for a few. buttons that are repositioned in the center.
How the Xbox controller has evolved over the years - Geeko
If its next console will have much more mixed success than its Xbox 360, it introduced a controller design that will establish itself over time as the new yardstick and will even be used extensively by PC gamers.
If it takes almost identically the shape of the Xbox 360 controller, the Xbox One controller adopts a more sober design and this time does not introduce any major novelty at the level of the buttons, but its design is so brilliantly studied. that it becomes the reference model.
The positioning of the buttons is perfect, the ideal spacing and in addition, the controller is rather resistant.
Many challenges
Unlike its competitors, Microsoft does not hesitate to review the design of its controller several times.
In 2015, just two years after the launch of its console, Microsoft added a jack port to its controller, gave players the opportunity to update their controllers and significantly improved grip.
In 2016, he added Bluetooth and made his controllers compatible with the PC wirelessly.
How the Xbox controller has evolved over the years - Geeko
So it's no surprise that the new Xbox Series controller is virtually the perfect replica of the Xbox One controller.
In terms of design in any case, the two models are practically identical, with a few small exceptions.
Exit for example the curved edges around the Xbox logo or the glossy finish - the new model is only available in matte.
The microUSB port is also replaced by a new USB-C port, the new industry standard.
The quintessence
If it does not revolutionize anything, the controller of the Xbox Series X however significantly improves the recipe by making a few small changes here and there.
The new multidirectional cross, for example, is directly inspired by that of the manufacturer's Elite 2 controller.
It turns out to be a tad more precise than the old cross and should therefore delight fans of retrogaming and fighting games.
A new share button is also appearing below the Xbox logo.
A simple tap takes a screenshot, which will automatically be shared to the user's Xbox account.
A long press allows you to start recording a video clip, which will also be shareable on social networks.
For this function, Microsoft is very clearly inspired by its rival Sony, which has long offered a sharing function on its controller.
Another major difference: the addition of a "grip" finish which offers a much better grip and more comfort in use.
Here too, Microsoft was inspired by its Elite model, considered by many players as the ultimate benchmark.
How the Xbox controller has evolved over the years - Geeko
Over time, the Xbox controller will therefore have nicely evolved to reach a shape which is now practically universally recognized as the absolute must in terms of handling.
Mocked at its beginnings, Microsoft now perfectly masters the design of the accessory most essential to the gamer.
It should be noted in passing that on its new generation of consoles, it will not necessarily be necessary to break the bank to buy multiple additional controllers for sofa evenings with friends since its Xbox Series are also compatible with old Xbox One controllers as well as Elite controllers. .
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