The latest firmware update for Xbox controllers has been causing significant issues for gamers, making it difficult or even impossible to play with the controller. The update, version 5.23.5.0, which Microsoft rolled out in February, was supposed to improve the precision of the controllers, as announced on the official Xbox website. However, it seems that the opposite is true.
Uncontrolled movements of the analog sticks
Users have been reporting unintended movements of the analog sticks, sudden disconnections, and faulty button triggers. In some cases, gaming becomes impossible, as players on Reddit have explained. Precise aiming in shooters or even simple navigation through menus becomes extremely difficult due to the random movements. These issues have been piling up over the past two weeks. One user on Reddit attempted to isolate the problem and concluded that it might be related to an issue with the dead zones of the analog sticks on the controller.
As the discussion unfolded, another user referenced a chat with Xbox support, which confirmed the problem. The issues seem to stem from a new feature for the virtual dead zone of the gamepads. The dead zone of the sticks is supposed to be activated just before returning to the middle position, but this doesn’t seem to be working as intended, resulting in uncontrolled movements.
Avoid installation for now
Some players have tried to address the issue on their own. One possible solution is to reset the firmware of the “Xbox Elite Series 2” controllers, but this method doesn’t work for the standard controllers of the “Xbox Series X/S.” For most gamers, the only option is to wait for a bug fix from Microsoft. However, it’s unclear when the problems will be resolved.
If you haven’t installed the update yet, it’s best to avoid it for now, which can be done through the Xbox Accessories app on your PC or console. In the meantime, you might consider using controllers from other manufacturers or waiting for Microsoft’s update.
Some users might find it helpful to explore other options, such as using an Xbox-Series-S/X-Controller on a Windows PC. For those looking into this, there are guides available that outline the steps to take.
It’s worth noting that while waiting for a fix, exploring other controller options might not be a bad idea. After all, gaming should be about enjoying your favorite games, not dealing with frustrating controller issues. As the gaming community waits for Microsoft to address these problems, gamers can only hope that a solution comes soon, restoring their gaming experience to its former glory.