Microsoft first showcased its Xbox Elite Wireless Controller in 2015. Though the controller is pricey, it has been popular among the gamers who want a gamepad that fits well in their hand. It seems, the popularity of the controller has encouraged Microsoft to come up with an updated version of the gamepad.
New Xbox Elite Controller – what to expect
Images posted on the Chinese site Baidu suggests that the second-generation controller will include a USB-C port for charging, longer key travel for the paddles, three-level Hair Trigger Locks, Bluetooth support for Windows 10, a three-profile switch and more.
Further, the leaked images also reveal an adjustable tension mechanism for the thumbsticks. Recently, Microsoft filed a patent for a similar design, and the drawings in the filing appear similar to the one posted on Baidu, notes The Verge. Another image on Reddit reveals the entire controller, showing the redesigned grip sections.
The Xbox Elite controller currently available does have issues with the grip sections, which wear down over time. Hopefully, the new one will address the problem. One source familiar with Microsoft’s Xbox plans confirmed to The Verge that the image posted on Reddit is genuine.
As of now, there is no information of when the new Xbox Elite Wireless Controller will hit the market. Hopefully, Microsoft will share some details at the E3 in June, or at the Game Developers Conference in March. The price of the new controller would be at least $150, which is the price of the original controller. Apart from the Xbox Elite controller, the company is also reportedly testing a new case, which will charge the controller on the go.
Xbox One outsold PS4 in December
Separately, talking of the console wars, recently the Xbox marketing boss Aaron Greenberg tweeted that the Xbox One had its “highest console share” ever in December in the U.S. According to NPD’s data, the Xbox One outsold the PS4 last month. However, it was the Nintendo Switch that sold the maximum units in December.
“But yes Xbox outsold PS4 in December for Gen 8 consoles according to NPD data, while Nintendo also had a great month as Switch had most overall units,” Greenberg tweeted last week.
More details on the console sales will be out sometime later this month, when the NPD Group releases its latest December U.S. sales report. The NPD report will reveal the best-selling consoles and the best-selling games for December. Also, the December report would cover the top-selling systems and games for last year.
For November, the PS4 was the top-selling console in the U.S. The Call of Duty: WWII was the best game, and is expected to hold the spot for December as well. November was the best month ever for the PS4. Microsoft also sold the most Xbox One units during the month than ever before in its history.
“More units of PlayStation 4 hardware sold in November 2017 than any other month life-to-date,” NPD analyst Mat Piscatella said. “PlayStation 4 is the best-selling video game hardware platform year-to-date.”
For November, the hardware spending was up 52% year-over-year.
