Xbox Elite Controllers Included in Stick Drift Lawsuit Against Microsoft

[N3CR0]

Microsoft's Xbox Elite controllers have been included in a class-action lawsuit against Microsoft in the US over the issue of analogue stick drift.

The lawsuit, which includes Xbox One controllers and the Elite Series 1 and Elite Series 2 controller, alleges that a design flaw within the controllers causes movement to be registered on the analogue sticks even when not being used. Specifically, the lawsuit says that the defect is caused by a lubricant within the track of the analogue stick.

The case claims that Microsoft are aware of the issue, but "failed to disclose the defect and routinely refuses to repair the controllers without charge when the defect manifests". The addition of the Elite controllers to the lawsuit is an especially bad look for Microsoft, with the pricey controllers advertised as the gold standard.

"Microsoft lures consumers into purchasing the Xbox controllers by touting the Xbox controllers as superior controllers that enhance gameplay, describing the Elite controllers as the ‘world’s most advanced controller’ and emphasizing the Xbox one joysticks and buttons as possessing 'Ultimate Precision.'," the complaint states.

"Microsoft does not disclose to consumers that the Xbox controllers are defective, causing the joystick component to fail. Members of the general public have the right to know the latent defects with the Xbox controller components."

Stick drift with Xbox controllers is something we've dealt with as well, and we're hoping it doesn't persist into the next generation with the new Xbox Series X controllers as well. It's yet to be seen how Microsoft responds to the lawsuit.