New Xbox Elite Controller Codenamed 'Washburn' Reportedly Arriving In October

Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Controller is already three years old, so it’s definitely time for an upgrade. A new rumor has surfaced online, claiming that Microsoft’s new Xbox Elite Controller will be released in October.

This bit of information was shared by The Verge’s Tom Warren on Twitter. According to Warren, the new Xbox controller will start shipping in October with a price tag of $149. He also confirmed in his tweet that the new Xbox controller has been given the codename “Washburn.” Warren didn’t specifically say that this will be the second-generation Xbox Elite Controller, but the pricing fits perfectly for a premium controller from Microsoft.

The first-generation Xbox Elite Controller was released in 2015 and it features an array of features specifically designed for professional gamers. It launched with trigger locks, as well as rear paddles that can be remapped to different actions, as pointed out by Windows Central. It also allowed gamers to change the joysticks and the directional pad so players can customize it to their comfort.

The second-generation Xbox Elite Controller will likely arrive with the same set of premium features. Previous leaks suggested that it may come with a three-stage hair trigger lock, joysticks tension control and Bluetooth connectivity. The new Elite Controller may be a modest upgrade overall, but it should provide gamers with extra options that could improve their gaming performance.

It’s being speculated that Microsoft may show off the new Xbox Elite Controller at a gaming expo or other gaming-related event. Game Rant believes that Microsoft could showcase the new Xbox controller during Gamescom 2018 on Aug. 21 or during Pax West on Aug. 31. There are also other gaming events like the Tokyo Game Show in September and the Paris Games Week in October. Any of these events should be fitting for an official announcement from Microsoft.

In related news, Microsoft has also officially announced a couple of new Xbox controllers that feature different color schemes. The first one is a new Special Edition Phantom Black Xbox Wireless Controller that has a translucent black design. The second one is another wireless controller, but this one comes with a gray/blue color scheme. Both of the new Xbox Wireless Controllers have textured grips, button mapping and 3.5mm headset jack.

The Phantom Black Xbox Wireless Controller will be available starting on Sept. 11 for $69.99, while the gray/blue version will be available starting on Sept. 25 for $64.99.