The return of the classic 'Duke' Xbox controller has been approved by Microsoft

By Jez Corden
last updated

Remember the huge, hulking "Duke" controller from the OG Xbox era? Well, it's making a comeback.

Seamus Blackley, who spearheaded the original Xbox launched back in 2001, has been working with Microsoft to re-release the original Xbox controller. It seems as though it has now been approved by Xbox for sale.

The original Duke controller sported triggers, but no bumpers, instead using black and white buttons to go with the iconic ABXY buttons and non-symmetrical joystick positions. The controller evolved over time, getting smaller and more sophisticated, gradually transforming into the controller we know and love today.

Seamus Blackley announced approval of the gloriously retro controller's rebuild on Twitter a few moments ago.

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With OG Xbox backwards compatibility on the horizon, picking up one of these bad boys should be the perfect companion for your trip down memory lane. With the controller approved, it now has to go through other processes before hitting shelves, but we'll be sure to update you as soon as that happens.

Jez Corden
Jez Corden
Co-Managing Editor

Jez Corden a Managing Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by caffeine. Follow on Twitter @JezCorden and listen to his Xbox Two podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!

9 Comments
  • No thank you.   my fried said he actually preferred this controller years ago, but it never felt right for me. Probably not big enough hands on my part. I did enjoy using the smaller XB controller.
  • What about akebono?
  • Yes! This controller fit my hands perfect. Hope it will be wireless.
  • I'm definitely not qualified to be responding to this, but a safe bet would be that this thing is going to be wired only.  Only reason i say that is i think when they showed this at E3 (or whatever show it was), it was described as being produced by Hyperkin which would make it a 3rd party controller.  Microsoft only allows 1st party controllers to be wireless.  Would be nice to see it wireless, though, because a cord is only going to add to the bulk.  Also seems to me like its going to look the most natural sittng on the shelf beside an original black Xbox One "fat" instead of the X or the white S models.  
  • Gimme gimme gimme.
  • I was never a fan of this design, but good for the people who are.
  • Dunno, but those two extra buttons next to the ABXY should be great for playing Street Fighter. I've always found it annoying to play SF or six button fighting games with only four face buttons.
  • I hadn't thougt about fighting games, but you are right, that is going to make them much better. I was thinking along the lines of shooters where you are effectively losing two immediate access buttons. But diferent controllers for different games.
  • Lol, it was dubbed the American controller.  I had no issues with this. I have big hands.  It was very comfortable, but unfortunately, a little heavy.