Microsoft has unveiled an updated Xbox One wireless controller to launch alongside a recently announced 1TB Xbox One console, coming later this month.
The controller, available in black or black/silver camo, sports a 3.5mm stereo headset jack, allowing gamers to plug nearly any gaming headset directly into the controller. Volume, mic monitoring, and balancing options will be accessible in the console’s Settings menu in addition to the headset’s controls. Microsoft says the new controller improves the quality of audio coming through the controller and increases the maximum audio volume on headsets used with it. Previously existing accessories will continue to work with the updated controller, including the original Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter.
Other improvements include fine-tuned bumpers “for more consistent performance anywhere along the full surface of the bumper,” says Microsoft. Updates to the controller’s firmware can now also be done wirelessly, eliminating the need to plug the controller in via USB to receive updates.
The new controller will launch on June 16 and will be included in Microsoft’s new 1TB Xbox One console, launching on the same day. The new console sports a matte finish and will start selling for $399 USD ERP, depending on region and availability. It will also include a digital copy of Halo: The Master Chief Collection in some regions.
Microsoft also says that, as of today, the $349 USD price tag on all standard 500GB Xbox One consoles will be permanent in the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and India.
Lastly, the company announced that Windows 10 PCs, laptops, and tablets are also getting a brand new Xbox Wireless Adapter, which can be plugged into any USB 2.0 or 3.0 port, allowing those devices to utilize the Xbox One controller wirelessly. It’ll be available for $24.99 U.S. MSRP or bundled with a controller for $79.95 U.S. MSRP.
Microsoft will conduct their E3 2015 media briefing at 9:30 AM Pacific on Monday morning, June 15. Here are all the places you can watch it.