The physical controls will slide out from the unit only when the user wants them. I see this being achievable without much of an increase in overall thickness of the phone. I think so anyway. The actual device that I have more or less altered (only very minimally) in the pics is the yet to be released 'Snail W 3D' An android powered device.
In terms of game quality, we would be seeing the bulk of indie xbox one / windows 10 digital releases all being playable from here on. There could easily be 100 games ready for launch taking full advantage of the new X-mode controls. I would think 100 existing titles to be available and 10 all new titles that could launch for the debut of the device would be a good target. This would ensure there is something for everyone from day one.
The opportunity for such a product could not be better with Microsoft's Universal Windows Platform now being in effect. The games will literally be made for this device whether or not it is produced and will continue to be made from here on IT IS CRAZY NOT TO MAKE IT!!! This would be a serious step up from the touch screen limited gameplay that just about everyone has been accustomed to. The playstation Vita and Nintendo 3DS do no have this valuable situation at there fingertips and aren't likely every too. More and more people are wanting everything all in one, this will be a solid device doing this, and doing it justice. Put simply, this would be the go to device for anyone who is serious about gaming on the go and wants a phone and high end gaming device all in one.
The naming was purely a play on the 'Elite' model XBOX ONE controller which I used the d-pad and A, B, X, Y buttons from. I put very little thought to it, although I feel it is fitting. XBOX Phone may very well be the right name for the device, but a part of me feels the Lumia branding may be put to good use long term with such a product. It could be marketed with such taglines as, 'TAKE YOUR XBOX GAMES ON THE GO' or 'XBOX GAMING GOES PORTABLE' Giving strong identity to having relation to the XBOX brand and giving insight to what the device can do from a gaming standpoint. My biggest problem with calling it an XBOX PHONE, is that I see it potentially coming across a little gimmicky. I can't help but think this could have been the major reason SONY weren't keen on the idea of a PLAYSTATION PHONE branded device when Sony Ericsson produced the PlayStation like phone, which never really took off.
I feel there is tremendous potential. Even at a $999 outright price point for such a premium product would see its monthly plan rate be still affordable by many. A $699 outright price point may be for a non Elite model may be a good move too. The differences purely being internal chips and camera.
LUMIA X ELITE is LIFT OFF!!!