Are you ready to enhance your gaming experience with Xbox controllers? With so many options, it can be challenging to determine which Xbox controller is best for you.
Are you a casual gamer looking for entertainment or a passionate gamer looking for top performance?
Whichever category you fall into, you’ll find the perfect Xbox controllers here.
Each console offers unique features and performance, from the powerful Xbox X Series to the compact and affordable Xbox S Series. They’re all waiting for you to explore.
Go!
Which Xbox Controller Is Best for You?
Let’s get straight to the topic: I’ll introduce 8 Xbox controllers with their parameters, features, and how I feel about using them. I hope my experience can give you guys some references.
Best Performance: Xbox Controller — RIG Nacon Revolution X
Specifications: Wired
Headphone support: 3-5mm
Connectivity: USB-A
Power: Built-in rechargeable
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| ● Excellent back button placement | ● Not compatible with some headphones |
| ● Feature-rich | ● Not much texture |
| ● Ergonomic | ● Lots of little extra parts |
Getting to know it:
The RIG Nacon Revolution X is an excellent controller for gamers who want to take control of their games.
Gamers can get the controller’s weight just right with the three sets of included weights (each weighing 10 grams, 14 grams, and 16 grams).
While weight may not feel important, controlling it will make it more personalized. The joystick can also be fine-tuned, allowing you to adjust the height and width, whether the top is concave or convex, and even the angle at which the joystick is placed.
In addition to the standard buttons, four additional buttons are on the back of the controller. Once you start playing the game, the controller is super responsive, and switching between profiles is easy.
Best Experience: Xbox Controller — Xbox Core Wireless Controller
Specs: Wireless
Technology: Bluetooth
Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| ● Eye-catching design | ● Simple product box |
| ● Outstanding performance | |
| ● Responsive | |
| ● Durable |
Getting to know it:
It’s no surprise that Microsoft has one of the best controllers for its systems, even if it is a bit basic.
It has all the features gamers need, from quick-share buttons to hybrid arrow keys to a 3.5-millimeter jack for wired headphones. The controller can run for up to 30 hours on just two AA batteries. Gamers can also plug the controller into a USB-C port and keep playing while the batteries charge.
Unfortunately, the Xbox Core Wireless Controller’s rechargeable battery pack must be purchased separately.
The Xbox Core Wireless Controller is also a great PC controller using Bluetooth or wireless USB adapters, thanks to broad compatibility with Windows games.
Best Value: Xbox Controller — GameSir G7 SE
Specifications: Wired
Headphone Support: 3.5mm
Connectivity: USB
Compatible Devices: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| ● Very well-designed and professional | ● No wireless connectivity |
| ● Perfect controller | ● Not very tactile |
| ● Super affordable |
Getting to know it:
The GameSir G7 SE is the first officially licensed controller for the Xbox Series X to include Hall effect sensor thumbsticks. For those who don’t know, these thumbsticks are much longer than the potentiometers in the controls above and below that list. They use tiny electromagnets.
Essentially, this means it’s not affected by joystick drift. There’s a big difference between how much this joystick costs and how much a normal Xbox controller costs.
Annoyingly, there’s no wireless support here as it’s a third-party controller. And there are some rather unruly thumbstick blind spots out of the box. Fortunately, you can try it out with the GameSir Nexus software on your PC.
Suitable for Most Players: Xbox Controller — Nacon Revolution X Pro
Weight: 11.85 ounces
Size: 2.36*6.3*4.33 inches
Headphone Support: 3.5mm
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| ● Feature-rich | ● Triggers could be better |
| ● Good quality | |
| ● Highly customizable | |
| ● Excellent back button placement |
Getting to know it:
Suppose you’re after a controller experience similar to the Elite Series 2 but need to prepare to pay a hefty price tag. In that case, we highly recommend Nacon’s Xbox Revolution X Pro wired controller. It offers “Pro” controller features like rear buttons and interchangeable sticks, all for a double-digit price.
You can compare the quality of these analog sticks to Microsoft’s. They have a comfy design, strong grips, and some cool extras like a carrying case and a set of analog stick parts that can be swapped out.
There are a couple of drawbacks to Revolution X, namely that the wide triggers take a bit of getting used to.
Most Complete Set of Buttons: Xbox Controller — Razer Wolverine V2
Weight: 9.5ounces
Size: 6.26*4.17*2.57 inches
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| ● Great button experience | ● Not Hall effect remote sensing |
| ● Sturdy and durable | ● Relatively expensive |
| ● Responsive |
Getting to know it:
If you want a full-featured, professional, third-party Xbox Series X controller but don’t have the budget, then the Razer Wolverine V2 is for you.
Tweaking and tinkering is the game’s name with this controller, especially with its “mech” haptic buttons and the adjustable sensitivity of the two analog sticks.
Considering that the V2 doesn’t cost much more than the RRP of a standard Xbox gamepad, it’s worth a second look if you need some extra features and buttons.
The Cheapest: Xbox Controller — PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller
Specifications: wired
Headphone support: 3.5 mm
Connectivity: USB
Weight: 7.2 ounces
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| ● Outstanding colors and features | ● Can drift with prolonged use |
| ● It is cheap and works well |
Getting to know it:
If you’re looking for a great controller but don’t have much money to spend and don’t mind cables, PowerA’s Enhanced Wired Controller offers impeccable value without sacrificing much.
The Enhanced Wired Controller comes in a variety of shades and designs. Some of these designs might lead you to suspect that these are cheap, wince-inducing knockoffs. But when you use it, the quality of the controller may surprise you.
Supreme:：Xbox Controller — SCUF Instinct Pro
Batteries: 2 AA batteries required
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| ● Well made | ● The price is on the expensive side |
| ● Fully functional |
Getting to know it:
Scuf’s Instinct Pro is the top controller for Xbox consoles and PCs. It’s the only third-party wireless option. It costs a lot, but it has rubberized grips, built-in back paddle buttons that can be mapped, one-touch locks, interchangeable joysticks, and a look that the user can set.
If you’re willing to spend that kind of money, you’re in for a treat, as the Instinct Pro is arguably better than Microsoft’s Elite in some specific ways. The main ones are its comfort level, rear buttons, and one-touch implementation.
Best Battery Life: Xbox Controller — Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Specifications: Wireless
Headphone support: 3.5mm
Connectivity: USB-C
Power: up to 40 hours
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| ● Cross-device play (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows) | ● Occasional telemetry drift |
| ● Extended playtime | |
| ● Customizable profiles |
Getting to know it:
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 has over 30 new ways to play like a pro. It was made to meet the needs of today’s competitive players. You can improve your aim with joysticks that let you change the tension, shoot faster with shorter trigger locks, and stay on target with grips all the way around.
You can save up to three different settings on the controller and jump between them anytime. You can change the paddles, directional buttons, and thumbstick tops to make the controller fit how you like to play.
With a rechargeable battery life of up to 40 hours and new parts that last longer, you can stay in the game longer.
What Dimensions Should We Consider If A Game Controller Is A Good Fit?
As we introduced 6 different gaming controllers above, do you really know what dimension you should consider when searching for the proper one? Listen, these 4 are the most important:
● Build quality:
Cheaper controllers use less metal and more plastic in their construction. As a result, they succumb to the wear and tear of gaming faster than buyers expect. So, looking for a controller with more durable materials is better. Additionally, it should be comfortable to hold.
● Button Layout:
Make sure that the button placement feels natural and intuitive for your hand size and grip style. Some controllers have extra front or back buttons that can be reset if players have trouble getting to the keys.
● Wired vs. Wireless:
The wireless ease of the controllers that come with the Xbox is something that most gamers like.
However, professional gamers often choose a wired controller so their input doesn’t have to wait for a wireless link. And a sudden battery drain can also be disastrous during the most important gaming times.
● Customization:
Core controls can have their buttons remapped with software for Xbox and PCs. Modular controls let you change parts like arrow keys and thumbsticks to ones that are easier to hold or have different sensitivity levels for more customization.
There are times when money is tight when buying controllers, especially for gamers who want to repair broken accessories while saving money.
Battle It Out with Your Friends!
Choosing the right Xbox console depends on your gaming preferences, budget, and desired features.
Consider your wants and choices, and pick the best Xbox to begin an exciting gaming journey.
FAQs
What is the best Xbox controller for FPS?
The best Xbox Series X controllers for multiplayer games are the ones that have at least four back buttons.
That's because they let you give other models more in-game abilities, which frees up your thumbs to keep moving and watching. You can set up your dead zones, which makes the Official Elite Series 2 a great choice for this type of game. Other good third-party choices are the Scuf Instinct Pro and the Razer Wolverine V2.Is the Xbox Series X controller different from the Xbox One?
The Xbox Series X Core controller differs from the first model for the last generation of systems. The most noticeable change is the new directional button form, which is set back to make diagonal inputs smoother.
A “share” button on the surface of the Xbox Series X controller connects to the Series X device with low latency. The new gamepad also charges via USB-C, but it's a little smaller and has a matte finish instead of the shiny plastic shell of the Xbox One model.Do you need extra buttons?
That's a big question – many better controllers add extra buttons you can program for custom controls. These are sometimes rear paddles or buttons perfect for competitive games like Call of Duty, where you'll benefit from more control without taking your fingers off the joysticks.
Can I get them at a lower price?
Yes, I got the Xbox Core Wireless Controller through the mystery box game at Miracle Box. I was lucky because I got it for less than the official price.
Ethan is a tech-savvy enthusiast and gadget guru. With a passion for exploring the latest advancements in office technology, E’s reviews dive into the world of smart gadgets, from wireless chargers and noise-canceling headphones to cutting-edge computer peripherals that enhance productivity and convenience in the modern workplace.
Leave a Reply