Xbox’s new ‘Sebile’ controller breaks cover in this new patent, and we now know what that the weird grippy “trousers” are for

  • Microsoft documents leaked last year revealed a new Xbox controller codenamed Sebile.
  • It seems that the controller hasn’t been cancelled, and should arrive with next-gen Xbox hardware.
  • A new patent details additional aspects of the controller, including boosted haptics.

As a researcher with a keen eye for detail and a passion for all things gaming, I find myself constantly intrigued by the latest developments in the industry. Last year’s Microsoft leaks have been a goldmine of information, and the recent patent filings on the Sebile controller only serve to fuel my curiosity.

Last year, I recall the incident involving a massive leak of sensitive Microsoft documents during the Activision-Blizzard acquisition hearings. Although it may have slipped your mind with all the recent events, one of these leaked documents holds significant relevance today.

Wishing you a joyful Christmas or festive holidays, depending on your traditions! Regardless of the season, the Xbox news cycle at Windows Central keeps spinning round and round. In my usual idle moments, I often explore Microsoft’s recent patent applications. Lo and behold, I stumbled upon something that supports the theory I’ve been exploring recently.

In the lineup of Xbox consoles that were ultimately scrapped (Brooklin and Ellewood), Microsoft had additionally designed a new controller called Sebile. Here’s an overview of this controller, highlighting its “direct-to-cloud” connectivity, much like Stadia, as well as other enhancements.

It appears that Ellewood and Brooklin have been discontinued, but I’ve received reliable information that Sebile is still in development and will be introduced concurrently with the upcoming generation of Xbox console hardware.

A recently submitted patent in the U.S., clearly identified as Sebile due to its unique plastic casing design, offers some interesting insights into the Xbox controller’s design. One feature that has been puzzling in previous leaks is the grip area, which appears somewhat unusual, resembling pants on a controller. However, this patent suggests that this quirky design serves a purpose, catering to two main reasons. Firstly, Microsoft aims to maintain the comfortable and familiar ergonomics of their existing lineup of Xbox controllers. Secondly, the grips also house novel haptic motors capable of delivering precise, high-definition vibrations. The patent explains that these new motors are strategically positioned throughout the device, ensuring consistent activation regardless of how the player maneuvers the controller’s housing.

As an analyst, I find this patent fascinating as it outlines a method to fine-tune pulses and vibrations to replicate an extensive array of sounds and movements. Remarkably, these haptic motors are designed to operate independently from the housing of the controller, offering a level of autonomy that could revolutionize user experience. Moreover, this technology promises to recreate traditional vibration patterns for backward compatibility, thereby alleviating developers from having to adjust their games for the new controller, ensuring seamless integration and continued functionality across different versions.

One intriguing characteristic of Sebile is that it will emulate a feature from Stadia by linking directly to cloud games through Wi-Fi. This means players can aim their controller towards various devices using an active device list, much like directing Spotify to different devices linked to your account. By skipping Bluetooth, this setup should reduce latency when playing cloud-based games, a seemingly small improvement that actually makes a significant impact in enhancing the speed and performance, making Stadia feel faster than other solutions at the time.

As an excited fan, I’ve been buzzing with anticipation about the upcoming controller from Microsoft, but it seems we might have to wait a bit longer, as rumors suggest that this controller won’t debut until after the next generation of Xbox hardware hits the market. It appears that Microsoft is cooking up not one, but two new Xbox devices: an Xbox handheld and a traditional console, both designed to take over from the Xbox Series X.

If the information in the previous document holds, the controller ought to possess interchangeable and rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth version 5.2, a novel “lift-to-wake” power-on detection feature, enhanced durability, and improved repairability. Microsoft aspires to utilize more recycled materials and lessen their reliance on resin and adhesives for the new controller, enabling players to repair it themselves. However, the cost is yet unknown, as these new features might not be inexpensive. Nevertheless, it’s expected that Microsoft will continue selling the current-generation Xbox controllers alongside this new one, considering not everyone may require cloud compatibility. Lastly, there’s no mention of an Xbox Elite Controller Series 3 in the equation.

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2024-12-27 20:39