Home Gaming Hands on with the new Xbox One Elite controller

Hands on with the new Xbox One Elite controller

2 min read
46

Elite-controlle

Sony may have a tech-heavy controller that has some great ideas packed into it, but the Xbox One controller trumps thanks to one simple fact: It’s a  damn comfy controller. It’s easily one of the best input devices ever made. But there’s a better controller on the way. And it certainly has an “elite” feel to it.

XB1 Elite controller (4)

Revealed last week at the Microsoft E3 press conference, the Xbox One Elite controller promised more precision, paddles, button mapping, swappable components and plenty of other smaller upgrades packed inside of it.

Over on the E3 show floor, you could actually go hands on with the device, with various configurations available. And right from the get-go, it feels like a $150 controller.

XB1 Elite controller (7)

There’s a nice heft to the input device, where it feels just a little bit heavier than the standard controller. Not too heavy, but heavy enough. The analogue thumb sticks felt a bit sharper, with virtually no dead zones, while the vibrating triggers felt a touch more responsive, equipped with smoother input.

XB1 Elite controller (6)

Playing a quick round of Forza Motorsport 6 felt more responsive, with the triggers themselves creating a more accurate sensation of pedal to the metal. All with that lovely touch of vibration, which now matched the revs on screen.

XB1 Elite controller (8)

Then there was the D-pad. And it’s weird. Proper weird, but in a good way. It’s essentially a third analogue stick, with the dome-shaped input providing quicker responses. Best of all, the version that I was using had paddles at the back.

XB1 Elite controller (3)

Paddles which had a surprising snap to them, and felt quite lightweight. Switching to a manual gear change in Forza 6 actually felt great, with the quick snap of those paddles giving me allusions of being a Top Gear presenter replacement before I crashed horribly and killed my Stig.

XB1 Elite controller (9)

The one complaint that I did have with the controller, was the actual surface of the face plate. It felt a bit cheap, and nasty after it had spent hours in the hands of other gamers. Hopefully that’s something that can be ironed out with custom face-plates in the future.

XB1 Elite controller (1)

But as a controller for hardcore fans, this is a must-buy. Manufacturers like Scuff are most likely soiling their pants right now, as the hefty $150 price tag still makes this controller cheaper than third-party offerings.

XB1 Elite controller (5)

There’s still more customisation options on the way according to a Microsoft rep at E3, with apps on the way to configure the device internally. It’s a serious piece of kit for serious gamers. It’s not essential if you’re already happy with what you have though, but it is a damn fine piece of work.

Last Updated: June 24, 2015

46 Comments

  1. I so badly want an Xbone controller for my pc. But I really don’t need one. My 360 controller is still perfect.

    Reply

    • RinceThis

      June 24, 2015 at 08:46

      Agreed. It’s a might fine controller.

      Reply

      • Hammersteyn

        June 24, 2015 at 08:46

        • Captain JJ Browmehn

          June 24, 2015 at 08:54

          Heehehe

          Reply

        • Greylingad[CNFRMD]

          June 24, 2015 at 08:55

          HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

          Reply

        • IVanSpinal

          September 18, 2015 at 21:11

          not yellow but looks like this, lol

          Reply

      • Admiral Chief's Adventure

        June 24, 2015 at 08:46

        *mighty

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief's Adventure

          June 24, 2015 at 08:47

          Or is that MEHty?

          Reply

          • Hammersteyn

            June 24, 2015 at 08:48

            XBOX One MEHlite controller?

        • RinceThis

          June 24, 2015 at 08:49

          TOO MUCH DAMN TIME ON YEE HANDS!

          Reply

    • Ottokie

      June 24, 2015 at 09:03

      I am actually looking for a controller for my PC. using the Ps3 with a driver download, but still feels very clunky.

      Reply

      • Captain JJ Browmehn

        June 24, 2015 at 09:06

        I personally don’t like the feel of a PS controller that much. A bit too small for my wookie hands. The Xbox controllers are super comfy for me, but there are other great controllers for pc that are cheaper

        Reply

        • Ottokie

          June 24, 2015 at 09:14

          I agree that its a tad on the small side. But the Xbox controller’s analog sticks position puts me off. Maby its time to suck it up and try it out again 😛

          Reply

          • Captain JJ Browmehn

            June 24, 2015 at 09:22

            Hehe. Yea. It’s not to everyone’s liking. I’ve gotten quite used to it now and with stuff like Witcher 3 the Xbox controller works excellent because the left stick and the “X,Y,A,B” buttons line up 🙂

        • Marcus

          June 24, 2015 at 11:09

          The PS3 controller is shit. PS4, better. But this controller looks epic! The only thing I like from the xbox is the controllers.

          Reply

          • Captain JJ Browmehn

            June 24, 2015 at 12:05

            The PS4 controller is a huge step-up. I’ve only held one though and it’s way better than the older controllers. Haven’t actually played a game with one, so I can’t say any more.
            I think I’m the same. Like the controllers, but the console is a bit meh.

  2. Hammersteyn

    June 24, 2015 at 08:45

    150 doll hairs O_o

    Reply

  3. RinceThis

    June 24, 2015 at 08:45

    Yeah saw this last week, looks sweet.

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      June 24, 2015 at 08:46

      Agreed

      Reply

  4. Admiral Chief's Adventure

    June 24, 2015 at 08:46

    It certainly looks damn fine

    Reply

  5. Blood Emperor Trevor

    June 24, 2015 at 08:49

    When I saw it called an elite controller the first thing I thought was, “I bet it has an elite price too.” $150. Ouch.

    Reply

  6. Klipkop1980

    June 24, 2015 at 08:53

    Those little leavers look fragile….Controller should be made rage proof.

    Reply

  7. Kromas,powered by windows 10.

    June 24, 2015 at 08:54

    Still want a Steam Controller.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief's Adventure

      June 24, 2015 at 08:55

      Aye, as do I

      Reply

    • Captain JJ Browmehn

      June 24, 2015 at 08:55

      I’m not sold on it just yet. Need to try it out first. I’m not yet convinced that touch pad will do the job.

      Reply

      • Blood Emperor Trevor

        June 24, 2015 at 08:57

        That’s what she said.

        Reply

        • Captain JJ Browmehn

          June 24, 2015 at 08:58

          Aye. She does prefer the olde analogue sticks.

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief's Adventure

            June 24, 2015 at 08:58

            She likes old men? EWWWWW

          • Captain JJ Browmehn

            June 24, 2015 at 08:59

            Your wife seems to be okay with that ;P Old man.

          • Blood Emperor Trevor

            June 24, 2015 at 08:59

            I’m more concerned by the ‘s’.

          • Captain JJ Browmehn

            June 24, 2015 at 08:59

            Damn it.

          • Blood Emperor Trevor

            June 24, 2015 at 09:00

            If you say “no glove, no love” do you mean it literally? *run*

          • Admiral Chief's Adventure

            June 24, 2015 at 08:59

            Hence why I said MEN not MAN

  8. Pieter Kruger

    June 24, 2015 at 09:11

    I SHALL HAVE THIS!!! ????????????????????????????????

    Reply

  9. BurninZ

    June 24, 2015 at 09:13

    I have never had a Xbox but have jammed at a few buddies places. The controller feel is definitely better than the PS. I think the controller (PS4) is better than the PS3’s but, I am on my third PS4 controller at the moment! That’s in around two years, don’t know what recycled rubber/plastic they use on the sticks but its not very good, at all!! the PS support is good, i have gotten the remotes replaced but what a irritation to go to the dealers all the time and return the units and wait for new ones. Now to get one of these babies to work on my PS4, that would rock! I can dream cant I!

    Reply

  10. Ghost In The Rift

    June 24, 2015 at 10:19

    I love my Xbox one controller but feel a little regret that i only found out a ps4 controller works on PC after i got the xbox one controller that still cant connect via wireless .

    Reply

  11. CypherGate

    June 24, 2015 at 13:54

    Awesome controller… That price though…

    Reply

  12. z1n

    June 24, 2015 at 15:59

    Subjectively the best of course…

    For my big hands the PS4 is far more comfortable and I can play longer with out getting wrist strains. The XO controller kills my left hand, probably because of the position of the joystick.

    Reply

  13. Nintendians

    June 24, 2015 at 17:44

    I’m good with just a basic controller that that function like the one on the 3 other consoles.

    Reply

  14. Young Hassan

    June 24, 2015 at 22:40

    I want this for free

    Reply

  15. xnamxoutlawx

    June 26, 2015 at 21:11

    Why would Scuf be soiling their pants right now? Scuf Xbox One Stealth with 4 paddles is only $142.99, now if microsoft priced this controller at like say $99.99 then maybe they would have something to soil their pants about.

    Reply

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