Inflation also seems to be affecting gaming peripherals worldwide, with prices shooting through the roof. Usually, the controllers retail between $60 to $180, which can leave players with a hefty bill when replacement is the only option. However, Microsoft is trying to change the game with a revolutionary approach to controller self-repair, providing a potentially significant cost-saving opportunity for gamers.
Other brands, such as Sony and Nintendo have similar, yet different DIY repair strategies for their controllers
Microsoft’s groundbreaking solution extends to Xbox Wireless Controller models, including the Elite Series 2. This initiative promises downloadable instructions, tutorial videos, and, most importantly, replacement parts such as boards, sticks, buttons, covers, and more, available directly from Microsoft. Prior to this, gamers had to rely on potentially unreliable third-party fixes or replace the entire gamepad, often a costly idea.
The range of issues that can be addressed is comprehensive, covering problems from stick drifting to jammed shoulder buttons. Prices for the repair components vary, with button sets costing $24, a circuit board and motor assembly unit at $60, and a vibration motor at $35. Even replacement cases are on offer, albeit only in black and white.
This groundbreaking program is already operational, according to product lead Brad Rossetti, inviting all Xbox gamers with damaged controllers to breathe new life into their devices. Moreover, the initiative extends to third-party retailers, including self-repair experts iFixit.
While Microsoft’s initiative is indeed noteworthy, it’s not alone in the gaming industry’s evolving stance on DIY repairs. Sony’s DualSense Edge controller includes replacement control stick modules as a standard. However, unlike Microsoft, Sony does not sell additional repair parts through an online platform. Nintendo, while not selling repair components, provides free repair service for its controllers affected by the notorious Joy-Con drift. More companies should adopt this approach to retain customers who value their gaming controllers.
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