Xbox Controller Firmware Update (November 2021) Reduces Controller Latency

For those who may have missed this update information this month: along with the November console update, Microsoft has released a firmware update for Xbox controllers (eg the older Xbox One).

The controller firmware update does NOT happen automatically (unlike console updates which usually update automatically) so you'll need to update your controller manually, instructions are in the link provided.

Personal note: as soon as I installed this update, I could swear that I noticed a big improvement in the controller's responsiveness and reduced lag, but it might just be me.

So, I'm curious if anyone else has noticed an improvement after installing this update.

I have an Xbox One X with the latest controllers for that generation of consoles (they are not the series X|S controllers).

Controller firmware update

The new firmware update for the Xbox One Wireless Controller with Bluetooth support, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and Xbox Adaptive Controller delivers next-gen features previously available only on Xbox Series X|S controllers, including better cross-device connectivity and reduced latency.

We believe it’s important to maintain backward compatibility with Xbox accessories people already have in their collection to ensure we deliver the best gaming experience no matter how you choose to play.

Better cross-device connectivity – These controllers now support Bluetooth Low Energy which delivers better compatibility across devices and allows for better pairing experiences. You’ll be able to play wirelessly on Windows 10 & 11 PCs, iOS 15+, and Android devices with Bluetooth LE for Xbox remote play from your console or cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on the go.

After installing the firmware update, these controllers will remember one Bluetooth host (e.g., smartphone) and one Xbox Wireless host (e.g., Xbox console), so you can seamlessly switch between previously connected devices with a simple double tap of the Pair button.

Reduced latency – We’re also bringing the innovation of Dynamic Latency Input (DLI) to our Xbox One Wireless Controller with Bluetooth support, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, and Xbox Adaptive Controllers. Dynamic Latency Input delivers controller inputs more efficiently to your Xbox console for a more responsive gaming experience and seemingly instantaneous action.
https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2021/11/17/november-xbox-update/…

Controller firmware update instructions:

https://support.xbox.com/en-AU/help/hardware-network/control…

P.S (edit):
- My previous firmware version was 4.8.1923.0
- My new firmware version is 5.11.3118.0

Comments

  • +3

    Thanks!

  • +2

    Personal note: as soon as I installed this update, I could swear that I noticed a big improvement in the controller's responsiveness and reduced lag, but it might just be me.

    It's not just you, the constant 8ms polling rate has been removed with this update :)

    • +1

      Thanks for confirming this :) The controller feels much more responsive now.

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