Latest Xbox Alpha Channel Update Adds Thumbstick Calibration Tool for Series Wireless and Elite 2 Controllers

As part of Microsoft’s regular cadence of updates for Xbox consoles, the latest Alpha channel update includes a new feature for Xbox Series Wireless and Elite 2 controllers that allows players to calibrate their thumbsticks if they have repaired the circuit boards on the controller or to simply resolve minor thumbstick issues. The option will not appear for older Xbox One controllers (controllers without the share button).

More specifically, as part of Alpha update 2402.240108-2200:

New Features and Experiences

We have exciting news! Alpha users can expect something new coming to their Xbox Update Preview.

Xbox Wireless Controller – Thumbstick Calibration

For users in the US who have independently replaced the circuit board on their Xbox Wireless Controller and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 or users in all regions experiencing minor thumbstick issues, we now offer a user-guided self-calibration tool for thumbsticks through the Xbox Accessories App.

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

System

• Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.
  • Note: Users participating in Preview may see “odd” text across the console. To learn more visit: What’s This? Learn More About Pseudo-Loc in Preview.

Known Issues

While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

Audio

• We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
  • Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
    • When did the issue start?
    • Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
    • Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
    • Does rebooting resolve the issue?
    • What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
    • And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Networking

• We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
  • Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide. Learn more here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

If you have a dire need for this option, you can join the Xbox Insider programme and enroll your console into the Alpha channel for an eye at the latest features before anyone. But of course, be prepared to do due diligence: bugs are afoot and they’ll need to be reported. Otherwise the feature, provided nothing funky arises, will make its way to the Stable channel over the coming weeks.