Xbox One hundred million dollar controller
It took Microsoft two and a half years and over $100 million to develop the Xbox One’s controller, according to CVG, talking to Xbox Accessories general manager Zulfi Alam. Were they lacquering them in truffle oil and ambergris?
Hundreds of interviews and iterations have birthed a controller well beyond the desired 360-controller-but-with-a-d-pad-that-isn’t-trash. “Honestly, some of us felt like we were putting our career on the line,” Alam said. “We were afraid we were going to burn through $100 million and come back with an under-developed controller.” No, but maybe not enough money went into planning the actual console, huh?
Of course, the controller is outstanding. Even fans who have been scared off by Microsoft and the Xbox One have shown interest in purchasing an Xbox One controller for PC gaming. As someone who loves both the Dual Shock 3 and 360 pad just fine, I noted the improvements when I used one at E3. It was probably the only thing about the Xbox One at E3 that I did enjoy (note, I didn’t play Forza 5).
Unfortunately, according to Microsoft, speaking to GamesBeat, the Xbox One controller won’t be compatible with PCs out of the gate. Microsoft is estimating some time in 2014. Vague. Reminds me of a weird inverse of the fact that the Xbox One will, until “the near future,” require you to buy a new, One-specific headset. It also continues suggesting Microsoft has had to rush this console launch. At least it means you can wait until the controller goes on sale before rushing out and picking one up, right?
The $100m story behind the Xbox One controller [CVG]The Xbox One controller will work with your PC — eventually [GamesBeat]