Microsoft seems to be changing theirs Xbox controller by removing the expansion port. Xbox controllers are generally considered to be some of the best controllers on the market. They're often the controller of choice for PC gamers who don't want to use a mouse and keyboard, and there's a reason why their design hasn't changed much over the past two generations.
That's not to say the Xbox didn't make one some changes in the driver from one generation to the next. The Xbox Series X/S controllers are slightly smaller and more comfortable to hold than their Xbox One counterparts, and also feature a redesigned d-pad and handy Share button. Most Xbox fans probably assumed that the next controller revision would come with the next-gen console, codenamed Project Helix, but it looks like Microsoft is already making the switch ahead of time.
Xbox is already making a console change based on feedback from the Xbox Player Voice Community
The recently announced Xbox Player Voice program is already leading to key changes for the Xbox Series X/S (and older) consoles.
Xbox controllers are getting a surprise overhaul
Without prior notice appears as if Microsoft might be phasing out the expansion port for Xbox controllers. This unexpected change was first noticed by Reddit user SpeedKomodo, who purchased the limited edition Forza Horizon 6 Xbox controller. They noticed that the controller didn't have an expansion port and showed it next to theirs Star field-themed Xbox controller for comparison.
BUY FORZA HORIZON 6 XBOX DRIVER RIGHT HERE!
Place the consoles in the correct order.
Start
Place the consoles in the correct order.
Easy (5) Medium (7) Hard (10)
As it requires additional accessories such as a chat pad, it's unlikely that the Xbox controller expansion port will ever see the same use, but there will still be some who will be sad to see it go, if indeed it is. It is quite possible that Forza Horizon 6 The Xbox controller is a special case and other newly launched Xbox controllers will retain the expansion port. Microsoft hasn't made any official announcements about the removal of the Xbox controller expansion port, so it will be interesting to see what future Xbox controllers look like.
Project Helix will potentially come with an Xbox controller overhaul. Microsoft has confirmed that Project Helix is in development and will have access to PC stores like Steam, but otherwise details about the device are few and far between. Project Helix is expected to launch sometime in 2027, but again, nothing concrete has been announced yet.
With ongoing global economic conditions and issues like the RAM crisis, Project Helix is speculated to cost up to $1,000 or more. That would be an extremely controversial price point to say the least, so it will be interesting to see what Microsoft ends up with. Xbox fans should stay tuned for more information in the coming months.
As for other Xbox controllers, the Xbox Elite Series 3 has leaked, and the Sebile Xbox controller redesign has also leaked, with it believed to add features popularized by DualSense on the PS5, such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. However, until Microsoft itself decides to reveal more about future Xbox controllers, fans should take any information about them with a grain of salt.
