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The best Xbox controllers: Microsoft, Scuf, PowerA, and more

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Chances are you’ll not understand it, however we’re residing in a golden age of gaming controllers. The gamepads available on the market now are larger high quality, extra versatile, and extra customizable than something from only a few console generations in the past. If you happen to’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 Seashore, in addition to high-quality first-party controllers. The times of a budget “little sibling” controller that appeared cool however barely labored are over.

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

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

The perfect Xbox controller for most individuals

The official Xbox Wi-fi Controller has a devoted share button for saving clips and screenshots and sharing them on-line, Bluetooth help, and a USB-C port for charging up Microsoft’s play-and-charge rechargeable battery.

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 pondering. “The perfect controller for Xbox is the one which comes with the Xbox?” Which will appear 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 additional options that we’ll go over on premium choices, however this controller is the distillation of 4 generations and quite a few first-party fashions earlier than it — and it reveals.

That is the one reasonably priced 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.

The usual Xbox controller seems to be nice, feels nice, performs nice, and is offered in cool colours.

AA batteries will not be perfect, however you too can use add-on rechargeable packs, like this one from Hori.

Consideration to element: Microsoft color-matches the light-up Xbox button to the controller.

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. If you happen to’re a hardcore preventing 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 additional, customizable buttons and software program tuning for issues like stick sensitivity, although Microsoft does supply beauty customization via 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.

The perfect low-cost Xbox controller

The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller propped up against an Xbox Series X.The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller propped up against an Xbox Series X.The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller propped up against an Xbox Series X.The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller propped up against an Xbox Series X.

The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller is a budget-minded wired controller for Xbox and PC that connects by way of Micro USB and options two customizable buttons on its rear. It’s supplied in many various colours and licensed designs.

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

If you happen to’re on the lookout for an incredible 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 all kinds of hues and designs, together with licensed ones from sport 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.

PowerA’s Enhanced Wired Controller is sort of an incredible cut price, with all types of colours and distinctive designs.

The customizable rear buttons are simple to function with out getting in the best way.

If solely this controller had USB-C as an alternative of microUSB.

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 a minimum of get a prolonged, removable cable with it, however not having a reversible connector is annoying. Fortunately, nothing else about this controller feels so outdated. Its construct high quality is simply high-quality, and it even has two mappable rear buttons constructed into the grips — which is nice to have at such a low worth.

The remainder of the PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller is a complete lot of desk stakes, but it surely executes all the things fairly effectively 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 precise alternative. On the flip facet, the Enhanced Wired Controller comes with a two-year guarantee, which is twice so long as expensive choices like Microsoft’s Elite Sequence 2 supply.

PowerA gives a complete lot of bang to your buck with the Enhanced Wired Controller should you’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 could possibly 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.

You probably have Elite controller tastes however a regular controller finances, the PowerA Fusion Professional 3 is a high-quality different should you don’t thoughts that it’s wired. It seems to be 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 happening sale). The older Fusion Professional 2 remains to be high-quality, 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.

The Fusion Professional 3 is the most recent model of PowerA’s reasonably priced different to premium controllers just like the Xbox Elite Sequence 2. It comes with swappable sticks, friction rings, a compact zip-up case, and options 4 programmable buttons constructed into its rear.

The perfect premium Xbox controller

The Xbox Elite Sequence 2 is definitely one in every of our favourite controllers at The Verge. It’s an enchancment on the already glorious Elite controller, with deep customization, non-obligatory rear paddle buttons, a swappable D-pad, and analog sticks that can help you tailor its structure to fit your play fashion.

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 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 help, it lacks the handy Share button discovered on the most recent Xbox Wi-fi Controller. Nonetheless, it makes up for that in droves with distinctive construct high quality, additional buttons, user-swappable sticks and D-pad, and plenty of customization.

If you happen to 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.

The Xbox Elite Sequence 2 is created from premium supplies however has a pleasant, subdued aesthetic.

The steel, dish-like D-pad is a small murals. Sadly, nonetheless, it’s a far cry from the most effective D-pad round.

The 4 detachable paddles on the rear sit beneath the set off locks and charging dock pins.

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 idea, the hair set off will get pictures off quicker when enjoying shooters, and the rear paddles can help you leap, crouch, reload, and many others., with out taking your thumb off the precise stick for aiming. Nonetheless, utilizing that many buttons on the again of the controller positively takes some adjustment. You need 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 Sequence 2 is generally priced at $179.99, and despite the fact that it’s dropped as little as $139.99, it’s nonetheless greater than twice as costly as a daily Xbox controller. You need to 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 Bundle.”)

Microsoft additionally has a stripped-down Elite Sequence 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 additional stick toppers and D-pad. You may get all of these in a $59.99 equipment pack, which turns the Elite Sequence 2 Core again into a regular Elite Sequence 2 for a slight premium in comparison with shopping for the total bundle outright.

You could additionally bear in mind that the Elite has a little bit of a fame for lackluster high quality management, with horror tales from customers about going via a number of replacements beneath guarantee. Microsoft prolonged the controller’s guarantee from 90 days to a 12 months in late 2020 to assist handle issues, 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 may really feel value it.

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

A formidable different to the Elite

$220

Scuf’s Intuition Professional is its top-tier controller for Xbox consoles and PC. It’s one of many solely third-party wi-fi choices round, and for its very excessive worth, you get rubberized grips, built-in mappable rear paddle buttons, hair-trigger locks, swappable sticks, and user-configurable cosmetics.

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 presently accessible from a 3rd social gathering — Razer’s new Wolverine V3 Professional is one other — but it surely’s additionally one of the vital 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 often sells for, which is a whole 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.

Scuf’s Intuition Professional is ultra-premium and really customizable — for an added price.

The magnetic faceplate and sticks are simple to pop off and swap out.

Scuf’s rear rocker buttons and textured rubber grips are intricately detailed.

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

The Intuition Professional appears like Scuf basically 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 should you’re tremendous keen about its very particular qualities otherwise you completely love the colourful accents and magnetically swappable faceplates on Scuf’s configurator.

The perfect customizable controller

The RIG Nacon Revolution X is a wired controller for Xbox consoles and Home windows PCs that provides a slew of detailed software program customization choices. It’s additionally bought 4 customizable rear buttons, adjustable sticks, and non-obligatory weights to insert into the grips to present it extra heft.

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. If you happen to’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 worth is somewhat fairer when you think about the competitors it squares up towards.

While 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 sort of controller. It’s cozy to make use of, and its 4 rear buttons constructed into the grips are massive 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 inside workings of the controller.

The Nacon Revolution X seems to be somewhat low-cost at first, however its premium options are steeped in deep customization.

The rear grip covers speak in confidence to enable the non-obligatory weights to be added.

The controller, cable, stick tops, grip weights, and stick rings are all packaged within the included zipper case.

Whereas different user-customizable controllers have three consumer 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 gentle round the precise persist with remind you what mode you’re in. The software program app shouldn’t be probably 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 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 bought quite a lot 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 collection 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 an incredible 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 quite a lot of sport varieties.

The perfect controller for shooters

Turtle Seashore’s Recon Controller is a USB-C-wired gamepad that provides quite a lot of audio tweaking for wired headsets. Its Superhuman Listening to mode attracts out footsteps and gunfire within the combine, and the 2 rear buttons assist make it nice for FPS video games.

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

Turtle Seashore 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 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 approach to acquire a slight aggressive edge in multiplayer video games with out spending effectively over $100 on a controller.

The Turtle Seashore Recon controller’s largest strengths lie in its plethora of audio controls.

It’s a bit a lot to absorb at first, however these buttons enable for very useful audio controls when utilizing a wired headset.

The bumpers, shoulders, and customizable rear buttons have a wonderful textured sample that feels nice.

This pad isn’t going to win any magnificence contests due to all these awkward buttons positioned smack-dab in the midst of its brow, however each has a sound goal. There are 4 ranges of microphone monitoring, total sport quantity controls, sport chat quantity combine, 4 EQ presets, 4 programmable modes for mapping the 2 rear buttons, and 4 ranges of non-obligatory right-stick sensitivity changes. That final characteristic, dubbed Professional Goal by Turtle Seashore, lowers the sensitivity of the precise 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 could 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 somewhat, so you might 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 seems to be 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 bought an incredible 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 capabilities, you possibly can’t go mistaken right here.

Learn our Turtle Seashore Recon evaluation.

Different controllers value figuring out about

  • 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 fascinating GameSir controller is the G7 SE, which is sort of the identical because the G7 however with drift-free Corridor impact thumbsticks. If you happen to’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 occurring with regularity, it may dethrone the PowerA Enhanced Wired as the most effective finances choice.
  • 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-Goal for a decrease $39.99 worth. It’s a great worth, particularly should you discover it on sale for as little as $29.99, sustaining a few of the greatest options of the Recon for cheaper.
  • Razer’s Wolverine V2 Chroma is a feast for the ears and eyes, due to very clicky buttons and a strip of RGB lighting alongside the grips. It has extra customizable buttons than some other controller (six whole), although their positioning requires reaching, and it’s a bit expensive.
  • Razer additionally not too long ago 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 may 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 gives quite a 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 arms or kids. Not like most kid-centric gamepads, it seems to be similar to a full-size mannequin, and in contrast to our finances decide 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 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 you probably 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, a minimum of 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 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 telephone — which, frankly, you are able to do with a regular Xbox controller and an inexpensive telephone clip.
  • The Turtle Seashore Stealth Extremely is an fascinating controller. It has a 1.5-inch show for adjusting audio settings (and checking social media, apparently), swappable Corridor impact sticks, microswitches, hair triggers, remappable rear buttons, and customizable RGB lighting. It’s the model’s first 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 somewhat funkier with the discharge of Thrustmaster’s eSwap X2 Professional. We haven’t examined it and thus can’t advocate the wired Xbox / PC gamepad, however we’re placing it on the radar for many who may recognize 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 may even purchase a racing module that’s meant to simulate a steering wheel. Sadly, not one of the analog stick modules characteristic Corridor impact sensors, and there are fairly just a few reviews that the usual mini-stock modules are 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 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 preventing pad that provides you six frontal face buttons. The controllers even have programmable rear buttons and customizable hair triggers (the Gambit Prime uniquely helps you to customise the again paddle to present 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, November seventh: Adjusted pricing and availability for a number of controllers.

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