The very best Xbox controllers: Microsoft, Scuf, PowerA, and extra

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Chances are you’ll not notice it, however we’re residing 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 only a few console generations in the past. For those who’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 Seashore, 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 perfect Xbox controller for many. It makes an awesome PC controller, too.

However whereas the de facto Xbox gamepad strikes the correct stability of high quality, consolation, versatility, and value, there are a number of alternate options price cross-shopping if in case you have particular wants — starting from high-end choices just like the Xbox Elite Collection 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 pondering. “The very best controller for Xbox is the one which comes with the Xbox?” That will appear to be a no brainer, however this “customary” controller really does earn this title as the best choice for many Xbox avid gamers. It could lack a number 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 exhibits.

That is the one inexpensive wi-fi Xbox controller on the market, due to Microsoft’s proprietary protocol. Whereas some could 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 value. The sticks, buttons, triggers, and the sunken dish-shaped D-pad all really feel impeccably tight, with the latter having a satisfying clickiness to it. For those who’re a hardcore combating 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 provide 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 individual or pick 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

For those who’re in search of an awesome controller however you 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 value is $37.99, however some shade 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 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 if you use it.

First off, let’s get its largest draw back out of the best way: it makes use of a Micro USB 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 effective, and it even has two mappable rear buttons constructed into the grips — which is nice to have at such a low value.

The remainder of the PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller is an entire lot of desk stakes, but it surely executes all the things fairly effectively for a ridiculously inexpensive value. There’s no impulse set off rumble, but when there’s any characteristic to low-cost out on, I’d say that’s the correct alternative. 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 Collection 2 provide.

PowerA gives an entire lot of bang on your buck with the Enhanced Wired Controller if you happen to’re on a decent price range. It additionally sells the Benefit Wired Controller, which is actually a more recent 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 perfect price range controller, however at $37.99, it could possibly’t but match the Enhanced Wired’s near-perpetually discounted value of round $25.

In case you have Elite controller tastes however an ordinary controller price range, the PowerA Fusion Professional 3 is a effective different if you happen to don’t thoughts that it’s wired. It appears to be like 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 remains to be effective, particularly if you happen to choose 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 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.

For those who decide 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 wonderful because the match and end are, the important thing parts which will provide you with a aggressive edge are the hair-trigger locks and rear paddle buttons. In principle, the hair set off will get pictures off sooner when enjoying shooters, and the rear paddles can help you leap, crouch, reload, and many others., with out taking your thumb off the correct stick for aiming. Nonetheless, utilizing that many buttons on the again of the controller positively takes some adjustment. It’s a must to 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 generally priced at $179.99, and though it sometimes drops as little as $139.99, it’s nonetheless greater than twice as costly as an everyday Xbox controller. It’s a must to really need its further 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 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 will get all of these in a $30 equipment pack, which turns the Elite Collection 2 Core again into an ordinary Elite Collection 2 and really makes it a barely higher deal if the complete package deal isn’t on sale.

You could additionally bear in mind that the Elite has a little bit of a popularity 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 tackle issues, however shopping for an Elite Collection 2 should still really feel like a barely dangerous proposition. Nonetheless, if 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 possibly 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, because it’s the one wi-fi choice from a 3rd get together, but it surely’s by far the most costly Xbox controller round (it begins at $199.99). The one I examined clocked in at $263.91 with a particular faceplate and added shade 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 if you happen to’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 choose them. As an alternative 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 swap 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 seems like Scuf primarily hot-rodded a inventory Xbox controller, however like all boutique merchandise, it comes with a large 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 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 horrible naming, however its actual strengths are in its deep customization. For those who’re the sort 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 value is a bit of fairer when you think about the competitors it squares up towards.

If you first decide 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, nonetheless, are the analog sticks and their software program customizations, in addition to the expansive customized choices for different internal workings of the controller.

Whereas different user-customizable controllers have three consumer profiles you’ll be able to swap between on the fly, the Revolution X has 4 — plus a “basic” mode with fundamental settings and a hoop of RGB mild round the correct follow remind you what mode you’re in. The software program app will not 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 grasp. 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 received 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 provide them a further 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 best way I most popular, it made for a really compelling controller in quite a lot of recreation sorts.

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

Turtle Seashore is understood for its headsets, so it is sensible that its Recon wired controller options some sturdy 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 value of round $60, and as soon as promoting as little as $39.95, the Recon is a reasonably inexpensive option 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 positioned smack-dab in the course of its brow, however every one has a legitimate goal. There are 4 ranges of microphone monitoring, general recreation quantity controls, recreation 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 characteristic, dubbed Professional Intention by Turtle Seashore, lowers the sensitivity of the correct 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 bear in mind that it’s going to muddy up the soundtrack a bit of, so you could 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 to be like 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 received an awesome 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 further buttons and useful audio features, you’ll be able to’t go flawed right here.

Try our full evaluation of the Turtle Seashore Recon.

• The GameSir G7 is a superb wired controller with textured grip materials feeling a tiny bit like a Scuf, clicky face buttons like a Razer, and two programmable rear buttons. Its D-pad is a bit of 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. For those who’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 value to ease your issues.
• 8BitDo’s Final Wired Controller for Xbox and PC is a top quality inexpensive gamepad with two rear buttons and software program customization, although the prolonged USB cable will not be removable. It prices $44.99 however is commonly discounted to $35.99. We as soon as noticed it dip to $24.99, and if that began taking place with regularity, it might arguably give the PowerA Enhanced Wired a problem for the crown of finest price range controller.
• Turtle Seashore’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 value. It’s worth, particularly if you happen to discover it on sale for as little as $29.99, sustaining a number 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 every other controller (six complete), although their positioning requires reaching, and it’s a bit dear.
• Briefly talked about above, the Horipad Professional has probably the greatest D-pads round. It additionally gives a number of software program customization at an inexpensive value, 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. In contrast to most kid-centric gamepads, it appears to be like identical to a full-size mannequin, and in contrast to our price range decide from PowerA above, this one ditches Micro USB for USB-C (hallelujah!).
• The Nacon Professional Compact Controller has a number of the Revolution X’s wonderful software program customization at a a lot cheaper price. It’s additionally one of many smaller choices round, although the ergonomics could really feel hit and miss relying in your hand dimension.
• 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.
• In contrast to the Duke, the Hyperkin Xenon is a reissued gamepad that’s really price utilizing, particularly if in case 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, 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 Seashore 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 circumstances. The suggestions above current higher alternate options except you actually wish to use a controller with an Android telephone — which, frankly, you are able to do with an ordinary Xbox controller and an inexpensive telephone clip.
• The Turtle Seashore Stealth Extremely is an fascinating new contender that 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 Seashore hasn’t dabbled in till now.
• Modular controllers are getting a bit of 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 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’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 number of studies that the usual mini-stock modules are liable 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 can 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 enables you to customise the again paddle to provide you entry to 2 or 4 further buttons), however their lack of rumble could also be a nonstarter for some.

Pictures by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge

Replace, July fifteenth: Adjusted pricing and particulars on a number of new controllers, together with the Turtle Seashore Stealth Extremely. Quentyn Kennemer additionally contributed to this publish.