Microsoft has certainly been known to throw out some hot looking, official controllers for the Xbox One, and now they're back with another. Following on from the Titanfall limited edition earlier this year is this, the brand spanking new, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare limited edition. The game might still be a week out, but the controller is available right now.

And it's a scorcher.

Alright, you don't need a new controller to play Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare – or any Xbox One game, for that matter. And since it costs an extra $10 or so over a standard, run of the mill, black controller, what do you actually get? Well, two things. A paint job and some in-game content.

Underneath, and much the same as the Titanfall controller, this is a regular, run-of-the-mill Xbox One controller. No fancy new hardware features, nothing to make the actual gaming experience any different. It does of course match the paintwork of the forthcoming, 1TB COD special edition console bundle.

And that's really what it's all about. If you want something that looks awesome, a change from the regular black controllers, then this is worth a look. It's got a matte gray finish across the front, while the back remains black so your Charge & Play kits won't look out of place.

The rest of the front is dressed with graphics I'd best describe as distressed looking. The gold looks like its worn away in places and even the base, gray color gives you a similar feeling. The analog sticks are now gray, the D-pad is in gold and the buttons have been given a gray look, too – with little colored arrows beneath each of them.

The gray and gold works superbly together and all-in-all it's a fantastic looking controller. Oh, and it comes with a download code for an in-game supply drop. Which we may have to give away closer to the launch of the game, so keep an eye out for that.

You're not going to gain anything from owning this controller besides having something that looks incredible. It stands out just as much as the Titanfall controller but in different ways. If you want one, grab it while you can, it's not going to be on store shelves forever. We've got links to buy in the U.S. and the UK (where it's a GAME exclusive, it seems) below, but shout out if you find a deal on it anywhere else in the world. But for now, enough talk. More pictures!

• Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Limited Edition Wireless Controller – Xbox One – $66.61 – Amazon (U.S.)
• Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Limited Edition Wireless Controller – Xbox One – £54.99 - GAME

Microsoft is rolling out a firmware update for the Xbox One controller that enables the controller to connect to the console in roughly two seconds, down from the five or so seconds it used to take to pair previously. The firmware update also brings a host of user-requested fixes along with improved stability.

Members in the Xbox Preview Program are receiving the update now, with a wider rollout to all Xbox One owners likely scheduled for later this quarter. If you're in the preview program, here's how to update your controller firmware:

• Connect a controller to your Xbox One with a USB cable. Keep any headsets connected to the controller.
• Connect to Xbox Live.
• Press the Menu
• Go to Settings > Devices & accessories. Select the controller.
• If you have multiple controllers attached, you can select Buzz– which will cause the selected controller to vibrate.
• Then select Update to download the new firmware to the controller attached via the USB cable, and the screen will show the Updating controller… progress screen
• When you see the Controller updated screen, press 'B' to go back to the Devices & accessories main page
• Reselect the controller, the Firmware version, should now be: 1.2.2236.0

If you run into any difficulties during the update, be sure to head to the Xbox One controller page as well as the troubleshooting guide.

Source: Major Nelson

Thanks John and Nicholas for the tips!

It looks like Microsoft is about to make a welcome change to the Xbox One controller, with the updated version — which includes all controllers made after June 2015 — coming with a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack. The port is already listed on the Xbox support site:

3.5-mm port (16). Used to connect compatible 3.5-mm audio devices. Only available on controllers released after June 2015.

While Sony's DualShock controller for the PlayStation 4 allows users to connect their audio gear through a 3.5mm jack, Xbox One owners had to resort to buying the Stereo Headset Adapter to hook up their headsets, which incurs an additional expense of $24.99. By including a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack, Microsoft is fixing a major pain point with the controller.

With E3 just around the corner, it is likely Microsoft will make the announcement at the video game conference next month.

Source: Xbox Support; Via: NeoGAF

Microsoft's Mike Ybarra has revealed that button remap is coming to all Xbox One controllers shortly. The feature will make its debut on the $150 Xbox One Elite controller, but Ybarra has stated that all controllers will get the functionality with an upcoming software update.

@StavEllis@XboxP3 It's coming for all controllers soon.

— Mike Ybarra (@XboxQwik) October 4, 2015

Ybarra did not share a specific date for the availability of the feature, but it is likely it will roll out to Preview members ahead of a public release. We'll share more details as we receive them.

As for the Elite controller, in addition to button remap, it offers interchangeable rear paddles and hair triggers, allowing you to customize the control configuration even further. The controller will be available from October 27.

Buy Xbox One Elite controller ($149)

Source: Twitter (Mike Ybarra); Via:

With Halo 5: Guardians launching on Xbox One, we've all got Halo fever. And sometimes the only cure for Halo fever is to buy more Halo stuff. With that in mind, Microsoft has kindly released a pair of Halo 5 Limited Edition Wireless Xbox One Controllers.

One controller is themed after Master Chief, traditional protagonist the Halo series, while the other features a design based on Halo 5's new antihero Spartan Locke. Each comes with a download code for a unique REQ Pack and Visor accessory in the main Halo 5 game. Watch us put both controllers under the microscope in our detailed review with video.

Packaging, inserts, and DLC

The Halo 5 Limited Edition controllers each come in a unique decorative box, not unlike the Titanfall Limited Edition Controller's box. The Master Chief controller box mentions the Master Chief's name, whereas the Spartan Locke controller box does not mention Locke's name. Presumably that owes to Locke being a new character in Halo 5 rather than an established one.

Master Chief appears on the front of his box, and also in profile on the rear of that box. The same profile shot shows up on Locke's box but paired with a profile of Locke as well – the ultimate stare down.

Inside each box, you get the controller, 2 standard AA batteries, a double-sided insert describing both controllers, and a DLC card. Each DLC card contains a code for a unique REQ pack that only comes with that specific controller. The REQ pack consists of five REQ cards, one of which is an Ultra Rare item.

The Master Chief controller's pack gets you the Dauntless visor, whereas the Locke controller's pack includes the Resolute visor. Visors appear on your character in Halo's Arena and Warzone competitive multiplayer modes. They're barely visible during gameplay, but they do offer a nice touch of customization when looking at the larger profile images of your character.

Master Chief Controller

The front and sides of the Master Chief controller come in a fetching textured green color based on Master Chief's Halo 5 armor. These portions feature laser-etched detail lines (meaning they are actually cut into the controller) and several areas painted dark gray.

Etched honeycomb patterns adorn the front of the handgrips – these hexagons show up on Master Chief's actual armor in Halo 5. The UNSC (United Nations Space Command) logo appears on white between the standard black View and Menu buttons. Both sides have a single red triangle pointing towards the face of the controller.

The tops of the analog sticks are dark green, matching the rest of the controller. The neck and base of the analog sticks are black though, like those of a standard Xbox One controller. The Forza 6 controller used a similar effect, but with blue tops instead of green. On both cases, the designers likely kept the black parts to make the tops stand out more.

Standing out even more than the analog sticks are the Master Chief controller's d-pad and analog triggers. The d-pad features a gold chrome finish and the triggers, while not chrome, still come in shiny gold. The Halo controllers are only the second Xbox One controllers to include colored triggers, following the Forza 6 controller.

The four primary face buttons (X, Y, A, and B) are black with green letters. The traditional colors for those buttons appear as colored triangles below and left of the buttons. That should help reduce confusion when playing games that require knowledge of the standard button colors.

The back portion of the controller is black, just like with most standard controllers (and even special ones like the Titanfall and Special Forces controllers). The battery compartment has a unique touch, though – six etched dots represent the numbers 117 (Master Chief's Spartan Tag) in Braille. This same dot pattern appears on John-117's armor in some Halo games.

The top portion of the controller comes in glossy black plastic, as with most Xbox One controllers. The glossy plastic shows smudges and fingerprints very easily; I wish Microsoft would go with matte plastic instead.

Spartan Locke controller

This controller is a bit less recognizably based on Halo, but only because Spartan Jameson Locke first appears in the recent Halo: the Master Chief Collection and Halo 5 games. The front and sides of this controller come in a sleek textured silver color based on Spartan Locke's Halo 5 armor.

The Locke controller still features plenty of laser-etched details, including a honeycomb pattern (in a different shape) on the front hand grips. Some of the laser etched portions are painted slightly darker silver, but the effect might be too subtle for some users to notice.

A dark gray UNSC logo appears above the left analog stick. A series of dots – some silver and some gray – show up between and to the right of the Menu and View buttons. The number 10282558 sits to the right of the face buttons. Rather than one of the Spartan's service numbers, the number seems to represent the date 10/28/2558. A bit obscure there, Microsoft.

The four main face buttons, View, and Menu are all gray with dark gray labels. The Locke controller is the second one to have colored View and Menu buttons, after the Forza 6 controller. Colored triangles appear directly above the face buttons – a different position than on the Master Chief controller.

The analog sticks are entirely dark gray here, making this the first Xbox One controller with no black on its analog sticks. The back of the controller and battery share the same dark gray color. No Braille designs on this battery cover. The top portion of the controller matches the rest closely, as it uses dark gray glossy plastic. All firsts for an Xbox One controller.

The d-pad here is painted chrome blue. A subtle pattern of three slashes occupies the right direction on the d-pad. How long will the chrome and slashes last under regular use? Probably not forever, but hopefully a good while. Six blue lines of metallic paint appear on the controller's face as well – Locke's armor features similar blue accents.

The analog triggers are a dark but shiny silver. They look lovely, but I'd still have preferred blue to match the d-pad. The Master Chief's controller's triggers catch the eye better.

The right side of Locke's controller has five different Halo emblems painted in dark gray. The left side has four Spartan call signs in dark gray as well: F-104, J-117, K-087, and L-058. Oddly, these are the call signs of Master Chief's Halo 5 team, not Locke's. I guess they represent a checklist of Locke's enemies or something, but Locke's call signs would have made more immediate sense.

Prepare for the showdown

Both Halo 5 controllers do a great job of capturing the looks of the characters they represent. The Locke controller comes across as more neutral, but only because Spartan Locke has yet to become an iconic character in the way that Master Chief has. These green and silver controllers are among the most beautiful to grace the Xbox One to date, especially thanks to their chrome d-pads and colored triggers.

Should you buy a Halo 5 controllers even though it costs $10 more than a standard controller's retail price? If you're a Halo fan, I say yes. You get a memorable controller, a piece of unique DLC for halo 5, and an attractive box to stick on a shelf somewhere. These controllers also feature the 3.5mm headset jacks and improved bumper buttons that debuted in June 2015, which should help justify the upgrade for anyone stuck with an older controller.

Like the Titanfall controller, the Halo 5 controllers really are limited edition. I suspect the Locke controllers will stick around retail longer than the Master Chief version, but they'll still disappear eventually. Grab one or both controllers and you'll be ready to celebrate Halo 5 in style.

Note that the Spartan Locke controller also comes with the Halo 5 Limited Edition Xbox One console, so owners of that controller won't need to purchase it separately.

Buy the Halo 5 Master Chief Controller at Amazon ($68.99)Buy the Halo 5 Spartan Locke Controller at Amazon ($66.89)Buy the Halo 5 Master Chief Controller at Amazon UK (£49.85)Buy the Halo 5 Spartan Locke Controller at Amazon UK (£49.85)

Custom gaming controls comes to the Xbox One for big price tag, but it is worth every penny.

When it comes to the world of gaming, serious gaming, you don't mess with the controller. Every time a next generation console comes out the controller gets a lot of attention. And with good reason. Delayed signals, a stuck thumb stick, or a button that intermittently stops working can cause you to lose a game. Or a tournament. Or let your online teammates down. Heck, there are people who refuse to use a wireless controller and instead plug them in due to potential latency issues. That's a whole other level of gaming.

I'll confess that I am hardly a serious gamer mostly due to lack of time. Nonetheless, even a casual gamer like myself can appreciate the new Xbox Elite Wireless Controller from Microsoft. Going on sale on October 27 this is Microsoft's stab at attempting to woo the pro-gaming fanatic with their best controller yet.

So how is it? I've been using it for the last week, and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is hard to put down once you get it in your hands.

Origins

We spoke with David Brian, Project Manager for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller back at E3 about why Microsoft is making this accessory. The story behind the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller goes back to Microsoft getting feedback on their current controller from top gamers around the world. They wanted something more from Microsoft.

Microsoft listened. Instead of assuming what those gamers wanted Microsoft went to their houses and studied those elite players. Once there they took notes, recorded what they did and took it all back to the lab. From there Microsoft prototyped various controllers, tested, and evolved various designs until everyone was happy.

The result is a controller with four additional paddles on the back, configurable firing mechanisms, and custom button mapping. To top it off the controller is made out of highest quality, most wear-resistant materials around. The goal here is to create the ultimate controller, one that will also last and never degrade with hardcore wear and tear.

Cost

The price of the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is $150. To put that in perspective, it is near $100 more expensive than the regular Xbox One Wireless Controller. That is a substantial price tag especially if you want two of them. Luckily, Microsoft appears to have made this controller worth the money.

What you get

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller arrives in a handsome black box that gently slides open. Inside is the clamshell case that houses the controller. Sure, you can just toss it on a charger or your TV stand, but if you take it with you, it might as well travel in style.

The clamshell unzips to reveal the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller in all its glory. Inside you get

• Set of 4 paddles
• Set of 6 thumbsticks: standard (2), tall (2), and domed (2)
• Set of 2 D-pads: faceted and standard

All of those parts are housed in a jewel-like holder at the bottom complete with custom cutouts. The thumbsticks, paddles, and D-pads are all high-quality machined metal that have some weight to them. Indeed, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller has an unprecedented heaviness to it. Not in a bad way, but more like "this is a quality device".

How it works

All of the interchangeable pieces are magnetic. That is how they stick to the controller. Microsoft seems to be a fan of magnets these days (see the Surface) and it is an ideal solution for keeping things premium. Screwing things on, latching paddles or more would take away from the novelty of just snapping on a new thumbpad. For some reason, there is just something satisfying about a magnet snapping on to metal, and it works here.

The oddest part of the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller comes down to those optional four paddles on the back. For novice and casual gamers, these will likely stay in the clamshell as they can easily interfere with just basic gaming. Even worse, they can come loose and get kicked under the couch or lost in a seat cushion if not careful.

Those paddles are pre-configured as mapped X, Y, A, B buttons but can be reconfigured in the new Xbox Accessories App. That is where the real magic happens as gamers can now basically make their own controller.

Likewise, you can change out the D-pad for a metal domed one (which feels amazing) and put on some faceted D-pads for more grip.

One of my favorite features is the ability to adjust the RT and LT firing buttons. With a simple switch, you can shorten the button travel. Such a setting is ideal for rapid fire games as reducing the button distance not only saves time but energy too. Playing a racing game? Leave the RT on for the accelerator for slow, gradual control and toss the LT on short for quick breaking. Or don't. The point is it is your choice.

Finally, it is worth pointing out that you can use this controller - like all Xbox One controllers - with a Windows 10 PC or Surface for Xbox One game streaming or playing PC games. The Elite Controller is also compatible with Windows 7 and 8 in wired mode. You can connect via a USB cable to the PC or by using the new Xbox One Wireless Adapter ($25).

Amazing quality

So the important thing about the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is just how good it feels. There are no creaks, it has mass, and there is cool to the touch metal all around it. Although it costs $150 it at least feels like it should.

It looks elegant, too.

Back to my earlier point about casual gamers this controller is something everyone can benefit from and given the choice, I could not imagine anyone passing on this controller for regular one if all costs were equal. Of course, justifying that $150 when you just want to play Peggle 2 is a tough challenge unless you just have money to blow. But hey, assuming you had money to blow you'd be crazy not to want this in your living room.

There are lots of other tweaks to the controller too including the angle of the grips and the resin used in the joysticks, which won't degrade over time. That latter trick ensures that the controller is as smooth on day 300 as it was when you first took it out of the box.

My bet is Microsoft learned a lot about controllers and materials in researching and building the Elite Wireless Controller. That's good news as it means some of that tech could trickle down to their basic wireless controller. If you compare a Day One controller to even a current-gen basic wireless, you can already see how their manufacturing process has improved as the newer creaks less and has more consistent triggers.

So even though you may have to pass on the Elite Wireless Controller due to cost, it should benefit everyone, eventually in some way.

Long term bet – Mapping profiles

The other half to the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is the ability to map custom controls to it. Users can store up to 250 unique configurations on their Xbox (and their profile) and using a switch on the controller they can toggle these mid-game. An example would be in Call of Duty where one mission you are sniping and another you running a defense – you can now have different setups for each scenario.

If that sounds like much to think about, no worries. Microsoft is teaming up with game publishers to let them recommend mapping profiles for their games. Indeed, in the Xbox Accessories App there are already:

• Gears of War – Ultimate Edition (x2)
• Forza 6 (x2)
• Halo 5 (x4)
• Sunset Overdrive

The number in parentheses is how many configuration options are available. Microsoft says more mapping choices are coming including ones for the new Star Wars Battlefront.

The idea behind this app reminds me very much of modding communities who tend to share skins and config files for apps and hardware. In the future, you may even be able to share your own controller configuration for your teammates. The point is, this stuff is just starting, and Microsoft will be watching the community to see where they want to go next.

There is plenty of potential with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, but it will be a few months before that all comes together.

I think this community-driven approach with high-level of customization is a rather big move to win over hardcore gamers, and it could be a great long-term play for Microsoft.

Should you get it?

I think if you are a heavy gamer who participates in online matches, runs teams, or joins tournaments then the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is worth every penny. Forgetting the customization stuff the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is just a premium piece of hardware that feels amazing. But controllers aren't things you just touch and let go of. You hold on to them for hours at a time, so this "it feels good" thing is not trivial.

Still, $150 is not cheap, so only the pros should apply. Microsoft knows this, which is why everything here is aimed at that crowd. The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is even great for casual gamers, who will appreciate the overall better triggers and D-pads. Like I said, given the choice, everyone would choose the Elite over the normal wireless one. It's a no-brainer.

I look forward to using the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller on Halo 5: Guardians and Star Wars Battlefront in the coming weeks. You should too (just don't shoot me).

When and where to buy

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller will be available on Tuesday, October 27 for $149.99. Best Buy, Amazon.com and the Microsoft Store are taking pre-orders, but due to popular demand some controllers may not ship until later in November. However, many retail locations should also have some stock locally, so best to check.

Buy the Xbox One Elite Controller at Best Buy for $149.99

Buy the Xbox One Elite Controller at Amazon for $149.99

Buy the Xbox One Elite Controller at Microsoft Store for $149.99

Buy the Xbox One Elite Controller at Target for $149.99

Buy the Xbox One Elite Controller at GameStop for $149.99

Ford or Ferrari? In the car world, drivers have long had the option to buy either an affordable car or a fancier one. The existence of those sexier cars doesn't hurt us non-rich folks, and the world is far more interesting with luxury vehicles than without.

This year, mass-produced luxury controllers also became a thing – starting with the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller from Microsoft. But supplies of the Elite Controller are extremely limited at present. Those shortages create opportunities for third-party manufacturers like Razer and Power A to swoop in with luxury controllers of their own.

The Razer Wildcat Controller for Xbox One and Windows is a direct competitor to Microsoft's Elite controller, selling for the same $149.99 price. Although the Wildcat lacks wireless support, it sports several unique features of its own such as a four-button d-pad, built-in headset volume controls, four unique multi-function buttons, optional stick covers and palm grips, and more. Read on for our detailed review with video!

Inside the box

Open up the Razer Wildcat's box and you won't find any wasteful packing materials. The controller and all of its accessories are contained within a zippered carrying case.

Box contents:

• Razer Wildcat controller
• Carrying case (~7.75 x 5.75 x 3 inches, a bit larger than the Elite case's 7 x 6.5 x 2.8 inches)
• Braided USB cable (9.5 feet)
• Torx screwdriver
• 2 Rubber analog stick caps
• 2 Rubber palm grips
• 2 Razer stickers
• 1 human soul

Body

The Wildcat itself measures 6.14 x 4.17 x 2.6 inches and weighs only 260 grams/0.57 pounds, making it lighter than either the standard Xbox One controller (262 grams) or the Elite (348 grams).

The controller body consists primarily of matte black plastic with a mild texture. A glossy black area at the top resembles those of standard Xbox One controllers, although its shape is thinner and sharper. The bumpers, triggers, and the Wildcat's unique multi-function M1 and M2 buttons share the glossy plastic – which means they have a nice shine, but easily show fingerprints.

Compared to standard/Elite controllers, the Wildcat follows the same basic shape but has more angular, pronounced grips on the rear side. The rigid edge along the rear handles provides a clearly defined position for your middle fingers to rest, directing them to align with the Wildcat's exclusive rear M3 and M4 Triggers – a clever design.

At the top of the controller lies a recessed micro-USB port. Although the Wildcat lacks wireless support, the required cable detaches and stows away inside the carrying case. Razer claims the absence of wireless functionality is due to the controller's intended tournament use, but it also happens that Microsoft doesn't allow third-party wireless controllers on Xbox One or 360.

The USB cable has a break-away end, so you don't accidentally pull the console off the shelf. The end of the cable that plugs into the controller has a micro-USB connector, but it's surrounded by a proprietary endcap that keeps the cable securely in place within the controller. A regular micro-USB cable will not fit inside, annoyingly. Lose the cable and you'll have to go through Razer to replace it.

Stick and buttons

The Wildcat's carbon steel analog stick necks match the Elite controller's default necks in length but are slightly wider. The stick tops are about 3mm wider and 1mm thicker than the Elite's standard tops. These feature a uniform mildly textured surface. This has the advantage of not collecting dirt, unlike the edges of the sticks on Microsoft controllers. On the whole, I find the larger textured tops of the Wildcat more comfortable than other controllers.

Just as the Elite controller features a unique D-pad design, so does the Wildcat. Actually, the Wildcat's directional pad consists of four buttons – almost exactly like those of a PlayStation controller. The D-pad buttons here don't feature a texture like the DualShock's, presumably to make rolling motions easier in fighting games. Since no other Xbox One controller currently sports a PlayStation-style D-pad, I can see people reared on DualShocks getting the Wildcat just for its pad.

The face buttons here are colored, unlike the black buttons of the Elite. I like the colors. They also produce audible clicks when pressed. I believe they use microswitches (like a mechanical keyboard or arcade stick buttons), which you absolutely never see on regular controllers. The clickiness helps tell exactly when the buttons actuate, which could prove beneficial to gameplay.

The Xbox Home/Guide button on the Wildcat doesn't light up. It still looks sexy though, thanks to a non-chrome silver finish. A white light just beneath the Home button indicates the controller is working.

Triggers, bumpers, and multi-function buttons

Up at the top of the Wildcat lie bumpers and triggers. They resemble those of Microsoft-brand controllers, especially the triggers. The bumpers do have a unique, softer click than those of the Elite, though. They still feel more responsive than launch-era controllers, thankfully.

A few millimeters towards the center of the controller you'll find the Wildcat's multi-function M1 and M2 buttons. By default, these act just like Left and Right Bumper. You might imagine having six buttons on top instead of four would be confusing, but no! M1 and M2 are offset and shaped in such a way that makes them easy to reach but impossible to hit by mistake. I'm surprised more controllers don't go with six buttons like this.

The rear of the controller holds two Trigger Stop switches, just like the Elite. Normally, the triggers fully actuate when pressed down at 18 degrees. Enabling the switches will stop the triggers at five degrees – that's 72% less travel. This will let you fire non-automatic weapons more rapidly since you don't have to press the triggers down as far.

Also on the back are two aluminum multi-function triggers: M3 and M4. They perform the same functions as the regular triggers by default, although as digital rather than analog buttons. As mentioned earlier, the shape of the controller grips puts your middle fingers directly on these secondary triggers. And quite unlike the Elite's paddles, nobody will hit these triggers by mistake. You have to reach inward for them a bit, which is perfect.

Although I find the secondary triggers unobtrusive, some players might not like them. They can be removed, but it's a much harder process than taking off the Elite's paddles. Each trigger has a built-in screw that you have to loosen with the included Torx screwdriver. It's way too easy for the driver to slide out of the screw's slot. And in doing so, one could potentially strip the screw. Since the screw is built into the trigger, you'd have to seek a replacement from Razer if that happened.

Once you get the extra triggers off, the hinge closes up into the controller. Sliding a switch next to the hinge pops it out again for reattachment. But given the difficulty of removing and replacing these triggers, I doubt many people will swap them in and out more than once.

Quick Control Panel

The Wildcat has a 3.5mm headset jack on its bottom, along with a built-in Quick Control Panel (QCP). Although the headset support is appreciated, the lack of a data port means you can't use the Chatpad with this controller. No third-party controllers currently offer data ports, so the absence might be a restriction imposed by Microsoft.

Getting back to the QCP, the four-button panel has two audio control buttons. One simply mutes, whereas the other performs a range of functions. Tap the volume button to raise headset volume. Hold it and press up or down on the D-pad to raise or lower volume. Pressing left while held will increase game audio while pressing right increases chat volume. A bit complex, but it works.

The other two QCP buttons deal with button remapping. Only the Wildcat's four multi-function buttons (M1-M4) can be reprogrammed by default, although an upcoming Xbox One system update will enable additional remapping options for all controllers. Being able to reassign them all right now through the controller would be better for disabled gamers, but oh well.

To reassign an M button, first press the Profile button to select custom profile 1 or 2 (as indicated by green LEDs on either side of the Home button). Then press and hold the Program button, press and hold the M button, and press the standard button you'd like to assign to it. The controller will vibrate and reassign it under the selected profile.

You can reassign any digital button or trigger to the M buttons – even View, Menu, or D-pad directions. This creates some exciting opportunities to do things in games without having to move your thumbs from the analog sticks. For instance, stick the pause button on a multi-function button and then you can rapidly pause while playing a game. In the old days, that's how the Slow Motion function on controllers worked.

Finally, the QCP also allows players to enable a Hair Trigger Mode independently from the Trigger Stop switches. Press and hold the Program button and either primary trigger, then press the A button. That trigger will now activate from any press, no matter how minor.

Windows compatibility

If you're looking for a quality wired controller to use with your Windows PC or tablet, then look no further. The Wildcat is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10. You might need to download a driver upon installation.

Having installed the Wildcat, it functions exactly like a normal Xbox One controller. You can still reprogram the M buttons just like on Xbox One; they don't show up as separate buttons. The volume control buttons don't work with Windows, but Razer says they will in the future (likely just with Windows 10).

Rubber stick caps and palm grips

The Wildcat comes with two sets of optional accessories: rubber analog stick caps and hand grips. Both are a loud and tacky shade of green styled after the Razer logo. Bright green might look good on a box, but big gobs of green rubber on a controller don't fare so well. I'm surprised a company like Razer that excels at aesthetic design would opt for such a cheap and unpleasant color for these accessories. At least they're optional.

The stick caps simply slip over the analog stick tops. They add an extra texture that supposedly improves grip. Some people like stick covers, but I think you lose too much sensation. Err, I mean these covers feel too spongy for my tastes. Luckily they go on and off pretty easily.

The palm grips, on the other hand, are just a disaster. They attach via adhesive and can't be reattached if removed. The instructions provide very little guidance on alignment, nor does the design of the controller help much. If we're supposed to apply the grips ourselves (already a bad idea), the plastic of the controller could at least have some obvious grooves for guidance.

I got in too much of a hurry while applying my grips and they came out rather uneven. Plus the edges of the grips just don't go on very smoothly due to the curvature of the controller. Admittedly I could have done a better job, but the application process has way too much room for error in the first place. Either the grips should be built in (and subtly) like the Elite controller's, or Razer should have simply left them out.

Tournament ready

The Razer Wildcat has a lot going for it: top-grade parts, a unique d-pad, clicky buttons, excellent ergonomics, superb vibration and feedback motors, and four nigh-perfect multi-function buttons. As far as controlling games goes, it offers clear advantages over standard Xbox One controllers. A few elements like the multi-function buttons even beat out the Elite controller.

Still, a few things hold the Wildcat back a bit. First, it can only be used wired. That's not Razer's fault, but it still gives the Elite a big advantage for wireless fans. Second, incompatibility with the Chatpad is a big shame. The Chatpad hadn't been released during the design process of the controller, I know. But I love that little keyboard and miss it when I need to input text with the Wildcat.

And finally, those rubber palm grips… However perfectly applied, the Wildcat looks better without them. Even with the perfect application in stock renders, the day-glo green presents an eyesore to consumers. Thankfully we can just toss the grips away, and that's exactly what I recommend.

The Wildcat is an excellent luxury controller, but a bit too pricey when compared against the Elite's extra functionality. Razer should drop the price by $20 or so to give the controller more mainstream appeal. Mainstream aside, the Wildcat's ergonomics and versatile multi-function buttons make it a clear choice for tournament competition and professional gamers.

The Razer Wildcat launches on Thursday, December 10th.

Preorder the Razer Wildcat at Amazon ($149.99)Preorder the Razer Wildcat at Amazon UK (£122.52)

This year the Xbox One has received not one but two luxury controllers: Microsoft's Elite Wireless Controller and the Razer Wildcat. Both offer a number of features you won't find on a regular controller, such as extra programmable buttons and trigger locks. But they also ring up at $149.99 a pop, which will break many a gamer's bank. Wouldn't it be nice to have a more affordable option in advanced controllers?

PowerA (makers of the Mini Series Controller and a bunch of Star Wars controllers) have just the thing for gamers who can't or don't want to spend one-and-a-half Benjamins on a luxury Xbox One controller. The Fusion Pro Controller is a wired controller with many of the same features as the Elite and Wildcat. The big difference is that it only costs $79.99. Read our detailed review with video to find out whether the Fusion Pro Controller can stand up to the big boys!

Wrap that cord

Unlike the Elite Controller and Razer Wildcat, the Fusion Pro Controller doesn't come with a carrying case. PowerA has to keep costs down in order to sell the controller at such a low price point, after all. You could always buy a generic controller case if you really want one.

That said, the Fusion Pro does at least come with a decent cord wrap. The black rubber wrap features the PowerA logo. It has a number of grooves which can slide over two orange pegs, keeping the wrap in place. Although the wrap is a good idea in concept, the actual design doesn't stick the landing…

The portion of the wrap with the PowerA logo doesn't have any grooves, which creates a large area that can't connect to the orange pegs. Basically, you can't tighten the wrap as much as you'd expect because of the logo area. It's still good enough for wrapping the entire cable up during transportation, but not great at wrapping only a portion of the cord during use to reduce clutter.

As for the USB cable itself, it can't be detached like the Elite and Wildcat cables. But it measures a generous 9.8 feet and features a break-away end. And it's braided, so it should outlast standard rubber cords.

Body, Sticks, and buttons

The Fusion Pro Controller's body closely resembles that of a standard Xbox One controller, albeit with sharper angles on the front of the hand grips. The bulk of the controller consists of matte black plastic with a mild texture. The front left grip wears an embossed PowerA logo.

The traditional glossy black plastic area at the top of the control shows up as well, but with a rather unique design. Here the glossy plastic on the front forms a rounded Reuleaux triangle shape and does not extend to the actual top of the controller. The bumpers and triggers still use glossy plastic though. Naturally these glossy areas show hand grease, so I'd prefer an all matte design.

PowerA has always made a decent D-Pad, and the Fusion Pro's is no exception. It closely resembles the standard Microsoft directional pad, although I find this one slightly stiffer. The only downside to this D-Pad is that it doesn't stand out like the unique pads of the Elite and Wildcat.

The analog sticks do stand out, however. Their necks are noticeably thicker and about 1mm taller than those of the Elite. And the tops measure a whopping 20mm wide, about 9mm greater than the Elite's default stick tops. Their textured edges won't collect dirt like Microsoft's stick tops.

Do analog stick tops need to be two centimeters wide? Probably not, though I don't mind. Rather than keep my thumbs planted in the center of these pizza-sized tops, I keep them a few millimeters lower. People with small hands might just find them too massive, but I expect most will adjust as they'd do with any new controller.

Lighting

The Fusion Pro has one standout feature that neither the Elite nor Wildcat can claim: colorful lighting! Like PowerA's previous Spectra Controller, this one includes three lighting control buttons on its back. The first turns on a light along the lower rim of the triangular area at the top of the controller face. The bottom button lights up both analog stick bases. And the middle button switches between four brightness levels.

Pressing the triangle or stick lighting buttons additional times will toggle between lighting modes:

• Color cycling pattern 1
• Color cycling pattern 2
• Pink
• Amber
• Green 1
• Green 2
• Green 3
• Green 4
• Blue 1
• Blue 2
• Blue 3
• Blue 4
• Blue 5
• Blue 6
• Purple 1
• Purple 2
• Purple 3
• Off

The lighting has its ups and downs. Compared to colored lighting options found in computer peripherals, you get far less colors here, and most are variants of the same colors. Also, the controller doesn't remember lighting settings. So if you turn the console off or unplug the cable, you'll have to turn them back on the next time you use it. The Fusion Pro does save custom button settings, so it seems like an oversight that the lighting patterns don't save too.

Those complaints aside, I still love that the controller has semi-customizable lighting. It doesn't sport a ton of distinct colors, but you can set up the Windows Central blue and pink pretty easily. And it's cool that we can turn on and adjust the stick and face lighting independently. I hope Xbox One gets more high quality controllers with lighting in the future.

Triggers and locks

The bumpers and triggers of the Fusion Pro differ slightly from their Microsoft equivalents. The bumper shape makes it harder to keep your finger on both bumper and trigger simultaneously, so you end up having to move it from the trigger to hit the bumper. Not a huge deal, but Microsoft and Razer have better designs. The triggers themselves are good, though they have slightly less travel and lack the perfect resistance of the Elite's.

Fortunately, the Fusion Pro offers one of the key features of the Elite and Wildcat: trigger locks. Just flip the two switches on the back and you can lock both triggers, limiting their range of movement. This will let you fire non-automatic weapons more rapidly since you don't have to press the triggers down as far.

Programmable buttons

The Elite, Wildcat, and Fusion Pro all include four extra programmable buttons – and their implementations differ widely. Rather than paddles like the Elite controller, the Fusion Pro sports four regular buttons on the back of its controller grips.

The bottom buttons are much larger than the top ones, making them easier to tell apart by touch. The button positioning ensures that your middle and ring fingers will naturally sit over them while holding the controller. I have accidentally pressed them a few times, but only when gripping the controller too hard.

Unlike the Elite's problematic paddles, these extra buttons don't get pressed when setting the controller down, and will rarely be hit by mistake. And even if you do hit them by mistake, they do nothing by default. You have to program them to give them a function, so you can effectively disable them by deprogramming them. That said, I'd rather they mirrored the bumper and triggers by default instead of doing nothing.

Programming the extra buttons is easy. Press and hold the PowerA button found just under the Home/Guide button for two seconds and the face light starts to blink. Press the button whose function you want to copy, and then press the programmable button to complete the process. It would make more sense to press the programmable button first instead, but you get used to it.

The buttons that can be copied to the extra buttons include the four face buttons, the bumpers, triggers, and the stick buttons (clicking in the analog sticks). Disappointingly, View/Back, Menu/Start, and D-Pad directions can't be assigned to the programmable buttons. The Wildcat has the Fusion Pro beat there, but most people will only want to duplicate the face buttons anyway.

The Fusion Pro only offers a single profile for programmed buttons. Entering programming mode and then holding the PowerA button for five seconds will reset the memory to its default state.

Headset support and Windows compatibility

The Fusion Pro has a 3.5mm headset jack on its bottom, which is good. But it lacks a data port, which means you can't use the Chatpad with this controller. No third-party controllers currently offer data ports, so the absence seems to be a restriction imposed by Microsoft.

Like the Razer Wildcat, the Fusion Pro is fully compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10. Just plug it in and install the standard Xbox One controller driver if necessary. The four programmable buttons and lighting will function exactly as they do when used with the Xbox One.

Overall Impression

PowerA's Fusion Pro Controller presents a fine alternative to the Elite and Wildcat controllers. Don't get me wrong, the construction is not nearly as deluxe as those luxury controllers and it lacks some of their bells and whistles. But it does offer programmable buttons and trigger stops, which are the main selling points of the $150 controllers. And it stands out with some fancy lighting too.

Would I recommend you get the Fusion Pro instead of the Elite or Wildcat? If you can afford it, I still say go with the Elite. I greatly dislike the paddles, but in every other way the Elite is a perfect, standout controller. The Wildcat has the best programmable buttons but falls behind the Elite in a few other ways.

The Fusion Pro is for people who scoff at the idea of spending $150 on a controller. This one provides a strong arsenal of features for just $20 more than a standard controller. The lack of wireless and Chatpad support are its only real failings, and those both result from restrictions imposed by Microsoft. If you can live without the Chatpad, you should be very happy with the Fusion Pro Controller.

Buy the PowerA Fusion Pro Controller at Amazon ($79.99)Buy the PowerA Fusion Pro Controller at BestBuy ($79.99)

A company claims it is coming out with a new product that will charge up a standard Xbox One controller in less than a minute. Game console accessory maker Performance Designed Products says its Super Charger will allow gamers to play with the controller for up to 12 hours after just a minute on its charging dock.

IGN has the first word on the Super Charger, along with a quote from PDP's chief technology officer Tom Roberts:

"The Super Charger's unique ability to recharge the Xbox One controller in just seconds reduces interruption in game play sessions – a full recharge during a quick break provides convenience to all gamers,"

Aside from that, and a render of the Super Charger, little else is known about the product and PDP has yet to announce a price or release date. By the limited graphics and information they've released, it appears the Super Charger consists of a charging base and a fast-charging battery module that's slung underneath the standard Xbox One controller. If we had to guess, that module is what's charged up so quickly and it then charges the controller as you use it at a more traditional pace (which is along the lines of around 4 hours).

More information on PDP's Xbox One controller Super Charger is expected to be revealed at CES 2016 next week in Las Vegas.

Source: IGN

How do I use my Xbox One controller as a mouse on my Windows 10 PC?

Windows 10 has built-in drivers that let you use an Xbox One controller within games, but what about using an Xbox One controller all the time? It's a great alternative to a mouse if you use your PC as an entertainment center in your living room, and while not as accurate, it does a good job.

There are several programs you can use that will give you the ability to use your Xbox One controller all the time, but we chose Gopher360. It's free, it's simple, and it's functional. Here's how to set it up.

• How to use your Xbox One controller as a mouse on your Windows 10 PC
• How to add Gopher360 to your PC's Startup folder
• Gopher360 Xbox One controller button layout

How to use your Xbox One controller as a mouse on your Windows 10 PC

Gopher360 is a great app with a small footprint that lets you use your controller as a mouse.

1. Plug your Xbox One controller into your PC using a USB cable.
2. Press the Home button on your controller. It looks like the Xbox logo and is located in the center of your controller.
3. Launch your web browser of choice from the desktop or taskbar.

4. Navigate to the Gopher360 webpage.

5. Click the Gopher360 link at the top of the page. It will contain the latest version.

6. Scroll down.

7. Click the Gopher.exe download link. Gopher360 will download.

8. Click Run when the download is finished.

Gopher360 will start automatically. You can now use your Xbox One controller as a mouse on your Windows 10 PC. Want to have Gopher360 start automatically each time you boot your PC? Add it to your PC's Startup folder!

How to add Gopher360 to your PC's Startup folder

These steps will make Gopher360 start each time your start your PC. That way you won't have to mess around with a mouse before using your controller.

1. Launch File Explorer from your taskbar or desktop.

2. Click Downloads.

3. Right-click the Gopher360 file.

4. Click Copy.

5. Hit Windows key and R simultaneously on your keyboard. The Run window will open.
6. Type shell:startup.

7. Click OK. The Startup folder will open.

8. Right-click on a blank area in the Startup folder.

9. Click Paste shortcut.

Gopher360 will now start up each time you turn on your computer. To stop Gopher360 from starting with Windows, just remove the shortcut from the Startup folder.

Gopher360 Xbox One controller button layout

The button layout is super simple and will take about a minute to get used to. Here's what it looks like:

• A is left click.
• X is right click.
• B is Enter.
• Y hides the Gopher360 window.
• Left analog stick is mouse movement.
• Right analog stick is scroll wheel.
• D-pad can also be used to scroll through windows.
• Start is Windows key.
• Left analog stick click is middle mouse button.

Your controller preferences

Do you use an Xbox One controller in lieu of a mouse with your Windows 10 PC? How do you like it? Let us know in the comments section below!

The Elite Wireless Controller is the cream of the crop of Xbox One controllers, but it also costs a pretty penny. The Hori Pro Pad offers some of the same features for under fifty bucks. But will it meet the needs of hardcore Xbox and PC gamers?

Design

The Hori Pad Pro features the same basic shape as previous Hori controllers, the regular Hori Pad for Xbox One, and the Hori Xbox 360 Gem Pad. Concave areas near the top and bottom of the controller resemble the shape of a PlayStation DualShock controller, although the Hori shares the same basic width as a Microsoft Xbox One controller.

Besides its pronounced concave shape, the top of the controller where the bumper buttons are housed juts out at hard angles. The angular bumpers have no downside from a gameplay standpoint, but they contrast with an otherwise smooth design.

The front of the controller features a dark translucent shell that allows for partial visibility of the white circuit board beneath it. The grips on this side have a distinctive "gemmed" pattern of tessellated triangles. The top of the controller is glossy black plastic (a fingerprint magnet) and the back consists of solid matte black plastic. I wish the back had been translucent too, as I always enjoy getting a peek at a controller's innards.

The Xbox Home/Guide button on the front of the controller doesn't light up. Instead, a white LED just below that and between the View/Back and Menu/Start buttons indicates that the controller is on.

The Hori Pro Pad is a wired controller with a breakaway cable. Like other third party controllers, it can't be used wirelessly. It does include a standard 3.5mm headset jack at the bottom of the controller. But (as with all third party controllers) there is no data port, so you can't use the Chatpad accessory with this controller.

Performance

Hori controllers always feature excellent D-Pads, and this one is no different. The Hori Pad Pro includes a traditional Nintendo-style D-Pad that feels great and excels at 2D games, fighting games, and menu selection. The official Xbox Controller and Elite Controller's D-Pads are no slouches, but it's always nice when affordable options like the Hori Pad Pro get these things right, too.

The analog sticks on the Hori Pad Pro have slightly wider and thicker tops than those of a Microsoft controller. They feel slightly looser than official sticks too, but not so much that they lose precision or performance. Hori sticks used to be way too loose, so I'm glad these are up to snuff.

The Hori Pad Pro's weak points are its analog triggers. They are stiff and don't have much travel. That makes them difficult to partially depress with any degree of accuracy, negating the benefit of analog design. Partially depressing the triggers is not important in most games, but racing games and some first-person shooters do take advantage of the analog nature of the triggers.

Programmable buttons

The main selling point of the Hori Pad Pro is that it offers four programmable buttons on the back side of the controller. The Hori Pad Pro only costs about $50, a whole $100 less than an Elite Controller. For fifty bucks, Hori's offering gets you a wired pad with extra buttons that could potentially improve your gaming performance.

The programmable buttons on the rear are labeled FR1, FR2, FL1, and FL2. An 'Assign' button allows users to program any desired button to these extra buttons. If you want to be able to jump, reload, or switch buttons without removing your thumb from the right analog stick, that could be very handy.

My initial concern with the programmable buttons was their horizontal positioning. Both the Elite Controller and the PowerA Fusion Pro Controller utilize vertical positioned for their rear buttons, which seems more natural. But distinguishing between the two buttons on either side isn't that tough, because your middle finger can feel the shapes of both buttons beneath it. The buttons are nice and long, too, so you'll be able to hit them regardless of how high or low your fingers rest on the controller.

Overall Impression

The Hori Pad Pro is a fine controller for the price. You get a fantastic D-Pad, a unique look, and four rear buttons for a fraction of the price of an Elite Controller. I wish the analog triggers weren't so stiff and short, but they're still fine for the vast majority of games.

You can use the Hori Pad Pro with both Xbox One and PC, with Windows 10 detecting it by default. With the low price and features on offer, this one is a great buy for anybody who needs a wired pad for console and PC or wants a few extra features at an affordable price. 2D gaming fans will especially want to give Hori's controller a shot.

See on Amazon

The Steam Controller is a more advanced gamepad than that offered by Microsoft and PlayStation, but the input solution is still in its infancy stage. I've also come to the conclusion that while it's neat in some PC games and can absolutely be used in others where a typical gamepad would be deployed, there are also some things Microsoft's Xbox One controller is simply better at.

Here's a quick look at what specifications are featured by both controllers in question:

They're different beats. The Xbox One controller (especially the Elite variant) is considered by many to be the absolute best when it comes to console gaming and using a gamepad on a PC. Valve certainly brings some interesting features to the table, including a gyroscope, accelerometer, dual-stage triggers and two trackpads. Not to mention the number of buttons that can be re-mapped using Steam software.

Microsoft has come a long way with its console controllers. From the famous Duke to the current generation of gamepad, those with an Xbox have enjoyed a solid experience with launched titles. For PC, it's mainly been keyboard and mouse, which is what Valve wanted to replace with the Steam Controller, most notably for the living room and Big Picture Mode.

The Steam Controller takes some time getting used to. When setting up the gamepad with your PC, you'll need to spend some time getting used to how everything works. Instead of relying on two analog sticks, the Steam Controller only has one, with a trackpad for secondary input. It's incredibly off-putting at first, but almost feels natural after some time.

When is the Xbox One controller better? Well, if you don't like the Steam controller then Microsoft's own offering is a must-use. It's particular handy in first-person shooter titles and anything running on the Xbox console. As a slight downside, there's little in terms of customization, re-mapping and more complex controls can feel overwhelming on the small gamepad unless you go for the Elite variant.

This is where the Steam Controller shines though. Take Star Citizen (or Elite Dangerous) as an example. A space simulation title as complex as this requires numerous buttons for various functions. This is possible with the Steam Controller and a maintained configuration file (or you can go it alone and do everything yourself). Should you be comfortable with both controllers, Steam's solution really shines in more advanced games like this.

One also has to include the price when looking at Xbox One controllers and the Steam pad. If you want to match Valve's offering in Microsoft's camp, you'll need to fork out around $140 for the Xbox One Elite controller, which introduces more buttons and customization. The Steam Controller costs just $49.99. It's a substantial difference that should be considered by those looking for a new means of input for their PC.

But that's just me, what say you? Do you prefer the Steam Controller or Xbox One gamepad? Sound off in the comments!

See the Steam Controller at the Steam Store

See the Xbox One Elite Controller at Amazon

Last month we reported on a new Xbox One controller design from Controller Modz, a UK-based controller modding specialist. The company basically allows users to buy authentic first-party controllers for a variety of consoles and choose to have them decorated with a variety of custom paint jobs and designs. The service doesn't come cheap, but Controller Modz promises professional-quality results.

Reading about the Controller Modz service via press release is one thing, but as a controller enthusiast I was eager to get my hands on a custom controller for review. Controller Modz offers 19 unique Xbox One designs to choose from, as well as a "Build Your Own" feature for greater customization. For this review, I went with the "Sticker Bomb" design that features a colorful combination of racing-style livery across the front of the controller.

Packaging

Controller Modz' Sticker Bomb controller is a genuine Microsoft Wireless Controller for Xbox One whose face panel has been modified with a unique design. The controller comes in the original green retail box, emblazoned with a Controller Modz sticker on the front of the box. Inside are the box's original contents: the controller (now prettied up with the user's choice of design) and 2 AA batteries.

The Sticker Bomb

Although Controller Modz offers some designs that span both the front and back of the Xbox One controller (including full-body chrome designs), the Sticker Bomb only affects the front of the controller. The shiny top portion and matte black back portion of the controller look identical to those of a stock controller. I wouldn't have minded having the Sticker Bomb design stretch across the back as well, but it still looks great with a black back.

This particular design is made up of numerous racing stickers/images overlaid across each other on top of a white background. The design I got varies a little from the one shown on the Sticker Bomb product page. Given that the assortment of stickers is placed randomly in the original design, it's kind of cool for that randomness to carry over to individual controllers.

Hydro dip design

The random pattern seems to stem from the modification process. This is no do-it-yourself paintjob. Custom Modz applies the unique artwork by hydro dipping the controller shell. According to Wikipedia, hydro dipping is also known as water transfer printing or hydrographics. The printing method allows designs to be applied to three-dimensional objects, such as controllers. The result is a beautiful and complex design that won't come off or fade over time.

Although hydro dipping sounds like the best way to apply custom designs like those offered by Custom Modz, the controller I received does betray some minor flaws. The face of the controller has several tiny pinhole-sized bumps scattered over its surface. These appear to be air bubbles or a similar type of imperfection resulting from the water transfer process. They're difficult to see unless you closely study the controller, but can be felt by running one's fingers over the controller surface.

Overall impression

The "air bubbles" in this Sticker Bomb controller wouldn't be present in a Microsoft-produced design such as the Titanfall Limited Edition controller, but otherwise the Sticker Bomb is indistinguishable from a store-bought controller. The colorful design is just what I hoped for – this controller stands out in a crowd.

Some people love for their electronics to have a uniform and plain appearance, but others will enjoy the opportunity for personal expression offered by Controller Modz' many designs. The catch is that these custom controllers don't come cheap. Each controller starts out as a retail Xbox One controller before going through the professional modification process. UK-based customers can opt to provide their own controllers in order to cut down on the price.

Assuming you don't send in a controller, the Sticker Bomb rings up at £69.99. UK customers get free shipping, while shipping to the US costs £8.00. Enter coupon code "ecko" during checkout for a ten percent discount. That brings the total to £77.99 for US customers, which equals $130.14.

If you want a truly unique looking controller and can afford the Controller Modz service, you won't be disappointed with the results. Controller Modz even offers a 14-day 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

Controller Modz store links:

• Sticker Bomb Xbox One controller
• More Xbox One controller designs
• Build Your Own Xbox One controller design

Last month we reviewed a custom Xbox One controller from UK-based service Controller Modz. That service offers a variety of sexy hydro-dipped artwork and chrome designs for Xbox One controllers, but nothing in the way of solid colors. For a controller customized with solid colors, we looked to ColorWare – located in Minnesota and recommended by some of our readers.

ColorWare allows customers to customize an Xbox One controller with one or two solid colors of their choice. The controller will then be painted with your design. In order to test the quality of the ColorWare service, I threw together a design of my own. The result is the world's first Windows Phone Central-colored Xbox One controller! Read on for full impressions of the ColorWare Xbox One controller design process and finished product, with video!

Choose your colors

ColorWare provides custom coloring services for a variety of electronics. Gaming-wise, they offer custom Xbox One and Playstation 4 controllers and systems. The systems cost quite a bit more than controllers to colorize, but you can send in your system to significantly reduce the price. With controllers, you just design the controller and they sell you a brand new one; no sending in your own pad.

Designing your own Xbox One controller is quite easy. First, head to the custom Xbox One controller page on the ColorWare site. Then choose the color for the front side of the controller. ColorWare offers 29 "solid" colors and 29 metallic colors, for a total of 58 color choices. Each of these comes in a gloss or matte finish. Next you'll pick a color for the back of the controller from the same selection. As you choose your colors, the preview image automatically updates to reflect your design.

To match the Windows Phone Central color scheme, I chose Sky blue for the front and Flirt pink for the rear, both with a matte finish. Matte shows less dirt and oil than gloss, you know.

Having finished your design, you can then click the Share button to the top-right of the preview and send a custom link to your friends. Follow this link for our controller design.

If you're ready to order, add the controller to your cart. It comes with a one-year warranty on the paint job, with an extended two-year warranty available for $49. The controller will ship out within 7-10 days, and comes in the original Microsoft packaging.

How do we like it?

The controller I received from ColorWare is everything I hoped for. I can't find a single imperfection – the colors are uniform, smooth, and utterly professional.

The only way you can tell this controller wasn't made in blue and pink is by removing the battery cover from the back. The interiors of the battery cover and compartment are both unpainted, with some telltale pink from the painting process bleeding over. That's fine because people don't normally see the internal stuff.

The customized controller does have one other small detail worth noting. On the bottom of the pad, just above the headset jack, sits the ColorWare name in shiny silver. It's a subtle detail, but cool nonetheless.

You get what you pay for – a beautiful controller

ColorWare custom Xbox One controllers cost $109. In the US, shipping is an additional $13.85 or so, making for a total of $122.85. ColorWare also ships internationally, but they only accept credit cards as payment – not PayPal.

Although buying a controller from ColorWare is slightly cheaper for US customers than Controller Modz, it still amounts to twice the price of a regular Xbox One controller. This is a total luxury item. That's okay. If you can afford it, ColorWare's service is a brilliant way to customize your controller. The dual-color paint job will look elegant and stylish, and yet totally unique. Your wallet might sting, but your eyes will thank you.

How do you like the Windows Phone Central-colored Xbox One controller, awesome readers? Feel free to make and share your own designs in this review's comments.

Last week we promised to bring you more Xbox One accessory reviews, and we weren't kidding! I have no less than six controllers and other accessories in the hopper, just waiting to be put through their paces so that our readers can know what's up. First up will be the new Xbox One Mini Series Wired Controller from Power A (makers of the MOGA controllers.

The Mini Series Wired Controller is exciting for a number of reasons. Along with PowerA's Spectra Controller, it's one of the very first two wired controllers for Xbox One. Many gamers prefer wireless for comfort, but wired controllers can still be very handy. The Mini Series controller is also smaller than a standard Xbox One controller, making it more suitable for players with small hands. And last but not least, it sells for $39.99 – $20 less than the standard controller.

Read on to find out whether the Mini Series Controller is right for you.

Two colors, all gloss

This controller comes in two color variations: black or green. Only the plastic shells and USB cables differ in color. The buttons, etc. are identical in both controllers. You won't find an exposed black area on the green color or vice versa, unlike colored first-party controllers. For the purpose of this review, we picked up a black controller.

Whichever color you pick, the Mini Series controller comes in a glossy finish. That's not too uncommon for controllers, but it's a worse choice than a matte finish. Glossy controls show smudges basically any time you handle them. Even just shooting the photographs and video for this review, the controller got fairly smudged up. A matte finish would look cleaner after handling, and (in my opinion) a bit less cheap as well.

Plug it in

The first difference between the Mini Series and a regular Xbox One controller is the Mini Series' built in USB cable. As far as we know, Microsoft still requires third-party controllers to be wired, so it's not like PowerA had a choice in the matter. But the wire can be handy in many situations. You'll never need to worry about the controller powering off when left idle, or having to fish around for a cord when you need to plug it in.

The Mini Series cord itself is 3 meters (9.8 feet) in length. That's a generous length. You needn't fear anyone damaging the controller or console by tripping over the cord, either. The male end of the cable has a breakaway connector, just like wired Xbox 360 controllers. Glad to see that innovation carry over to wired Xbox One controllers!

Size matters

The Mini Series Controller's standout feature is (of course) its diminutive size. I don't know the exact ratio, but this controller seems about twenty percent smaller than the standard Xbox One controller (and about a centimeter shorter than a Playstation controller). That doesn't make it exceptionally small per se, just a bit more appropriate for children and people with smaller hands.

"They look like big, strong hands, don't they?" No, the controller isn't too small for adult male hands to use. I find it perfectly comfortable to use. Someone with extra-large hands like Mobile Nations' very tall Simon Sage might find it too small, though.

Parts and performance

Let's run down the controller's various sticks and buttons and see how they measure up to a first-party controller's.

Analog sticks

The single easiest thing for third party controllers to get wrong is the analog sticks. Even my favorite third-party Xbox 360 controller, the Hori EX pad 2, has shabby sticks. That's why I'm so happy to say the Mini Series has great analog sticks!

They have the perfect length and resistance. Their length is about 2mm shorter than the official sticks, which are slightly too long in my opinion. The tops are about a millimeter smaller in radius compared to the first-party sticks, and aren't nearly as prone to collecting debris, either.

D-pad:

On the Xbox 360, third-party controllers usually boasted superior D-Pads to the official controllers (whose d-pads were awful, even the slightly better transforming variety). The official Xbox One D-Pad is much better though.

The Mini Series D-Pad basically rates about the same. It's a millimeter or so smaller in diameter and has grooved arrows on each direction, but otherwise closely resembles the official D-Pad in shape and performance.

Face buttons

The X, Y, A, and B buttons are smaller and spaced farther apart from each other on the Mini Series controller. They're still larger than you'd find on a Nintendo portable though.

Home button and LED

Instead of resting almost at the top of the controller, the Mini Series' Home button sits closer to the center. It does not light up or have a chrome finish. It sticks farther out from the controller body and feels different to press. Other than not looking quite as nice as a light-up button, I don't see that as a problem.

The Mini Series does have a white LED, but not inside of the Home button. Instead, you'll find it a centimeter below Home. Again, not as aesthetically pleasing as the alternative, but at least we do get a light to indicate that the controller is drawing power.

View and Menu

The Back and Start button equivalents have a more elongated shape than on the official controller, and they sit on either side of the Home button. Menu (Start) is slightly too close to the X button, but it should only cause issues if you rest your thumb too far to the left or start mashing the buttons.

Bumper buttons

Another pleasant surprise: the Mini Series Left and Right Bumpers are better than the official controller's! Basically, they stick out from the controller more. They have a stronger click and feel more responsive in general. Many games don't require precision bumper presses, but a game like Killer Instinct will benefit from the Mini Series' responsive bumper design.

Triggers and vibration

You win some, you lose some. The Mini Series' triggers and vibration simply don't measure up to the official pad's. Not a big surprise as those are two of the official Xbox One controller's strongest points.

The triggers are much smaller and less concave in design. They have less room to travel, making it harder to press them with less than full strength.

As for the vibration motors, they present less low range vibrations than the official controller's. You'll still feel the rumble when you take a hit or whatever, but the milder vibrations are harder to notice.

Windows support

The Mini Series Controller is fully PC compatible. Oddly, my Windows 8.1 system registers it as both an Xbox 360 and Xbox One controller. But the controller only functions with the Xbox One driver, which is good enough.

Only one thing missing

The Mini Series' most obvious flaw is its lack of headset port. You simply can't use a headset while playing with this controller. That greatly restricts the Mini Series Controller's usefulness when playing online games (with the exception of Warframe, which supports keyboard chat).

Still, the controller's small size and low price make it perfect for use as a child's controller or an additional controller for local multiplayer games. Many players won't want to spend $60 for a set of four controllers, but you can easily save twenty bucks by making this one of your extra pads.

PowerA's Mini Series Controller is way better than you'd expect from an affordable third-party pad. The one big flaw, the lack of headset support, is something you're told about up front. Nearly everything else, from the sticks to the d-pad to the buttons, performs just as well as any Microsoft controller.

This controller is not available at Amazon in the US just yet, but you can find it at several other retailers. You can also preorder it at Amazon UK. We'll update with a US Amazon Link when that becomes available.

• Xbox One Mini Series Wired Controller – $39.99 – BestBuy– GameStop– Amazon UK

Microsoft has certainly been known to throw out some hot looking, official controllers for the Xbox One, and now they're back with another. Following on from the Titanfall limited edition earlier this year is this, the brand spanking new, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare limited edition. The game might still be a week out, but the controller is available right now.

And it's a scorcher.

Alright, you don't need a new controller to play Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare – or any Xbox One game, for that matter. And since it costs an extra $10 or so over a standard, run of the mill, black controller, what do you actually get? Well, two things. A paint job and some in-game content.

Underneath, and much the same as the Titanfall controller, this is a regular, run-of-the-mill Xbox One controller. No fancy new hardware features, nothing to make the actual gaming experience any different. It does of course match the paintwork of the forthcoming, 1TB COD special edition console bundle.

And that's really what it's all about. If you want something that looks awesome, a change from the regular black controllers, then this is worth a look. It's got a matte gray finish across the front, while the back remains black so your Charge & Play kits won't look out of place.

The rest of the front is dressed with graphics I'd best describe as distressed looking. The gold looks like its worn away in places and even the base, gray color gives you a similar feeling. The analog sticks are now gray, the D-pad is in gold and the buttons have been given a gray look, too – with little colored arrows beneath each of them.

The gray and gold works superbly together and all-in-all it's a fantastic looking controller. Oh, and it comes with a download code for an in-game supply drop. Which we may have to give away closer to the launch of the game, so keep an eye out for that.

You're not going to gain anything from owning this controller besides having something that looks incredible. It stands out just as much as the Titanfall controller but in different ways. If you want one, grab it while you can, it's not going to be on store shelves forever. We've got links to buy in the U.S. and the UK (where it's a GAME exclusive, it seems) below, but shout out if you find a deal on it anywhere else in the world. But for now, enough talk. More pictures!

• Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Limited Edition Wireless Controller – Xbox One – $66.61 – Amazon (U.S.)
• Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Limited Edition Wireless Controller – Xbox One – £54.99 - GAME

Microsoft is rolling out a firmware update for the Xbox One controller that enables the controller to connect to the console in roughly two seconds, down from the five or so seconds it used to take to pair previously. The firmware update also brings a host of user-requested fixes along with improved stability.

Members in the Xbox Preview Program are receiving the update now, with a wider rollout to all Xbox One owners likely scheduled for later this quarter. If you're in the preview program, here's how to update your controller firmware:

• Connect a controller to your Xbox One with a USB cable. Keep any headsets connected to the controller.
• Connect to Xbox Live.
• Press the Menu
• Go to Settings > Devices & accessories. Select the controller.
• If you have multiple controllers attached, you can select Buzz– which will cause the selected controller to vibrate.
• Then select Update to download the new firmware to the controller attached via the USB cable, and the screen will show the Updating controller… progress screen
• When you see the Controller updated screen, press 'B' to go back to the Devices & accessories main page
• Reselect the controller, the Firmware version, should now be: 1.2.2236.0

If you run into any difficulties during the update, be sure to head to the Xbox One controller page as well as the troubleshooting guide.

Source: Major Nelson

Thanks John and Nicholas for the tips!

It looks like Microsoft is about to make a welcome change to the Xbox One controller, with the updated version — which includes all controllers made after June 2015 — coming with a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack. The port is already listed on the Xbox support site:

3.5-mm port (16). Used to connect compatible 3.5-mm audio devices. Only available on controllers released after June 2015.

While Sony's DualShock controller for the PlayStation 4 allows users to connect their audio gear through a 3.5mm jack, Xbox One owners had to resort to buying the Stereo Headset Adapter to hook up their headsets, which incurs an additional expense of $24.99. By including a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack, Microsoft is fixing a major pain point with the controller.

With E3 just around the corner, it is likely Microsoft will make the announcement at the video game conference next month.

Source: Xbox Support; Via: NeoGAF

Microsoft's Mike Ybarra has revealed that button remap is coming to all Xbox One controllers shortly. The feature will make its debut on the $150 Xbox One Elite controller, but Ybarra has stated that all controllers will get the functionality with an upcoming software update.

@StavEllis@XboxP3 It's coming for all controllers soon.

— Mike Ybarra (@XboxQwik) October 4, 2015

Ybarra did not share a specific date for the availability of the feature, but it is likely it will roll out to Preview members ahead of a public release. We'll share more details as we receive them.

As for the Elite controller, in addition to button remap, it offers interchangeable rear paddles and hair triggers, allowing you to customize the control configuration even further. The controller will be available from October 27.

Buy Xbox One Elite controller ($149)

Source: Twitter (Mike Ybarra); Via:

Custom gaming controls comes to the Xbox One for big price tag, but it is worth every penny.

When it comes to the world of gaming, serious gaming, you don't mess with the controller. Every time a next generation console comes out the controller gets a lot of attention. And with good reason. Delayed signals, a stuck thumb stick, or a button that intermittently stops working can cause you to lose a game. Or a tournament. Or let your online teammates down. Heck, there are people who refuse to use a wireless controller and instead plug them in due to potential latency issues. That's a whole other level of gaming.

I'll confess that I am hardly a serious gamer mostly due to lack of time. Nonetheless, even a casual gamer like myself can appreciate the new Xbox Elite Wireless Controller from Microsoft. Going on sale on October 27 this is Microsoft's stab at attempting to woo the pro-gaming fanatic with their best controller yet.

So how is it? I've been using it for the last week, and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is hard to put down once you get it in your hands.

Origins

We spoke with David Brian, Project Manager for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller back at E3 about why Microsoft is making this accessory. The story behind the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller goes back to Microsoft getting feedback on their current controller from top gamers around the world. They wanted something more from Microsoft.

Microsoft listened. Instead of assuming what those gamers wanted Microsoft went to their houses and studied those elite players. Once there they took notes, recorded what they did and took it all back to the lab. From there Microsoft prototyped various controllers, tested, and evolved various designs until everyone was happy.

The result is a controller with four additional paddles on the back, configurable firing mechanisms, and custom button mapping. To top it off the controller is made out of highest quality, most wear-resistant materials around. The goal here is to create the ultimate controller, one that will also last and never degrade with hardcore wear and tear.

Cost

The price of the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is $150. To put that in perspective, it is near $100 more expensive than the regular Xbox One Wireless Controller. That is a substantial price tag especially if you want two of them. Luckily, Microsoft appears to have made this controller worth the money.

What you get

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller arrives in a handsome black box that gently slides open. Inside is the clamshell case that houses the controller. Sure, you can just toss it on a charger or your TV stand, but if you take it with you, it might as well travel in style.

The clamshell unzips to reveal the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller in all its glory. Inside you get

• Set of 4 paddles
• Set of 6 thumbsticks: standard (2), tall (2), and domed (2)
• Set of 2 D-pads: faceted and standard

All of those parts are housed in a jewel-like holder at the bottom complete with custom cutouts. The thumbsticks, paddles, and D-pads are all high-quality machined metal that have some weight to them. Indeed, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller has an unprecedented heaviness to it. Not in a bad way, but more like "this is a quality device".

How it works

All of the interchangeable pieces are magnetic. That is how they stick to the controller. Microsoft seems to be a fan of magnets these days (see the Surface) and it is an ideal solution for keeping things premium. Screwing things on, latching paddles or more would take away from the novelty of just snapping on a new thumbpad. For some reason, there is just something satisfying about a magnet snapping on to metal, and it works here.

The oddest part of the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller comes down to those optional four paddles on the back. For novice and casual gamers, these will likely stay in the clamshell as they can easily interfere with just basic gaming. Even worse, they can come loose and get kicked under the couch or lost in a seat cushion if not careful.

Those paddles are pre-configured as mapped X, Y, A, B buttons but can be reconfigured in the new Xbox Accessories App. That is where the real magic happens as gamers can now basically make their own controller.

Likewise, you can change out the D-pad for a metal domed one (which feels amazing) and put on some faceted D-pads for more grip.

One of my favorite features is the ability to adjust the RT and LT firing buttons. With a simple switch, you can shorten the button travel. Such a setting is ideal for rapid fire games as reducing the button distance not only saves time but energy too. Playing a racing game? Leave the RT on for the accelerator for slow, gradual control and toss the LT on short for quick breaking. Or don't. The point is it is your choice.

Finally, it is worth pointing out that you can use this controller - like all Xbox One controllers - with a Windows 10 PC or Surface for Xbox One game streaming or playing PC games. The Elite Controller is also compatible with Windows 7 and 8 in wired mode. You can connect via a USB cable to the PC or by using the new Xbox One Wireless Adapter ($25).

Amazing quality

So the important thing about the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is just how good it feels. There are no creaks, it has mass, and there is cool to the touch metal all around it. Although it costs $150 it at least feels like it should.

It looks elegant, too.

Back to my earlier point about casual gamers this controller is something everyone can benefit from and given the choice, I could not imagine anyone passing on this controller for regular one if all costs were equal. Of course, justifying that $150 when you just want to play Peggle 2 is a tough challenge unless you just have money to blow. But hey, assuming you had money to blow you'd be crazy not to want this in your living room.

There are lots of other tweaks to the controller too including the angle of the grips and the resin used in the joysticks, which won't degrade over time. That latter trick ensures that the controller is as smooth on day 300 as it was when you first took it out of the box.

My bet is Microsoft learned a lot about controllers and materials in researching and building the Elite Wireless Controller. That's good news as it means some of that tech could trickle down to their basic wireless controller. If you compare a Day One controller to even a current-gen basic wireless, you can already see how their manufacturing process has improved as the newer creaks less and has more consistent triggers.

So even though you may have to pass on the Elite Wireless Controller due to cost, it should benefit everyone, eventually in some way.

Long term bet – Mapping profiles

The other half to the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is the ability to map custom controls to it. Users can store up to 250 unique configurations on their Xbox (and their profile) and using a switch on the controller they can toggle these mid-game. An example would be in Call of Duty where one mission you are sniping and another you running a defense – you can now have different setups for each scenario.

If that sounds like much to think about, no worries. Microsoft is teaming up with game publishers to let them recommend mapping profiles for their games. Indeed, in the Xbox Accessories App there are already:

• Gears of War – Ultimate Edition (x2)
• Forza 6 (x2)
• Halo 5 (x4)
• Sunset Overdrive

The number in parentheses is how many configuration options are available. Microsoft says more mapping choices are coming including ones for the new Star Wars Battlefront.

The idea behind this app reminds me very much of modding communities who tend to share skins and config files for apps and hardware. In the future, you may even be able to share your own controller configuration for your teammates. The point is, this stuff is just starting, and Microsoft will be watching the community to see where they want to go next.

There is plenty of potential with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller, but it will be a few months before that all comes together.

I think this community-driven approach with high-level of customization is a rather big move to win over hardcore gamers, and it could be a great long-term play for Microsoft.

Should you get it?

I think if you are a heavy gamer who participates in online matches, runs teams, or joins tournaments then the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is worth every penny. Forgetting the customization stuff the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is just a premium piece of hardware that feels amazing. But controllers aren't things you just touch and let go of. You hold on to them for hours at a time, so this "it feels good" thing is not trivial.

Still, $150 is not cheap, so only the pros should apply. Microsoft knows this, which is why everything here is aimed at that crowd. The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller is even great for casual gamers, who will appreciate the overall better triggers and D-pads. Like I said, given the choice, everyone would choose the Elite over the normal wireless one. It's a no-brainer.

I look forward to using the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller on Halo 5: Guardians and Star Wars Battlefront in the coming weeks. You should too (just don't shoot me).

When and where to buy

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller will be available on Tuesday, October 27 for $149.99. Best Buy, http://Amazon.com?tag=wpcentralb-20&ascsubtag=UUwpUdUnU35106 and the Microsoft Store are taking pre-orders, but due to popular demand some controllers may not ship until later in November. However, many retail locations should also have some stock locally, so best to check.

Buy the Xbox One Elite Controller at Best Buy for $149.99

Buy the Xbox One Elite Controller at Amazon for $149.99

Buy the Xbox One Elite Controller at Microsoft Store for $149.99

Buy the Xbox One Elite Controller at Target for $149.99

Buy the Xbox One Elite Controller at GameStop for $149.99