Upcoming Xbox One Controller Provides Project Scorpio Clues
Microsoft has announced a new Xbox One controller, which they have dubbed the “Xbox One I.” The Xbox One I controller is an inflatable device with larger dimensions than its predecessor. At approximately two metres in length, the Xbox One I is slightly smaller than the Duke we all struggled with on the original Xbox.
Modelled after the Xbox One S controller, Microsoft’s latest upgrade keeps the white colour scheme, and makes no changes to the button layout. However, in a first for game controllers, not one, but two drink holders have been added to the device, meaning players will not need to interrupt their their game to get up and fetch themselves a beverage.
The Xbox One I debuts in Australia next week, timed as a celebration / cash in of Australia Day. In a statement, Microsoft Australia had the following to say:
“What’s more Australian than kicking back in the comfort of your swimming pool, enjoying the summer sun and playing your Xbox One? While gamers are used to keeping their Xboxes indoors, they are now able to take — and play — their controller anywhere, thanks to the new Xbox One I controller. This inflatable beauty stretches over two metres, but its lightweight air-filled build ensures that players can easily rest it on their laps as they game. With its large size and inflatable design, players are also able to take it to their swimming pool, or use it as a vibrating couch. Easily portable while deflated, you can take this controller on the go with you, inflating it whenever you arrive at your destination / pool party.
This all in One (get it?) device will hit Australian stores by 26 January, with other territories to follow.”
At first glance, the release of an inflatable controller feels at odds with Microsoft’s stated strategy of the Xbox One being the centre of gamers’ living rooms, and not the centre of their swimming pools. However, given the Xbox One S controller was released in conjunction with the console of the same name, we can likely expect an imminent announcement confirming that Project Scorpio is indeed the Xbox One I console.
An inflatable console is an intelligent way for Microsoft to go head to head against the Nintendo Switch. With Microsoft’s oft-repeated promise that it will be the most powerful console on the market, building a machine that you can deflate as you travel and inflate once you reach your destination encourages similar lightweight portability. Further, the Switch is intended to be the entertainment option of choice at parties, but not being waterproof — let alone inflatable — precludes gamers from setting up at a pool party.
As the Xbox One I will need to keep pace with the controller’s size, gamers will be pleased to know that Microsoft is not intending on making the same sacrifices for space that they made when releasing the One S. Not only will there be space to bring back the Kinect port, the behemoth will also allow for enough space to ensure it packs some serious grunt.
While we don’t yet know what exactly is going to be inside the box – or within the vinyl – as soon as we have more news about the Xbox One I’s release, Silent Protagonist will be here to report it.
The Xbox One I controller will retail at the inflated price of $109.95 — still less inflated than the Switch’s Joy-Con.
