After director of programming for the Xbox Live network Larry Hyrb posted a video to Vine earlier this week that showed the Xbox One controller creeping up on the Xbox 360 controller, he and the rest of the Xbox team gave a much better rundown of what gamers can expect from the brand new and well augmented controller.
Perhaps the most exciting thing to any fan of first person shooters are the impulse triggers on top of the device. Made possible by the controller's four vibration motors, there are now motors behind each trigger bringing things like a gunshot or the acceleration of a car to new standards of realism.
"For example, in Forza Motorsport 5, Turn 10 Studios is using impulse triggers to provide players with precise feedback that enhances the racing experience," Xbox staff writes on its blog. "If your tires break traction from over-acceleration or if you drift on the gas pedal, the triggers emit very distinct vibrations. This is combined with the chassis rumble that conveys impacts, engine roar and driving over surface irregularities like cobblestone."
The thumbsticks for the new controller were boasted as being smaller and more precise, perfect for the hardcore gamer who needs pinpoint accuracy. The sticks are reported to require 25 percent less force in order to move. Meanwhile, the D-Pad is a basic cross shape, different from the 360's circular shape.
The real benefits of the Xbox One controller come with its connectivity to the Kinect system. Based on the controllers position it will be able to tell who is holding which controller and adjust split screen based on where someone is sitting in the room. No more rearranging your living room to accommodate all guests fairly before jumping into an ultra competitive round of your favorite game. The device uses "invisible reflective technology and LEDs."
The controller will also be able to tell when you've stepped away from gaming and will power itself down in order to save energy and power. Speaking of power, the battery packs have been relocated from their position in back on the Xbox 360 in order to accommodate more finger grip space.
"Picking up the Xbox One controller feels familiar. Its contours, heft and proportions are reminiscent of the Xbox 360 controller, and yet the augmentations the team made are evident," the team said.
While Xbox has given gamers a taste of what the One can offer by going over the controller, more information about the console in general is expected to be announced on Monday when Microsoft holds a pre-E3 press conference in Los Angeles.
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