Starfield controller and headset.
With Xbox’s highly anticipated killer app Starfield right around the corner (September 6, to be exact), it seems appropriate to finally take a look at the officially branded accessories that Microsoft launched a few months back. I’m a little late to the party because I’ve been battling a nasty case of COVID that I picked up at Disney World. Happiest place on Earth — I sincerely beg to differ.
That said, the Xbox team sent over review samples of the Starfield Limited Edition wireless controller, as well as the Starfield Limited Edition wireless headset. I’ve done quite a few hands-on articles in regard to special Xbox peripherals, but these might take the cake in terms of sheer aesthetic appeal, in addition to some really neat features you can’t find on any other Xbox hardware.
Taking a look at the controller first ($79.99 MSRP), it’s got a striking white, red and grey color scheme and fully rubberized grips. Accents include a rainbow-ish dash that eclipses the Xbox button, a shiny golden directional pad and a variety of spaceship schematics, like notes on throttling and power distribution. A ‘Property of Constellation’ stamp adorns the back battery hatch and a reference to a flight manual sits above the controller’s expansion port.
The world-building detail all combines to make the gamepad feel like it belongs directly to Starfield, but that’s not even the best part. The triggers on this controller are completely translucent, which allows full visual access to the rumble motors underneath. As far as I can tell, this is the only Xbox gamepad to do this, and it’s honestly my favorite feature. Seeing the motors go to work during gameplay lights up my gaming inner child’s soul.
The only downside to this Starfield controller is that it doesn’t come packed with the rechargeable battery like the Remix Special Edition does.
Moving onto the headset ($124.99 MSRP), this sleek piece of hardware mimics the accompanying controller’s white, red and grey theming, alongside more wording and schematics that you might find inside, let’s say, a Starfield spaceship. The microphone lights up blue when in use and the headset itself emits various custom tech sounds through the earcups to indicate different modes and functions (pairing, power, etc.).
In terms of comfortability, I really like it. The padding is nice and cushiony, allowing for long play sessions without discomfort. I will say that I have to put the headset on its max headband capacity in order to achieve a suitable fit, though I do have a somewhat large head, so your mileage may vary. I also like how volume and game/chat mix is achieved through the large adjustment wheels situated on either earcup. They’re very easy to use and feel satisfying to rotate.
On a side note, you can pair the headset via Bluetooth in addition to direct-to-Xbox, which is a nice touch. The bass response is pretty solid too, and the overall sound quality is rather good for $125. You could definitely do better in terms of audio performance with other more expensive headsets, like SteelSeries’ Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, but for a simple and quick fix, Microsoft’s official offering is commendable.
So there you have it. Another set of excellent Xbox accessories, this time modeled after what could be a game of the year contender in a veritable sea of game of the year contenders. I don’t have a review code for Starfield (yet…) but you can be sure I’ll be there day one on Game Pass, navigating the vast nothingness of space with this pair of handy universe exploration devices.
Disclaimer: Microsoft provided review product for coverage purposes.