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270°

Is Microsoft's Xbox Design Lab Worth It?

Matt writes:

"This year during Microsoft's E3 press conference, Phil Spencer announced that the Xbox and Windows community could customize their very own Xbox One controller to fit their unique style. Although you can start designing and purchasing your own customizable controller through the Xbox Design Lab, it will not ship until the beginning of September."

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maroonersrock.com
gangsta_red3605d ago

I'm sure there are cheaper options elsewhere but if you have this kind of money and want something official then this is the way to go. Hopefully later on, they will offer more color schemes, design patterns and other types of options.

H2OAcidic3605d ago

I do agree with you. For one it's... Hey pick a few colors, add your name or gamertag. Hopefully they do elite controllers at some point.

medman3604d ago

They have to...elite controller customization just makes too much sense.

Errorist763604d ago

Now for only 200 dollars!

DragonbornZ3605d ago

Looked at this thread and they've created some great looking controllers.
http://m.neogaf.com/showthr...

Hope they add more designs, but it seems pretty awesome so far.

Razputin3605d ago

Cheaper alternatives with the same build quality? No.

Buying a $50-60 Xbox One controller, and then buying a $5-15 dollar shell of lesser quality. Unless you get those crappy 3rd party goofy ass controllers that will last you a month.

Nothing is ever worth anything, unless you want it.

I would also love to see them make the shells separately and make some for the Elite controller as well. I'd spray painted my DS4 and Xbox One controllers, but the Elite has some rubberish material that won't allow for it.

medman3604d ago (Edited 3604d ago )

@razputin
I was actually surprised these controllers were priced so reasonably. In the past, Microsoft has not been great on pricing for their peripherals, so this new direction where they are trying to please gamers at every turn is great.

I would also add that the pricing of the Elite controller is also reasonable, compared to the best of the aftermarket controller mods.

3605d ago
Yetter3605d ago

I played with it and came up with a couple different designs I really liked. 30$ markup in Canada though, I'll likely still end up getting one

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 3604d ago
-Foxtrot3605d ago

Wouldn't it be better if you could order your own custom console instead

I mean think about it you could literally customise every bit on the console. Colour, pattern, how about finish like matte or gloss. Expensive...sure but if the option is there they'd bring in a little bit more money

What about if lets say Microsoft announces they are allowed to do Star Wars themed stuff for a limited time and you could design and create your own console on that theme.

It could be great.

H2OAcidic3605d ago

Now that would be pretty sweet to do!

MachuchalBrotha3163605d ago (Edited 3605d ago )

That would be DOPE!!! Man...we need to put that on feedback.

H2OAcidic3605d ago

Yeah, I think they'd make a killing if WE could create our own themed Xbox One consoles.

freshslicepizza3604d ago

good idea but way too costly because now you are limiting yourself even more. how many are going to pay $300 plus whatever the special order is? controllers are much cheaper and they will get more orders. they did do faceplates years ago on the xbox 360 but it was kind of tacky.

game4funz3604d ago

I wouldn't say better. But in addition to most definitely

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3604d ago
MachuchalBrotha3163605d ago

It definitely is, already made mine cant wait for it to ship.

DaDrunkenJester3605d ago

Nice I did one for my wife, nice purple with some white and grey highlights... I got myself that sweet Gears 4 Elite controller.

DaDrunkenJester3605d ago

Ordered a nice Purple one with some white and grey highlights for the wife, I got my Gears 4 Elite controller pre-ordered... we will be ready for some awesome Gears 4 coop and Horde mode action!

qwerty6763605d ago (Edited 3604d ago )

idk,

its up to whos buying if what they're paying is worth it.

this is a pointless article.

Show all comments (30)
90°

Xbox Elite 2 Controller Profile button can't be remapped to Share

"Your current -- and pricey -- Xbox Elite 2 Controller will not be able to take advantage of the new Share button and related functionality found on new Xbox controllers, including those that ship with the Xbox Series S & X," writes Stevivor's Steve Wright.

Read Full Story >>
stevivor.com
franwex2001d ago

Maybe they’ll make an Elite 3?

gamer78042001d ago

It’s probably nearly done as we speak

Abnor_Mal2001d ago

Introducing the all new EliteSense controller.

alextdarling2001d ago

Why on earth would you want to use the button that maps everything as the share button anyway?

Concertoine2001d ago

Because the elite 2 doesnt have a share button period

Blurry_Pixel2001d ago

I think you can map the share button to one of the back buttons.

480°

Lawsuit continues to pursue action over ‘drifting’ Xbox controllers

Amended class-action adds additional plaintiffs and specific mention of Elite Series 2

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videogameschronicle.com
crazyCoconuts2040d ago

I was wondering if something was up with these controllers. I have a friend that had multiple Xbox controllers with drift issues ... Seemed like more than just bad luck

pocolocoX2040d ago (Edited 2040d ago )

Thats weird, me and my friends have over 20+ controllers and none of them have drift. Not saying it can't happen but maybe it IS bad luck. I think it's mostly isolated to the Elite Series 2 being the newest controller.

2039d ago
lukasmain2039d ago

20+ controllers? You ever wonder why you guys need so many controllers? Maybe it's because their build quality sucks.

Imortus_san2039d ago

This is a problem that occour in all controllers from all brands due to users making a lot on stress on analogue, some controllers are less resistance them other like the Switch, but that the way it is.

I never had this problem on any controller of any brand in my 32 years of gaming, on the other hand I know people that have this problem in every controller after 6 months.

darthv722039d ago (Edited 2039d ago )

I have close to 40 xbo/ps4 controllers and none of them have drift issues. I bought them all 2nd hand and you would think they should (with the way some wrench on the sticks) but thankfully they do not. My son's xbo has developed stick drift as well as one of his ds4 so I let him use a couple of my spares. Not the fancy ones though... just regular ones.

@seal, maybe this person collects controllers? I know I do.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 2039d ago
TheProblem2040d ago

I think it’s about time that Microsoft put more quality into their engineering

2040d ago
2039d ago
SullysCigar2040d ago

Yeah, it seems to be more of an issue recently. It's like they deteriorate over time rather than being dodgy from the get-go.

BrainSyphoned2040d ago

Only had one out of my 5 drift this gen on Xbox. Annoyingly it is the custom controller I ordered.

nibblo2040d ago (Edited 2040d ago )

I have 4 controllers one of them is an original from back in 2013 when the console was released which did eventually get some drift on the left stick after about 3 years all the others haven't including my Elite V2 and I do tend to put my controllers through the wringer. I have no idea why you have so many friends who seem to get this issue as none of my friends with Xboxes have reported it. Maybe anecdotal evidence from people you know is not used in law courts for a reason? However I do think that all console manufacturers should extend their warrantee for this, 90 days is pretty stingy for something like stick drift.

1Victor2039d ago

@ crazy
You must be crazy Xbox elite controllers are perfect and only lying fanboys find imaginary defects on them. My works perfect without any issues and I have 2 on each room. Said you know who here

CorndogBurglar2039d ago

I mean, there's a lawsuit against the Elite 2 controllers drifting. So its clearly something that happens. Did you ever think that you were lucky that the ones you have just don't have that issue?

Zeref2039d ago

I have never had drift issues I got 6 controllers. Including an elite controller 2.

2039d ago
Zeref2039d ago (Edited 2039d ago )

@darkwingsoul I need to have issues to buy controllers? 😂 Yall are definitely some lonely virgins. Look at the agrees lmfao

I have extra controllers for when my friends come over to play videogames. Plus elite controller 2 and a design lab controller. Easily could have been more if I bought a few special edition ones.

Juvia2039d ago

I have this on two of my controllers. It seems like it happens over time tho, as mine worked fine for about 6 months.

R6ex2039d ago

Mine worked well for like 3 years before drifting.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 2039d ago
2039d ago
jonesmiller041012039d ago

I also had a drifter. I was pissed that they wouldn't do anything about it. I lived in Denmark then, which is notoriously know for absolute sh!t customer service.

Lostbytes2039d ago

Drift happens, no really. It is caused by a combination of ware and dirt. Every single one of my controllers develop drift. Without fail. To be fair, i am not kind to my controllers. They get used on the daily for 3-5 hours and 10-15 hour sessions are not too infrequent. Hands covered in chip residue, spills on and around them. TBH, I always get the 2 year add on warranty from Best Buy. Then trade them in when it starts happening. Trade for a new one.Then get a new warranty (40$ for Elite Controller, 20$ for normal) on that one, Rinse and repeat. I did this 5 time with the original Elite, with the last time paying the additional 30 bucks for the upgrade to V2. Still going strong.

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 2039d ago
RememberThe3572040d ago

Man stick drift is everywhere. What happened this gen?

RememberThe3572040d ago

All four of my DS4s have stick drift.

2040d ago
nirwanda2040d ago

I had one analogue stick brake, had no drift issues but went though quite a few, 3 with broken usbs, rubber came off first one.
Strangely third party ones dispite being crap were never broke

FPS_D3TH2040d ago

I get stuck drift every 3-4 months with heavy fps gaming use

SpeedDemon2040d ago

That's good, but an analog stick is a moving part and after a period of use they wear down no matter what gaming system the controller goes to.

BrainSyphoned2040d ago (Edited 2040d ago )

Xbox: 1 out of 5
PS4: 1 out of 7 including 3 with shredded analog tops-my second release PS4 controllers have been good
Switch: 2 sets out of 2, can only play with a pro controller

Father__Merrin2040d ago

ds4 have that notirious call of duty left click problem

JackBNimble2040d ago

Every single one of my DS4 controller's drift , I've accepted that this is just what happens.

Silly gameAr2040d ago

I have. I've had a couple with stick drift. Only difference is, I didn't pay 100+ for them.

kneon2039d ago

I've never had a playstation controller fail or drift.

2039d ago
porkChop2039d ago

You're lucky. I'm on my 3rd.

lukasmain2039d ago

I'm still using my PS4 Pro launch controller and it's totally fine.

lukasmain2039d ago (Edited 2039d ago )

@ JAckBNimble you are so full of it. You don't even own Ps4 controllers. I mean just on one page of your commetn history.....

"Those days are long gone bro... these sonybois are much worse now"

"I have a feeling that over confident sonyboys are going to be blindsided next gen with all their expectations of ps5 and down playing of xsx."

I don't pretend to Xbox controllers. You shouldn't pretend to have all these DS4 controllers and they all have drift. You're full of it

Seraphim2039d ago (Edited 2039d ago )

that's because on PS4 you often won't notice it. I've had controllers that work perfectly fine then while playing some game I put the controller down and notice L3 is drifting. Sometimes simply clicking the analog in and rotating clears it up for good or for a while. But imo, from what I've experienced, it's pretty minimal and something that can be easily overlooked or go unnoticed.

As for the mention of triggers below. Sony has made changes to the triggers over the course of each DS4 generation. There's at least 3 generations of DS4s. The latest bolstering the trigger somewhat.

ziggurcat2039d ago

Two of my DS4 controllers got it - one I'm still using because it's too close to the release of the PS5 to invest in a new one.

+ Show (14) more repliesLast reply 2039d ago
XxINFERNUSxX2040d ago

Made in China quality. This is what we have now.

2040d ago Replies(2)
franwex2040d ago

I haven’t had any drift issues. My elite 1 controller grips did fall off-but it’s still playable.

Even my Switch is fine.

Can it be one of the assemblies that they contract out that makes them be the issue?

At this point I feel lucky.

Killer73nova2040d ago

Have a elite 1 and don’t have any issues whatsoever or any of my controllers. So far I’ve been lucky but I’ve had my switch have stick drift

AuraAbjure2040d ago (Edited 2040d ago )

Never had stick drift using 7 different Xbone controllers over the course of 5 years. Unless I screwed them up myself which I did once by leaving one upside down with some clothes on top of it.

Applejack2040d ago

Lucky you, I had drift on 2 out of my 4 ps4 controllers. Luckily is wasn’t on my scuf.

JackBNimble2040d ago

I'm guessing you probably don't play all that much then.

TheScotsman2039d ago

I been gaming for 25 years now and never even seen drift on any of my joypads, maybe some of us just ain't hashy gits with our controllers.

IRetrouk2039d ago

I get drift eventually every gen, its the racing games man, I love em, but the twitchy way I use the sticks must mess with em lol

AuraAbjure2039d ago (Edited 2039d ago )

I put at least 800 hours between those 7 xbone controllers and I bought several of them used off craigslist.

Hakuoro2039d ago

I have used 9 over the course of 4 years and all 9 have drift and I keep them all in plastic safety cases.

Knushwood Butt2039d ago

Maybe you can sue the maker of the plastic safety cases.

Hakuoro2039d ago

Knushwood Butt

I won over 1 million in my class action!

Knushwood Butt2038d ago

Nice!

That will get you a lot of new pads!

Hakuoro2038d ago

I now have over 40,000 controllers and I have them individually sealed in titanium cases now! Unfortunately they all have drift...

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 2038d ago
lukasmain2039d ago

Why would you need to use 7 controllers? I've still got my launch PS4 pro controller and it's fine still now. 7 controllers? I am guessing a couple don't work which is why you have so many and use them all. I don't know, but 7? That seems crazy to me.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 2038d ago
Show all comments (95)
430°

Microsoft Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review: masterpiece

The Digital Foundry review of the Microsoft Elite Series 2, what we believe is the best Xbox and PC controller on the market.

Read Full Story >>
eurogamer.net
isarai2312d ago

Hopefully they have more durable internals this time around.

Rude-ro2312d ago

Not from what I have seen..
Having button issues..
Have not heard about stick drift like in the original.
I would go to the forums instead of trusting a review.. especially about a Microsoft product.

Rude-ro2312d ago

To every shill trying to protect Microsoft with the “disagree” button..😂
https://www.windowscentral....

Unspoken2312d ago

Most of the time people go to forums to complain instead of taking The time to praise. You'll have to weed through what is an issue affecting a small percentage of people or a wide spread problem. Doubt you even own one. My first gen elite is going strong.

TheScotsman2312d ago (Edited 2312d ago )

Hopefully we don't see an elite pad for series x at launch or I'll be pissed at buying this and it's not compatible with the series x fully. I hear there is an extra button on series x controller

DiRtY2312d ago

There is a "share" button. Other than that: Every Xbox One controller works on Xbox Series X.

PyroMessiah862312d ago

Got mine on Day One and its been simply awesome!

Much more durable internals than the original, which you can see from any teardown of it on YouTube. Mine is the same condition as I got it and I've played regularly since release.

It's basically an improvement in every area compared to the original. Watch a teardown there's a few that point out all the differences and improvements inside it and don't fall for the people throwing negatives into the mix here. It's mainly Playstation fanboys who will put down anything Xbox related.

Yes A button has 'stuck' for some people on the first batch but it's not often and its fairly small scale. There's also a easy fix for it.

CitizenFour2312d ago

I have the series 2. I have had zero issues with it since launch. It's been great and you can tell that it's improved from the first version.

As an owner of the first one, I had to replace the bumpers (both bumpers are actually attached into a single piece of plastic which was not durable at all), as well as the grips on both the left and then eventually the right. Wasn't a huge issue, but it was like a car, the older it got the more issues it began to have. Replacement parts were limited, but repairing it was pretty simple. Not something I was fond of doing after paying a premium though.

King_Noctis2312d ago (Edited 2312d ago )

“Optional” elite controller that is mainly used for eSport and competition. Yeah, if it is not for us then why it should exist right?

roadkillers2312d ago

^ Really king... yeah it’ is an optional controller Captain.

nucky642312d ago

so, you're saying it's wrong to say something is overpriced?

Epicor2312d ago

@nucky64: is that really overpriced? Depends on who you ask from. Overpriced to you? You are probably not the target customer then. Overpriced to competitive fps guy who invests hundreds or thousands of hours to fine-tune their game play? Hell no. Just check what is the market price of these special controllers. It is anything between around $130 - $200 at the moment.

RazzerRedux2312d ago

These are extremely high quality controllers. You'd have to hold one to really understand the difference.

isarai2312d ago

Problem is the shell and buttons are all high quality, but it all relies on the same quality board internally. You'd think with all that money they charge you would get tougher solders and internal toggles but on the 1st elite controller they weren't really any better than the regular controller. Hopefully thats different this time around.

RazzerRedux2312d ago

I never had any problems with my first gen Elite.

jivah2312d ago

Yup for maybe an extra 3 dollars worth of components on the pcb and maybe like 80 cents worth of extra plastic.

PyroMessiah862312d ago

Someone clearly doesn't know what went into building this controller....

jivah2312d ago (Edited 2312d ago )

@PyroMessiah86

Somebody doesn't know how much components and material cost. These type of controllers existed before MS made theirs. They didnt spend any more than a few bucks, no matter what they say, coming up with this controller.

2312d ago
2312d ago
RazzerRedux2312d ago

Well gee whiz. I'm sure I have some "components" and at least 80 cents worth of extra plastic laying around the house. I guess I can just make my own controller, huh?

sigh

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 2312d ago
Deathdeliverer2312d ago

I don’t care what anyone says, wayyy too much for a pad. The margin has to be through the roof. $125 max. To each their own, people spend on what they see value in. I fail to see that much value.

Sophisticated_Chap2312d ago

They are aiming for an enthusiast demographic with this product.

jivah2312d ago

No they aim for people who is willing to buy. if they knew people would pay 500 they would charge that

2312d ago
specialguest2312d ago

Did you know logitech makes a gaming keyboard that cost $249 and a gaming mouse at $149? Guess what? The keyboard doesn't do anything special besides being specifically geared for competitive gaming. If you think $200 for an enthusiasts and competitive level Xbox gaming pad is too expensive, then it's not meant for you. However, the pricing is in line with other enthusiast/competitive gaming level products

Neonridr2312d ago

I mean if you dabbled in the PC market you would see what's overpriced there. People spend all sorts of money on gaming keyboards, mice, monitors, etc. They all do something extra above a regular piece of hardware. These controllers go above and beyond a standard controller.

This controller isn't for you for sure.

rainslacker2312d ago

There is some hardware out on PC which is significantly better than what you get with the standard style mouse or keyboard. It's not that games are unplayable with the lesser hardware, but if you spend a lot of time on some games, a good keyboard or mouse can really be a much better experience.

When I played WOW, I raided a lot, and I had a $150 mouse. I didn't buy it for the DPI, but because it was programmable and had hot key buttons where I could set up my rotation without having to move my hand across the keyboard, and I just cycled through a series of well placed number buttons on the side. It had extra ways to use the top buttons, and it improved my game play in Raids and my general enjoyment of the game.

Same with keyboards. Mechanical keybaords tend to be more responsive, which is good for games. Some have lighted keys which makes them easier to see if you play in the dark, and many of the good ones have larger buttons and layouts, and often they have their own set of hot keys to do what you could do with the mouse.

This controller is essentially the same thing, but the need for all those extra perks is more limited due to the input options being constrained to the default controller. But, being able to map say the directional keypad to the back buttons is really good in games which allow you to switch stuff up, especially in games where those switch may come during an action scene where taking your thumb off the left stick isn't ideal. Triggers tend to be more resposive, or at least feel better so it becomes more natural.

I wouldn't personally pay that much for a controller nowadays though. But, there is merit to why people are willing to spend that much money on them. I'm fine with the default controllers, but even I still have times where I wouldn't mind some of the features available on the higher end ones.

2312d ago
Atom6662312d ago

My last 2 kb/m setups were $200+. I can't type on them though, so I still need to switch the kb out for anything non-gaming.

If I can defend those kinds of purchases to my skeptical wife, these controllers are cake. I'm waiting for next gen to see if Series 3 offers anything else, or grab the Series 2 at a end-of-life discount.

rainslacker2311d ago

One Logitech keyboard i had was hard to type text on at first. It was one of those semi-ergonomic ones. I liked it because the keys were bigger than normal keyboards. It took some getting used to, but eventually I was pretty proficient on it. If I hadn't also had a job where I typed a lot on more common keyboards, I think it might have been hard to go back.

Epicor2312d ago

I don't care what you say as you don't represent the whole gaming community. And what does margin has to do with anything? Special products are always sold at higher margin. It's not like companies put a certain fixed margin on top of their costs. That's called "cost plus" pricing and is almost always the worst possible way to do business. This product is using value based pricing, as it should. The price is in line with other products in this segment. There is A LOT of people who see value in this and will gladly pay $200. I know I would if I was a Xbox gamer. Unluckily Sony doesn't have anything like this in their lineup so I'm stuck with Razer and Scuf controllers instead.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 2311d ago
Kavorklestein2312d ago

I love mine. I swear it really makes a difference in some games

PyroMessiah862312d ago

It does! Mines been amazing. Love it

SegaSaturn6692312d ago

I would only buy one to throw at don mattrick.

2312d ago Replies(1)
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