Xbox is celebrating its 1st year anniversary of expanding PC Game Pass into Southeast Asia by announcing that Xbox controllers will officially be sold in the region in the near future.
“We absolutely hear the community that want more access to more things that Xbox produce in their local markets,” said Jeremy Hinton, Asia Business Director of Xbox in a presentation to the media.
The Xbox Wireless Controller- referring to the new ones bundled with Xbox Series consoles which have a textured grip at the back and a dedicated share button- will finally be officially sold in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Thailand and Vietnam should see an “expanded range” of offering soon.
Timing of the official launch of the Xbox Wireless Controllers will differ from country to country, so watch this space to see when this will go live.
The Xbox Wireless Controller can be used on Windows PCs and can be connected via Bluetooth or through a dedicated wireless dongle which some OEM PCs or laptops include built-in (this allows players to use the 3.5mm jack audio wirelessly, which Bluetooth connection doesn’t support). The controller can also be used wired plugged through its USB Type-C port.
In the grand scheme of things, having the controllers officially sold in more countries in Southeast Asia doesn’t really change much from a consumer perspective as the controller has been abundantly available here, imported through other parties. Though with official support, it does mean that warranties can be honoured should you purchase a faulty controller and standardised pricing.
But it is, at least, one step closer to seeing the day when Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles are available in more regions in SEA, not just in Singapore. That day isn’t today, but Xbox is committing to its expansion into this region, based on what they’ve said in the media presentation we were present for, which implies that that day when the Xbox consoles are supported officially in the region will be someday, which is at least, something to look forward to.
The launch of PC Game Pass in the five countries in Southeast Asia has been a successful one. Game Pass has been available in Asia starting with Japan having access to it in 2020. Since last year when Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam got access to PC Game Pass, that number, which Xbox isn’t disclosing exact digits, has doubled.