Xbox Unveils Next‑Gen Controller – GameSir Starts Pre‑Orders

When Microsoft dropped the teaser for its next Xbox controller, the gaming community buzzed. The silhouette looked familiar enough – the classic Xbox shape – but there were a few subtle changes that caught the eye. A slightly chunkier grip, a new textured finish, and an extra programmable button on the underside hinted that this isn’t just a cosmetic refresh.

Enter GameSir. The Taiwan‑based peripheral company, known for budget‑friendly yet solid gamepads, announced it will be the first to offer pre‑orders for the new hardware. Their announcement came just a day after the official reveal, and it feels almost like a coordinated push: Microsoft gets the hype, GameSir gets the early‑bird sales.

So, what’s actually different? First off, the D‑pad has been re‑shaped into a cross‑style layout, something many pro players have asked for because it feels more natural for fighting games. Then there’s the revamped share button – now placed where the Xbox button used to be, making it easier to clip gameplay on the fly without fumbling. For the heavy‑handed crowd, the triggers are slightly longer and feature a smoother travel, reducing the effort needed for rapid fire.

On the software side, the controller pairs with the Xbox Accessories app just like the Elite Series 2. That means you can remap buttons, adjust trigger dead zones, and even create profile snapshots that sync across Xbox consoles and Windows PCs. GameSir says they’ll ship a companion app too, offering a few extra customization layers for those who like to tinker.

Pricing is where things get interesting. Microsoft has hinted at a premium price point, likely somewhere north of $150. GameSir, however, is offering the same unit for $119 during the pre‑order window, which ends in two weeks. It’s a modest discount, but enough to make the option tempting for anyone looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

Availability will roll out in phases. The first batch is slated for early November, aligning with the holiday shopping rush, and shipments will be limited to North America, Europe, and parts of Asia at launch. GameSir reassures buyers that they’ll receive the controller with all the promised features – no “lite” version hidden behind a cheaper price tag.

Overall, the new Xbox controller looks like a solid step forward. It retains the ergonomic core that gamers love while adding a few quality‑of‑life upgrades. Whether you go straight to Microsoft’s own line or grab the GameSir version may come down to budget and how much you value the extra software features. Either way, the controller market just got a little more exciting.