Xbox Duke Controller Repair

****This is the original Xbox Duke Controller, not the Hyperkin rerelease. For that controller, please visit this device page.****

The Duke Controller was the first iteration of controllers for the original Xbox console released by Microsoft in 2001. It is very large compared to contemporary controllers, mostly because the circuit board within the controller isn’t the folded and stacked design used for controllers like Sony’s DualShock 2. The form factor is also influenced by the two Expansion Ports on the top of the controller. These Expansion Ports were used for accessories like a memory card to transfer saved games between Xboxes, a microphone for online play, and a keyboard adapter. The Duke was released in all territories except for Japan, which had a smaller “Controller S” version.

According to Seamus Blackley, the original designer of the Duke controller, it was named after the son of Brett Schnepf, the program manager of hardware at Microsoft at the time.

The Duke Controller was rereleased on April 30^th, 2018 in a collaboration with Hyperkin and modified to be compatible for Xbox One and PC. If you are looking to troubleshoot or fix your Hyperkin Duke Controller, please refer to this device page.

The Duke Controller is a large, fat controller with the distinctive Xbox logo on the face. The face buttons are offset with the yellow “Y” button, the red “B” button, the blue “X” button, and the green “A” button. Unlike many modern controllers, the triggers are underneath the controller rather than at the top. Aside from its size, the other detail that distinguishes the Duke from other Xbox controllers is the shape of the directional pad. Instead of the usual cross shape, it is a circular button that is warped where the directions would be. There are “peaks” in the up, down, left, and right directions and divots between each of those peaks where the player’s thumb can slip between for diagonal directions.

Manufacturer: Microsoft

Type: Video game controller

Generation: Sixth

Input:

• 2x Clickable analog sticks
• 2x Analog triggers
• 6x Action buttons
• 2x Other buttons
• Digital D-Pad

Dimensions

• Length: ~5 1/2"
• Width: ~6 1/4"
• Height: ~2 3/4"

Weight:

Power: 6-pin cable, 9’ with breakaway attachment and (proprietary) Xbox connector.

Xbox Controller Wiki Page

Xbox Creator Explains Why Original Xbox 'Duke' Controller Was So Huge - Podcast Unlocked

Original Microsoft Xbox Controller (The Duke) Restoration with Step by Step Disassembly and Cleaning