Microsoft appears to be testing a brand new Xbox controller prototype that features both haptics and a touchpad.
During the latest episode of The XboxEra Podcast, Shpeshal Nick mentioned that he’s heard about Microsoft internally prototyping and testing a new Xbox controller with a touchpad and haptics.
Nick mentioned that he received this information from a source over social media. He also said that whether this controller sees the light of day is anybody’s guess. He reminded his audience that the streaming stick Xbox had previously been testing was later shelved for the time being.
He also mentioned that his source denied any connection between this controller and the patent for an Xbox controller featuring an LCD display. It’s likely that both controller are being tested by the console maker for different purposes, with the LCD display possibly serving as a second screen for both local and cloud-based gaming, as indicated by the patent.
The aforementioned streaming device, the Xbox Keystone, was canceled by Microsoft over concerns related to pricing, despite it working really well. During a recent interview, head of Microsoft Gaming Phil Spencer revealed that the company didn’t go ahead with the streaming stick that it had in development, stating that the idea is some time away from coming to fruition.
Spencer clarified that one of the main reasons why the Xbox Keystone was ultimately canceled pricing. It turned out to be more expensive than what Microsoft had wanted when the company developed a prototype. Therefore, the software giant decided to focus the Keystone development team’s effort on delivering the smart TV streaming app instead. According to Spencer, it was simply a change in direction, where the company decided that it was better to focus its efforts on its partnership with TV manufacturer Samsung, and where that app may show up in the future. In the meantime, the launch of the Xbox Keystone has been put on hold until Microsoft can get the right cost.
