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Xbox One Elite Controller Will Evolve With Third-Party Attachments, Mapping Profiles
Microsoft's new $150 Xbox One Elite controller offers users a number of attachments and customization options out of the box. However, the publisher tells us it intends to see the peripheral's usefulness grow over the coming months.
In a conversation with senior product marketing manager Navin Kumar about the Elite controller, he told us a bit more about its partnership with Scuf, a maker of customized controllers for a variety of platforms, and what we can expect for the device down the line. Microsoft is allowing Scuf and others to create attachments for its $150 gamepad.
While the high-end controller has a number of customization options in the package, including different thumb sticks and D-pads, Microsoft is opening the door to other companies. "This holiday, there will be Halo 5: Guardians component kits from Power A that will have unique thumbsticks, paddles, and D-pads," Kumar says. "It'll be available for about $29.99 MSRP. We are also working with Scuf in the near future to have their own add-ons for the Elite controller."
Shortly before the Elite controller launch, Microsoft and Scuf announced that a deal had been struck to license the latter's patents and technology. The statement also named Scuf the "exclusive third-party controller partner for professional gaming."
In addition to the hardware customization, owners can also create button-mapping profiles and download presets via the console-based app. Right now, only first-party games (Forza Motorsport 6, Halo 5: Guardians, Gears of War Ultimate Edition, and Sunset Overdrive) are featured, but that will be expanding in the coming months.
"We'll be doing this not only with first-party games, but we're looking forward to doing this with additional games beyond that," Kumar says. For more on the Xbox One Elite controller, check out our impressions and a video walkthrough of the device's features.
Our Take
While the price tag on the Elite Controller is hefty compared to what many users are accustomed to, it's a well-built and feature-rich peripheral. It's not for everyone, but for those that game extensively on Xbox One and/or PC, the configuration options make it an investment to consider.
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