Microsoft is currently testing a new Xbox One controller update that will halve the time it takes for your controller to connect to the console. Yay! I hear you shout. Xbox One controllers currently take between four and five seconds to sync with the console, but the new update takes that time down to around two, why? who knows but sure why not Microsoft.
More importantly this update will bring with it unspecified “stability improvements” something the Xbox One is in dire need of, or at least needs them from the perspective of someone who spends a large portion of his day trying to fix them for people. That’s all that is included in the firmware update’s change list, hopefully they will tell us more about what issues they have fixed nearer the release. It Is Microsoft though and they like to closely guard information they have no need to.
The controller update is available now for anyone in the Xbox One preview program and will then roll out to everyone else shortly after. Check out below my guide for how to update your Xbox One controller, bear in mind Microsoft doesn’t include the required MicroUSB lead in the box so you’ll have to find one. Thanks Microsoft!
For my full guide on how to update your controller (with pictures!) click here or read below:
To update your controller firmware:
- Connect a controller to your Xbox One with a USB cable. Keep any headsets connected to the controller.
- Connect to Xbox Live if not already.
- Press the Menu button (little one to the right of the Xbox logo, used to be start)
- Go to Settings
- Go to Devices & accessories
- Select the controller using the A button.
- Then select Update to download the new firmware to the controller attached via the USB cable, and the screen will show the Updating controller progress screen.
- When you see the Controller updated screen, press ‘B’ to go back to the Devices & accessories main page.
- Your controller should now be up to date.