In a week of controller woes for Microsoft, there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel for those experiencing the controller disconnection issue. Microsoft is going to fix it!
Microsoft Commits to Fixing Controller Disconnection Bug
A 42-page thread on the Microsoft help forum, containing (at the time of writing) 414-and-counting responses, has brought to light an issue with the Xbox Series X controller.
It would seem that a number of users are having problems with their Xbox Series X/S controller losing connection with the console at completely random intervals.
The defect doesn’t seem to manifest because of any particular bug, and it doesn’t happen at specific times, or all the time.
However, in a statement to The Verge, a Microsoft spokesperson said:
We are aware some players may be experiencing disconnects with their new Xbox Wireless Controllers and our teams are actively working on a solution to be included in a future update.
So, Microsoft is completely aware of the controller problem and is promising to sort it out.
What Can You Do if Your Series Controller Is Disconnecting?
If you are one of the poor souls having to deal with your controller disconnecting at random intervals, then there is little you can do except for wait.
Microsoft has stated that it will resolve the issue in a future update. If your controller is currently disconnecting from your Xbox Series X, then there are a couple of workarounds that might help.
The first port of call should be resetting your controller. If this doesn’t work, then some users have found that directly connecting the controller to the console via cable will sort out any syncing issues.
Failing both of the above, then you will need to restart your console and see if that works. Hopefully, the controller update will be pretty imminent so you won’t have to put up with the issue for much longer.
If you have one lying around, then you can easily pair your Xbox One control pad with the Series X.
This will achieve two things; it will tell you whether the issue is with the joypad or the Series X and it will also potentially mean you can play your games uninterrupted, with a controller that works.
The End of Microsoft’s Controller Woes?
Given that Microsoft is currently facing a class action lawsuit for “controller drift”, more joypad problems surfacing are undoubtedly the last thing it wants. However, surface they have and it is encouraging that Microsoft has acknowledged the issue.
Backwards compatibility is something that Microsoft has made a major point of pushing with the Series X, across both hardware and software. So, given this, perhaps using your old Xbox One pad is the best way forward, for now.