The Evolution of Xbox Controllers

  • "Duke” is released, the first ever Xbox controller.

    "Duke” is released, the first ever Xbox controller.
    The original Xbox controller, simply called "The Xbox Controller" was the controller that defined the early years of the Xbox. Although it had a very generic name, it was given various nicknames during its reign and the one that really stuck was "The Duke". This controller mainly was known for its large size, and during its time period it actually held the Guinness World Record for largest video game controller.
  • The Xbox Controller S is released

    The Xbox Controller S is released
    After much criticism from players who thought the original controller was too large, Microsoft went ahead and launched a second controller less than four months after the original. The Xbox Controller S was essentially the same controller as before, just slimmer and more slender. The developers also decided to move some of the buttons below one of the joysticks, and supposedly made the triggers more loose.
  • The Xbox 360 Controller is introduced

    The Xbox 360 Controller is introduced
    After the success of the Controller S, Microsoft developers did not release another controller until their next console came out. Along with the introduction of the Xbox 360, came the newest controller, the Xbox 360 Controller. The compact controller type became the groundwork for all future controllers, and the 360 was no exception. However, the real innovation that this controller brought was the LED lights around the Xbox symbol, used to turn the controller on.
  • Microsoft introduced the Xbox One Controller

    Microsoft introduced the Xbox One Controller
    Eight years after the Xbox 360 was released, Microsoft decided to launch their next gaming console, the Xbox One. With it came a new controller, the Xbox One Controller, which was the most advanced one that gaming had seen at the time. Although it continued to have the same build as the previous ones, this controller improved response time player input. Something that people were not fans of was the downgrade to the d-pad, but Xbox came back and said it was to help with more precise controls.
  • Xbox Elite Controller was invented

    Xbox Elite Controller was invented
    After players began to get comfortable with the new console, Xbox decided to take it up a notch, releasing the "Xbox Elite Controller". This controller simply was a more advanced version of the Xbox One, often used for competitive gaming. This controller included a customizable d-pad, interchangeable analog sticks, and paddles on the back of it. This allowed players to set their own binds, ad gave them more freedom in certain games, a definite upgrade from the basic Xbox One Controller.
  • Xbox One S Controller is released

    Xbox One S Controller is released
    In 2016 Microsoft developers released the first revision of the Xbox One Console, the Xbox One S and its controller. Although it was almost identical to the first Xbox One controller, it was able to use Bluetooth to connect to more devices than just the Xbox, even the iPhone. This became the new standard remote for Xbox One Controllers, and users loved it.
  • The Xbox Series X wireless controller is released, the most recent

    The Xbox Series X wireless controller is released, the most recent
    Released during the holiday season of 2020, this controller continued the change made in each Xbox Controller. The Xbox Series X Wireless Controller had grips on the triggers, a new hybrid d-pad, and a button designated specifically for sharing. This also has the same USB and Bluetooth technologies, making it available for other devices as well.