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While companies in the video game hardware industry tried to push motion controls several times, they all quickly realized that the best way to provide input is with a good old-fashioned controller. There have been debates over the years about which controller is the best all around, but a staple in the world of console gaming is definitely the Xbox controller.
What fans know today as the Xbox controller started out with the Xbox 360, whose store was closed in 2024, two decades ago. The original format is basically the same, with only a few minor changes. As Xbox controllers are directly compatible with Windows computers, they've become the go-to for a lot of PC gamers, and even stuff like the boutique hardware emulators from Analogue. An Xbox controller is not a cheap item at all, especially if you look at the Elite, so the lifespan is important.
If you take care of your Xbox controller, it should last several years, and Microsoft claims that it'll last up to a decade. The key part of that is taking care of it. No smashing, no throwing. Using it the way it was intended and keeping it clean can contribute a lot to its longevity, but generally, Xbox controllers tend to last up to five years.
Increasing the lifespan of your Xbox controller
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While the general expected lifespan of an Xbox controller is around five years, there are ways to extend its longevity. Firstly, keep it clean. Be honest, you have used a controller with dirty or greasy hands at least a couple of times, and those little microflakes of food can sneak their way into the internal components, damage them in the long run. Keeping a controller clean is an essential part of making it last a long time.
Skin oils and other grime can also wear off the rubber on the thumbsticks, and if that happens, you can actually replace them with brand new ones, although that does involve a little DIY. While storage is an easy one to ignore, that is also very important; keeping a controller in a cool, dry place, as you'd do with some food items, will keep everything in check. Too high a temperature can cause the controller to overheat, potentially rendering it a paperweight.
Finally, you can get yourself a protective silicone or hard plastic cover for your controller, as you might do with a smartphone or a tablet. You can also get protection for the thumbsticks themselves, which might help you avoid the aforementioned degradation of the rubber. Bottom line is, appropriate storage, use, and cleaning are crucial if you want your Xbox controller, easily one of the all-time best game controllers, to last as long as possible.