Microsoft Teases A 'Dualsense-Style Redesign' For The Xbox Controller
While PlayStation has put the next in next-gen controllers with the PlayStation 5, it looks like Microsoft is snapping at the heels of its biggest rival. Now, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has teased a DualSense-inspired controller for future Xbox consoles.
The PS5 came with a tonne of new features out of the box, however, it was the snazzy DualSense controller that impressed more than most.
From adaptive triggers that react to the tension of Ellie’s bow in The Last of Us, to feeling the rat-tat-tat of bullets flying in Call of Duty: Warzone, the DualSense was meticulously designed and even had a clever Easter egg to the legacy of PlayStation.
Will Xbox get a DualSense controller?
Speaking on the Kinda Funny Games Podcast, Spencer admitted that Sony has done a “nice job” with the DualSense. Discussing what’s next for Microsoft’s peripherals, Spencer said, “When I think about our hardware roadmap, and I really love the evolution of Liz Hamren’s team and the work that they’ve done”.
Explaining the next evolution of the Xbox controller, Spencer added, “We’re definitely thinking about different kinds of devices that can bring more games to more places. There’s probably some work that we’ll do on the controller. I think Sony’s done a nice job with their controller, and we kind of look at some of that and think there are things that we should go do”.
Hopefully, Microsoft can come up with a controller that’s built to last more than 417 hours. It definitely sounds like Spencer is pointing toward the DualSense, but in terms of what else the House that Xbox built could offer, he’s less sure about the future.
What’s next for Xbox controllers?
Doubling down on his commitment to advancing the Xbox family, Spencer concluded, “We’re probably not in the more bespoke accessories place right now. We just look at what happens on Windows and other places and see if there’s a unique opportunity for us. Right now, I don’t think there’s anything that’s obvious to me.”
Although Xbox has paved the way with some of the best controllers around since the release of the Xbox 360, there have been critiques that the Series X/S wireless controller offers little difference to the Xbox One controller. This has been amplified by the fact the new controller is fully backward compatible with the Xbox One. In contrast, the PS5 has truly moved into a new generation of video games and only allows you to play using the classic DualShock on PS4 titles.
The notion of Microsoft adopting a DualSense-inspired controller isn’t too surprising. Earlier this year, TechRadar claimed that Microsoft had sent around a survey asking Xbox owners if they’d like to see DualSense features on their controllers. One statement read, “I am aware of features on PlayStation controllers that I wish were on the controller that came with this console”.
Considering Sony has a tonne of patents on its DualSense technology, anything Microsoft offers up would be inspired by DualSense only. Still, with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback looking like the way forward, we can’t wait to see what Spencer and co. can pull out of the bag for Xbox. Sadly, it probably won’t be for this generation of consoles.