Microsoft invested over $100 million into refining the controller design for the Xbox One internal designers had created prototypes with various tweaks and refinements to the design over the Xbox 360 controller, along with those including unorthodox features such as embedded screens and speakers (which were rejected due to their effects on battery life, and redundancy to the main display and sound system), and the ability to emit odors. The 'Start' and 'Back' buttons are replaced by 'Menu' and 'View' buttons, while the Guide button now consists of a white backlit Xbox logo, and does not feature the 'ring of light' that served as an indicator for the controller's assigned number (1 to 4). The Xbox One controller retains roughly the same layout as the Xbox 360 controller, including four main face buttons, two shoulder bumpers, two analog triggers, two analog sticks and a digital D-pad. The Xbox Series X and Series S introduced an updated version of the controller, with further refinements to its shape and ergonomics.

In turn, each of the aforementioned variations has been offered in various color schemes, some featuring special designs tying into specific games. Microsoft also markets the Elite Wireless Controller, a premium version geared towards professional gamers, including interchangeable parts and programmability features. It has had three revisions with several changes to the controller's design and functionality. The controller maintains the overall layout found in the Xbox 360 controller, but with various tweaks to its design, such as a revised shape, redesigned analog sticks, shoulder buttons, and triggers, along with new rumble motors within the triggers to allow for directional haptic feedback.

The Xbox Wireless Controller is the primary game controller for the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S home video game consoles, also commercialized for its use in Windows-based PCs, and compatible with other operating systems such as macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

3.5 mm stereo audio jack (after first revision).

USB-C (Elite Series 2 and third revision).

Micro USB (revisions prior to Elite Series 2).

EU: Novem(some countries, 2014 for others).

Xbox 360 wireless receiver driver