Is Xbox One Getting a New Controller?

A brand new wireless Xbox One controller is rumored to be announced soon. Nothing is official just yet, but with the Electronic Entertainment Expo so close, it should not be unexpected.

A mock up of the new wireless controller was spotted on the official Xbox support page.

The new controller is shown with a 3.5-mm headphone port, similar to Sony’s Dualshock 4. This is different from the existing port, which is a proprietary jack. This would make things a lot easier for gamers who enjoy using headsets, as generic ones can’t be used with the controller unless an adapter is purchased. 

Controller modifications do not happen very often, but this is not the first time Microsoft has made hardware changes. Back in 2010, they announced a slimmer Xbox 360 at E3 and then another 360 SKU in 2013. So it is definitely in the realm of possibility.

From the photo on the support page, the new Xbox One controller still does not hint at a rechargeable battery pack; something fans have been longing for. This is unlike the Playstation’s Dualshock 4 and the Wii U’s gamepad, which offer rechargeable controllers. So for now, the controller is stuck with AA batteries unless you pay more for an additional battery pack and charger.

Lastly, the page stated that the port is only available after June 2015. However, this statement has since been removed.

A representative for Microsoft did respond to the news by saying, “the team is focused on showcasing more games and experiences at E3 but has nothing else to share at the moment.“

Microsoft’s E3 press conference will be shown on June 15, 2015 at 9:30 PDT.

Do you think Microsoft will unveil a new controller at E3? Are you excited for the possibility of one? Let us know in the comments section.

Harman Bola

Harman is a freelance writer from California. He likes action-rpgs and long walks on the beach.