Xbox Series X official accessories include an external controller battery - Android

Microsoft is just about to start pre-orders for the Xbox Series X and Series S, and it’s introducing the first official accessories to match — all of which revolve around wireless controllers.

As you might guess, the updated Xbox Wireless Controller will be available as a standalone item. You can get it in the same Carbon Black or Robot White as the new consoles, but you can also spring for a tri-tone Carbon Blue version (shown above) if you want a more colorful gamepad. All of them share the same hybrid directional pad, textured back, and built-in button to share media from your Xbox, PC, or the new Xbox app. They’ll cost the same $60 as the earlier controllers, which still work with the new systems.

Other Xbox Series X and S accessories are focused on expanding the usefulness of the Wireless Controller. A $25 Rechargeable Battery + USB-C Cable can fully replenish the controller in less than four hours, and can even top-up the gamepad while you’re playing. If you also play on PC, you can also expect Xbox controller bundles that include a Windows 10 wireless adapter or a USB-C cable, although Microsoft hadn’t provided prices as of this writing.

Pre-orders for the Xbox Series X and S accessories will start on September 22 at 8AM Pacific (11AM Eastern) alongside the consoles themselves. They should ship on November 10.

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This isn’t the greatest news if you’re a fan of Microsoft’s custom controllers, however. The company is shutting down the Xbox Design Lab between October 14 and sometime in 2021 in order to “bring you some updates.” Microsoft didn’t say what those changes entail, but it’s safe to presume the attention will shift toward Series X and S peripherals. For now, you’ll have to be content with three colors if you insist on the latest Xbox Wireless Controller.