19 September 2023 , 19:15
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Confidential, unredacted internal documents were inadvertently uploaded to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) website because of a Microsoft error, and they show plans for a new Xbox wireless controller with a modular design and haptic feedback.
During its case against the FTC, which set out to investigate the Microsoft Activision deal, the company accidentally handed over a link to the sensitive documents to the court and they were subsequently published online. The leaks reveal Microsoft's future hardware plans up until 2030, which include a mid-gen refresh of the Xbox Series X, a push for cloud gaming, and a redesigned controller.
The upcoming iteration of the Xbox Wireless Controller is set to feature gyro support, modular thumbsticks, and precision haptic feedback. It'll also support a direct-to-cloud connection, indicating a push towards cloud gaming could be on the horizon for Microsoft.
Senior editor of The Verge, Tom Warren, broke the news on Twitter, with the leak initially thought to have been an FTC error. Douglas Farrar, director of the FTC's office of public affairs, has since confirmed that the fault lies with Microsoft, with the judge in the case clarifying that several highly confidential documents relevant to the FTC vs Microsoft case were shared in a link of exhibits and have since been removed from the website. Microsoft will be able to resubmit these later this week, presumably appropriately redacted.
Sincerest form of flattery
The new Xbox controller, codename 'Sebile', is fairly similar to the existing Xbox controller in terms of ergonomics and layout. The main differences lie in the features on offer. It's set to boast haptic feedback (which the PS5 already has in its DualSense controller), for a more immersive experience – something Microsoft explicitly says it's after, describing it as an "all-new, immersive controller”.
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The current Xbox controller also lacks gyro support, which is another thing found in the PS5 DualSense – and what the community has wanted to see for a while now. There are a plethora of reddit threads and social media posts dedicated to suggestions for third party Xbox controller alternatives that support gyro. It's something that Xbox has been behind the curve with for years, and this new controller will open up new ways to play games, as well as offering quality of life benefits like lift to wake, according to the leaks.
The modular design is also a huge boon, making it easy to disassemble and repair the gamepad yourself; July's launch of the Microsoft repair store was clearly the precursor to the new Xbox controller's launch. It also has a rechargeable and swappable battery and is made from recycled materials and less resin.
In terms of the cloud gaming push, the new Xbox controller will support a direct-to-cloud connection indicating that cloud gaming will continue to be a focal point for Microsoft and its future hardware plans. The feature will also let you manage your connections to your gamepad in the mobile app.
The Xbox leaks also allude to a mobile controller, being a one-handed cloud device, and something else referred to as 'cloud blade'. In current Microsoft vernacular, a blade is a pane in the Azure portal, and of course, there's the Surface Touch Covers, nicknamed blades. So make of that what you will.
Included in the document was a chart that suggests that 'cloud-first' gamers are going to drastically increase between now and 2030. And Microsoft is ready to build on the foundations it's already laid with Xbox Game Pass and cloud gaming service.