Here is an initial look
Starting in September of 2023, the largest leak in Xbox history exposed numerous concepts that were allegedly planned at some point in time, including a controller codenamed “Sebile” that was expected to launch in 2024.
That obviously didn’t take place, but Windows Central is reporting “on reliable authority” this month that Sebile is still in development – now for the “next generation of Xbox console hardware.” Even better, we’ve recently obtained a new patent from Microsoft that suggests the kind of haptic features that may be included in the innovative controller.
You may catch a glimpse of the patent below, alongside a description of what it showcases.
“A device designed to generate haptic feedback is disclosed. The device consists of a housing, a connector, and a haptic motor. The connector comprises a mounting end attached to the housing and a distal end that is separated from the mounting end. The haptic motor is connected to the distal end of the connector. Activating the haptic motor causes it to shift relative to the housing to produce the haptic feedback.”
There is likely much more to uncover in the full patent, which provides further details on how the controller seems to focus on “high definition” haptic feedback for modern games, along with the capability to re-tune itself for “legacy” haptic feedback—probably indicating backward compatibility with titles originally designed for older controllers.
“In one example, the device can be adjusted so that one resonance peak mimics the haptic feedback of a legacy haptic motor from an older device (for instance, an Eccentric Rotary Mass (ERM) motor that vibrates at 20 Hz in a traditional game controller). This configuration may serve backwards compatibility with legacy video games.”
“Additionally, the device can be adjusted such that the other resonance peak is aligned with a higher frequency to provide high definition (HD) haptic feedback (for example, at 80 Hz). Such haptic feedback could be utilized for modern video games. In some scenarios, both types of haptic feedback could be employed under various conditions within the same video game (or other interactive experiences).”
When Sebile was initially leaked in September of last year, the report indicated that the controller would feature “precision haptic feedback” along with an accelerometer and VCA haptics that also function as speakers, alongside numerous other innovative components including new modular thumbsticks and enhanced wireless connectivity options.
Of course, patents do not tell the entire story, and we assume there is still a considerable way to go before Microsoft officially reveals what it has planned for the next generation of Xbox controllers. Until then, let the speculation commence!
What are you hoping to see from Xbox controllers in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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