One of the best Xbox controllers: Microsoft, Scuf, PowerA, and extra

You might not notice it, however we’re dwelling 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 just some console generations in the past. When you’re gaming on an Xbox Sequence X or Sequence 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 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 be unsurprising that the usual Xbox Wi-fi Controller is the most effective Xbox controller for many. It makes an amazing PC controller, too.

However whereas the de facto Xbox gamepad strikes the appropriate stability of high quality, consolation, versatility, and worth, there are a number of options value cross-shopping when you’ve got particular wants — starting from high-end choices just like the Xbox Elite Sequence 2 and Scuf Intuition Professional to high quality price range 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. “One of the best 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 players. It could lack a few of the further options that we’ll go over on premium choices, however this controller is the distillation of 4 generations and quite a few first-party controllers earlier than it — and it reveals.

That is the one reasonably priced wi-fi Xbox controller on the market, because of Microsoft’s proprietary protocol. Whereas some could 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. When you’re a hardcore preventing recreation 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 further, customizable buttons and software program tuning for issues like stick sensitivity, although Microsoft does supply beauty customization by its Xbox Design Lab, which ranges from $69.99 to $99.94 relying on the configuration. There’s so much to like about these controllers, whether or not you make your personal or select one from the assorted colours Microsoft continues to supply.

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

When you’re on the lookout for 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 provides an impeccable worth with out sacrificing an excessive amount of. Its full retail worth is $37.99, however some coloration schemes can dip as little as round $25. Talking of colours, the Enhanced Wired Controller is available in a broad number of hues and designs, together with licensed ones from recreation franchises like Mass Impact and Fallout. A few of these designs could make you watched these are low cost, cringe-inducing knockoffs, however the high quality of the controller could shock you while you use it.

First off, let’s get its largest draw back out of the best way: it makes use of a microUSB connection (gross, I do know). You at the very least 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 tremendous, 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, nevertheless it executes every thing fairly properly for a ridiculously reasonably priced 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 selection. On the flip facet, the Enhanced Wired Controller comes with a two-year guarantee, which is twice so long as dear choices like Microsoft’s Elite Sequence 2 supply.

PowerA provides an entire lot of bang on your buck with the Enhanced Wired Controller should you’re on a good price range. 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 could possibly be a shoo-in to dethrone the Enhanced Wired as the most effective price range controller, however at $37.99, it will probably’t but match the Enhanced Wired’s near-perpetually discounted worth of round $25.

When you’ve got Elite controller tastes however a regular controller price range, the PowerA Fusion Professional 3 is a tremendous various should you don’t thoughts that it’s wired. It seems a bit just like the Microsoft Elite Sequence 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 remains to be tremendous, particularly should you desire removable rear paddles to built-in buttons, however at this level, it’s solely value it for that desire 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 Sequence 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 Sequence X / S consoles arrived. So whereas it does sport a USB-C port and wi-fi assist, it lacks the handy Share button discovered on the newest Xbox Wi-fi Controller. Nonetheless, it makes up for that in droves with distinctive construct high quality, further buttons, user-swappable sticks and D-pad, and plenty of customization.

When 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 steel. 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 glorious because the match and end are, the important thing elements which will offer you a aggressive edge are the hair-trigger locks and rear paddle buttons. In concept, the hair set off will get pictures off quicker when taking part in shooters, and the rear paddles permit you to bounce, crouch, reload, and so forth., 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 must practice 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 Sequence 2 is often priced at $179.99, and though it sometimes drops as little as $139.99, it’s nonetheless greater than twice as costly as a daily Xbox controller. You must really need its further options and person customization, and should you’re not utilizing its rear paddles or the software program changes for stick sensitivity, you’re not getting your cash’s value. (And if you wish to customise the colours, you’re $209.99 for the Design Lab “Elite Package deal.”)

Microsoft additionally has a stripped-down Elite Sequence 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 further stick toppers and D-pad. You may get all of these in a $30 equipment pack, which turns the Elite Sequence 2 Core again into a regular Elite Sequence 2 and truly makes it a barely higher deal if the total bundle isn’t on sale.

You will need to additionally remember that the Elite has a little bit of a repute for lackluster high quality management, with horror tales from customers about going by a number of replacements underneath guarantee. Microsoft prolonged the controller’s guarantee from 90 days to a 12 months in late 2020 to assist handle considerations, however shopping for an Elite Sequence 2 should really feel like a barely dangerous proposition. Nonetheless, while 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 will probably really feel value it.

Learn our Xbox Elite Wi-fi Controller Sequence 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 obtainable from a 3rd celebration — Razer’s new Wolverine V3 Professional is one other — nevertheless it’s additionally one of the crucial costly Xbox controllers round (it begins at $199.99). The one I examined clocked in at $263.91 with a particular faceplate and added coloration accents. That’s greater than the Xbox Sequence S sometimes sells for, which is a whole console. Nonetheless, you’re in for a deal with should you’re okay with spending that sort 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 truly desire them. As a substitute of paddles, there are 4 rocker-like buttons constructed into the controller’s physique that you simply 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 seems like Scuf primarily hot-rodded a inventory Xbox controller, however like several boutique merchandise, it comes with a large value. In the meantime, it nonetheless makes use of AA batteries and lacks software program customization, in order a lot as I take pleasure in utilizing it, I’d solely advise getting one should you’re tremendous obsessed with 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. When 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 comfortable to make use of, and its 4 rear buttons constructed into the grips are giant and properly contoured. The actual stars of this present, nevertheless, are the analog sticks and their software program customizations, in addition to the expansive customized choices for different inside workings of the controller.

Whereas different user-customizable controllers have three person profiles you possibly can swap between on the fly, the Revolution X has 4 — plus a “basic” mode with primary settings and a hoop of RGB mild round the appropriate persist with remind you what mode you’re in. The software program app is just not 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 obtained a whole lot of customization choices.

The customization doesn’t cease with software program, audio, or lighting, nevertheless. 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 be able to insert into its grips to offer 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 best way I most well-liked, it made for a really compelling controller in a wide range of recreation 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 smart that its Recon wired controller options some sturdy audio controls. Its strengths actually come into focus when taking part in 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 reasonably priced technique to achieve a slight aggressive edge in multiplayer video games with out spending properly over $100 on a controller.

This pad isn’t going to win any magnificence contests because of all these awkward buttons situated smack-dab in the midst of its brow, however every one has a sound function. There are 4 ranges of microphone monitoring, total recreation quantity controls, recreation chat quantity combine, 4 EQ presets, 4 programmable modes for mapping the 2 rear buttons, and 4 ranges of elective right-stick sensitivity changes. That final characteristic, dubbed Professional Goal 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 could sound daunting, however the controller’s quick-start information makes it simpler. Superhuman Listening to may be very useful for shooters and value utilizing extensively for video games like Halo Infinite — simply remember 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 compared. The controller’s plastic construct feels low cost, however the rubbery grips redeem it with a pleasant and comfortable 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 obtained an amazing recipe for shooters. The Recon has a little bit of a studying curve, however should you play ranked matches and worth a reasonably priced wired controller with further buttons and useful audio capabilities, you possibly can’t go flawed 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 are 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. When you’ve ever been jilted by stick drift on any of your Xbox controllers earlier than, the GameSir G7 SE is properly value its $49.99 asking worth to ease your considerations.
• 8BitDo’s Final Wired Controller for Xbox and PC is a top quality, reasonably priced gamepad with two rear buttons and software program customization, although the prolonged USB cable is just not 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 taking place with regularity, it may dethrone the PowerA Enhanced Wired as the most effective price range 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-Goal for a decrease $39 worth. It’s a superb worth, particularly should you discover it on sale for as little as $29.99, sustaining a few of the finest 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 complete), although their positioning requires reaching, and it’s a bit dear.
• Razer additionally not too long ago 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 further shoulder buttons). It stays to be seen whether or not it will probably go toe-to-toe with the Xbox Elite Sequence 2 and Scuf Intuition Professional, however we’ll be sharing our impressions quickly.
• Briefly talked about above, the Horipad Professional has top-of-the-line D-pads round. It additionally provides a whole lot of software program customization at an reasonably priced worth, however its shoulder buttons are a bit stiff.
• PowerA’s Nano Enhanced Wired Controller is an adorably small man for folks with tinier fingers or youngsters. Not like most kid-centric gamepads, it seems similar to a full-size mannequin, and in contrast to our price range choose from PowerA above, it ditches microUSB for USB-C (hallelujah!).
• The Nacon Professional Compact Controller has a few of the Revolution X’s glorious software program customization at a a lot lower cost. It’s additionally one of many smaller choices round, although the ergonomics could really feel hit and miss relying in your hand measurement.
• One of many dumbest but most adorable 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 truly value utilizing, particularly when you’ve got 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, at the very least 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 minimize because of excessive prices and area of interest use instances. The suggestions above current higher options until you actually need to use a controller with an Android telephone — which, frankly, you are able to do with a regular Xbox controller and an affordable telephone clip.
• The Turtle Seaside Stealth Extremely is an fascinating controller we haven’t but examined. 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 many who may respect having hot-swappable analog sticks, triggers, grips, and D-pad. It’s one of many solely customizable controllers we’ve seen that allows you to rearrange the positioning of D-pads and sticks nevertheless you need, and you’ll 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 a couple of reviews that the usual mini-stock modules are susceptible 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 permit you to 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 permits you to customise the again paddle to offer you entry to 2 or 4 further buttons), however their lack of rumble could also be a nonstarter for some.

Images by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge

Replace, August twenty ninth: Adjusted pricing and particulars concerning a number of controllers, together with Razer’s Wolverine V3 Professional. Brandon Widder additionally contributed to this publish.