We dwell in a golden age of controllers. The gamepads available on the market now are of upper high quality, extra versatile, and extra customizable than something from even one console technology in the past. When you play video games on an Xbox Collection X or Collection S (or a Home windows PC), you’ve gotten the unenviable job of selecting between a number of high-quality controllers from Microsoft in addition to a plethora of nice choices from the likes of 8BitDo, PowerA, Razer, Scuf, GameSir, Nacon, and Turtle Seaside. A few of them have drift-resistant Hall effect or TMR-based joysticks for improved longevity, but all of them are good for one motive or one other. The times of a budget “little sibling” controller that seemed cool, however barely labored, are over.
We’ve spent a ton of time taking part in every kind of video games (first-person shooters, fighters, third-person action-adventure, racing, indie roguelikes, and so forth.) to check a large swath of Xbox controllers, and it might not be a shock that the usual, Xbox Wireless Controller is the most suitable choice for most folk. It makes for an ideal PC and Steam Deck controller, too. The default Xbox gamepad strikes the precise steadiness of high quality, consolation, versatility, and value, however there are a number of alternate options price contemplating.
$50
The official Xbox Wi-fi Controller has a devoted share button for saving clips and screenshots and sharing them on-line, Bluetooth assist, and a USB-C port for charging up Microsoft’s play-and-charge rechargeable battery.
$30
The most recent 8BitDo Final Wired Controller for Xbox contains Corridor impact analog sticks and triggers, plus two rear buttons, customizable mapping and sensitivity, and compatibility with PC and cellular gadgets.
What we’re in search of
We take a look at Xbox controllers by taking part in with them for an prolonged time period throughout a wide range of genres. Our take a look at targets embrace team-based area video games like Marvel Rivals, aggressive shooters like Name of Obligation, fighters like Tekken 8, and role-playing titles like Elden Ring. When doing so, we pay shut consideration to how all the parts really feel. Are the triggers satisfying to drag? Do the analog sticks provide the precise degree of resistance? Are the D-pads and face buttons too mushy, or simply proper? If a controller contains customization choices — resembling adjustable set off stops and sensitivity, and / or remappable again buttons — we take a look at how straightforward they’re to configure, then decide their affect on our gameplay expertise.
Is it wi-fi? Does it assist Bluetooth? Or is it wired solely? In that case, is the cable replaceable?
Does it really feel low-cost or properly made? Any glitches or reliability points whereas testing?
Does it have helpful extras, like remappable buttons or fancy triggers?
Are you able to remap buttons or tune it with {custom} software program profiles?
Is it priced affordably, about common, or does it come at a steep premium?
The perfect Xbox controller for most individuals
$50
The Good
- Unbelievable worth for Xbox Wi-fi assist
- Nice ergonomic design
- Satisfying buttons and triggers
The Dangerous
- Lacks customization
- Requires AA batteries (or an elective rechargeable cell)
Connectivity: Xbox wi-fi, Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software program customization: No / Energy: AA batteries or add-on rechargeable
Okay, I already know what you’re pondering. “The perfect controller for Xbox is the one which comes with the Xbox?” That will seem to be a no brainer, however this commonplace controller actually does earn this title as the perfect. It lacks some extras discovered on pricier choices, however this controller is the distillation of all that has made the final 20 years of Xbox gamepads nice, and it exhibits.
Because of Microsoft’s proprietary wi-fi protocol, that is the one inexpensive wi-fi Xbox controller on the market. (Third-party wi-fi choices have been trickling out lately, however they’re principally on the excessive finish.) Whereas some hate the usual Xbox wi-fi controller for its use of AA batteries as a substitute of a built-in rechargeable cell, that additionally means it’s versatile, permitting for rechargeable AAs or a battery pack. And user-replaceable batteries imply you’re not caught with a controller that doesn’t maintain its cost after years of use. It additionally works over a USB-C wired connection.
However the standard-issue Xbox pad isn’t simply nice due to its different connectivity. The {hardware} itself is superb for the controller’s $65 (and infrequently much less) asking value. The sticks, buttons, triggers, and the sunken dish-shaped D-pad all really feel impeccably tight, with the latter having a satisfying clickiness to it. When you’re a hardcore combating recreation fan, you’ll most likely be finest served by a devoted battle stick or a controller geared towards that style — one with an excellent D-pad like Hori’s Horipad Pro — however the Xbox Wi-fi Controller is in any other case a unprecedented jack-of-all-trades.
The one issues it actually lacks in comparison with pricier choices are additional, customizable buttons and software program tuning for issues like stick sensitivity (button remapping is offered), although Microsoft does provide beauty customization by means of its Xbox Design Lab, which bumps the value from $79.99 to $124.93 relying on the configuration. There’s quite a bit to like about these controllers, whether or not you make your personal or choose one from the various colours that Microsoft presents.
The perfect low-cost Xbox controller
$30
The Good
- Cheap
- Light-weight and cozy
- Satisfying buttons and Corridor impact parts
- Programmable again buttons are straightforward to press
Connectivity: Wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Two / Software program customization: Sure / Energy: Wired
The 8BitDo Final Wired Controller for Xbox is a unbelievable price range mannequin that usually retails for $44.99 however can usually be discovered for as little as $29.99. The form is paying homage to Nintendo’s Swap Professional Controller, solely a bit smaller, with hints of Xbox affect and a curvaceous design that feels nice to carry.
On the {hardware} entrance, the Final Wired Controller options Corridor impact sticks with satisfying pressure. It additionally makes use of Corridor impact triggers with devoted vibration motors, although it lacks set off stops, not like our earlier price range choose, the PowerA Advantage Wired. Its D-pad, face buttons, and bumpers are good and clicky, too, regardless of being smaller than we’d usually like. It has two rear paddles, remappable buttons, and the flexibility to save lots of as much as three profiles, which you’ll swap between on the fly utilizing a devoted button. There’s even a built-in mute swap for audio, which isn’t frequent on cheaper controllers. You possibly can obtain the 8BitDo Ultimate Software X app on PC or Xbox to totally customise this controller.
The 8BitDo Final Wired works as a wired controller together with your PC, however in the event you favor wi-fi connectivity, the corporate additionally makes a three-mode wireless version for $69.99 with assist for each Bluetooth and a pair of.4GHz wi-fi (by way of a dongle). The wi-fi model is a little more costly, nevertheless, and it’s nonetheless restricted to wired connectivity on Xbox consoles.
The perfect “professional” Xbox controller
$153
The Good
- In depth modular customization
- Premium feel and look
- Rechargeable battery lasts an unbelievable 40 hours
The Dangerous
- Dear
- Questionable high quality management
- No Corridor impact parts
Connectivity: Xbox wi-fi, Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: As much as 4 / Software program customization: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is Microsoft’s fanciest controller, and it’s received a variety of good extras, like higher construct high quality, additional buttons, user-swappable sticks and D-pad, a built-in rechargeable battery, and a great deal of software program customization. The place the usual Xbox controller is constructed totally of unassuming plastic, the Elite mixes greater high quality soft-touch plastic, rubberized grips, and metallic touches for a superior match and end. This makes it heftier than the inventory controller, and because of this, it simply feels nicer in your arms. It additionally comes with a charging dock and zip-up case with passthrough charging, finishing a very nice package deal for $199.99 (or generally much less, if it’s on sale).
There’s additionally the stripped-down Elite Series 2 “Core” version with an MSRP of $149.99, which ditches the add-ons however is equally customizable. You should buy them individually in a $59.99 accessories pack, however you’ll find yourself paying extra that approach, barring gross sales or reductions.
An expensive controller like an Xbox Elite is a little bit of a splurge buy. Most of us aren’t competing at e-sports ranges that require its high-end options. However, it’s enjoyable to make use of one thing that feels nicer, presents methods to custom-tailor it to your liking, and possibly offers you a slight aggressive edge due to options like hair triggers and detachable rear paddles. In concept, you might be able to get pictures off sooner in a web based shooter with the hair triggers, and you’ll map the paddles to features like leap, crouch, reload, and so forth., whereas holding your thumb on the precise stick. You could possibly educate your self claw grip to perform the latter with even an affordable wired controller, certain, however it simply received’t really feel as cool or straightforward as when utilizing an Elite.
Whereas the Elite continues to be an ideal controller in 2025, it is best to needless to say it’s been round since 2019 and a Collection 3 revision is feeling lengthy overdue. The Collection 2 additionally has a little bit of a popularity for lackluster high quality management — with horror tales from customers about going by means of a number of replacements beneath guarantee. Microsoft extended the controller’s warranty from 90 days to a 12 months in late 2020 to assist deal with considerations, however shopping for an Elite Collection 2 should still really feel like a barely dangerous proposition. It additionally predates the current-gen implementation of a devoted Share button, and its potentiometer-based sticks run the chance of stick drift after long-term use (one thing third events are addressing with controllers that use drift-free Corridor impact sticks, not like all three massive console producers).
Even so, the Elite 2 stays by far essentially the most well-rounded possibility for a step-up Xbox controller — thanks largely to its spectacular construct and expansive software program expertise. If all these caveats provide you with pause, although, there’s one other promising possibility.
A formidable different to the Elite
$200
The Good
- Helps Xbox Wi-fi protocol
- Corridor impact sticks use replaceable tops
- 4 rear buttons well positioned for consolation
- Two additional shoulder buttons add distinctive versatility
- Set off stops and again buttons provide a satisfying mouse-like click on
The Dangerous
- Costly
- Requires a USB dongle
- Razer Synapse software program wants work
Connectivity: Wi-fi USB dongle (Xbox / PC), wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: 4 / Software program customization: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable
At $199.99, Razer’s Wolverine V3 Pro controller is as costly (or extra, relying on out there offers) than the Elite Collection 2, however it’s price the fee in order for you a high-end controller with drift-free sticks. Not solely is the V3 Professional Razer’s first foray into utilizing Corridor impact sticks, it’s the corporate’s first absolutely wi-fi Xbox gamepad. It additionally sports activities a number of the finest hair-trigger lockouts round, yielding a mouse-like click on normally discovered on even pricier Scuf controllers (a earlier high-ranking choose of ours).
Aside from that, the V3 Professional is much like the earlier V2 Professional, with six remappable buttons — 4 rear paddles in new, angled orientations and two additional shoulder buttons — and a few RGB lighting. The buttons and D-pad nonetheless have that satisfying micro-switch tactility and audible clickiness just like the previous-gen V2 Professional, however the RGB lighting is extra delicate this time round.
The Wolverine V3 Professional’s largest shortcomings in comparison with Microsoft’s Elite Collection 2 are its extra fundamental software program customization, its lack of Bluetooth, and the truth that it wants a USB dongle to work wirelessly. The V3 Professional is in any other case the higher choose in the event you can justify its excessive value, which, not like the Collection 2, is never subjected to reductions. Fortunately, in the event you can’t, there’s additionally the $99.99 Wolverine V3 Pro Tournament Edition that has an almost an identical set of options in a wired configuration.
An inexpensive different to the Elite
$80
GameSir’s G7 Professional is a wired Xbox controller with remapable rear buttons, adjustable triggers, and TMR joysticks. It will also be related wirelessly to a PC (by way of a 2.4Ghz dongle) or Android (by way of Bluetooth).
Connectivity: Wired (Xbox), wi-fi USB dongle (PC), Bluetooth (Android) / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Two / Software program customization: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable
When you don’t thoughts utilizing a wired controller, GameSir’s G7 Professional presents some options of the splurge-worthy Xbox Elite Controller 2 for beneath $100. It has remappable buttons, smooth-feeling drift-resistant TMR management sticks, a satisfying weight, and textured grips that made it really feel comfy to carry even with sweaty palms.
The G7 Professional is definitely a battery-powered wi-fi controller, however its cable free connectivity is proscribed to PC (by way of an included 2.4Ghz dongle) and Android (by way of Bluetooth). You’ll have to plug the controller into the Xbox with a cable, and GameSir supplies a prolonged USB-C to USB-A wire. The cable was lengthy sufficient that I may play video games from my sofa (roughly six toes away) with out feeling tethered.
I used to be impressed with the G7 Professional’s total construct high quality, particularly the triggers, which may very well be locked by flipping switches on its again. GameSir contains three swappable course pads with the G7 Professional, which will be swapped by lifting the entrance of the controller’s shell and popping them out and in. Nonetheless, its face buttons felt noticeably cheaper than those on the Elite 2, which is smart given their value distinction. Button really feel apart, the controller by no means dropped an enter, even once I mashed buttons to string collectively elaborate combos in Tony Hawk’s Professional Skater, or constantly solid spells, dodged, and healed in Diablo IV. If an motion was mistimed, it was on me.
What the controller lacks in face button high quality is greater than made up for in customizability. GameSir Nexus, a free app on the Xbox Retailer, allowed me to remap any button (together with the L4 and R4 buttons on its bottom), modify the vibration depth of each triggers, allow two flavors of hair set off mode, and set the deadzone for every management stick. It can save you as much as 4 profiles with totally different settings, and shortly swap between them by urgent the controller’s M button together with one of many face buttons. You by no means want to the touch these choices, and even obtain the GameSir Nexus app for the G7 Professional to work, however doing so will unlock its full potential.
The GameSir G7 Professional is a superb Xbox controller, particularly in its value vary. I’d have favored the choice to make use of it wirelessly, however that wasn’t a dealbreaker for me. That mentioned, it’s one thing to contemplate relying on how distant you’re out of your Xbox when taking part in. When you’re a multi-platform gamer and desire a controller to make use of with each an Xbox and PC (or Android gadget), it’s a good more sensible choice.
Different Xbox controllers we examined
- The Scuf Valor Pro is the corporate’s first Xbox controller with Corridor impact sticks, in addition to its least expensive at $109.99. Scuf emulates Microsoft’s successful ergonomics whereas implementing redesigned remappable rear buttons (two are detachable) and shoulder bumpers which might be extra comfy to succeed in. It additionally has set off stops that produce a satisfying click on with subsequent to no journey when pressed. The D-pad produces a equally satisfying click on, one we favor over the softer tactile really feel of the Intuition. The Valor Professional isn’t essentially the most thrilling controller on paper, however it’s a strong possibility for Scuf trustworthy or anybody who desires extra sturdy analog sticks. Read our hands-on impressions.
- We examined PowerA’s newest pro-style Xbox controllers, together with the Fusion Pro 4 Wired ($74.99) and PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless ($159.99). They’re commonplace fare for pro-style controllers nowadays, with height-adjustable Corridor impact sticks, 4 remappable rear buttons, three-way set off locks, and onboard quantity controls. They’re related, however the Professional Wi-fi has 4 trippy Lumectra lighting zones that reply to your button presses. Each controllers are satisfying to make use of and a transparent step up from PowerA’s older merchandise by way of total high quality, however they in the end don’t stand out a lot at these value factors.
- Nacon’s Revolution X ($25.90) stays some of the customizable wired controllers you may get (it even has detachable weights in its handles), and its software program is sort of as expansive as Microsoft’s first-party app.
- When you’re the nostalgic sort, the Hyperkin Duke ($89.99), DuchesS ($49.99), and Xenon ($49.99) are trustworthy wired recreations of Xbox gamepads from Microsoft’s first two console generations. They’re form of dumb however endearing (particularly the chunky Duke), however they’re distinctive collector items you can too use on trendy video games.
- Hyperkin’s Competitor controller, which it introduced in January at CES, might be launched in October for $49.99. The wired gamepad appears nearly an identical to the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller, with a pair of analog sticks subsequent to at least one one other on the backside of the controller, glassy buttons, and a non-contiguous D-pad. Hyperkin is providing the Competitor in 5 colours, however solely the black and white controllers might be out there within the US at launch.
Replace, September fifteenth: Up to date to mirror present pricing / availability, further particulars about Hyperkin’s Competitor controller and added GameSir’s G7 Professional controller. Brandt Ranj additionally contributed to this put up.