New Xbox Controller Looks to Fix One of Modern Gaming’s Biggest Annoyances

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New Xbox Controller Looks to Fix One of Modern Gaming's Biggest Annoyances

Key Takeaways

  • Thrustmaster has announced a new HEART controller for Xbox consoles and PC.
  • The gamepad utilizes Hall effect sensors that promise to be immune to analog stick drift, one of modern gaming’s biggest annoyances.
  • The Thrustmaster HEART is currently available for pre-orders, priced at $99.99.

As a seasoned gamer with countless hours spent navigating virtual worlds and battling digital foes, I can confidently say that the announcement of Thrustmaster’s HEART controller has me genuinely excited! The promise of an analog stick immune to drift is music to my ears, as I’ve had more than one controller meet its untimely demise due to this pesky issue.

Thrustmaster has introduced a brand new HEART controller designed specifically for both Xbox consoles and PCs, boasting it will entirely eliminate the issue of stick drift. This officially licensed Xbox gamepad employs Hall effect technology to achieve this goal.

Essentially, a Hall Effect sensor is a tool that senses magnetic fields. This feature makes it useful for creating durable analog sticks, where the main components do not physically touch each other to reduce wear during use. Instead, these sticks have tiny magnets attached to their shafts which move as the stick does. Placed at right angles near these magnets are Hall Effect sensors that detect changes in position and convert this movement into controller input with no friction. In most contemporary designs, two Hall Effect sensors are used per stick – one for X-axis and another for Y-axis movements.

Thrustmaster Reveals HEART Controller With Hall Effect Analog Sticks

Thrustmaster, a U.S. company specializing in gaming accessories, has chosen to utilize innovative technology for its recently unveiled HEART controller. This gamepad incorporates Hall effect sensors, which claim to be completely resistant to analog stick drift, ensuring consistent accuracy over time. The acronym HEART stands for HallEffect AccuRate Technology, a term Thrustmaster uses for their unique application of these sensors. The Thrustmaster HEART went up for pre-order in early October 2024, with a price tag of $99.99 / €99.99 / £99.99. Pre-orders can be placed via Best Buy and the manufacturer’s official online store.

Despite not having a definitive launch date yet for the top-tier Xbox controller known as “HEART”, given Thrustmaster’s past practice of unveiling new products several months prior to their release, there is a possibility that it will be available in retail stores before Q4 2024 comes to an end. The accessory comes complete with a power cord and instruction manual. Notably, the product description suggests that this controller will be wired-only, meaning it won’t offer the convenience of battery-powered wireless connectivity. Additionally, an LED strip graces its left side, allowing users to customize the color as they see fit.

Thrustmaster HEART Is Notably Lighter Than Official Xbox Controllers

The HEART has dimensions of approximately 6.3 x 1.8 x 4.3 inches (160 x 45 x 110mm) and weighs around 214 grams. This makes it significantly lighter than both the current-generation Xbox Series X console and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which respectively weigh 287g and 345g. The general design and button layout of the HEART are similar to official Xbox gamepads, so users of Microsoft’s controllers should find it easy to adapt to this new device.

At its $100 price range, the HEART gamepad appears to aim for a balance between entry-level and high-end models, similar to the Elite Series 2. However, since not all top-tier controllers on the market yet include Hall effect sensors, the potential of drift-free analog sticks could become a significant advantage for Thrustmaster’s upcoming product.

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2024-10-06 13:43