opinion: The leaked Xbox controller is definitely a step in the right direction, but it’s missing two important features
Microsoft has only had one of its biggest leaks, revealing a large amount of plans for the Xbox consoles. While the data shown is already a few years old – Phil Spencer also points that out – it does give some insight into the direction Microsoft wants to move in.
While it feels like the whole world is talking about the Series X refresh – it’s not, but it’s definitely the main focus of the discussions – the controller particularly stands out for me.
On the one hand, because I just have a thing for gaming peripherals and because I’ve been a fan of Microsoft’s gamepads since the Xbox 360 controller.
If this leak is true, Microsoft is moving in the right direction, but there are still some features missing that I think shouldn’t be missing – or that I would just like to see.
FTC Leak Reveals All-New Xbox Controller To Launch Next Yearhttps://t.co/4avIxGB5Nk
– Insider Gaming (@InsiderGamingIG) September 19, 2023
Gyro Aiming
Why I think Gyro-Aiming is important: In my opinion, aiming with a gyroscope is the most accurate method for controllers. Much greater movement is possible with the wrists than with a thumb, which is why you can place the crosshairs much more accurately.
Since playing Splatoon 2 on the Nintendo Switch with the Pro controller, I’ve only realized how good gyro-aiming can be when implemented correctly.
How does it play with it? With the analog stick you look around and control the camera – like I know it from every other shooter – and with the gyroscope you do the fine-tuning. If you combine the gyroscope with the analog stick, you can also turn around extremely fast, like you are used to with a mouse.
Does the leaked Xbox controller have a gyroscope? No, it doesn’t look like it so far. According to the new leak, Microsoft plans to include an accelerometer in the new controller. This is not a gyroscope, but as the name suggests, can only detect the acceleration of the controller.
This isn’t supposed to measure how fast you can thunder your controller against the wall – I’ll just take the liberty of making that claim. I imagine the feature is simply to turn your Xbox on automatically when you pick up the controller and hold it in your hand.
Hope dies last: So I hope that Microsoft has changed their plans in the meantime and will install a gyroscope, because that will also encourage developers to implement the feature in their games. And if you’re not a fan of gyro-aiming, you can simply disable it in most games and aim with the sticks.
Hall effect sticks
The second thing has to do with analog sticks: Microsoft as well as Sony and Nintendo still rely on sticks with conventional potentiometers.
The degradation of these has now been identified as one of the most common causes of so-called “drifting”. In this case, the affected analog stick registers movement, although it is not moved at all. Nintendo can sing a song about this.
A possible solution for the problem: Analog sticks with magnetic Hall effect sensors. Mechanical wear is much lower with these, which is why they rarely if ever drift.
So far, they are only used in third-party controllers. For some reason, the big three console manufacturers refuse to implement these analog sticks in their controllers – like to force customers to constantly buy replacement parts or new controllers? Okay, that’s just a silly alu-hat theory, but it’s a shame nonetheless.
So again, I hope the plans are outdated and Microsoft will install analog sticks with Hall effect sensors, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t.
After all, the leaked document talks about longer life and improvements in build quality – maybe that even means Hall Effect analog sticks?
What do you think of the Xbox controller leak? How important do you think these two features are? What is your opinion on gyro-aiming? Do you see it similarly to me or is it nothing for you? And have you had problems with stick drift? How did you deal with the problem? Feel free to write your opinions and experiences about this topic in the comments!
