Fixing your Xbox controller just got easier thanks to Microsoft
Microsoft has just listed a range of Xbox controller replacement parts on its US storefront, meaning gamers can order them directly rather than going through lengthy support ticket processes.
You can now find official replacement parts for Xbox controllers including the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller and the standard Xbox Wireless Controller listed on the Microsoft store in the US. These parts range from extra buttons and sticks to new motherboards, so no matter how badly you damage your gamepad during your next rage sesh, you can repair it.
Prior to this new page popping up on the Microsoft store, the only way to get your Xbox controller repaired with official parts was to submit a support ticket and send it off for repair. To take advantage of this you also needed to have a warranty, so those outside of this period were simply out of luck, and had to settle for unofficial replacement parts. Being able to buy these parts allows for a simpler process which even those who aren't covered by warranty can take advantage of.
However, unlike with the support ticket system, these parts have to be installed yourself. But fear not; alongside the Xbox controller replacement parts going live on the Microsoft US store, there are also instructions in the helpdesk section for how to fit the products, as well as a YouTube video which delves into the details of how to replace each part of your Xbox controller.
The Xbox controller replacement parts are currently only available in the US, but Brad Rossetti, Xbox Insider program lead tweeted out asking for feedback on what seems to be the new repair initiative. We can assume that it will be rolled out to more locations including the UK and Australia if it has a positive response, which would be extremely useful so others around the world can dodge the long support ticket process.
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Prices for these Xbox controllers replacement parts start from $23.99 which roughly converts to around £18.74 / AU$36.16 and they all come with a one-year warranty; although keep in mind that the way regional pricing works means it won't be a straight conversion like this, but it's handy as an estimate. Either way, the repair options are significantly cheaper than buying a brand new Xbox controller which comes in at £54.99 / $59.99 / AU$89.95.
It's about time...
Up until now, it's been impossible to get your hands on first-party replacement components for the Xbox controller – whether that be the standard Xbox Wireless Controller or the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller. The majority of gamers settle for replacing their broken gamepad outright and eating the cost, or turn to third-party providers to pick up unofficial replacement parts. And possibly voiding their controller warranty (although some have found Microsoft to be fairly lenient with that).
In comparison, the PS5 DualSense Edge controller – which was released earlier this year – allows for the face plate to be removed so that the entire stick module of the PS5 controller can be easily taken out and replaced at home. Sony sold the PS5 DualSense Edge alongside the stick modules separately at launch making for a quick and simple fix for any drifting issues from day one.
It really feels like Xbox is struggling to keep up with the competition as it consistently lags behind Sony in terms of both software and hardware. The company is late to to the party with replacement parts for its Xbox controller, and elsewhere, the recent Xbox home screen updatestill doesn't include HDR despite the feature being readily available on PS5.
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