New controller and SSHD to feature in Xbox One Elite Bundle

Microsoft’s fancy new Elite controller isn’t the only high-spec addition to a new Xbox One bundle on the way later this year.

The Xbox One Elite Bundle will indeed contain the console’s new controller, boasting a host of customisation options and top-end materials. It commands a premium price, too, carrying a standalone 130 RRP in the UK (although prices online seem to stand at between 110-120).

Another big inclusion in the bundle can be found inside the console. Not only is its hard drive of the newer, larger 1TB variety, but it’s also a solid state hybrid drive (SSHD) as opposed to a traditional mechanical hard disc drive.

SSDs uses flash memory, rapidly increasing read and write times leading to a host of performance and speed improvements. SSHDs aren’t quite as flash, combing both a traditional mechanical HDD and flash memory.

Although the bulk of the data is stored via the normal means, data that is to be accessed when playing a particular game is copied across to the flash memory, offering decent performance benefits without the traditional price hike associated with SSD. Indeed, a 1TB SSD would set a PC user back at least 200, and quite possibly significantly more.

Microsoft estimates a speed of gain of around 20 per cent.

The Xbox One Elite Bundle will be released in the UK in November priced at 399.99. That’s 100 more than the vanilla 500GB Xbox One.