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

You might not understand it, however we’re dwelling 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 just some console generations in the past. If you’re gaming on an Xbox Series X or Series S (or a Windows PC), you now have a plethora of nice third-party choices from the likes of PowerA, Scuf, Nacon, and Turtle Beach, in addition to high-quality first-party controllers. The days of a budget “little sibling” controller that seemed cool however barely labored are over.

I’ve spent a ton of time taking part in 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 Wireless Controller is the perfect Xbox controller for many. It makes an amazing PC controller, too.

But whereas the de facto Xbox gamepad strikes the suitable steadiness 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 Series 2 and Scuf Instinct Pro to high quality funds picks just like the PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller.

Connectivity: Xbox wi-fi, Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software customization: No / Power: AA batteries or add-on rechargeable

Okay, I already know what you’re considering. “The greatest controller for Xbox is the one which comes with the Xbox?” That might look like a no brainer, however this “customary” controller actually does earn this title as the best choice for many Xbox players. It might 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 controllers earlier than it — and it reveals.

This is the one inexpensive wi-fi Xbox controller on the market, because of Microsoft’s proprietary protocol. While some might hate that it comes with AA batteries as a substitute of a built-in rechargeable cell, that additionally means it’s versatile, permitting for rechargeable AAs or a battery pack. It additionally works as a wired accent with a USB-C cable, and user-replaceable batteries imply you’re not caught with a controller that doesn’t maintain its cost after years of use.

But 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’re a hardcore combating recreation 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 Pro — however the Xbox Wireless Controller is an distinctive jack-of-all-trades.

The solely 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 way of its Xbox Design Lab, which ranges from $69.99 to $99.94 relying on the configuration. There’s lots 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 kind: Micro USB / Mappable rear buttons: Two / Software customization: No / Power: Wired

If you’re on the lookout for an amazing controller however don’t have some huge cash to spend — and also you don’t thoughts a cable — PowerA’s Enhanced Wired Controller 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. Speaking of colours, the Enhanced Wired Controller is available in all kinds of hues and designs, together with licensed ones from recreation franchises like Mass Effect and Fallout. Some of those designs might make you observed these are low cost, cringe-inducing knockoffs, however the high quality of the controller might shock you if 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 at the least get a prolonged, removable cable with it, however not having a reversible connector is annoying. Thankfully, nothing else about this controller feels so outdated. Its construct high quality is simply positive, 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 all the pieces fairly effectively for a ridiculously inexpensive 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 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 Series 2 provide.

PowerA gives a complete lot of bang in your buck with the Enhanced Wired Controller when you’re on a good funds. It additionally sells the Advantage Wired Controller, which is basically a more moderen model of the Enhanced Wired Controller with USB-C and hair-trigger lockouts. The Advantage may very well be a shoo-in to dethrone the Enhanced Wired as the perfect funds controller, however at $37.99, it could’t but match the Enhanced Wired’s near-perpetually discounted worth of round $25.

If you could have Elite controller tastes however an ordinary controller funds, the PowerA Fusion Pro 3 is a positive different when you don’t thoughts that it’s wired. It seems a bit just like the Microsoft Elite Series 2, full with 4 rear buttons, set off lockouts, and rubberized grips, however prices a lot much less. The Fusion Pro 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 Pro 2 continues to be positive, particularly when you favor removable rear paddles to built-in buttons, however at this level, it’s solely value it for that choice or if it’s closely discounted.

Connectivity: Xbox wi-fi, Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Up to 4 / Software customization: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 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 Series 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 most recent Xbox Wireless Controller. However, it makes up for that in droves with distinctive construct high quality, additional buttons, user-swappable sticks and D-pad, and many customization.

If you choose up an Xbox Elite controller, you immediately acknowledge the standard of supplies put into it. Where the usual controller makes use of an unassuming plastic construct, the Elite mixes higher-quality plastic with rubberized grips and bits of metallic. Combine 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 elements which will provide you with a aggressive edge are the hair-trigger locks and rear paddle buttons. In idea, the hair set off will get pictures off sooner when taking part in shooters, and the rear paddles will let you soar, crouch, reload, and many others., with out taking your thumb off the suitable stick for aiming. However, utilizing that many buttons on the again of the controller positively takes some adjustment. You have to coach 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 Series 2 is generally priced at $179.99, and despite the fact that it sometimes drops as little as $139.99, it’s nonetheless greater than twice as costly as an everyday Xbox controller. You have to actually need its additional options and person customization, and when 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 Series 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 can get all of these in a $30 equipment pack, which turns the Elite Series 2 Core again into an ordinary Elite Series 2 and truly makes it a barely higher deal if the total bundle isn’t on sale.

You should additionally bear in mind that the Elite has a little bit of a status for lackluster high quality management, with horror tales from customers about going by way of a number of replacements beneath guarantee. Microsoft prolonged the controller’s guarantee from 90 days to a 12 months in late 2020 to assist deal with considerations, however shopping for an Elite Series 2 should still really feel like a barely dangerous proposition. However, if you nail that excellent 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 value it.

Read our Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 evaluation.

Connectivity: Xbox wi-fi, Bluetooth, wired / Connector kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Four / Software customization: No / Power: AA batteries or add-on rechargeable

The Scuf Instinct Pro finds itself in a little bit of a bizarre spot. It’s one of many solely wi-fi choices presently out there from a 3rd occasion — Razer’s new Wolverine V3 Pro is one other — however it’s additionally probably the most 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 Series S sometimes sells for, which is a whole console. Still, you’re in for a deal with when you’re okay with spending that form of cash, because the Instinct Pro is arguably higher than Microsoft’s Elite in some very particular methods — primarily, its consolation and implementation of rear buttons and hair triggers.

The Instinct Pro has very distinctive rear buttons, and I really favor them. Instead 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. Just 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 Instinct Pro looks like Scuf basically hot-rodded a inventory Xbox controller, however like every boutique merchandise, it comes with a large price. Meanwhile, 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 when 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 kind: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Four / Software customization: Yes / Power: 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. If you’re the kind that likes to endlessly tinker with a lot of detailed settings, that is the controller for you. Normally 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.

When you first choose up the Revolution X, it appears very unassuming — and borderline low cost. While it’s not a looker, it’s a form-follows-function kind of controller. It’s cozy to make use of, and its 4 rear buttons constructed into the grips are massive and properly contoured. The actual stars of this present, nevertheless, are the analog sticks and their software program customizations, in addition to the expansive customized choices for different interior workings of the controller.

While different user-customizable controllers have three person profiles you possibly can swap between on the fly, the Revolution X has 4 — plus a “traditional” mode with primary settings and a hoop of RGB mild round the suitable persist with remind you what mode you’re in. The software program app will not be probably the most user-friendly, however the controls go very in-depth. Thankfully, 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 acquired quite a lot of customization choices.

The customization doesn’t cease with software program, audio, or lighting, nevertheless. The Revolution X comes with ring spacers to regulate the vary of the analog sticks, too, in addition to a sequence of small weights starting from 10g to 16g, which you’ll be able to insert into its grips to present them an extra quantity of heft.

Adding up all these options, you see why the Nacon is such an amazing controller for tinkering. It took me time to heat as much as it, however upon setting it up the way in which I most well-liked, it made for a really compelling controller in a wide range of recreation sorts.

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

Turtle Beach 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 Hearing 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 inexpensive approach to acquire 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 because of all these awkward buttons positioned smack-dab in the midst of its brow, however every one has a sound function. There are 4 ranges of microphone monitoring, total recreation quantity controls, recreation chat quantity combine, 4 EQ presets, 4 programmable modes for mapping the 2 rear buttons, and 4 ranges of non-obligatory right-stick sensitivity changes. That final function, dubbed Pro Aim by Turtle Beach, 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.

Learning to make use of all these controls might sound daunting, however the controller’s quick-start information makes it simpler. Superhuman Hearing 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, 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 seems like the usual Xbox Wireless 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. Combine that with Superhuman Hearing, and also you’ve acquired an amazing recipe for shooters. The Recon has a little bit of a studying curve, however when you play ranked matches and worth a reasonably priced wired controller with additional buttons and useful audio features, you possibly can’t go improper right here.

Read our Turtle Beach 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 a bit 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 Hall impact thumbsticks. If 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 considerations.
• 8BitDo’s Ultimate Wired Controller for Xbox and PC is a high 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 as little as $35.99. We as soon as noticed it dip to $24.99, and if that began occurring with regularity, it might dethrone the PowerA Enhanced Wired as the perfect funds choice.
• Turtle Beach’s React-R is a stripped-down Recon that maintains Superhuman Hearing and rear buttons however omits EQ presets, mic monitoring, and Pro-Aim for a decrease $39 worth. It’s a very good worth, particularly when 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, because of 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.
• Razer additionally just lately launched the $199.99 Wolverine V3 Pro, which is the corporate’s first absolutely wi-fi controller for Xbox consoles and the primary Razer gamepad to sport drift-free Hall 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 go toe-to-toe with the Xbox Elite Series 2 and Scuf Instinct Pro, however we’ll be sharing our impressions quickly.
• Briefly talked about above, the Horipad Pro has among the finest D-pads round. It additionally gives quite a lot of software program customization at an inexpensive worth, however its shoulder buttons are a bit stiff.
• PowerA’s Nano Enhanced Wired Controller is an adorably small man for individuals with tinier fingers or kids. Unlike most kid-centric gamepads, it seems 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 Pro Compact Controller has a few 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 might really feel hit and miss relying in your hand measurement.
• One of the dumbest but loveliest 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. Thankfully it comes with a show stand, because it’s extra of a collector piece.
• Unlike the Duke, the Hyperkin Xenon is a reissued gamepad that’s really 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. But hey, at the 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 Beach Recon Cloud and PowerA MOGA XP-Ultra. While the latter is noteworthy for being the primary third-party wi-fi Xbox controller, neither made the minimize as a consequence of excessive prices and area of interest use instances. The suggestions above current higher options until you actually need to use a controller with an Android cellphone — which, frankly, you are able to do with an ordinary Xbox controller and an affordable cellphone clip.
• The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is an fascinating controller we haven’t but examined. It has a 1.5-inch show for adjusting audio settings (and checking social media, apparently), swappable Hall 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 Beach hasn’t dabbled in till now.
• Modular controllers are getting a bit funkier with the discharge of Thrustmaster’s eSwap X2 Pro. 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 would possibly admire 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 nevertheless you need, and you’ll even purchase a racing module that’s meant to simulate a steering wheel. Unfortunately, not one of the analog stick modules function Hall impact sensors, and there are fairly a couple of experiences that the usual mini-stock modules are liable to degrading after a short while.
• PDP’s Victrix Pro BFG (wi-fi) and Victrix Gambit Prime (wired) are one other pair of modular controllers getting first rate reception proper now, although we haven’t examined them but. Both will 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 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.

Photography by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge

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