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The latest Xbox One gamepad innovation: trigger grips
As sure as the sun sets, Microsoft spent some time at Gamescom talking about a new variant of its killer Xbox One gamepad. This time, it's one themed around PlayerUnknown's BattleGrounds. But rather than just being a superficial upgrade as is the norm, this one features a functional embellishment too: a grippy texture on the tops of the triggers. Cool. There's also a subtle digital camo pattern replete with scuffs and scrapes from battle. The metallic D-pad shows a similar kind of wear, and there's a blue-zone-esque circle around the left thumbstick. It ships in October and pre-orders are open right now.
The best gifts for a console gamer
Don't worry, we're not out to start a console war in our comments: If you're in the market for a new games system, the Xbox One S, PlayStation VR, Nintendo Switch and 2DS XL all made it into our holiday gift guide, for different reasons. Once you figure out which platform is best for your intended, we have a wide assortment of games and accessories, from a 400GB microSDXC card to a custom Xbox controller to the PlayStation Gold wireless headset, among other things. Find all that and more in our gift guide at the link below.
Microsoft's Xbox controllers are more customizable than ever
Like the idea of customizing a controller in the Xbox Design Lab, but wish you could add a little more flair or (gasp) practical features? You just got your wish. Microsoft has added a slew of new customization options, including four new main colors, 11 thumbstick colors, metallic finishes on D-pads and triggers, and (most importantly) rubberized grips. Personalized gamepads are still expensive at $80, but you might feel like that money is better spent after this.
Exploring the limits of good taste with Xbox Design Lab
A gamepad is the part of a game console people have the most intimate relationship with. You're holding it in your hands for hours on end, and you know it so well you can control its every function without even looking at it. When the action gets intense, your hands start to sweat from twiddling the thumbsticks. For plenty of people, it's the first thing that comes to mind when they want to throw something out of rage over a cheap death. Microsoft wants to make that connection even deeper by handing you the keys to the factory with its aptly named Xbox Design Lab.
Look at Xbox One's colorful custom-made controllers
Peppy, colorful customizable Xbox One controllers are coming. Well, in September, anyway. That said, you can still design and order the controller of your multi-colored dreams right now, online at the Xbox Design Lab. Until then, here are some design suggestions, direct from Xbox's booth at E3. With the choice of colors on the face and shoulder buttons, joysticks, the controller's faceplate and more, there are apparently eight million color combinations out there, so some guidance on your $80 custom 'pad may be appreciated. Blue thumbsticks sound like a good start. Follow all the news from E3 2016 here!
Xbox Design Lab will make your gamepad gorgeous
Love your Xbox One gamepad, but wish it were a little more ...festive looking? Microsoft is listening. Today at E3, the company announced the Xbox Design Lab -- basically, an online store that lets you customize the color of just about every part of the console's iconic gamepad.
