Microsoft Working to Make Quieter Analog Sticks for Xbox Controllers
A recent patent filed by Microsoft suggests the company may be working on a quieter design for the analog sticks of Xbox controllers. Throughout the more than 20 years since the original Xbox debuted, Microsoft has constantly made new iterations of its controllers to try new ideas and improve the design. Recent years have seen peripherals like the Xbox Elite and Xbox Elite Core controllers looking to provide a more premium experience with features like interchangeable triggers and D-pads. Now, Microsoft may be looking to re-engineer its controller's analog sticks to make less noise.
A patent filed by Microsoft for a «Sound Reducing Directional Input Stick» shows a new design for the standard Xbox controller that looks to soften the controller's noise level. The patented change adds a «damping ring» on the sides of the analog stick's shaft, with the ring compressing when it connects with the side of the stick's cavity on the controller. The soft compressable material used on the damping ring would look to reduce the noise level on the controller by adding a protective layer between the plastic on the shaft and the controller shell.
New Xbox Controller Leaks
Microsoft cites the need for a damping ring within the patent as relating to games that require quick inputs from the thumbstick. «Rapid movements of the analog stick» can cause the shaft of the stick to impact the controller's plastic shell with the ring looking to soften the impact. The patent also cites the softening of the impact with the shell as working to lessen «tactile vibration» of the controller from the analog stick. The patent also suggests the damping ring may be replaceable to account for the wearing of the material.
Microsoft making a major change to its
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