Microsoft Announces Xbox Wireless Controller Tech Series

Microsoft Announces Xbox Wireless Controller Tech Series

Say what you will about Xbox, but Microsoft has done an incredible job with the controllers, especially in this console generation. And your choices here just expanded yet again with the introduction of the Xbox Wireless Controller Tech Series, which brings a bit of military-style tech and performance.

“At Xbox, we’re committed to giving fans choices when it comes to games, services, and devices,” Microsoft’s Bree White explains. “Today, we’re excited to unveil the new Tech Series of Xbox Wireless Controllers, [which were] inspired by military technology and performance patterns, [and] explore concepts stemming from combat armor and sci-fi mechanical gear.”

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The Xbox Wireless Controller – Recon Tech Special Edition is the first new controller in this series. It costs $70, or about $30 more than a normal Xbox Wireless Controller and less than half the price of an Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller. Splitting the difference price-wise between the two, you are right to expect that the Tech Series sits functionally in the middle as well.

So the Tech Series controllers will all feature premium finishes, Microsoft says, plus all the new features that came with the Xbox Wireless Controller, like Bluetooth support and improved wireless range. You can also customize the button mapping using the Xbox Accessories app on Xbox One or Windows 10 PCs.

The Xbox Wireless Controller – Recon Tech Special Edition delivers on the Tech Series vision with a laser etched texture, gold accents and insignia on the front of the controller and a textured diamond rubberized grip on the back.

The Xbox Wireless Controller – Recon Tech Special Edition is available for pre-order now and will be available on April 25, 2017.

 

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Conversation 10 comments

  • Chris

    22 March, 2017 - 4:58 am

    <p>I was thinking of getting an Elite for my PC, but I might get this one instead.</p>

    • Rug

      Premium Member
      22 March, 2017 - 6:39 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#92318">In reply to Chris:</a></em></blockquote><p>I had an Elite for 2 weeks and got rid of it. It was a nice controller, but my brain could never take advantage of the paddles. It was also annoying without the paddles in there due to the way I hold it (finger tips rubbing where the paddles connect). I also tried the different stick options, but in the end ran with the defaults. </p>

    • Brandonlpierce

      Premium Member
      22 March, 2017 - 8:05 am

      <blockquote><a href="#92318"><em>In reply to Chris:</em></a></blockquote><p>IIRC Brad mentioned a rumor of a new version. Don't know if there was an expected time frame though. </p>

    • Narg

      22 March, 2017 - 10:45 am

      <blockquote><a href="#92318"><em>In reply to Chris:</em></a></blockquote><p>I got the elite.&nbsp; LOVE IT!&nbsp; I don't use the underside paddles though, but the improvements in other buttons are worth it IMHO.&nbsp; I don't believe this new controller will have improvements in the switches, so it won't be the same.&nbsp; Looks like it's just new shell and new internals.</p>

    • bsd107

      Premium Member
      22 March, 2017 - 2:10 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#92318">In reply to Chris:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>I have the Elite. It feels fantastic. But it has the old wireless tech inside – i.e. shorter XBox range than the XBox One S controllers.</p><p><br></p><p>But my real gripe with the Elite is that it does NOT have Bluetooth for connection to PC. The XBox One S remotes have that functionality.</p>

  • Rug

    Premium Member
    22 March, 2017 - 6:44 am

    <p>i do like what they have done as far as controller options. I have to try very hard to resist the urge to collect these. There's like 6 that I want, but then, like my Day One controller I would probably never touch. They would be just for the looking at. </p>

  • Narg

    22 March, 2017 - 10:44 am

    <p>I'd like to see them improve the media remotes.&nbsp; Their range sucks!</p>

    • gregsedwards

      Premium Member
      22 March, 2017 - 12:03 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#92368"><em>In reply to Narg:</em></a></blockquote><p>Agreed. In fact, they should take a page from Roku's playbook and add a headphone jack. Using the Xbox One controller with a headset to watch video is problematic, because the thing is literally covered with sensitive buttons and triggers, most of which pause, rewind, fast forward, or exit the video you're trying to enjoy.</p>

  • Patrick3D

    22 March, 2017 - 2:32 pm

    <p>After splurging for an Xbox Labs custom colored controller I have no desire to buy this or the Elite if they can't be customized the same way.</p>

  • Tallin

    22 March, 2017 - 9:37 pm

    <p>Er, Paul…&nbsp;you linked a used controller. MSRP for a new standard Xbox One controller is 60 USD, though you'll get a better price than that on Amazon most of the time.</p>

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