The Xbox One Elite Controller is as close to perfection as humanly possible

MICROSOFT has gone back to the drawing board to create a brand new controller for the Xbox One and it is as close to perfection as humanly possible.

The sleek and sexy Xbox One Elite Controller.

REVIEW

THE Xbox One controller has long been a fan favourite among players thanks to its comfortable design, rumble triggers and textured thumbsticks.

With it being labelled such a success, it’s hard to imagine why Microsoft went back to the drawing board to create a brand new controller for the gaming console.

But, I have to admit I am glad it did.

The freshly released Xbox One Elite Controller has taken an already impressive piece of equipment and transformed it to be as close to perfection as humanly possible.

“Designed in collaboration with pro-level players, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller unlocks your full potential and adapts to your unique style of play,” Microsoft wrote.

“Experience game-changing accuracy, faster speed, and a tailored feel unlike anything before.”

To achieve this claim, the controller has been created to be fully customisable with three metal thumbsticks (standard, domed and tall) and two D-pads (standard and faceted).

As the customisable parts come in different shapes and sizes, you can easily make the controller suited to your hand size and play style.

The faceted D-pad also enables easier and more reliable execution — a handy feature when trying to nail a specific combo on a fighting game.

The four rear triggers are located next to the rubberised diamond grip gives the controller a more substantial feel while providing more stability.

The controller also comes with the ability to add four rear triggers, which can be used to replicate any other input that already exists on the controller.

This feature means you don’t have to remove your thumbs from the controller sticks when deep into a hectic gaming session.

The rear of the controller also comes with switches that can be used to activate hair trigger locks, meaning they will be more sensitive to pressure and quicker to perform tasks like blasting enemies in Halo.

With all of these removable parts, you could be forgiven for thinking they will fall off midgame or you will lose them. Thankfully, Microsoft has developed a solution to both issues.

Firstly, the replacements are snapped into place by in-built magnets, which are powerful enough to withstand a fair thrashing.

I even went as far as turning the controller upside before vigorously shaking it and the pieces stayed in place.

All of the detachable components fit nicely into a carry box.

As for the issue of keeping the extra components safe, Microsoft has taken the liberty of providing buyers with an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller carry case with tailored storage spaces.

As if all of these features weren’t enough, the gaming console has gone a step further and created an easy-to-use app to allow for extra customisation.

“Adjust trigger min/max values, thumbstick sensitivities, button assignments, and more, so the controls are exactly the way you want them. Assign any of 14 inputs to the ABXY buttons, paddles, D-pad, triggers, and thumbstick clicks,” the company wrote.

“Create as many controller profiles as you like in the app and have tailored settings for any game. Load two profiles on the controller and instantly change between them with the built-in Profile Switch. The possibilities are virtually limitless.”

The button mapping opens a whole new world of possibility.

The downside of the controller is the fact it retails for $A199, which means it could be a little out of the price range for the casual gamer.

I would imagine hardcore and competitive gamers would have no problem forking out the dosh for the added benefits the controller offers. And I also suspect those who appreciate the finer things life wouldn’t have too many qualms either.

In the end it just comes down to what you are willing to pay for.

As a moderate gamer who has used the controller for a number of weeks, I would find it hard to go back for the comfort levels alone.