We stay in a golden age of controllers. The gamepads available on the market now are of upper high quality, extra versatile, and extra customizable than something from even one console technology in the past. In case you play video games on an Xbox Sequence X or Sequence S (or a Home windows PC), you’ve the unenviable process of selecting between a number of high-quality controllers from Microsoft in addition to a plethora of nice choices from the likes of 8BitDo, PowerA, Razer, Scuf, Nacon, and Turtle Seaside. A few of them have drift-resistant Corridor impact or TMR-based joysticks for improved longevity, but all of them are good for one motive or one other. The times of a budget “little sibling” controller that regarded cool, however barely labored, are over.
We’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 might not be a shock that the usual, Xbox Wi-fi Controller is the best choice for most folk. It makes for an awesome PC and Steam Deck controller, too. The default Xbox gamepad strikes the precise stability of high quality, consolation, versatility, and value, however there are a number of options value contemplating.
$51
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.
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$30
The most recent 8BitDo Final Wired Controller for Xbox consists of Corridor impact analog sticks and triggers, plus two rear buttons, customizable mapping and sensitivity, and compatibility with PC and cell gadgets.
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What we’re in search of
How we check Xbox controllers
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We check Xbox controllers by taking part in with them for an prolonged time frame throughout a wide range of genres. Our check targets embrace team-based enviornment video games like Marvel Rivals, aggressive shooters like Name of Obligation, fighters like Tekken 8, and role-playing titles like Elden Ring. When doing so, we pay shut consideration to how the entire elements really feel. Are the triggers satisfying to drag? Do the analog sticks provide the precise stage of resistance? Are the D-pads and face buttons too mushy, or simply proper? If a controller consists of customization choices — resembling adjustable set off stops and sensitivity, and / or remappable again buttons — we check how straightforward they’re to configure, then choose their impression on our gameplay expertise.
Connectivity
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Is it wi-fi? Does it help Bluetooth? Or is it wired solely? In that case, is the cable replaceable?
High quality
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Does it really feel low cost or properly made? Any glitches or reliability points whereas testing?
Further options
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Does it have useful extras, like remappable buttons or fancy triggers?
Customization
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Are you able to remap buttons or tune it with {custom} software program profiles?
Worth
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Is it priced affordably, about common, or does it come at a steep premium?
One of the best Xbox controller for most individuals
$51
The Good
- Unbelievable worth for Xbox Wi-fi help
- Nice ergonomic design
- Satisfying buttons and triggers
The Dangerous
- Lacks customization
- Requires AA batteries (or an elective rechargeable cell)
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. “One of the best controller for Xbox is the one which comes with the Xbox?” That will seem to be a no brainer, however this customary controller actually does earn this title as the most effective. It lacks some extras discovered on pricier choices, however this controller is the distillation of all that has made the final 20 years of Xbox gamepads nice, and it reveals.
Due to Microsoft’s proprietary wi-fi protocol, that is the one inexpensive wi-fi Xbox controller on the market. (Third-party wi-fi choices have been trickling out lately, however they’re largely on the excessive finish.) Whereas some hate the usual Xbox wi-fi controller for its use of 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. And user-replaceable batteries imply you’re not caught with a controller that doesn’t maintain its cost after years of use. It additionally works over a USB-C wired connection.
You received’t discover a higher wi-fi controller at this value. Photograph by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge
However the standard-issue Xbox pad isn’t simply nice due to its diversified connectivity. The {hardware} itself is superb for the controller’s $65 (and infrequently much less) 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. In case you’re a hardcore preventing recreation fan, you’ll in all probability be greatest served by a devoted combat stick or a controller geared towards that style — one with an outstanding D-pad like Hori’s Horipad Professional — however the Xbox Wi-fi Controller is in any other case a unprecedented 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 (button remapping is accessible), although Microsoft does provide beauty customization by means of its Xbox Design Lab, which bumps the value from $79.99 to $116.95 relying on the configuration. There’s loads to like about these controllers, whether or not you make your individual or choose one from the various colours that Microsoft affords.
One of the best low cost Xbox controller
$30
The Good
- Cheap
- Light-weight and comfy
- Satisfying buttons and Corridor impact elements
- Programmable again buttons are straightforward to press
Connectivity: Wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Two / Software program customization: Sure / Energy: Wired
The 8BitDo Final Wired Controller for Xbox is a improbable finances mannequin that sometimes retails for $44.99 however can usually be discovered for as little as $29.99. The form is paying homage to Nintendo’s Swap Professional Controller, solely a bit smaller, with hints of Xbox affect and a curvaceous design that feels nice to carry.
On the {hardware} entrance, the Final Wired Controller options Corridor impact sticks with satisfying rigidity. It additionally makes use of Corridor impact triggers with devoted vibration motors, although it lacks set off stops, not like our earlier finances choose, the PowerA Benefit Wired. Its D-pad, face buttons, and bumpers are good and clicky, too, regardless of being smaller than we’d sometimes like. It has two rear paddles, remappable buttons, and the power to avoid wasting as much as three profiles, which you’ll be able to swap between on the fly utilizing a devoted button. There’s even a built-in mute swap for audio, which isn’t widespread on cheaper controllers. You may obtain the 8BitDo Final Software program X app on PC or Xbox to completely customise this controller.
8BitDo controllers could also be cheap, however that doesn’t imply they need to be thought-about low cost. Photograph: Quentyn Kennemer / The Verge
The 8BitDo Final Wired works as a wired controller along with your PC, however in the event you favor wi-fi connectivity, the corporate additionally makes a three-mode wi-fi model for $69.99 with help for each Bluetooth and a pair of.4GHz wi-fi (by way of a dongle). The wi-fi model is a little more costly, nonetheless, and it’s nonetheless restricted to wired connectivity on Xbox consoles.
One of the best “professional” Xbox controller
$159
The Good
- Intensive modular customization
- Premium feel and look
- Rechargeable battery lasts an unbelievable 40 hours
The Dangerous
- Expensive
- Questionable high quality management
- No Corridor impact elements
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 fanciest controller, and it’s obtained a number of good extras, like higher construct high quality, additional buttons, user-swappable sticks and D-pad, a built-in rechargeable battery, and a great deal of software program customization. The place the usual Xbox controller is constructed totally of unassuming plastic, the Elite mixes increased high quality soft-touch plastic, rubberized grips, and metallic touches for a superior match and end. This makes it heftier than the inventory controller, and in consequence, it simply feels nicer in your palms. It additionally comes with a charging dock and zip-up case with passthrough charging, finishing a very nice bundle for $199.99 (or typically much less, if it’s on sale).
There’s additionally the stripped-down Elite Sequence 2 “Core” model with an MSRP of $149.99, which ditches the add-ons however is equally customizable. You should purchase them individually in a $59.99 equipment pack, however you’ll find yourself paying extra that approach, barring gross sales or reductions.
A dear controller like an Xbox Elite is a little bit of a splurge buy. Most of us usually are not competing at e-sports ranges that require its high-end options. However, it’s enjoyable to make use of one thing that feels nicer, affords methods to custom-tailor it to your liking, and perhaps provides you a slight aggressive edge due to options like hair triggers and detachable rear paddles. In idea, you could possibly get photographs off quicker in an internet shooter with the hair triggers, and you may map the paddles to features like bounce, crouch, reload, and many others., whereas conserving your thumb on the precise stick. You would educate your self claw grip to perform the latter with even an inexpensive wired controller, positive, but it surely simply received’t really feel as cool or straightforward as when utilizing an Elite.
Whereas the Elite continues to be an awesome controller in 2025, you must understand that it’s been round since 2019 and a Sequence 3 revision is feeling lengthy overdue. The Sequence 2 additionally has a little bit of a fame for lackluster high quality management — with horror tales from customers about going by means of a number of replacements beneath guarantee. Microsoft prolonged the controller’s guarantee from 90 days to a yr in late 2020 to assist deal with issues, however shopping for an Elite Sequence 2 should really feel like a barely dangerous proposition. It additionally predates the current-gen implementation of a devoted Share button, and its potentiometer-based sticks run the chance of stick drift after long-term use (one thing third events are addressing with controllers that use drift-free Corridor impact sticks, not like all three massive console producers).
The Elite Sequence 2 affords unprecedented customization with analog sticks and a D-pad you possibly can pluck proper off. Photograph by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge
Even so, the Elite 2 stays by far essentially the most well-rounded possibility for a step-up Xbox controller — thanks largely to its spectacular construct and expansive software program expertise. If all these caveats provide you with pause, although, there may be one other promising possibility.
Learn our Xbox Elite Wi-fi Controller Sequence 2 evaluate.
A formidable various to the Elite
$172
The Good
- Helps Xbox Wi-fi protocol
- Corridor impact sticks use replaceable tops
- 4 rear buttons neatly positioned for consolation
- Two additional shoulder buttons add distinctive versatility
- Set off stops and again buttons provide a satisfying mouse-like click on
The Dangerous
- Costly
- Requires a USB dongle
- Razer Synapse software program wants work
Connectivity: Wi-fi USB dongle (Xbox / PC), wired / Connector sort: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: 4 / Software program customization: Sure / Energy: Constructed-in rechargeable
At $199.99, Razer’s Wolverine V3 Professional controller is as costly (or extra, relying on accessible offers) than the Elite Sequence 2, but it surely’s value the associated fee in order for you a high-end controller with drift-free sticks. Not solely is the V3 Professional Razer’s first foray into utilizing Corridor impact sticks, it’s the corporate’s first absolutely wi-fi Xbox gamepad. It additionally sports activities a number of the greatest hair-trigger lockouts round, yielding a mouse-like click on often discovered on even pricier Scuf controllers (a earlier high-ranking choose of ours).
Apart from that, the V3 Professional is just like the earlier V2 Professional, with six remappable buttons — 4 rear paddles in new, angled orientations and two additional shoulder buttons — and a few RGB lighting. The buttons and D-pad nonetheless have that satisfying micro-switch tactility and audible clickiness just like the previous-gen V2 Professional, however the RGB lighting is extra refined this time round.
It’s not on daily basis you see six buttons on prime of a controller. Photograph by Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge
The Wolverine V3 Professional’s largest shortcomings in comparison with Microsoft’s Elite Sequence 2 are its extra fundamental software program customization, its lack of Bluetooth, and the truth that it wants a USB dongle to work wirelessly. The V3 Professional is in any other case the higher choose in the event you can justify its excessive value, which, not like the Sequence 2, is never subjected to reductions. Fortunately, in the event you can’t, there’s additionally the $99.99 Wolverine V3 Professional Event Version that has an almost equivalent set of options in a wired configuration.
Different Xbox controllers we examined
- The Scuf Valor Professional is the corporate’s first Xbox controller with Corridor impact sticks, in addition to its most cost-effective at $109.99. It’s wired however in any other case builds admirably on the inspiration laid by the Scuf Intuition Professional, which retails for $239.99 and was as soon as our prime third-party pro-style controller. Scuf emulates Microsoft’s profitable ergonomics whereas implementing redesigned remappable rear buttons (two are detachable) and shoulder bumpers which are extra snug to achieve. It additionally has set off stops that produce a satisfying click on with subsequent to no journey when pressed. The D-pad produces a equally satisfying click on, one we favor over the softer tactile really feel of the Intuition. The Valor Professional is just not essentially the most thrilling controller on paper, but it surely’s a stable possibility for Scuf devoted or anybody who desires extra sturdy analog sticks. Learn our hands-on impressions.
- In case you’re a fan of aggressive shooters, Turtle Seaside controllers just like the Recon ($59.99) and React-R ($39.99) have a number of audio options that may turn out to be useful. The corporate’s fanciest possibility, the Stealth Extremely, is a $219.99 wi-fi mannequin with Corridor impact sticks that’s a wonderful selection total. That being stated, we nonetheless favor the Razer Wolverine V3 Professional, because the built-in customization display screen on the Stealth Extremely is clunky to make use of and the ergonomics don’t really feel almost as good as that of the V3 Professional.
- Turtle Seaside additionally affords the Stealth Pivot ($139.99), which helps you to shortly swap the analog sticks for additional face buttons by swiveling the plates round. It’s neat however in the end area of interest, because it’s primarily meant for preventing video games and retro titles. That function necessitates a chassis that’s noticeably larger than most controllers, too, which can be a downer in the event you already battle with wrapping your digits round standard-sized controllers.
- We examined PowerA’s newest pro-style Xbox controllers, together with the Fusion Professional 4 Wired ($74.99) and PowerA Fusion Professional Wi-fi ($159.99). They’re customary fare for pro-style controllers nowadays, with height-adjustable Corridor impact sticks, 4 remappable rear buttons, three-way set off locks, and onboard quantity controls. They’re comparable, however the Professional Wi-fi has 4 trippy Lumectra lighting zones that reply to your button presses. Each controllers are satisfying to make use of and a transparent step up from PowerA’s older merchandise when it comes to total high quality, however they in the end don’t stand out a lot at these value factors.
- Nacon’s Revolution X ($25.90) stays some of the customizable wired controllers you will get (it even has detachable weights in its handles), and its software program is almost as expansive as Microsoft’s first-party app.
- As talked about above, the Horipad Professional ($49.99) has among the finest D-pads round. It additionally affords a number of software program customization at an inexpensive value, however its shoulder buttons are a bit stiff.
- In case you’re the nostalgic sort, the Hyperkin Duke ($89.99), DuchesS ($49.99), and Xenon ($49.99) are devoted wired recreations of Xbox gamepads from Microsoft’s first two console generations. They’re sort of dumb however endearing (particularly the chunky Duke), however they’re distinctive collector items you may as well use on trendy video games.
- The wired GameSir G7 SE is one other finances choose with drift-resistant Corridor impact sticks and USB-C connectivity, one that may sometimes be discovered for $44.99. Like 8BitDo’s controllers, it neglects set off stops, but it surely’s one of many solely choices with devoted switches for disabling the rear buttons. GameSir has additionally since launched the $49.99 G7 HE, which options extra sturdy buttons and a tactile swap D-pad.
- We’re testing GameSir’s G7 Professional, a $79.99 controller that’s appropriate with Xbox (wired), PC (wired and wi-fi by way of an included 2.4GHz dongle), and Android (wi-fi by way of Bluetooth). The G7 Professional has drift-resistant TMR joysticks, Corridor impact analog triggers, 4 customizable buttons, 4 rumble motors, and a 3.5mm audio jack. The controller comes with a charging dock, a 3 meter-long USB-C to USB-A cable, and two swappable D-pads.
- Hyperkin Competitor was at introduced at CES in January and is scheduled to reach later in 2025. The wired gamepad’s design is unashamedly impressed by the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controllers, full with glassy buttons and a non-contiguous D-pad.
Replace, August 14th: Up to date to mirror present pricing / availability, and to notice we’ll be testing GameSir’s G7 Professional. Brandt Ranj additionally contributed to this publish.
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