Anyone wishing to retain their Xbox 360 accessories for the upcoming Xbox One will be disappointed to know that the next-gen Xbox will not be able to use the previous generation's accessories, including the Xbox 360 controller. Microsoft confirmed this information on the company's Twitter account:
"To deliver consistent, meaningful gameplay to all users, only Xbox One controllers/accessories work w/Xbox One."
This may surprise some fans, but part of the Xbox One reveal event was a redesigned controller, featuring a revamped d-pad and a reformatted battery pack that is smoothly integrated with the controller. Due to the redesigned controller, it would be difficult for the new Xbox One games to function as well with the current-gen controllers.
The new Xbox One controller was just one of the many new features that were revealed during the Xbox One event. In addition to a new controller, Microsoft will be shipping a brand new Kinect sensor with the console. The new controller and the Kinect will be used together to deliver the ultimate next-gen experience. As Microsoft states in a Xbox Wire post:
"The all new Kinect is now an essential and integrated part of the platform. By having it as a consistent part of every Xbox One, game and entertainment creators can build experiences that assume the availability of voice, gesture and natural sensing, leading to unrivaled ease of use, premium experiences and interactivity for you."
In addition to the Xbox 360 controller being uncompatible with the Xbox One, those with an extensive Xbox 360 library will be disappointed to know that the system itself is not backward compatible either. This means that gamers will have to start over with their collection if they wish to purchase the Xbox One.
The Xbox One is expected to launch later this year.