Xbox Wireless Controller Carbon Black Review
The Xbox Wireless Controller Carbon Black is a significant evolution in Microsoft’s controller design, providing a comfortable gaming experience with both wired and wireless options. It’s compatible with a range of devices, making it an appealing choice for gamers who value flexibility and a familiar design.
Pros
1. Hybrid D-pad: One of the standout features of this controller is the new hybrid D-pad. It takes inspiration from both traditional cross-shaped D-pads and the circular pads found on the Xbox Elite Series controllers. This hybrid design offers greater precision for diagonal inputs while maintaining ease of use for standard movements. For fighting games, platformers, and other genres that rely heavily on directional inputs, the D-pad provides a noticeable improvement in control and responsiveness.
2. Textured Grips and Triggers: The textured grip is a subtle but highly appreciated improvement. The patterns along the handles of the controller provide a better feel and grip during intense gaming sessions. This helps to reduce slipping, particularly if your hands tend to sweat during long periods of play. Additionally, the textured surfaces on the triggers add an extra layer of control, giving users a more tactile experience when aiming or accelerating in games.
3. Wireless & Bluetooth Connectivity: Microsoft has made connectivity more versatile with this model, allowing users to pair the controller via wireless and Bluetooth. The Bluetooth connectivity feature means you can use the controller with a wide variety of devices, including PCs, tablets, and mobile phones. This cross-device pairing is simple to set up, and the controller can quickly switch between paired devices, making it easy for gamers who shift between consoles and mobile gaming or PC gaming.
4. Improved Ergonomics: The overall shape of the controller has undergone some minor tweaks to fit a broader range of hand sizes. The rounded edges and contours allow for a more natural grip, making it comfortable for longer play sessions. Whether you have large or small hands, the controller adapts well, offering easy access to all the buttons without strain.
5. Dedicated Share Button: A new feature, the Share button, is a welcome addition. It’s located conveniently on the front of the controller, allowing players to quickly capture screenshots or record gameplay footage without navigating through menus. This is particularly useful for those who enjoy sharing their gaming moments on social media platforms or streaming services.
6. Reliable Battery Life: The controller runs on AA batteries, which many users prefer because it allows them to swap batteries when they run out of charge. Alternatively, rechargeable battery packs are also an option, which can be a more environmentally friendly choice. Users typically get 30 to 40 hours of playtime on a fresh set of batteries.
Cons
1. Lack of Built-in Rechargeable Battery: While AA batteries offer the convenience of quick replacement, many gamers feel the absence of a built-in rechargeable battery is a drawback. Other gaming controllers, like the PlayStation DualSense, come equipped with rechargeable batteries out of the box, which reduces the need to buy batteries or battery packs separately. This omission in the Xbox Wireless Controller makes it feel slightly dated in terms of modern gaming accessories.
2. No Major Design Changes: Some might argue that this iteration of the Xbox controller doesn’t innovate enough on its predecessors. The basic design language is similar to previous models, which can feel underwhelming for those expecting a fresh and revolutionary design. The controller still follows the same familiar layout, with a slight update to the D-pad and textured grips. However, for long-time Xbox users, this might feel too much like “more of the same.”
3. Bluetooth Performance Can Vary: While the Bluetooth functionality opens up multi-device compatibility, some users report that Bluetooth connectivity can be inconsistent. There are occasional reports of input lag or dropped connections, especially when used with non-Xbox devices such as PCs or smartphones. For optimal performance, many users prefer using the controller with the Xbox Wireless Adapter or directly via USB-C to avoid such issues.
4. Limited Colour Options: At launch, the Carbon Black model is the standard offering. While additional colours and customization options are likely to be released later, for now, users are limited to the classic black design. If you’re looking for a more vibrant or personalized controller, you may need to wait or consider third-party skin options.
5. Price for Battery Packs: While the controller itself is reasonably priced, investing in rechargeable battery packs adds to the overall cost. Though not exorbitant, it can be an extra expense that users of other controllers (which come with built-in batteries) don’t have to worry about. Over time, buying AA batteries could also become costly, depending on how much you play.
Final Thoughts
The Xbox Wireless Controller Carbon Black offers a refined, reliable gaming experience, perfect for both Xbox and multi-platform users. Its hybrid D-pad, textured grip, and ergonomic design are standout features, but the lack of a built-in rechargeable battery and minimal design changes may leave some feeling it could have offered more innovation. For gamers who want a controller that balances comfort, compatibility, and functionality, this is still one of the top options available today. However, for those who prioritize cutting-edge features or aesthetic customization, you may want to look into other controllers or the Xbox Elite Series for a more premium experience.
