The most effective Xbox controllers: Microsoft, Scuf, PowerA, and extra

Chances are you’ll not understand it, however we’re residing in a golden age of gaming controllers. The gamepads available on the market now are greater high quality, extra versatile, and extra customizable than something from only a few console generations in the past. Should you’re gaming on an Xbox Collection X or Collection S (or a Home windows PC), you now have a plethora of nice third-party choices from the likes of PowerA, Scuf, Nacon, and Turtle Seaside, in addition to high-quality first-party controllers. The times of a budget “little sibling” controller that regarded cool however barely labored are over.

I’ve spent a ton of time enjoying all types of video games (first-person shooters, fighters, third-person action-adventure, racing, indie roguelikes, and many others.) to check a large swath of Xbox controllers, and it could be unsurprising that the usual Xbox Wi-fi Controller is the perfect Xbox controller for many. It makes an amazing PC controller, too.

However whereas the de facto Xbox gamepad strikes the appropriate steadiness of high quality, consolation, versatility, and worth, there are a number of options price cross-shopping when you have particular wants — starting from high-end choices just like the Xbox Elite Collection 2 and Scuf Intuition Professional to high quality finances picks just like the PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller.

Connectivity: Xbox wi-fi, Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software program customization: No / Energy: AA batteries or add-on rechargeable

Okay, I already know what you’re considering. “The most effective controller for Xbox is the one which comes with the Xbox?” Which will appear to be a no brainer, however this “normal” controller really does earn this title as the most suitable choice for many Xbox avid gamers. It could lack a few of the additional options that we’ll go over on premium choices, however this controller is the distillation of 4 generations and quite a few first-party fashions earlier than it — and it exhibits.

That is the one inexpensive wi-fi Xbox controller on the market, because of Microsoft’s proprietary protocol. Whereas some might hate that it comes with 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. It additionally works as a wired accent with a USB-C cable, and user-replaceable batteries imply you’re not caught with a controller that doesn’t maintain its cost after years of use.

However the standard-issue Xbox pad isn’t simply nice due to its connectivity. The {hardware} itself is superb for the controller’s $60 asking worth. 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. Should you’re a hardcore preventing sport fan, you could be higher served by an arcade stick or a controller geared towards that style — one with an impeccable D-pad like Hori’s Horipad Professional — however the Xbox Wi-fi Controller is an distinctive 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, although Microsoft does supply beauty customization by means of its Xbox Design Lab, which ranges from $69.99 to $99.94 relying on the configuration. There’s lots to like about these controllers, whether or not you make your individual or select one from the varied colours Microsoft continues to supply.

Connectivity: Wired / Connector kind: Micro USB / Mappable rear buttons: Two / Software program customization: No / Energy: Wired

Should you’re in search of an amazing controller however don’t have some huge cash to spend — and also you don’t thoughts a cable — PowerA’s Enhanced Wired Controller affords an impeccable worth with out sacrificing an excessive amount of. Its full retail worth is $37.99, however some colour schemes can dip as little as round $25. Talking of colours, the Enhanced Wired Controller is available in a huge number of hues and designs, together with licensed ones from sport franchises like Mass Impact and Fallout. A few of these designs might make you observed these are low-cost, cringe-inducing knockoffs, however the high quality of the controller might shock you whenever you use it.

First off, let’s get its largest draw back out of the way in which: it makes use of a microUSB connection (gross, I do know). You not less than get a prolonged, removable cable with it, however not having a reversible connector is annoying. Fortunately, nothing else about this controller feels so outdated. Its construct high quality is simply high quality, and it even has two mappable rear buttons constructed into the grips — which is nice to have at such a low worth.

The remainder of the PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller is an entire lot of desk stakes, but it surely executes every thing fairly effectively for a ridiculously inexpensive worth. There’s no impulse set off rumble, but when there’s any characteristic to low-cost out on, I’d say that’s the appropriate alternative. On the flip aspect, the Enhanced Wired Controller comes with a two-year guarantee, which is twice so long as dear choices like Microsoft’s Elite Collection 2 supply.

PowerA affords an entire lot of bang on your buck with the Enhanced Wired Controller if you happen to’re on a good finances. It additionally sells the Benefit Wired Controller, which is actually a more moderen model of the Enhanced Wired Controller with USB-C and hair-trigger lockouts. The Benefit may very well be a shoo-in to dethrone the Enhanced Wired as the perfect finances controller, however at $37.99, it doesn’t match the Enhanced Wired frequently-discounted worth of round $25.

In case you have Elite controller tastes however an ordinary controller finances, the PowerA Fusion Professional 3 is a high quality various if you happen to don’t thoughts that it’s wired. It seems a bit just like the Microsoft Elite Collection 2, full with 4 rear buttons, set off lockouts, and rubberized grips, however prices a lot much less. The Fusion Professional 3 is considerably lighter than its predecessor, plus it has a extra compact case and is $10 cheaper — providing fairly the worth for $79.99 (particularly if it begins occurring sale). The older Fusion Professional 2 continues to be high quality, particularly if you happen to desire removable rear paddles to built-in buttons, however at this level, it’s solely price it for that choice or if it’s closely discounted.

Connectivity: Xbox wi-fi, Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: As much as 4 / Software program customization: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable

The Xbox Elite Wi-fi Controller Collection 2 is Microsoft’s fancied-up, premium model of the inventory controller. It’s additionally older, having been launched a 12 months earlier than the Xbox Collection X / S consoles arrived. So whereas it does sport a USB-C port and wi-fi help, it lacks the handy Share button discovered on the most recent Xbox Wi-fi Controller. Nonetheless, it makes up for that in droves with distinctive construct high quality, additional buttons, user-swappable sticks and D-pad, and many customization.

Should you choose up an Xbox Elite controller, you immediately acknowledge the standard of supplies put into it. The place the usual controller makes use of an unassuming plastic construct, the Elite mixes higher-quality plastic with rubberized grips and bits of metallic. Mix this with its built-in rechargeable battery, and the Elite is noticeably heavier than its cheaper brethren. It additionally comes with a charging dock and zip-up case with passthrough charging.

As wonderful because the match and end are, the important thing parts that will offer you a aggressive edge are the hair-trigger locks and rear paddle buttons. In idea, the hair set off will get photographs off quicker when enjoying shooters, and the rear paddles let you bounce, crouch, reload, and many others., with out taking your thumb off the appropriate stick for aiming. Nonetheless, utilizing that many buttons on the again of the controller positively takes some adjustment. You need to prepare new muscle reminiscence, and because it requires dexterity with extra fingers, they’re not for everybody.

These premium options come at a steep value, too. The Elite Collection 2 is generally priced at $179.99, and although it’s dropped as little as $139.99, it’s nonetheless greater than twice as costly as an everyday Xbox controller. You need to really need its additional options and consumer customization, and if you happen to’re not utilizing its rear paddles or the software program changes for stick sensitivity, you’re not getting your cash’s price. (And if you wish to customise the colours, you’re taking a look at $209.99 for the Design Lab “Elite Package deal.”)

Microsoft additionally has a stripped-down Elite Collection 2 “Core” model with an MSRP of $129.99, which is similar controller in white-and-black, red-and-black, or blue-and-black finishes with out the rear paddles, accent charging case, or additional stick toppers and D-pad. You will get all of these in a $59.99 equipment pack, which turns the Elite Collection 2 Core again into an ordinary Elite Collection 2 for a slight premium in comparison with shopping for the complete bundle outright.

You could additionally bear in mind that the Elite has a little bit of a repute for lackluster high quality management, with horror tales from customers about going by means of a number of replacements beneath guarantee. Microsoft prolonged the controller’s guarantee from 90 days to a 12 months in late 2020 to assist tackle issues, however shopping for an Elite Collection 2 should still really feel like a barely dangerous proposition. Nonetheless, whenever you nail that good sequence — switching to your pistol and touchdown a headshot with a fast pop-pop of the hair set off whereas your thumbs keep firmly planted on the sticks — it may well really feel price it.

Learn our Xbox Elite Wi-fi Controller Collection 2 evaluation.

Connectivity: Xbox wi-fi, Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: 4 / Software program customization: No / Energy: AA batteries or add-on rechargeable

The Scuf Intuition Professional finds itself in a little bit of a bizarre spot. It’s one of many solely wi-fi choices at the moment accessible from a 3rd social gathering — Razer’s new Wolverine V3 Professional is one other — but it surely’s additionally one of the costly Xbox controllers round (it begins at $199.99). The one I examined clocked in at $263.91 with a particular faceplate and added colour accents. That’s greater than the Xbox Collection S often sells for, which is a whole console. Nonetheless, you’re in for a deal with if you happen to’re okay with spending that form of cash, because the Intuition Professional is arguably higher than Microsoft’s Elite in some very particular methods — primarily, its consolation and implementation of rear buttons and hair triggers.

The Intuition Professional has very distinctive rear buttons, and I really desire them. As a substitute of paddles, there are 4 rocker-like buttons constructed into the controller’s physique that you just push towards or away out of your hand with a center finger. It nonetheless requires coaching your mind a bit to get accustomed to it, however I discovered them extra intuitive.

Rear buttons apart, the Scuf’s different massive characteristic is its hair triggers, which have the quickest response of all of the controllers examined right here. Simply flick a change on the again, and the left and proper triggers really feel such as you’re clicking a mouse — it’s extremely satisfying. The hair triggers, rear buttons, and the superb textured grip materials on the controller’s underside make this controller a pleasure to make use of.

The Intuition Professional appears like Scuf primarily hot-rodded a inventory Xbox controller, however like all boutique merchandise, it comes with an enormous value. In the meantime, it nonetheless makes use of AA batteries and lacks software program customization, in order a lot as I get pleasure from utilizing it, I’d solely advise getting one if you happen to’re tremendous enthusiastic about its very particular qualities otherwise you completely love the colourful accents and magnetically swappable faceplates on Scuf’s configurator.

Connectivity: Wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: 4 / Software program customization: Sure / Energy: Wired

RIG’s Nacon Revolution X could also be worthy of an award for awful naming, however its actual strengths are in its deep customization. Should you’re the kind that likes to endlessly tinker with a number of detailed settings, that is the controller for you. Usually priced at $99.99, the wired Revolution X and its added options don’t come low-cost, however the worth is slightly fairer when you think about the competitors it squares up towards.

While you first choose up the Revolution X, it appears very unassuming — and borderline low-cost. Whereas it’s not a looker, it’s a form-follows-function kind of controller. It’s cozy to make use of, and its 4 rear buttons constructed into the grips are massive and properly contoured. The actual stars of this present, nonetheless, are the analog sticks and their software program customizations, in addition to the expansive customized choices for different interior workings of the controller.

Whereas different user-customizable controllers have three consumer profiles you possibly can swap between on the fly, the Revolution X has 4 — plus a “traditional” mode with primary settings and a hoop of RGB gentle round the appropriate stick with remind you what mode you’re in. The software program app isn’t essentially the most user-friendly, however the controls go very in-depth. Fortunately, there are useful beginning factors with presets for arcade preventing video games, racing, FPS video games, and even sniping, which makes the choices a lot simpler to know. Add the power to customise and remap each button on the controller, in addition to a Dolby Atmos for Headphones app license, and also you’ve bought numerous customization choices.

The customization doesn’t cease with software program, audio, or lighting, nonetheless. The Revolution X comes with ring spacers to regulate the vary of the analog sticks, too, in addition to a sequence of small weights starting from 10g to 16g, which you’ll insert into its grips to provide them an extra quantity of heft.

Including up all these options, you see why the Nacon is such an amazing controller for tinkering. It took me time to heat as much as it, however upon setting it up the way in which I most popular, it made for a really compelling controller in a wide range of sport sorts.

Connectivity: Wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Two / Software program customization: No / Energy: Wired

Turtle Seaside is thought for its headsets, so it is sensible that its Recon wired controller options some strong audio controls. Its strengths actually come into focus when enjoying first-person shooters, the place its Superhuman Listening to mode tweaks the audio of any wired headset to attract out footsteps and distant gunfire within the combine. At its common worth of round $60, and as soon as promoting as little as $39.95, the Recon is a reasonably inexpensive approach to acquire a slight aggressive edge in multiplayer video games with out spending effectively over $100 on a controller.

This pad isn’t going to win any magnificence contests because of all these awkward buttons positioned smack-dab in the course of its brow, however each has a sound goal. There are 4 ranges of microphone monitoring, total sport quantity controls, sport chat quantity combine, 4 EQ presets, 4 programmable modes for mapping the 2 rear buttons, and 4 ranges of non-compulsory right-stick sensitivity changes. That final characteristic, dubbed Professional Intention by Turtle Seaside, lowers the sensitivity of the appropriate analog stick whilst you maintain the right-hand rear button, permitting for very small actions like sniping, although it’s a bit clumsy to make use of.

Studying to make use of all these controls might sound daunting, however the controller’s quick-start information makes it simpler. Superhuman Listening to may be very useful for shooters and price utilizing extensively for video games like Halo Infinite — simply bear in mind that it’s going to muddy up the soundtrack slightly, so you could need to go away it off throughout story-driven, single-player video games.

Audio controls apart, the Recon lacks fancy options like hair triggers and swappable thumbsticks, and the D-pad seems like the usual Xbox Wi-fi Controller however pales as compared. The controller’s plastic construct feels low-cost, however the rubbery grips redeem it with a pleasant and cozy really feel. As for the sticks, triggers, and extra rear buttons, all of them really feel tight and snappy. Mix that with Superhuman Listening to, and also you’ve bought an amazing recipe for shooters. The Recon has a little bit of a studying curve, however if you happen to play ranked matches and worth a reasonably priced wired controller with additional buttons and useful audio capabilities, you possibly can’t go unsuitable right here.

Learn our Turtle Seaside Recon evaluation.

• The GameSir G7 is a terrific wired controller with a textured grip that feels a tiny bit like a Scuf, clicky face buttons like a Razer, and two programmable rear buttons. Its D-pad is slightly too stiff, however what makes this gamepad distinctive is it comes with two magnetic face plates — one black, one white — which might be primed for personalization with spray paint or markers.
• The extra fascinating GameSir controller is the G7 SE, which is sort of the identical because the G7 however with drift-free Corridor impact thumbsticks. Should you’ve ever been jilted by stick drift on any of your Xbox controllers earlier than, the GameSir G7 SE is effectively price its $49.99 asking worth to ease your issues.
• 8BitDo’s Final Wired Controller for Xbox and PC is a high quality, inexpensive gamepad with two rear buttons and software program customization, although the prolonged USB cable isn’t removable. It prices $44.99 however is commonly discounted to as little as $35.99. We as soon as noticed it dip to $24.99, and if that began occurring with regularity, it might dethrone the PowerA Enhanced Wired as the perfect finances possibility.
• Turtle Seaside’s React-R is a stripped-down Recon that maintains Superhuman Listening to and rear buttons however omits EQ presets, mic monitoring, and Professional-Intention for a decrease $39.99 worth. It’s an excellent worth, particularly if you happen to discover it on sale for as little as $29.99, sustaining a few of the greatest options of the Recon for cheaper.
• Razer’s Wolverine V2 Chroma is a feast for the ears and eyes, because of very clicky buttons and a strip of RGB lighting alongside the grips. It has extra customizable buttons than some other controller (six whole), although their positioning requires reaching, and it’s a bit dear.
• Razer additionally just lately launched the $199.99 Wolverine V3 Professional, which is the corporate’s first absolutely wi-fi controller for Xbox consoles and the primary Razer gamepad to sport drift-free Corridor impact sticks. The premium controller additionally options hair-trigger lockouts, RGB accent lighting, and 6 remappable buttons (together with 4 customizable paddles and two additional shoulder buttons). It stays to be seen whether or not it may well go toe-to-toe with the Xbox Elite Collection 2 and Scuf Intuition Professional, however we’ll be sharing our impressions quickly.
• Briefly talked about above, the Horipad Professional has probably the greatest D-pads round. It additionally affords numerous software program customization at an inexpensive worth, however its shoulder buttons are a bit stiff.
• PowerA’s Nano Enhanced Wired Controller is an adorably small man for individuals with tinier palms or kids. Not like most kid-centric gamepads, it seems identical to a full-size mannequin, and in contrast to our finances choose from PowerA above, it ditches microUSB for USB-C (hallelujah!).
• The Nacon Professional Compact Controller has a few of the Revolution X’s wonderful software program customization at a a lot lower cost. It’s additionally one of many smaller choices round, although the ergonomics might really feel hit and miss relying in your hand dimension.
• One of many dumbest but most lovable controllers is the Hyperkin Duke. This reissue of the unique Xbox pad is a love letter to the salad days of 2001. It’s simply not nice to make use of for contemporary video games. Fortunately it comes with a show stand, because it’s extra of a collector piece.
• Not like the Duke, the Hyperkin Xenon is a reissued gamepad that’s really price utilizing, particularly when you have an affinity for the mid-aughts Xbox 360 design. The unique 360 controller’s largest innovation was its intuitive wi-fi system, which is unfortunately absent from this wired reincarnation. However hey, not less than Hyperkin improved on the Xbox 360 controller’s terrible D-pad and included some cool color-matched USB-C cables.
• I additionally examined the Turtle Seaside Recon Cloud and PowerA MOGA XP-Extremely. Whereas the latter is noteworthy for being the primary third-party wi-fi Xbox controller, neither made the reduce as a result of excessive prices and area of interest use circumstances. The suggestions above current higher options until you actually need to use a controller with an Android cellphone — which, frankly, you are able to do with an ordinary Xbox controller and an inexpensive cellphone clip.
• The Turtle Seaside Stealth Extremely is an fascinating controller. It has a 1.5-inch show for adjusting audio settings (and checking social media, apparently), swappable Corridor impact sticks, microswitches, hair triggers, remappable rear buttons, and customizable RGB lighting. It’s the model’s first absolutely wi-fi Xbox controller, too, and comes with Bluetooth to permit compatibility with different platforms. All of those options contribute to the controller’s $199.99 price ticket, which places it within the ultra-premium territory that Turtle Seaside hasn’t dabbled in till now.
• Modular controllers are getting slightly funkier with the discharge of Thrustmaster’s eSwap X2 Professional. We haven’t examined it and thus can’t suggest the wired Xbox / PC gamepad, however we’re placing it on the radar for individuals who would possibly recognize having hot-swappable analog sticks, triggers, grips, and D-pad. It’s one of many solely customizable controllers we’ve seen that permits you to rearrange the positioning of D-pads and sticks nonetheless you need, and you may even purchase a racing module that’s meant to simulate a steering wheel. Sadly, not one of the analog stick modules characteristic Corridor impact sensors, and there are fairly just a few reviews that the usual mini-stock modules are vulnerable to degrading after a short while.
• PDP’s Victrix Professional BFG (wi-fi) and Victrix Gambit Prime (wired) are one other pair of modular controllers getting first rate reception proper now, although we haven’t examined them but. Each let you take away modules and swap in others, together with alternate D-pad designs, taller thumb sticks, hexagonal gates for the analog sticks, and even a preventing pad that provides you six frontal face buttons. The controllers even have programmable rear buttons and customizable hair triggers (the Gambit Prime uniquely helps you to customise the again paddle to provide you entry to 2 or 4 additional buttons), however their lack of rumble could also be a nonstarter for some.

Images by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge

Replace, November seventh: Adjusted pricing and availability for a number of controllers.