Microsoft is 'actively' looking for a fix for unresponsive Xbox Series X controllers

Xbox Series X
(Image credit: Micosoft)

Microsoft is investigating reports that some Xbox Wireless Controllers are failing to register button taps when playing on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC. 

The issue appears to only affect the new Xbox controllers that feature a dedicated share button, a more ergonomic design and a new D-pad, 

YouTube user TrueGamingHD uploaded a video of the unresponsive controller in action (thanks, PC Gamer), and you can see that while the controller remains connected, the console doesn't register a number of inputs.

Speaking to The Loadout, Microsoft said that it was aware of the problem, and is actively working on a solution.

"At Microsoft, we put all of our products through rigorous quality assurance testing and are committed to providing customers with an unparalleled gaming experience," Microsoft said. "We are aware some players may be experiencing unresponsiveness with their new Xbox Wireless Controllers and our teams are actively working on a solution. For the best experience, we encourage customers to visit Xbox Support for assistance."

Drifting by

The issue is an odd one, as it appears to be a problem with the controller’s wireless communication rather than a clear hardware issue. While the Xbox isn’t immune to interference, it'll be interesting to see whether an update to the controller will help solve this undeniably frustrating issue.

Microsoft's controller, along with Sony's DualSense controller and Nintendo's Joy-Con controllers, have come under fire due their susceptibility to 'stick drift'. All three companies have had class action lawsuits filed against them over drifting issues, and a recent teardown of the DualSense showed that stick drift might be inevitable

Adam Vjestica

Adam was formerly TRG's Hardware Editor. A law graduate with an exceptional track record in content creation and online engagement, Adam has penned scintillating copy for various technology sites and also established his very own award-nominated video games website. He’s previously worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor and once played Halo 5: Guardians for over 51 hours for charity. He is now an editor at The Shortcut.

Read more
Xbox Wireless Controller
New Microsoft patent could reveal the company's answer to DualSense haptic feedback
Xbox Wireless Controller – Ghost Cipher Special Edition
Amazon's Xbox Wireless Controller deals are pretty stellar, but stock is selling through fast
Best Xbox controllers 2025
The best Xbox controllers in 2025: top gamepads from Razer, Turtle Beach, GameSir and more
Xbox Wireless Controller – Sky Cipher Special Edition
New leak suggests another Xbox 'Cipher' controller will be announced this month
Xbox Series X D-pad
Are you an Xbox Insider? I'm here to warn you that the latest update might wipe your console
Hyperkin The Competitor
Hyperkin's The Competitor Xbox controller announced at CES 2025 with a DualSense-like layout and Hall effect sticks
Latest in Xbox Series X | S
Xbox Series X Digital Edition deal
Stop what you're doing and check out this Xbox Series X Black Friday deal – it probably won't be beaten
The three new Xbox Series console variants on a stand at Gamescom 2024
Where to buy the new Xbox Series X and S consoles - including the gorgeous Galaxy Black 2TB machine
Final Fantasy 14
Final Fantasy 14 on Xbox Series X|S will require Xbox Game Pass to play when it launches in full
Baldur's Gate 3 Astarion
Baldur’s Gate 3 Xbox missing save problem will soon be fixed for good as firmware issue has been found
Final Fantasy 14 Y'shtola
Final Fantasy 14 Xbox open beta will kick off next month says director
The Xbox series X on a blue background with the words "Price Cut"
Save $120 on the Xbox Series X in the second-best deal we've ever seen
Latest in News
Super Mario Odyssey
ChatGPT is the ultimate gaming tool - here's 4 ways you can use AI to help with your next playthrough
Brad Pitt looks over his right shoulder with 'F1' written behind him
Apple Original Films will take you behind-the-scenes of a racing cockpit in this new thrilling F1 movie trailer
AI writer
Coding AI tells developer to write it himself
Reacher looking down at another character from the Prime Video TV series Reacher
Reacher season 3 becomes Prime Video’s biggest returning show thanks to Hollywood’s biggest heavyweight
Finger Presses Orange Button Domain Name Registration on Black Keyboard Background. Closeup View
I visited the world’s first registered .com domain – and you won’t believe what it’s offering today
Image showing detail of the Leica D-Lux 8
Still can't get a Fujifilm X100VI? This premium Leica compact costs less, and it's in stock