We purchased the Xbox One S controller so that our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and review it. Read on for our full product review.

If you’re like us, you’ve probably gone through a controller or two over the course of the Xbox One’s long lifespan. Whether it’s stick drift, worn-out joysticks, broken bumpers, or a combination of those common issues (or maybe you threw one across the room in a fit of rage), most gamers will need to purchase a new controller at some point during their ownership. Microsoft has taken the original Xbox One controller up a notch with the release of the new Xbox One S controller, named after the S console it debuted with, and features some notable improvements over its predecessor. Check out our thoughts on the update below.

While the design of the S controller is still largely the same as that of the original controller, there are a few visual changes that stand out. Instead of using multiple pieces of plastic to form the face of the controller, the faceplate is now one solid piece, making for a sleek, clean design that is a welcome facelift. Some have pointed out that this is reminiscent of the Xbox 360 controllers, which were among the most beloved controllers ever made, so it’s good company to have.

Also close to this change, you’ll notice that the Xbox button has ditched the shiny chrome color in favor of a more subtle black button. It still functions the same, but it fits in better with the color scheme. While the rest of the controller looks the same, Microsoft has also added a 3.5mm headset jack at the bottom near the data port, meaning you no longer need a stereo adapter.