Although we deemed the Xbox Core Controller the most effective Xbox Series X controller total, that doesn’t imply different nice choices aren’t out there. You may choose another Xbox Series X controller – one you possibly can customise, a budget-friendly selection or perhaps a high-end gamepad well-suited for aggressive players. That’s why our specialists have spent numerous hours testing a variety of controllers for the Xbox Series X/S. Below are the 5 we deem worthy of your consideration.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Xbox Series X/S Controllers:
Responsive controls, quick access to all of the buttons you want shortly, and a seamless connection to the Xbox are crucial to anybody on the lookout for the most effective Xbox controller for the Series X/S. After nailing the fundamentals, you possibly can department out and discover one thing that may work with the best way you prefer to play. Want to kick customizations up a notch? Grab the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra. Take on motion like the professionals with the Scuf Instinct Pro. Or, should you’re on a tighter price range, the Turtle Beach Recon is a feature-rich, top quality decide that prices underneath $60.
Clearly, with so many Xbox Series X controllers out there, you don’t simply want to stay to the official Xbox controller that comes along with your console. Plus, most of our picks work simply as nice with gaming PCs, gaming telephones, and extra. But should you spend lots of time hitting the tracks, the finest racing wheels for Xbox could also be proper up your alley, whereas these seeking to get a KO quick might profit from one of many finest battle sticks.
1. Xbox Core Controller
Best Xbox Series X/S Controller
Xbox Core Controller
Enjoy the acquainted Xbox format on an ergonomic controller with remappable buttons, a tactile D-pad, and ample connectivity choices.
Compatibility
Xbox, Windows, Android, iOS
Works properly throughout many gadgets
When you buy an Xbox Series X, it comes as customary with the Xbox Core Controller we have reviewed. There’s nothing significantly fancy about it, however when one thing works, and it really works properly, it may be arduous to beat. The comfy and acquainted design compliments most varieties of video games, and with just a few upgrades right here and there, you’ll be capable to take pleasure in enhanced grip, document gameplay, and remap the controller’s buttons with ease. There are additionally a ton of various controller colours to select from.
Using Xbox Wireless, the Xbox Core Controller connects seamlessly along with your Xbox, however can even work along with your PC and cellphone due to built-in Bluetooth assist. The solely actual draw back right here is that the controller makes use of AA batteries, which feels a bit out of contact at the moment. Still, there’s the choice to attach a USB-C to the controller, however that does imply you forego the controller’s wi-fi capabilities.
Still, should you can look previous the minor flaws, the Xbox Core Controller is a strong choice in your Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and different platforms. The textured grip is an actual promoting level, alongside the hybrid D-pad, customized button mapping, and devoted (however barely awkward) Share button.
Note that that is additionally our decide for the finest PC controller to purchase.
2. Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller
Best Budget Xbox Series X/S Controller
Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller
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Packing a great deal of options, together with two further configurable again buttons and on controller audio customizations, this wired gamepad is an inexpensive standout.
Compatibility
Xbox, Windows
Great entry to voice and audio choices
Our hands-on evaluate of the Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller revealed a ton of nice options for a cheaper price. For round $50, this gamepad options all the standard buttons, triggers, and sticks of an Xbox controller, plus two further again buttons that allow you to activate controls with out taking your thumbs off the analog sticks. You can configure these two rear buttons to do no matter you please, together with tuning thumbstick sensitivity for higher accuracy.
The Turtle Beach Recon presents a well-constructed, comfortable-in-hand wired controller with ergonomic grips to make sure a agency maintain even within the warmth of battle. However, audio customizations make it a standout. When connecting your gaming headset to the controller, you possibly can mess around with numerous EQ settings, like SuperHuman Hearing, to select up on audio cues chances are you’ll in any other case miss. And easy on-control changes to the sport/chat combine ought to make communication along with your teammates a breeze.
3. Xbox Elite Series 2
Best High-End Xbox Series X/S Controller
Xbox Elite Series 2
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Get ample customizability on this high-end controller with a swappable controls, tunable triggers, further rear paddles, and absolutely remappable buttons.
Compatibility
Xbox, Windows, Android, iOS
Battery
Rechargeable (40 hours)
In out hands-on testing of the Xbox Elite Series 2, we discovered it to be a premium controller excellent for hardcore players with a better price range. All the buttons might be fully re-mapped, whereas 4 further rear paddles can change the operate of the face buttons when held down or have their very own actions inside a sport. The rear paddles, D-pad, and thumbsticks are even connected magnetically for straightforward swapping to get your finest really feel, and the Elite 2 is much more customizable due to Xbox Design Lab.
As a wi-fi choice, the Xbox Elite Series 2 has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts as much as 40 hours on one cost. So you gained’t be searching down AA batteries just like the Core Controller. And along with Xbox Wireless, there’s Bluetooth connectivity and a USB-C for a wired choice, making it straightforward to make use of along with your PC or gaming cellphone.
4. Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
Best Tunable Xbox Series X/S Controller
Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
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A show for setting changes and notifications, alongside corridor impact sticks, tactile switches, and further mappable buttons, makes this controller a standout.
Compatibility
Xbox, Windows, Android
Battery
Rechargeable (30 hours)
If you need a controller able to be tuned to your ideally suited settings, we reviewed Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra and kicks cutomizations up a notch. Its dependable microswitch face buttons are remappable, and the 4 further buttons on the rear might be assigned actions. There are hall-effect, anti-drift thumbsticks that you could dial within the efficiency of and include interchangeable thumbsticks, whereas set off stops to regulate actuation distance are perfect for FPS. Most of those settings might be modified utilizing the controller’s companion app, however chances are you’ll decide to make use of the moderately distinctive on-gamepad “Connected Command Display.”
This compact, full-color display straight on the Stealth Ultra shows cellphone notifications and lets you make on-the-fly setting changes like swapping between ten completely different profiles, remapping buttons, fine-tuning the vibration depth, and modifying RGB lighting. Given it is a wi-fi controller, chances are you’ll assume that the display will considerably drain the battery, however Turtle Beach claims the battery lasts as much as 30 hours, relying on the mode. It even comes with a useful fast charging dock so you may get again to the motion very quickly.
5. Scuf Instinct Pro
Best Competitive Xbox Series X/S Controller
Scuf Instinct Pro
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Scuf pushes the boundaries of its controller, providing an ergonomic design with 4 rear paddles, interchangeable thumbsticks, and immediate triggers.
Compatibility
Xbox, Windows, Android, iOS
The finest controller to present you a aggressive edge is the Scuf Instinct Pro we have examined. It rocks a glance much like the Core controller however contains some extras like 4 easy-to-use, customizable paddles. A swap close to the triggers makes them actuate like a mouse click on for a quicker response time, which is a boon in shooters. Four interchangeable thumbsticks additionally allow you to discover the most effective really feel when annihilating your opponents.
The total design of the Scuf Instinct Pro is one thing to marvel at, beginning with the light-weight, ergonomic construct, so even the longest gaming classes gained’t go away you fatigued. The grips on the rear of the handles additionally maintain your fingers firmly in place. However, when utilizing the controller wirelessly, you’ll depend on these pesky AA batteries.
Where to Get the Best Xbox Controllers within the UK
Best Xbox Series X|S Controller Xbox Core Controller
2
PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller
2
Best Budget Xbox Series X/S Controller
Best High-End Xbox Series X|S Controller Xbox Elite Series 2
2
Best Tunable Xbox Series X|S Controller Razer Wolverine V2
2
Best Xbox Series X/S Racing Wheel Thrustmaster TMX Force Feedback
0
Best Xbox Series X/S Flight Stick Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One
0
Best Customizable Xbox Series Controller Thrustmaster Eswap X Pro
0
What to search for in a Xbox Series X/S controller
There’s lots to hunt out in an Xbox controller. Here are some essential specs to concentrate to when shopping for this kind of Xbox accent.
Connectivity is important on the subject of your gamepad. If you’re seeking to have the bottom latency when gaming, a wired choice is your finest guess. A wi-fi dongle is one other strong connection choice. Some of our picks even provide Xbox’s personal wi-fi protocol that gives much less latency and fewer mispresses. And with Bluetooth connectivity on a few of our picks, you possibly can simply use it as a PC controller or cellphone controller. Take a have a look at our information on methods to pair an Xbox controller with PC for extra methods to attach.
Another essential issue to contemplate is how customizable a controller might be. If you need to remap some buttons or actually change the position of a D-pad or thumbstick, a few of our picks have the power to do this. There are additionally choices that provide extra buttons, like ones on the bottom to supply shortcuts. Or, there may be added switches to lock triggers, permitting you to carry out actions faster. The potentialities are actually limitless with a few of these gamepads, and you can also make them actually your personal to annihilate the competitors.
Xbox Controller FAQ
Can you join a PS5 controller to an Xbox Series X?
If you actually just like the look atnd really feel of the PS5 Dualsense controller and need to apply it to an Xbox console, it’s truly potential to take action. You will, nevertheless, must buy an adapter to take action. The Brooks Wingman Converter lets you join both a PS5 controller or a Switch Pro controller to your Xbox console.
Can you join a mouse and keyboard to Xbox?
If you’d moderately use your gaming mouse and gaming keyboard in your Xbox as an alternative of among the best controllers, you actually can. All you could do is plug in your mouse and keyboard into one of many further USB ports on the console and you will be related. Not all Xbox Series X video games have mouse and keyboard assist, nevertheless.
Leana Hafer is an avid PC gamer. Talk action-RPGs, technique video games, and extra together with her on Twitter at @TilFolkvang.
Danielle Abraham is a contract author and unpaid music historian.
Image Credit: Annalee Tsujino is a multi disciplinary designer and illustrator. Check them out on Instagram @antsu_illustrations.
