Microsoft needs to add this key feature to the Xbox controller, and quickly

Microsoft needs to add this key feature to the Xbox controller, and quickly

As a tech enthusiast who has experienced the frustration of dealing with stick drift on numerous occasions, I wholeheartedly endorse the widespread adoption of Hall Effect controllers. The Xbox controller, despite its iconic status, is not immune to this issue, and Microsoft needs to take the lead by incorporating Hall Effect technology into its design.


Yesterday, I found myself engaged in an intriguing discussion with my colleague, Sean Endicott, about Hall Effect controllers. This chat sparked thoughts within me, particularly around Razer’s latest marvel, the Wolverine V3 Pro – a wireless controller boasting the captivating feature.

The conversation then boiled down to a pretty important question: “Why isn’t Microsoft using this on the Xbox controller yet?” 

Why indeed. 

The sad truth is that there still aren’t that many Xbox controllers out in the wild that use Hall Effect sticks. Considering the vast advantage to using them over traditional analog sticks, why on earth isn’t it more widespread? The Xbox controller is hardly known for durability and long life span, after all. 

Xbox needs to start leading by example. 

What is Hall Effect, and why is it so important? 

Microsoft needs to add this key feature to the Xbox controller, and quickly

Instead of going into detail about the Hall Effect here, we invite you to explore our comprehensive article that offers an easy-to-understand explanation at your convenience. Rest assured, our team member has already delved deeply into the topic, and I’d rather not duplicate their efforts on this page.

But in summary, from that same article: 

Using Hall Effect sensors, which don’t require physical contact between components, guarantees a significantly extended lifespan for the associated control unit.

In areas where objects touch, there’s a risk of malfunction, and the greater the contact, the higher the risk. Over prolonged use, conventional analog sticks often develop an issue known as stick drift, which causes unintended movement. However, Hall Effect sticks eliminate physical contacts, thus eliminating wear and tear, and minimizing the occurrence of stick drift.

Hall Effect joysticks exhibit less deadzone compared to conventional analog sticks, making them superior in many aspects.

Here’s a possible way to rephrase the given text:

It sounds so good, so why can’t we have it? 

Microsoft needs to add this key feature to the Xbox controller, and quickly

One of the questions some may ask is whether or not Hall Effect is expensive. As in, do you have to buy a $200 controller like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro to get it. The answer is a resounding no. It’s almost certain that Hall Effect sticks are more expensive than traditional analog ones, but that doesn’t have to translate to higher prices for consumers. 

The Gamesir G7 SE serves as an excellent demonstration. This is a controller priced at $45 that boasts Hall Effect sticks. It’s impressive, and affordable enough for me to purchase it just out of curiosity. Surprisingly, I find myself genuinely enjoying using it.

However, it’s evident that Microsoft could, and arguably should, replicate these features in the official Xbox controller. Every time a fresh colorway is unveiled, its price tends to be higher than the Gamesir G7 SE, while utilizing less advanced technology. Given how stick drift seems almost inevitable as night follows day, wouldn’t it make sense to opt for a more durable and efficient option? These alternatives generally outperform and last much longer.

It seems as though their business strategy is such that products may wear out or become obsolete to encourage us to buy new ones. Yet, let’s not overlook the issue of electronic waste, shall we?

While Microsoft isn’t the only company working in this area, it’s the one we’re most interested in discussing here due to the nature of our site. Unlike Sony with its DualSense controller and Nintendo with its Switch’s analog sticks, there’s potential for us to set a superior standard. In other words, we have an opportunity to take the lead.

Instead of frequently changing the Xbox controller’s color every few weeks or months, Microsoft should focus on making substantial improvements in their engineering department. Considering the benefits of Hall Effect technology, it would be advantageous for the players if Microsoft adopts this technology and makes changes that cater to their needs.

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2024-08-29 16:39