Microsoft has been rumored to be cooking up a new Xbox Elite Controller for some time, but we may now have an idea of when it will break cover. The Verge's Tom Warren today revealed that a new $149 Xbox controller is being developed under the codename "Washburn." Further, Warren says, the controller is set to start shipping in October.
Xbox codename Washburn. It's a $149 Xbox controller that will ship in October...Xbox codename Washburn. It's a $149 Xbox controller that will ship in October...— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) August 14, 2018August 14, 2018
Warren doesn't explicitly call this an Elite Controller follow-up, but the reported pricing suggests it will occupy that same space.
The original Elite Controller made its debut in 2015 as a premium peripheral built for those who want to eke out every bit of possible performance. The controller sported trigger locks, a set of rear paddles that can be mapped to different actions, and the option to add longer joysticks and different directional pads.
According to the occasional leaks that have popped up in recent months, the second iteration of the Elite Controller is expected to be more of an iterative update. Changes include a three-stage hair trigger lock, tension control for the joysticks, and Bluetooth connectivity. A matching charging dock could also be in the cards.
Regardless, it's possible we could see what Microsoft has planned as soon as Gamescom next week. Earlier this year, the company teased that it would show off new bundles and accessories at Gamescom during a special episode of Inside Xbox at 7:30 a.m. PT (10:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. CET) on August 21.
The current Xbox Elite Controller is available now for $144.
