Are you looking for a new controller for your Xbox or Windows device? Do you want to know more about the features, benefits, and compatibility of the Xbox Controller S? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will give you everything you need to know about the Xbox Controller S, the latest version of the wireless controller for the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows devices. We will also share some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Xbox Controller S, and compare it with some other popular controllers. By the end of this article, you will be able to decide if the Xbox Controller S is the right controller for you.
What is the Xbox Controller S?
The Xbox Controller S is a wireless controller that was released in November 2020, along with the Xbox Series X|S consoles. It is an upgraded version of the Xbox One controller, with some new features and improvements. The Xbox Controller S has a modernized design, a dedicated share button, a hybrid D-pad, and a textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back case. It also supports features such as haptic feedback, dynamic latency input, and impulse triggers. The Xbox Controller S can connect to Xbox consoles with Xbox Wireless, which provides a fast and reliable connection. It can also connect to Windows 10/11 PCs, tablets, iOS, and Android devices using Bluetooth. You can easily pair and switch between devices with the Xbox Accessories app. You can also use the included 9-foot USB-C cable for a wired gaming experience. The Xbox Controller S uses two AA batteries that can provide up to 40 hours of battery life. You can also use rechargeable batteries or a battery pack for more convenience. The Xbox Controller S has a battery indicator on the Xbox dashboard that shows the remaining battery level of the controller. The Xbox Controller S is compatible with a wide range of devices, including the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11, Android, and iOS. This means that you can use the same controller for different platforms and games, and enjoy a consistent and familiar gaming experience. You can also use the Xbox Controller S with Xbox Game Pass, which gives you access to hundreds of high-quality games for one low monthly price.
Why Should You Buy the Xbox Controller S?
The Xbox Controller S offers many benefits for gamers who want to enjoy a high-quality and immersive gaming experience. Here are some of the reasons why you should buy the Xbox Controller S:
- It has a modernized design. The Xbox Controller S has a sleek and ergonomic design that fits comfortably in your hands. It is slightly smaller and lighter than the Xbox One controller, making it easier to hold and use. It also has a matte finish that reduces fingerprints and smudges. The Xbox button, the menu button, and the view button are also more accessible and responsive. The Xbox Controller S has a new hybrid D-pad that combines the precision of a cross-shaped D-pad with the smoothness of a circular D-pad. The hybrid D-pad allows you to perform accurate and comfortable movements in any direction and is ideal for games that require quick and precise inputs. The Xbox Controller S also has a textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back case, which provides a better grip and control during gameplay. The textured grip also reduces the chances of slipping or dropping the controller and enhances the comfort and ergonomics of the controller.
- It has a dedicated share button. The Xbox Controller S has a new share button that lets you seamlessly capture and share your gaming moments with ease. You can use the share button to take screenshots, record clips, and share them with your friends and followers. You can also customize the share button settings with the Xbox Accessories app, and choose what to capture, where to save, and how to share your content. To use the share button, press it once to take a screenshot, or press and hold it to start or stop recording a clip. You can also double-press it to switch between screenshot and clip mode. To share your content, press the Xbox button to open the guide, and then select Capture and Share. You can then choose to share your content to your Xbox activity feed, your Xbox Live friends, a message, or an external app such as Twitter or Facebook.
- It has a high performance. The Xbox Controller S delivers a high-performance gaming experience, with features that enhance the realism and responsiveness of the gameplay. The Xbox Controller S supports haptic feedback, which is a vibration technology that simulates the feel of the game. For example, you can feel the recoil of a gun, the impact of a crash, or the tension of a bow. The Xbox Controller S also supports dynamic latency input, which is a technology that reduces the input lag between the controller and the console. This means that your actions are more in sync with the game, and you can react faster and more accurately. The Xbox Controller S also supports impulse triggers, which are triggers that vibrate independently. This adds another layer of feedback to the gameplay and lets you feel the nuances of the game. For example, you can feel the difference between braking and accelerating, or between firing and reloading.
- It is customizable. The Xbox Controller S can be customized with the Xbox Accessories app, which lets you change the button mapping, the share button settings, the brightness of the Xbox button, and more. You can also create different profiles for different games and devices, and switch between them easily. You can also personalize your Xbox Controller S with different colors and designs, or create your custom controller with the Xbox Design Lab. The Xbox Design Lab lets you choose from different colors, materials, and engraving options, and create a unique controller that reflects your style and personality.
How to Use the Xbox Controller S?
The Xbox Controller S is easy to use and set up. Here are some steps to help you use the Xbox Controller S with different devices:
- Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One: To connect the Xbox Controller S to an Xbox console, press and hold the Xbox button on the controller until it turns on. Then press and release the pair button on the console and the controller. The Xbox button on the controller will flash until it is paired with the console. You can also use the USB-C cable to connect the controller to the console.
- Windows 10/11 PC: To connect the Xbox Controller S to a Windows 10/11 PC, you need to have the latest Windows updates and the Xbox Accessories app installed on your PC. You can use either Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, or the USB-C cable to connect the controller to the PC. To use Xbox Wireless, you need to have an Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10/11, which plugs into a USB port on your PC. To use Bluetooth, you need to have a Bluetooth-enabled PC and pair the controller with the PC in the Bluetooth settings. To use the USB-C cable, you need to have a compatible USB-C cable and plug it into the controller and the PC.
- Android and iOS devices: To connect the Xbox Controller S to an Android or iOS device, you need to use Bluetooth. You also need to have the latest version of the device’s operating system, and the Xbox Game Pass app installed on your device. To pair the controller with the device, press and hold the Xbox button on the controller until it turns on. Then press and hold the pair button on the controller until the Xbox button flashes. On your device, go to the Bluetooth settings and select the Xbox Wireless Controller from the list of available devices. Once paired, you can use the controller to play games on your device with the Xbox Game Pass app.
Tips and Tricks for the Xbox Controller S
The Xbox Controller S is a versatile and powerful controller that can enhance your gaming experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the Xbox Controller S:
- Update your controller: To ensure that your controller works properly and has the latest features and improvements, you should update your controller regularly with the Xbox Accessories app. To update your controller, connect it to your Xbox console or Windows 10/11 PC with the USB-C cable, and open the Xbox Accessories app. Select your controller, and then select the Firmware version. If there is an update available, select Update Now and follow the instructions.
- Use the hybrid D-pad: The hybrid D-pad is a new feature of the Xbox Controller S that combines the precision of a cross-shaped D-pad with the smoothness of a circular D-pad. The hybrid D-pad allows you to perform accurate and comfortable movements in any direction and is ideal for games that require quick and precise inputs. You can use the hybrid D-pad for different types of games, such as platformers, fighting games, puzzle games, and more. You can also use the hybrid D-pad to navigate the Xbox dashboard and menus and to access shortcuts and commands. For example, you can press the left, right, up, or down on the D-pad to switch between tabs on the dashboard or press the D-pad and the View button to open the Xbox Assist app. You can also use the D-pad and the Menu buttons to access the context menu for different items and options.
- Use the share button: The share button is a new feature of the Xbox Controller S that lets you capture and share your gaming moments with ease. You can use the share button to take screenshots, record clips, and share them with your friends and followers. You can also customize the share button settings with the Xbox Accessories app, and choose what to capture, where to save, and how to share your content. To use the share button, press it once to take a screenshot, or press and hold it to start or stop recording a clip. You can also double-press it to switch between screenshot and clip mode. To share your content, press the Xbox button to open the guide, and then select Capture and Share. You can then choose to share your content to your Xbox activity feed, your Xbox Live friends, a message, or an external app such as Twitter or Facebook.
How to Buy the Xbox Controller S
The Xbox Controller S is available in various colors and designs, such as Carbon Black, Robot White, Shock Blue, Pulse Red, Electric Volt, and more. You can buy the Xbox Controller S from the official Microsoft Store, or other online or offline retailers. The Xbox Controller S costs USD 59.99, or equivalent in your local currency. You can also create your own custom Xbox Controller S with the Xbox Design Lab, which lets you choose from different colors, materials, and engraving options. The Xbox Design Lab costs USD 69.99, or equivalent in your local currency.
Comparison of the Xbox Controller S with Other Controllers
The Xbox Controller S is not the only controller option for Xbox and Windows gamers. Other controllers have different features, advantages, and disadvantages. Here is a comparison of the Xbox Controller S with some of the other popular controllers:
| Controller | Features | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 | – Adjustable-tension thumbsticks
– Shorter hair trigger locks – Wrap-around rubberized grip – Interchangeable components – Rechargeable battery |
– High customization and performance
– Enhanced comfort and durability – Long battery life |
– Expensive (USD 179.99)
– Heavy and bulky – Limited availability |
| Xbox Adaptive Controller | – Large programmable buttons
– 3.5mm jacks for external inputs – USB ports for external devices – Co-pilot mode – Rechargeable battery |
– Accessible and inclusive for gamers with disabilities
– Compatible with a wide range of devices and accessories – Customizable and flexible |
– Expensive (USD 99.99)
– Requires additional devices and accessories – Not suitable for all games |
| Razer Wolverine V2 | – Mecha-Tactile Action Buttons and D-Pad
– Hair Trigger Mode with Trigger Stop-Switches – Ergonomic L-shaped hand grips – Razer Chroma RGB lighting – 10-foot braided cable |
– Responsive and tactile buttons
– Faster and smoother trigger actuation – Comfortable and secure grip – Customizable lighting effects |
– Wired only
– Expensive (USD 99.99) – No share button or headset jack |
Conclusion
The Xbox Controller S is a great controller for Xbox and Windows gamers who want to enjoy a high-quality and immersive gaming experience. The Xbox Controller S has a modernized design, a dedicated share button, a hybrid D-pad, and a textured grip. It also has wide compatibility, high performance, and high customization. The Xbox Controller S is available in various colors and designs and costs USD 59.99. You can also create your own custom Xbox Controller S with the Xbox Design Lab, which costs USD 69.99. The Xbox Controller S is not the only controller option, however, and you can also consider other controllers such as the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, the Xbox Adaptive Controller, or the Razer Wolverine V2, depending on your preferences and needs. The Xbox Controller S is a versatile and powerful controller that can enhance your gaming experience.
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