While the Elite Series 2 added a textured grip, an improvement on the standard smooth surface finish, it still isn’t as rubberized as the Scuff Instinct Pro. As a result, while it is grippier than a regular Xbox controller, it isn’t as grippy as we’d like. When playing longer gaming sessions, it isn’t unusual for hands to become a little sweaty and having a reliable, stable grip on your controller helps to ensure that you have the best chance of beating a boss or an opponent.
Another controller from which Microsoft could draw some inspiration from for its Elite Series 3 controller is the Thrustmaster ESWAP X PRO, which uses hot swappable modules for its sticks and d-pad. While most gamers are comfortable with the default stick and d-pad layouts of the Elite Series 2, it would be nice to have the option to switch things around to suit particular games or gaming styles. It would also make things easier for those coming across from Sony PlayStation consoles.
Microsoft should also consider switching to hall effect joysticks instead of traditional potentiometer-based joysticks that rely on physical contact with sensors. The latter naturally results in wear, and, inevitably, joystick drift where phantom inputs negatively affect game play. In contrast, hall effect joysticks use a magnetic system that does not involve any physical wear and tear. Not only can hall effect joysticks potentially provide greater accuracy, they should also prove to be more durable in the long run.
