Button Remapping Arrives on Standard Xbox One Controller
Owners of Microsoft's standard Xbox One controllers will now be able to change button mapping for better control over their titles.
After downloading the new Xbox One system software that launched last week, standard controller owners can remap controller buttons in settings or via the Xbox Accessories app.
According to Major Nelson, who announced
the news on Monday, button remapping is available in pairs on standard
controllers. So, if a user wants to move the left bumper to X, then X
automatically goes to the left bumper button.
"You can do multiple button swaps in sequence to move button commands
to where you want them to be on the controller," Major Nelson says.
"When buttons are remapped on a standard controller, the remapping is
not transferrable to other consoles. In other words, if you move to
another console, you'll need to go through the remapping process again
with that new console. Remapping is available for both first party
wireless and third party wired controllers."
Remapping on the standard controller is available for Xbox One for
now. Microsoft will add PC support "at a later time," according to Major
Nelson.
Button remapping is one of the most desired features among hardcore
gamers who may not like how a particular game's controls operate. The
feature allows users to decide for themselves where critical buttons
should be on their controller and should make titles a bit easier to
play.
Last month, Microsoft launched its Elite controller,
which adds several customization features and a host of new
capabilities, including more versatile button remapping options. The
Elite controller requires only that users map the A and B buttons
somewhere on the device; all others can go wherever the user wants
without fear of pairing. In addition, the Elite controller allows for
multiple buttons to be mapped to just one button. Unlike the Standard
controller, the Elite controller's settings are also stored internally
and can be brought to another console.
For all of that—and several other upgrades, including more buttons
and control over games—the Xbox One Elite goes for a whopping $150. The
Standard controller is available for $60.
