What is the Xbox Series X Controller?

The Xbox Series X is a very popular game console that was created in November 2020 by Microsoft. It is a part of the fourth generation of Xbox consoles which were intended to create significant performance, faster load times, and better frame rates for gamers. The Xbox Series X was created with a stronger chipmaker AMD, immersing experiences people have never seen before (Will Tuttle, 2020). Along with the console, an Xbox controller was designed as a primary input device to interact with the video games provided by the Xbox. There are multiple functions the controller serves which is why it is a significant part associated with the Xbox. It allows users to interact with the gaming console through inputs and it is designed to comfortably fit a wide range of users. Some have features like wireless connectivity and customizable options for buttons and triggers to enhance the user’s experience.

Mainboard

The innermost part of the remote consists of two boards. The first is the mainboard which contains four vibration motors, two analogs, and a wireless and control chip (Figure 1). The four vibration motors are behind each trigger which adds haptic feedback to the fingertips. The two analogs are created for movement control and navigation. They provide a way to scroll and make selections. The wireless and control chip is predominantly for wireless communication and processing. This chip allows the remote to connect to the Xbox without a physical wire. It also allows input data from the controller’s buttons and sends them to the console as commands to be executed.

The Second Board

The second board consists of silicone pads for controlling buttons and batteries (Figure 2). It connects to the boards and the outermost parts of the remote which holds the buttons in place. It has elements that make contact with the circuit boards when a button is pressed. It sends signals to the controllers’ processor which registers the press for the button. It also helps create soft feedback towards the gamer which ultimately ensures a more comfortable gaming experience. It is responsible for wireless connectivity and using radio frequency to maintain a stable connection. Between the two boards, there is something called a mini-jack connector (Figure 3). This allows players to connect a headset to the controller and hear game sounds and music directly through the headset. This helps the audio output and allows effective communication which overall enhances the gaming experience.

Buttons

This Xbox Series X controller has multiple buttons that are held together by the boards. It has four letter buttons labeled A, B, X, and Y. These buttons are placed on the right side of the controller in the formation of a diamond. The Y is in the top position, with the B button on the right, the X button on the left, and the A button on the bottom. They are the standard buttons used for different functions and game navigation (Figure 4). The exact roles can vary but they were designed to be easy to remember. An Xbox remote also has buttons known as the right stick button (RSB), left stick button (LSB), right bumper (RB), right trigger (RT), left bumper (LB), and left trigger (LT). These buttons are mainly used to interact with games and the console itself. They make it easier to search for any interests. The LB and RB are on the top part of the remote. It can be concluded its placement is there to be easily used by the pointer finger for comfort. Underneath each of those buttons, lays the triggers LT and RT. These help in-game movement and primary game actions (Figure 5).

On the bottom left of the remote, lies what is known as the d-pad. This is a plus-shaped button that adds to the ability to navigate through the console. It leaves more options if a user wants to create a customized setting and can help improve game mechanics. Above and to the left of the d-pad is the LSB. To the right of the d-pad is the RSB (Figure 6). The LSB and RSB are inputs added to the controller that also help improve gaming performance. They hold various functions and are created to make it easier for the user to perform actions without having to move fingers to a different part of the remote. All of these buttons work together to produce a smoother gaming experience.

In the top center of the remote lies the Xbox Button and three buttons directly underneath: the share button, menu button, and view button (Figure 7). The Xbox button is used to turn the console on and off, access the guide menu, and view notifications. The share button is used to quickly capture screenshots and record clips. This is mainly used during a game and saves significant moments. This is the first time an Xbox controller has a dedicated button for sharing and saving content. The menu button, also known as the “start” button, is the primary button to access options such as saving or quitting to return to the main menu. The view button, which was previously the “back” button on earlier Xbox controllers, allows the player to change settings and access another menu. It also can change the camera angle or switch to different viewing perspectives. These buttons help with organization and selecting the right applications. They are additional features created to make navigation quicker making the gaming experience more efficient.

Front and Back Panels

The front and the back panel are the parts that keep the whole remote together (Figure 8). The front panel, also known as the face of the controller, is where you can visually see all of the buttons and hold them in place presentably. It is designed to be for the user which means the layout, functionality, comfort, and control were all factors that were considered. The back panel also serves multiple key purposes. It holds the power source of the controller and is designed to be easily accessible for battery replacement or recharging. It also plays a big part in the structure of the controller by protecting the internal components. This part helped provide comfort, customizable options, and easy access to functions which make it a critical part of the controller’s design

Overall, Microsoft’s creation of the Xbox series along with the controller reflects the development of modern gaming. The very first Xbox was created in 2001 which was a huge stepping stone for Microsoft. Since then, they have created many upgraded consoles which led to the Xbox Series X. This console was created to emphasize high performance, fast loading times, and a new experience for users. Along with its controller, this creation continues nearly 20 years of development. The Xbox brand has become very popular in the gaming industry and continues to do so. It has become the most powerful console on the market.

Citations

Will Tuttle (He/Him), X. W. E. in C. (2021, February 24). Xbox series X: A closer look at the technology powering the next generation. Xbox Wire. https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/03/16/xbox-series-x-tech/ 

YouTube. (2021, December 8). How to completely disassemble an Xbox series X or series S controller. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3w2RFooS9c 262588213843476. (n.d.). Xbox Controller Button names and layout. Gist. https://gist.github.com/palmerj/586375bcc5bc83ccdaf00c6f5f863e86