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

You could not notice it, however we’re dwelling in a golden age of gaming controllers. The gamepads in the marketplace now are greater high quality, extra versatile, and extra customizable than something from just some console generations in the past. In case 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 seemed cool however barely labored are over.

I’ve spent a ton of time enjoying every kind 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 very best Xbox controller for many. It makes an awesome PC controller, too.

However whereas the de facto Xbox gamepad strikes the best steadiness of high quality, consolation, versatility, and worth, there are a number of options value 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 funds 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 best controller for Xbox is the one that comes with the Xbox?” Which will appear to be a no brainer, however this “standard” controller really does earn this title as the best choice for many Xbox avid gamers. It could lack among 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 controllers earlier than it — and it exhibits.

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 great 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 case you’re a hardcore combating recreation fan, it’s possible you’ll 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 provide beauty customization by 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 personal or pick one from the assorted colours Microsoft continues to supply.

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

In case you’re on the lookout for an awesome controller however don’t have some huge cash to spend — and also you don’t thoughts a cable — PowerA’s Enhanced Wired Controller gives 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 vast number of hues and designs, together with licensed ones from recreation 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 whenever you use it.

First off, let’s get its greatest draw back out of the way in which: it makes use of a microUSB connection (gross, I do know). You no 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 effective, 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, but it surely executes every little thing fairly effectively 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 best 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 gives a complete lot of bang on your buck with the Enhanced Wired Controller should you’re on a good funds. It additionally sells the Benefit Wired Controller, which is basically a more recent 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 very best funds controller, however at $37.99, it could actually’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 funds, the PowerA Fusion Professional 3 is a effective different should you 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 effective, particularly should you want 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 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 help, it lacks the handy Share button discovered on the newest Xbox Wi-fi Controller. Nevertheless, it makes up for that in droves with distinctive construct high quality, additional buttons, user-swappable sticks and D-pad, and plenty of customization.

In case 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 elements that will provide you with 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 help you bounce, crouch, reload, and many others., with out taking your thumb off the best stick for aiming. Nevertheless, utilizing that many buttons on the again of the controller positively takes some adjustment. You must prepare 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 sometimes drops as little as $139.99, it’s nonetheless greater than twice as costly as a daily Xbox controller. You must actually need its additional options and consumer 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 taking a look at $209.99 for the Design Lab “Elite Package.”)

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 $30 equipment pack, which turns the Elite Collection 2 Core again into a regular Elite Collection 2 and really makes it a barely higher deal if the total package deal isn’t on sale.

It’s essential 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 a number of replacements underneath guarantee. Microsoft prolonged the controller’s guarantee from 90 days to a yr in late 2020 to assist handle issues, however shopping for an Elite Collection 2 should still really feel like a barely dangerous proposition. Nevertheless, 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 could actually really feel value it.

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

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 the moment obtainable from a 3rd get together — Razer’s new Wolverine V3 Professional is one other — but it surely’s additionally some 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 coloration accents. That’s greater than the Xbox Collection S sometimes sells for, which is a complete console. Nonetheless, you’re in for a deal with should you’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 truly want 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 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 all 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 take pleasure in utilizing it, I’d solely advise getting one should you’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 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 case you’re the sort that likes to endlessly tinker with plenty 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 somewhat fairer when you think about the competitors it squares up towards.

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 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 may swap between on the fly, the Revolution X has 4 — plus a “classic” mode with fundamental settings and a hoop of RGB mild round the best stick with remind you what mode you’re in. The software program app shouldn’t be 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 know. 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 obtained a number 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 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 awesome 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 quite a lot of recreation sorts.

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

Turtle Seaside is understood for its headsets, so it is smart 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 reasonably priced strategy to achieve 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 due to all these awkward buttons situated smack-dab in the midst of its brow, however every one has a legitimate goal. 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 non-compulsory right-stick sensitivity changes. That final function, dubbed Professional Purpose by Turtle Seaside, lowers the sensitivity of the best 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 price utilizing extensively for video games like Halo Infinite — simply remember that it’s going to muddy up the soundtrack somewhat, so it’s possible you’ll wish to depart 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 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 obtained an awesome 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 additional buttons and useful audio features, you may’t go improper 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 somewhat too stiff, however what makes this gamepad distinctive is it comes with two magnetic face plates — one black, one white — which can 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 case you’ve ever been jilted by stick drift on any of your Xbox controllers earlier than, the GameSir G7 SE is effectively value 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 shouldn’t be 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 very best funds 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-Purpose for a decrease $39 worth. It’s worth, particularly should you discover it on sale for as little as $29.99, sustaining among 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 every other controller (six complete), although their positioning requires reaching, and it’s a bit expensive.
• Razer additionally lately launched the $199.99 Wolverine V3 Professional, which is the corporate’s first totally 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 could actually 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 among the finest D-pads round. It additionally gives a number 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 palms or kids. Not like most kid-centric gamepads, it appears identical to a full-size mannequin, and in contrast to our funds choose from PowerA above, it ditches microUSB for USB-C (hallelujah!).
• The Nacon Professional Compact Controller has among 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 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 truly value utilizing, particularly when you have an affinity for the mid-aughts Xbox 360 design. The unique 360 controller’s greatest innovation was its intuitive wi-fi system, which is unfortunately absent from this wired reincarnation. However hey, no 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 lower on account of excessive prices and area of interest use circumstances. The suggestions above current higher options until you actually wish to use a controller with an Android cellphone — which, frankly, you are able to do with a regular Xbox controller and an inexpensive cellphone clip.
• The Turtle Seaside Stealth Extremely is an attention-grabbing 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 totally 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 somewhat 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 function Corridor impact sensors, and there are fairly a number of 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 help 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 permits you to customise the again paddle to offer you entry to 2 or 4 additional buttons), however their lack of rumble could also be a nonstarter for some.

Pictures by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge

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