Microsoft has been rumored to be cooking up a new Xbox Elite Controller for some time, but we may now have an idea of when it will break cover. The Verge's Tom Warren today revealed that a new $149 Xbox controller is being developed under the codename "Washburn." Further, Warren says, the controller is set to start shipping in October.
Warren doesn't explicitly call this an Elite Controller follow-up, but the reported pricing suggests it will occupy that same space.
The original Elite Controller made its debut in 2015 as a premium peripheral built for those who want to eke out every bit of possible performance. The controller sported trigger locks, a set of rear paddles that can be mapped to different actions, and the option to add longer joysticks and different directional pads.
According to the occasional leaks that have popped up in recent months, the second iteration of the Elite Controller is expected to be more of an iterative update. Changes include a three-stage hair trigger lock, tension control for the joysticks, and Bluetooth connectivity. A matching charging dock could also be in the cards.
Regardless, it's possible we could see what Microsoft has planned as soon as Gamescom next week. Earlier this year, the company teased that it would show off new bundles and accessories at Gamescom during a special episode of Inside Xbox at 7:30 a.m. PT (10:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. CET) on August 21.
The current Xbox Elite Controller is available now for $144.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
The Dell XPS 15 is our choice for best 15-inch laptop
For a lot of people, a 15-inch laptop is a perfect size that offers enough screen for multitasking, and in a lot of cases, some extra performance from powerful hardware. We've rounded up the best of the best at this size.
Halo: MCC's live service elements make it better, not worse
Halo: The Master Chief Collection is more popular than ever, but some fans don't agree with the live service approach 343 Industries has taken with it. Here's why those elements are, at the end of the day, great for the game and for Halo overall.
Microsoft's Surface Duo is not 'failing up'
Microsoft announced this week that it was expanding Surface Duo availability to nine new commercial markets. While Surface Duo is undoubtedly a work in progress, this is not a sign of a disaster. It's also doesn't mean that Surface Duo is selling a ton either. Instead, the reason for the expansion is a lot more straightforward.
These are the best keyboards to use with Xbox Series X and S
Xbox Series X and S continue Xbox's support of mouse and keyboard control, so we rounded up the best keyboards to use with your next-gen console.