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SteelSeries announces the Stratus XL wireless gaming controller for Windows and Android

At E3 2015, SteelSeries has announced the new Stratus XL wireless gaming controller. It's a Bluetooth gaming controller with a console controller design.

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Published onJune 16, 2015

Really good gaming controllers for mobile devices and tablets are few and far between. In some cases, like the NVIDIA Shield Tablet, the controller is fantastic but only compatible with a couple of devices. SteelSeries is looking to help change that with their new Stratus XL wireless gaming controller which was announced at this year’s E3.

According to SteelSeries, the Stratus XL size, design, and layout were inspired by console controllers and you can see the similarities without trying too hard. The company boasts that the controller will connect via Bluetooth to various devices including PC, Android devices, Amazon Fire TV, the Ouya, and similar systems. We assume that means you’ll be able to use it on things like Nvidia’s newest console if you want to.

The Stratus XL features a host of buttons including an 8-way D-Pad, four shoulder buttons, four face buttons, two clickable joysticks, and four LEDs in the middle of the controller that act as a player indicator (first player, second player, etc) and a battery gauge. There are also three buttons in the center that will act as Start, Select, and presumably a Home button.

It’s difficult to say how good this will be without going on hands on but it does at least look like a capable controller. It is a Bluetooth controller so it’s safe to assume that games that work with other third party Bluetooth controllers will also work with this one. Thankfully, that’s a pretty big number. It’ll be available sometime this July for $59.99/€59.99. For more details, check out the press release below!

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SteelSeries Announces The Stratus XL Wireless Gaming Controller For Windows &
Android
Gaming Peripherals Leader Brings Bluetooth®-Enabled, Console-Style Controller to Windows PC & Android Device Gamers
LOS ANGELES, CA – E3 – June 16, 2015 – SteelSeries, the global gaming peripherals leader, today announced a new version of the Stratus XL Wireless Gaming Controller that is specifically designed for Windows and Android gaming. Gamers now have the option to control their games effortlessly and wireless via Bluetooth® on PC, Android devices, Amazon Fire TV, Ouya and other micro-console systems. “When SteelSeries introduced the first Stratus Controller we believed that the gaming ecosystem was on the cusp of changing and that gaming was becoming less restrictive to players who wanted to game on their mobile devices. Two years later we see this evolution happening across multiple platforms and devices,” said Ehtisham Rabbani, SteelSeries CEO. “The new controller creates an easy-to-use experience and allows that multiscreen experience to really happen.”Play all of your controller-enabled Steam® games with the Stratus XL for Windows & Android, which leverages the Microsoft® XInput game controller API. With XInput, the Stratus XL will function just like a console-style gaming controller on PC. Supported by the SteelSeries Engine software suite, gamers can personalize the controller adjust joystick settings, sensitivity levels, and invert the axis. The Stratus XL mirrors the familiar size and layout of console controllers; it features an 8-way directional pad (D-pad), two high fidelity, clickable analog joysticks, four face buttons and a total of four shoulder buttons, including two top shoulder buttons and two analog triggers. The Stratus XL also features four LEDs for player indicator and battery status level. For added convenience three center buttons allow easy navigation in games and Steam Big Picture Mode. The controllers Bluetooth connection will allow multiple players to connect to the same wireless system when gaming. Powered by AA batteries, the Stratus XL will deliver an estimated 40 hours of gameplay. Compatible on multiple platforms and devices paired with thousands of games on the Google Play® Store and on Steam, marks the Stratus XL for Windows & Android as the most versatile wireless gaming controller on the market. With thousands of game titles to choose from, the new The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt as well as Grand Theft Auto V, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Outlast, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, Killing Floor 2, Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor, and ARK: Survival Evolved are just some of the controller-enabled games that when combined with the Stratus XL gamers are in for an incredible experience. The Stratus XL for Windows & Android is available starting this July for $59.99 / €59.99. Gamers can find more details and be alerted when the controller is available to order at http://steelseries.com. About SteelSeriesSteelSeries is a gaming brand that leads the market in building peripherals with quality, innovation and purpose. The company’s passion has been the driving force behind many first-to-

market innovations and technologies that continue to become the industry standard and have-to-have requirements of gamers. The global brand continues to support the growth of competitive gaming tournaments and electronic sports leagues through professional team sponsorships, partnerships and community support. The company surrounds itself with the passion and the commitment to being the best. It is with this mentality that SteelSeries chooses to partner with some of world’s most respected and recognized brands that work together to push the growth and evolution of the gaming industry into an even greater proposition. http://SteelSeries.com.
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