Does the Xbox Series X Controller have haptic feedback? Many regard its rival, the PS5 DualSense, as a revolution in the world of controller design.
With many additional features, the DualSense has the potential to make games feel much more immersive. Details such as advanced dual actuators and adaptive trigger technology, make the haptic feedback on the DualSense extremely advanced.
But what about the controller for the Xbox Series X? It's definitely a good controller in its own right, but how does it stack up on the haptic feedback front? Does it even have haptic feedback? We'll tell you what you need to know.
Does the Xbox Series X Controller have haptic feedback?
The Xbox Series X controller is, when compared to the DualSense, a much more iterative development. Inside, it houses what Microsoft calls Impulse Triggers. These have actually been around since 2013 in the Xbox One controller but weren't really utilised in any great way by games developers.
These triggers contain independent motors inside and can vibrate with different levels of force to give more responsive feedback. It isn't as nuanced as the adaptive triggers and other haptic feedback in the DualSense, but it is a step further on than the older style rumbles that we had previously.
So in summary: yes, the Xbox Series X controller does have haptic feedback, but it is not as advanced as what you experience when using the DualSense controller on the PS5.
Read More: How to fix stick drift on Xbox One and Xbox Series X
What is Haptic feedback?
Haptic feedback is a flagship feature of the PS5 DualSense controller that enhances the way playing games 'feels'.
Acting as an 'UHD Rumble', haptic feedback is able to translate any movement, actions, or effects into rumble feelings, depending on if the developer enables such features. This may be anything from car damage from crashing in Watch Dogs: Legion, to the gentle feeling of rain in Returnal.
Another aspect twinned with haptic feedback is the DualSense's adaptive triggers. These bespoke triggers - when utilised by developers - can replicate weapon jamming, or give different levels of feedback depending on the weapons used. Holding the trigger down half-way also allows games like Ratchet and Clank: A Rift Apart and Returnal to offer players different weapon modes and ways to fire.
READ MORE: Battlefield 2042 Xbox vs PS5: Differences, Graphics, Price, Crossplay and More!