The perfect Xbox controllers: Microsoft, Scuf, PowerA, and extra

You might not notice it, however we’re residing in a golden age of gaming controllers. The gamepads in the marketplace now are larger high quality, extra versatile, and extra customizable than something from only a few console generations in the past. In the event 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 taking part in every kind of video games (first-person shooters, fighters, third-person action-adventure, racing, indie roguelikes, and so on.) to check a large swath of Xbox controllers, and it could be unsurprising that the usual Xbox Wi-fi Controller is the most effective Xbox controller for many. It makes a fantastic PC controller, too.

However whereas the de facto Xbox gamepad strikes the suitable 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 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 considering. “The perfect controller for Xbox is the one which comes with the Xbox?” That will seem to be a no brainer, however this “customary” controller actually does earn this title as the most suitable choice for many Xbox avid gamers. 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 fashions earlier than it — and it reveals.

That is the one reasonably priced wi-fi Xbox controller on the market, due to Microsoft’s proprietary protocol. Whereas some might hate that it comes with AA batteries as an alternative 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. In the event you’re a hardcore combating sport fan, you might 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 provide beauty customization by means of its Xbox Design Lab, which ranges from $69.99 to $99.94 relying on the configuration. There’s quite a bit 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 sort: Micro USB / Mappable rear buttons: Two / Software program customization: No / Energy: Wired

In the event you’re in search of a fantastic 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 colour schemes can dip as little as round $25. Talking of colours, the Enhanced Wired Controller is available in all kinds of hues and designs, together with licensed ones from sport franchises like Mass Impact and Fallout. A few of these designs might make you think these are low-cost, cringe-inducing knockoffs, however the high quality of the controller might shock you while 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 superb, 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 a complete lot of desk stakes, however it executes every thing fairly properly for a ridiculously reasonably priced worth. There’s no impulse set off rumble, but when there’s any function to low-cost out on, I’d say that’s the suitable selection. On the flip aspect, the Enhanced Wired Controller comes with a two-year guarantee, which is twice so long as expensive choices like Microsoft’s Elite Collection 2 provide.

PowerA provides a complete lot of bang to your buck with the Enhanced Wired Controller for those who’re on a decent 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 might be a shoo-in to dethrone the Enhanced Wired as the most effective finances controller, however at $37.99, it doesn’t match the Enhanced Wired frequently-discounted worth of round $25.

When you have Elite controller tastes however a normal controller finances, the PowerA Fusion Professional 3 is a superb different for those who don’t thoughts that it’s wired. It appears 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 happening sale). The older Fusion Professional 2 continues to be superb, particularly for those who favor 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 sort: 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 yr earlier than the Xbox Collection 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.

In the event 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 glorious because the match and end are, the important thing parts which will offer you a aggressive edge are the hair-trigger locks and rear paddle buttons. In principle, the hair set off will get photographs off quicker when taking part in shooters, and the rear paddles let you bounce, crouch, reload, and so on., with out taking your thumb off the suitable stick for aiming. Nonetheless, utilizing that many buttons on the again of the controller undoubtedly 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 price, too. The Elite Collection 2 is often 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 must really need its further options and consumer customization, and for those who’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 identical 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 $59.99 equipment pack, which turns the Elite Collection 2 Core again into a normal Elite Collection 2 for a slight premium in comparison with shopping for the total bundle outright.

You have to additionally remember that the Elite has a little bit of a fame 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 yr in late 2020 to assist tackle issues, however shopping for an Elite Collection 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 could really feel price it.

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

Connectivity: Xbox wi-fi, Bluetooth, wired / Connector sort: 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 present out there from a 3rd celebration — Razer’s new Wolverine V3 Professional is one other — however it’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 for those who’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 really favor them. As an alternative 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 huge function 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 wonderful 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 several boutique merchandise, it comes with an enormous price. 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 for those who’re tremendous keen about its very particular qualities otherwise you completely love the colourful accents and magnetically swappable faceplates on Scuf’s configurator.

Connectivity: Wired / Connector sort: 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. In the event you’re the kind that likes to endlessly tinker with a lot 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 a bit fairer when you think about the competitors it squares up in opposition to.

Once 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 sort of controller. It’s comfortable to make use of, and its 4 rear buttons constructed into the grips are giant and properly contoured. The true 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 fundamental settings and a hoop of RGB mild round the suitable follow remind you what mode you’re in. The software program app just isn’t essentially the most user-friendly, however the controls go very in-depth. Fortunately, there are useful beginning factors with presets for arcade combating video games, racing, FPS video games, and even sniping, which makes the choices a lot simpler to grasp. Add the flexibility to customise and remap each button on the controller, in addition to a Dolby Atmos for Headphones app license, and also you’ve received loads of 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 be able to insert into its grips to present them an extra quantity of heft.

Including up all these options, you see why the Nacon is such a fantastic 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 sort: 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 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 method to acquire 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 due to all these awkward buttons positioned smack-dab in the course of its brow, however each has a legitimate function. There are 4 ranges of microphone monitoring, general sport quantity controls, sport chat quantity combine, 4 EQ presets, 4 programmable modes for mapping the 2 rear buttons, and 4 ranges of optionally available right-stick sensitivity changes. That final function, dubbed Professional Intention by Turtle Seaside, lowers the sensitivity of the suitable analog stick when 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 could 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 a bit, so you might 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 appears 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 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 received a fantastic recipe for shooters. The Recon has a little bit of a studying curve, however for those who play ranked matches and worth a reasonably priced wired controller with further buttons and useful audio features, you possibly can’t go incorrect right here.

Learn our Turtle Seaside Recon evaluate.

• 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 a bit 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 attention-grabbing GameSir controller is the G7 SE, which is almost the identical because the G7 however with drift-free Corridor impact thumbsticks. In the event you’ve ever been jilted by stick drift on any of your Xbox controllers earlier than, the GameSir G7 SE is properly price its $49.99 asking worth to ease your issues.
• 8BitDo’s Final Wired Controller for Xbox and PC is a high quality, reasonably priced gamepad with two rear buttons and software program customization, although the prolonged USB cable just isn’t removable. It prices $44.99 however is usually 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 may dethrone the PowerA Enhanced Wired as the most effective 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 a great worth, particularly for those who 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, due to very clicky buttons and a strip of RGB lighting alongside the grips. It has extra customizable buttons than another controller (six complete), although their positioning requires reaching, and it’s a bit expensive.
• 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 further shoulder buttons). It stays to be seen whether or not it could 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 provides loads 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 individuals with tinier arms or youngsters. Not like most kid-centric gamepads, it appears 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 glorious software program customization at a a lot cheaper price. 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 attributable to excessive prices and area of interest use instances. The suggestions above current higher options except you actually need to use a controller with an Android telephone — which, frankly, you are able to do with a normal Xbox controller and an inexpensive telephone clip.
• The Turtle Seaside Stealth Extremely is an attention-grabbing 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 a bit 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 would possibly 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 nonetheless 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 function Corridor impact sensors, and there are fairly just a few experiences 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 respectable 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 combating pad that provides you six frontal face buttons. The controllers even have programmable rear buttons and customizable hair triggers (the Gambit Prime uniquely allows you to customise the again paddle to present 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, November seventh: Adjusted pricing and availability for a number of controllers.