Xbox releases a new firmware update for its Xbox Series X/S wireless controllers and the Xbox Elite V2 controller, pushing minor updates.
Highlights
- Microsoft releases the 5.21.3230.0 update for its Xbox Series X/S wireless controllers and Xbox Elite V2 controllers.
- Microsoft has not yet released official patch notes for the firmware update, with the update screen suggesting the update will address unexpected disconnects.
- The Xbox brand has increasingly been moving away from physical media as its focus, laying off employees in its physical retail department and expanding on its Cloud Gaming offerings.
Xbox has launched a new update to the firmware for its Xbox Series X and S controllers, as well as the premium Xbox Elite V2 controller. Alongside updates to its consoles and games, Microsoft has regularly pushed out patches for its controllers, updating the firmware and fixing quirks and bugs with the controllers. Updates to both the controllers and the consoles have also added helpful features to Xbox controllers, including keyboard mapping for Xbox Elite and Adaptive controllers. Now, a new update has been pushed out for Xbox controllers.
Xbox’s controllers have seen plenty of experimentation from Microsoft with a variety of unique control schemes and playstyles. Xbox’s Elite controllers offer a premium experience for fans, with adjustable thumbsticks and interchangeable parts allowing players to swap the controller to fit their own personal feel. Xbox also often releases branded controllers, featuring designs based on popular games like Palworld and Fallout. Now, Xbox has reportedly pushed a minor update to both the regular and Elite Xbox Series X/S controllers.
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Xbox recently launched the newest firmware update for both the Xbox Series X and S wireless controllers and the Xbox Elite V2 controller. The newly released 5.21.3230.0 update to the Xbox Series X/S controllers looks to only be making minor updates to the controller, with official patch notes for the update not yet revealed by Microsoft. The official update screen on the console does, however, mention that the fix is focused on addressing unexpected disconnects. Players on Xbox can update their controllers through the “Controllers & headsets” menu within Xbox’s system settings.
Xbox Releases v5.21.3230.0 Firmware Update for Controllers
The minor firmware update to the Xbox’s controllers saw confusion from many fans, unsure about what effect updating the controller’s firmware would have. Several fans have expressed their hopes that the controller update may fix ongoing issues with the Xbox controller’s interaction with wired headphones. Some fans have also reported issues with the Xbox related to the update, suggesting that the Xbox Series X/S will not power on through the controller if the firmware update has not been downloaded.
Xbox’s controller updates come as the Microsoft gaming brand may be looking at a major shift in the company’s direction in the future. Xbox has been continually moving away from physical media over recent years, pushing Xbox Game Pass and cloud gaming alongside recent layoffs at Xbox’s physical retail department. Former Microsoft employees have even suggested that Microsoft could be looking at a full transition to cloud gaming for the Xbox brand. The Xbox controller firmware update likely won’t move mountains for Xbox fans, but looks to be an important part of maintaining stability for the popular console.
Xbox Series X
Microsoft’s ninth-generation console, the Xbox Series X is a powerful machine that can support 4K resolution and 60 fps, depending on the game. Released alongside the Xbox Series S, the Series X has a Custom AMD Zen 2 CPU, a Custom RDNA 2 GPU, and 16 GB of RAM.
- Brand
- Microsoft
- Original Release Date
- November 10, 2020
- Original MSRP (USD)
- $499
- Weight
- 9.8 LBS
