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Xbox One controller feels light, has buttons of the snappy variety (pictures)

We got a chance to finally hold and play with an Xbox One controller and I even got to rub a finger on the side of the console!

Eric Franklin
Eric Franklin led the CNET Tech team as Editorial Director. A 20-plus-year industry veteran, Eric began his tech journey testing computers in the CNET Labs. When not at work he can usually be found at the gym, chauffeuring his kids around town, or absorbing every motivational book he can get his hands on.
Eric Franklin
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1 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Getting our hands on the Xbox One

If you're a fan of the Xbox 360 controller (and who isn't?), you'll be right at home with the Xbox One controller. Microsoft got it right with the controller the last time, and didn't feel the need to fix what wasn't broken.

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2 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

That old familiar feeling

The placement of the two thumbsticks, the buttons, the shoulder buttons, and directional pad are in the same place as before, although the Xbox logo, which acts as a power button, was moved higher. The triggers were enlarged, and slope down a bit more, although the general trigger feel remains the same.

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3 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

I declare thumb war

While the placement of the thumbsticks is familiar, the texture on top of them were a little distracting. That shouldn't be a problem after a few hours of Halo.

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4 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

The Xbox controller up close

The Xbox One controller feels a little smoother than the Xbox 360 version.

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5 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Xbox One controller graces the show floor

The Xbox One and its controller drew massive crowds at Microsoft's E3 booth. The system was available for play, and lines of gamers eagerly waited their turn.

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6 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

The Kinect has its eye on you

The new Kinect will come standard with every Xbox One, which the company hopes will encourage more developers to build for the motion-sensor peripheral.

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7 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Not so svelte

After introducing smaller and smaller versions of the Xbox 360, Microsoft went back to big with the Xbox One, which is heftier than current models and around the same size as the original bulkier version.

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8 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Not just a video game console

The Xbox One promises to be more than a video game machine -- Microsoft wants it to be the hub of your living room. So beyond games, it will act as a DVR, set-top box, and more. The company has yet to fully lay out the details for those plans.

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9 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Going back to the boxier design

The Xbox One is a return to roots of sorts. While the Xbox 360 had more curves, the Xbox One is boxy like the original Xbox.

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10 of 10 Josh Miller/CNET

Xbox One hits stores in November

You won't have to wait too long for the Xbox One, as it is scheduled to launch in November. Check back with CNET for more details closer to launch.

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