Both Sony and Microsoft are assumed to be hard at work on designing the next generation of console hardware. With Nintendo coming out with the Switch 2 soon, and Sony and Microsoft being smack dab in the middle of the current console gen, naturally we gamers like to try to dig up any information we can find on anything new coming in the pipeline.
Recently, a new patent for the controller codenamed “Sebile” was found and details new information about the leaked controller from last year. There is argument to be made that a new mid-gen refresh console is needed, but it looks like Microsoft scrapped that idea. However, the leaked controller from last year appears to be moving forward with its planned schedule. What that schedule looks like, only time will tell but there are some interesting details coming out of this patent.
Sebile, the Microsoft patented upcoming controller, will look to progress controller technology and will also borrow ideas from other controller makers and combine the ideas into their updated ‘next gen’ controller. Below, the image details some of the leaked features that Microsoft was tentatively planning. The grips look different, and maybe arguably a little weird, but apparently will house haptic motors in the base of the controller while still keeping the familiar ergonomic feel of the current Xbox controllers.
Previously documented features included a Direct-to-Cloud feature that will allow players to point directly at approved devices and begin playing cloud games, swappable batteries, Bluetooth 5.2, and much more. These documents are older though, and some features may be changed or no longer a part of Microsoft’s plans with the controller.
According to Windows Central’s Jez Corden, Microsoft will also be focusing efforts to improve cloud features and latency with the next controller. Definitely taking into account the current direction of Microsoft Gaming’s strategies of cloud gaming and Xbox Game Pass, and also the infamous “This is an Xbox” marketing campaign. Microsoft clearly wants people to think that anything is an Xbox, or at least as close as they can get to it. So naturally the company’s “next-gen” controller will add some features to help support that direction and planning.
We will see what the future holds and ultimately only time will tell. But it certainly feels like the “Sebile” controller will still happen. Windows Central also reports that they are hearing new Xbox console hardware will likely come out before this new controller will release. This is puzzling because a newly released console usually has an updated controller version that is released with the console bundle. If this controller comes after the ‘next gen’ console release, then this will most likely mean the ‘Sebile’ controller is an advanced version similar to the Xbox Elite controllers that have been produced in the past.
There will no doubt be more announcements to come for both the new controller as well as the next console generation coming from both Xbox and PlayStation. We will make sure to update you when we get more information.
