Along with the new 1TB Xbox One, Microsoft has redesigned the controller for it. Well, redesigned in a loose sense of the term, because while there are differences, the end result is almost identical to its predecessor. At least, visually.

That's not necessarily a bad thing. The Xbox One controller is one of the best examples of a console controller in recent times, so much so that even Oculus will be using it with the consumer version of its Rift VR headset in 2016.

The first thing improved with this version are the bumper buttons. Microsoft says it has "fine tuned" them for better performance along the full length of the buttons, and honestly, they do feel better to use. You get a pretty even 'clickyness' along the entire length which is probably what Microsoft was shooting for.

The other outward facing change is the addition of a standard 3.5mm headset jack. This means you no longer need to purchase the additional adapter to use anything but the stock Microsoft headset. This is reflected in the new offering that Microsoft includes in the box with the 1TB Xbox One, opting now for a 3.5mm toting option over the Chat Headset that has been included previously. You can still use the adapter if you like, along with its additional volume controls.

The rest of the changes are internal. From Microsoft:

"With the updated controller, in addition to the volume and mute controls on gaming headsets, you'll also have the option to adjust headset volume, mic monitoring, and voice and game audio balance through the Settings menu on your console. We've also improved the quality of audio coming through the controller and increased the maximum audio volume on headsets used with this controller, based on fan feedback. And we've enabled wireless firmware updates on the updated controller which eliminates having to connect the controller via USB cable to receive updates."

So, lots of good stuff underneath, not least no longer having to dig out a cable to install firmware updates. It's a nice refresh of an already great controller, just don't go into it expecting more than there actually is. It'll be available in black or in the special "Covert Forces" silver and black camo edition, which looks pretty fancy from the pictures we've seen so far.

http://www.windowscentral.com/here-is-new-xbox-one-controller

Looks like they just made my favorite controller even better!

Looks beautiful. Officially in my mind the best controller to have ever existed.

headphone jack is really a good thing. Hope Nintendo will add a jack to the pro controller

I used to hate the unevenness of the way the bumpers clicked, but then I got used to them. It's just the way your pointer finger needs to wrap around it. So you can hit the bumper with the inside of your pointer finger, close to the palm, while also being able to use the tip of the same finger to hit the trigger. These new triggers should be better. I just feel bad for the noobs who get thrown an old controller, after getting used to the new one, and won't know how to hold it right and then get owned in Titanfall. Headphone jack is just good for porn.

I was a bit uneasy with the controller at first but I absolutely love it now! Great that they added a headphone jack!

Wouldn't you want wireless headphones for porn? You probably don't want your controller getting all sticky.

why still rounded buttons?

When are they releasing this controller? I'm trying to hold off on buying another Xbox One controller until this drops.

The best just got better.