NHL 23 Phantom Controller Bug after Controller Disconnects on Xbox Series X

@MegaBeef1200I had this exact same issue, then I tried putting my xbox on standby mode instead of shutdown mode in the energy saving setting, and installed the xbox console companion for windows (didn't even know it existed!) and now I no longer get phantom controllers when my main controller shuts down or goes idle

I have 2 phantom controllers and mine didn't disconnect. I can't play anything.

@InsipidDragon80 

Do you have anything plugged in to the USB ports? Possibly a headset or a dongle/receiver for a headset. If so, try unplugging them. Also, if you plug in your controller, does it then work? When I have this happen, I can plug in my controller, let it show up as being connected and then unplug it and I'm able to play.

First of all, no one uses plug in controllers in 2023.... What is this a auto reply from 1998?  Besides that, this has been a problem since NHL 2020 confirmed by Xbox who has tried to contact EA about for years,  Microsoft says they have gotten no reply.  Any time EA has ever replied to this issue in the forums, its always been some generic answer like this that makes no sense. How about you just fix your game. This problem has existed for nearly 4 years now, over 3 NHL titles, with HUNDREDS of posts on these forums and others, and you've done nothing. Disgusting.

@ChrisHansen13f 

Some people still use wired controllers. Regardless, it's also possible headsets are showing up as controllers. Unplug your headset and see if that makes a difference.

I dont use a headset. This is only a problem with NHL and no other games. Has been since NHL 2020 across 2 Xbox.  How about your multi billion dollar company just takes a day to find and fix the problem in the broken product you keep selling us. If this was just a 'me' problem fine, Id try your silly fixes, but its not. Its a KNOWN ongoing problem for almost 4 years.....  Im playing the game right now, and it took me 3 restarts to get it to recognize the controller. Everything works fine until the team select screen, then shows wrong controller and only way forward is a full restart of the game... I only have one controller as well.  This is a big problem for many people, not just me.  Please fix it so we can play the game we paid too much for.  This  post isnt meant to be rude or sarcastic, just honest..  This is a YOU problem and a big one that needs to be addressed after 4 years.

@ChrisHansen13f 

We're most definitely know this is on our end. The suggestions I'm giving have been known to help. I get this same issue regularly, but I never have to restart. When it happens, I plug in my controller and choose a side. Then I unplug it and it works fine. The ghost controllers are still there, but I can play. I would love to see this resolved. It's been around for multiple years, but is worse in 23. Thankfully, these workarounds at least get you back in the game, but it's a frustrating issue for sure.