A lot has been said about the differences between the official Xbox One and PlayStation 4 controllers – sometimes even the choice of console comes down to the shape and comfort of its primary input device. But what happens when you compare the official Xbox One controller to the… well, official Xbox One controller. Microsoft have recently upped their controller game (a move pretty uncharacteristic to a firstparty manufacturer) with the Xbox One Elite controller.
So how does the Elite improve on the user’s experience? Well, in a few ways, actually. Perhaps mots importantly, it adds four new “buttons” to the controller, in the form of bottom mounted removable paddles. When you’re using the controller, the paddles are easily accessible, with two on each side of the inside of the hand grips. They can be programmed using a free downloadable app, and can really be great for getting the edge in repetitive button tasks – kind of like macro keys on a PC keyboard. The Elite also stores two profiles, which can be switched between effortlessly, making it easier to customise your experience.
Speaking of buttons, the triggers have been enhanced with a hair-trigger function. The user can adjust whether each trigger requires a longer or shorter travel distance – careful accelerator control in a driving game needs a long distance, for example, while quick snap shots in an FPS need a short distance. This adjustment can be made quickly and easily, and is individual for each trigger. For more customisation, the Elite allows the player to switch out between two included D-Pad styles, as well as easily change analogue sticks. There are three options for analogue sticks, including different heights and end-cap styles. The user can pretty much set up their controller exactly the way they want, which is great.
The slightly heavier Elite is great to use – not only in terms of control customisation, but also comfort. The hand-grips are textured, and the main body is finished in a non-slip rubber. In terms of looks it’s pretty striking, too, with a black, grey and silver aesthetic that sets it apart from the ordinary Xbox One controller.
The only downside here is that while it has a 3.5mm jack for direct headset connection, it has no integrated volume controls. These need to be taken care of with the now-familiar adapter required by the standard controller. It’s not a massive problem, but it is a bit of an oversight.
On the whole, though, it really is a great step up from the standard controller, and allows the user to really trim their experience just the way they want. It’s a great new product to enjoy your Xbox One gaming with.
A great step forward for Xbox One controllers, the Elite allows tons of usercontrolled options.
SPECS
- Wireless
- Extra paddle controls
- Interchangeable sticks
- Interchangeable D-Pad
- Integrated 3.5mm jack
- Hair trigger function