Some of Microsoft’s latest Xbox controllers, which were explicitly designed for its next-generation Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles, suffer from non-responsive face buttons. The company confirmed the potential defect in a statement sent to competitive gaming outlet The Loadout today, noting that its engineering teams were actively working on a solution to the issue. Microsoft didn’t elaborate on what the root cause of the problem might be, however.
“At Microsoft, we put all of our products through rigorous quality assurance testing and are committed to providing customers with an unparalleled gaming experience,” Microsoft said in its statement. “We are aware some players may be experiencing unresponsiveness with their new Xbox Wireless Controllers and our teams are actively working on a solution. For the best experience, we encourage customers to visit Xbox Support for assistance.”
“One player, who goes by ‘SK Lee’, [said] that the Y button on their controller is the worst affected,” The Loadout reported. “They bought the controller as an upgrade from their Logitech F310, but say ‘the unresponsive Y button is a dealbreaker.’ As they mostly play FIFA on PC, the unresponsive button made through-balls a no-go, which every player worth their salt will know is a vital part of counter-attacking and setting your strikers through on goal.”
Initially detailed in March 2020, Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox controller looks extremely similar to its predecessor but improves upon it in a variety of notable ways, such as a circular directional pad (instead of a cross-shaped one), the addition of a Share button for quick capture and sharing of gaming moments, and a tactile dot pattern on the triggers and bumpers for improved feel and performance. Unfortunately, there is no ETA on when the face button issue might be fixed.