Xbox One's Prototype Controllers Revealed

Touchscreens, speakers, and smell-o-vision could have been a reality.

Microsoft has revealed details on a bunch of early Xbox One controller prototypes, many of which included features found on competitor's final models and one which included something akin to smell-o-vision.
In part one of a four-part-breakdown of the controller's history on VentureBeat, Microsoft revealed that hundreds of working controller prototypes were built for play-testing, no matter how far-fetched the idea was. Xbox’s general manager for accessories Zulfi Alam explains that a controller was built that could emit smell, theoretically to offer a greater sense of immersion.
“We built small slugs of different types of smells that could actually come out of a controller,” said Alam. “Like, as you walked through a jungle, you’d smell the flora.”
Less outrageous ideas for the Xbox One controller included integration of a touchpad, a camera, and speakers, features that can be found on the DualShock 4 (the touchpad and speakers) and Wii U Gamepad (the camera and speakers.) The reason for getting rid of these, Alam explains, came down to Microsoft's philosophy that the two most important things in the living room should be the Xbox One and the television.
“You've got a great TV with a better speaker than we could ever put in this controller,” explained Microsoft senior industrial designer Quintin Morris. “And it made more sense to [not make players look down at a display], keeping the user’s attention on the TV. We really want them to be immersed in the experience that’s happening in front of them.”
Alam emphasized the problem with including a screen: "You’re burning battery life like there’s no tomorrow — not a great idea."
Check out a photo of the Xbox One prototype controller with screen integration below, and head to VentureBeat for the full report.