Xbox Adding Convenient New Controller Feature

Microsoft has added a convenient Xbox controller feature to Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, allowing players to connect and configure their controllers in a quick and easy process. This particular feature will be available to all players who install the new Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S user interface update, which introduces a revamped dashboard design based on feedback from Xbox gamers.

On July 26, Microsoft began to roll out a new Xbox user interface that brings quality-of-life improvements and adjustments to the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S dashboards. The newly improved dashboard allows players to easily access Library, Store, Xbox Game Pass, and new personalization features. For instance, the update allows players to add their own backgrounds and customize pinned games and groups. Additionally, the Friends & Community Updates and Watch & Listen sections lets Xbox fans discover other communities and easily browse entertainment apps.

The Verge's Tom Warren recently demonstrated a new Xbox controller feature that lets players pair controllers and accessories without needing to press the pairing button on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. After installing the new Home experience update, Xbox gamers may open the Xbox accessories app on the dashboard and select the "Connect a Device" option. This new option lets the Xbox console immediately begin the pairing process for wireless Xbox controllers, Xbox Adaptive Controllers, and wireless headsets. Once the desired controller option is selected, Xbox gamers simply need to hold down the pairing button on their controllers to complete the process and start playing some games.

a new Xbox feature lets you pair controllers and accessories without having to leave your couch to hit the pairing button on the console. Here's how it works: pic.twitter.com/qPPEpY20S0
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) August 5, 2023

The new controller pairing feature is currently in alpha testing and skip-head testing for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S gamers participating in the Xbox Insiders program. This new UI update is being rolled out to all Xbox gamers over the next couple of weeks, and Tom Warren believes testing for the pairing feature may be complete once the dashboard update is readily available.

Xbox's new controller feature should improve the overall player experience since the console's pairing button will no longer need to be pressed. Streamlining the pairing process also lets gamers quickly pair and configure multiple controllers for local play. Moreover, a quick pairing process should allow gamers to switch controllers with ease, minimizing time away from a game currently being played on the console.

However, some fans aren't happy with the Xbox UI update during its incremental rollout, so Microsoft may still need to do more testing and make further adjustments to the dashboard. Fortunately, the Xbox Insiders program is useful for determining issues that need to be addressed before updates are made available to a majority of the player base.