Gadgetory

- Back in March, Microsoft unveiled a new set of special controllers called the Tech Series. A line that's meant to include a higher-quality Xbox One controllers, kind of somewhat tied into the impending launch of the Xbox Scorpio. And just recently, we finally got the first in the series, the Recon Tech. Now, this is currently exclusive to Microsoft stores and GameStop, it runs at an MSRP of 70 bucks, so it's just 10 bucks more than a regular Xbox One controller, although, honestly, you can find them for as low as 45 or 50, if you know where to look. So, what does this do differently, compared to a regular Xbox One controller? Well, if you've seen any advertisements for it, or gone to the product page on Microsoft, you'll see some features noted, like twice the range of previous Xbox One controllers, and the ability to remap the buttons, which is all true, but it's also true of every Xbox One controller released since August of last year, when the Xbox One S came out. These are all standardized features now. What is different about this one, though, is it's more premium design. Microsoft has released a whole bunch of other colorful controllers, and there is, of course, the Design Lab where you can make your own color palettes. But, for the most part, those all share the same physical body. Whereas the Recon Tech has a lot more finer detailing to it. Honestly, when I first saw pictures of this thing, and even looking at the picture on the box, I wasn't really all that hyped up for it. But seeing it in person, this is actually a really good-looking controller. There's a lot of details here that you really get in seeing just a picture of it. For instance, this gold etching on the front is actually laser-etched in, you can feel the detail right here. And on the back, while all new Xbox One controllers have an improved grip, this is the first use in new design that involves a rubber diamond set-up. Where, it's not a very thick layer of rubber, it's not going to be pliable or push-in when you push against it, like some pro controllers may have. But it does get the job done of being non-slip, and is more comfortable than the usual dotted design that other Xbox One S controllers have. Now, as the name Recon Tech implies, this is supposed to be a military-themed controller, which I kind of, kind of don't see. I mean, I get it with the main color option of going with this dark grey, that makes sense to me, but otherwise, I don't really see it, to be honest. I mean, I'm not a huge military guy, but my first thought for it isn't necessarily gold trim, and as for these symbols in the middle, I'm pretty sure these don't mean anything, at all. I mean, if you read the Microsoft press releases about it, they talk about how this controller is inspired by military tactics and technology, which, maybe this is their attempt at having abstract symbols that capture that, but I, I don't see it at all. Honestly, if I look at this thing with zero context, not knowing what it's supposed to be, I have a way different concept that comes to mind, and that's actually the Dishonored franchise. I mean, really, think about it, when you look at the main characters of Dishonored, the main color themes that we're always seeing is a dark grey or very dark blue, that's contrasted with highlights of metallic colors, usually copper or gold. Which is exactly what we have going on with this controller right here. And also, the Dishonor franchise has a huge love of esoteric and weird symbols that are supposed to be all occult and stuff, which pretty much these symbols in the middle are. For being a special edition that really isn't tied or themed to anything too specific, it's easily one of the best ones that Microsoft has released, and easily now my favorite one aesthetically. Seriously, though, what the hell are those symbols?