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Choosing which Xbox controller to buy has become hard in recent times.
Times have changed, though.
The official Xbox Wireless Controller from Microsoft remains the undisputed king of Xbox controllers.
What if you want an Xbox controller that simply doesmore?Well, look no further, friend.
Best overall
The standard Xbox Series X|S controller offers the perfect balance of performance and value for money.
Best alternative
The official Xbox Elite Series’s premium feel is unmatched by any third-party competitors.
More and more companies are looking to cash in on high-quality alternative Xbox controller options.
The real bang for your buck here is the 40-hour battery life and inclusion of a wireless charging dock.
Best mobile
The GameSir G8 Galileo is one of many options for mobile gaming controllers for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
The answer is probably not if you have to constantly replace them.
There are also things to consider, like compatibility.
Xbox has a strange history with third-party controllers, previously maintaining a monopoly over wireless access.
Jennifer Young
The best overall Xbox and PC controller
1.
Heavily supported by Microsoft as its home-grown option, it boasts a huge variety of compatibility capabilities.
It comes bundled with the Xbox Series X|S, so you probably already have one.
Additionally, there have been some quality issues with the bumpers, often due to dust accumulation.
This is a connectivity powerhouse.
The best budget Xbox and PC controller
2.
If this controller was wireless, we might be recommending it above Microsoft’s own option.
The GameSir G7 HE is available in both black and white for$49.99 at Amazon.
The best premium Xbox and PC controller
3.
Physically, the Wolverine V3 Pro appears similar to past Razer controllers.
Still, at the very least, you’ll never have to worry about joystick drift.
Once you’re connected, the Wolverine V3 Pro is a beast of a controller.
This is an expensive controller, but it’s worth it.
More and more companies are looking to cash in on high-quality alternative Xbox controller options.
Oh, and it still works with Xbox consoles.
Six remappable buttons and short trigger stops (all using premium mouse switches) is unique.
The best alternative Xbox and PC controller
4.
The official Xbox controller is your best no-nonsense option for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One gaming.
The Xbox Elite Controller (Series 2) is a personal favorite of mine.
The thing that makes it so good, for me, is the battery life and its complimentary charger.
With this controller, you will never have to worry about battery life or charging ever again.
The G7 SE is a little smaller than the Xbox Wireless Controller, and feels very solid and comfortable in the hand.(Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)
Plus, you might customize it to look the way you’d like viaXbox Design Lab.
It has hair trigger locks, which reduce the graded activation.
That’s where the trigger locks can be really handy.
Anti-friction glide rings and Hall Effect sensors make the joysticks feel silky smooth and precise.(Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)
Similarly, the back buttons offer a tactical edge over the standard controller.
This would be a no-brainer recommendation if it weren’t for the known issues with the right bumper.
They are repairable with a pry tool and isopropanol since the issue generally pertains to the contacts getting dusty.
The triggers and bumpers also feel great, and you’re able to toggle a “hair trigger” mode whenever you want.(Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)
Jez Corden
3.5 The value rating takes a beating here because of the known bumper issues.
you might repair it yourself, but it’s not as easy as repairing a standard controller.
The best modular Xbox and PC controller
5.
Now there are latches for the two rear buttons, making it easy to avoid accidental presses.(Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)
We tested the licensedForza Horizon 5version (XR), which has a module designed entirely forracing games.
The Thrustmaster Eswap XR Pro Forza Horizon 5 controller has an MSRP of$179.99 at Amazon.
Want to change from asymmetric sticks and play a symmetrical (PlayStation) layout?
This is the GameSir G7 HE in its limited Iron Man edition. It’s a very similar controller, but makes a few changes.(Image credit: GameSir)
you’re able to.
Want to take out the D-pad and rock 3 sticks?
you might do that with these controllers.
I changed the Razer logo to light up purple. I really wish the Xbox button lit up, too.(Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)
The modules just pop out and pop back in where you want them.
For those looking for a pro-grade controller, it ticks all the boxes.
The modules slot into place and ‘just work.’
This is an excellent alternative to Xbox’s Elite Wireless Controller.(Image credit: Windows Central | Jez Corden)
However, you do have control over the controller configs in the ThrustmapperX system onWindowsfor some real tinkering.
Specifically, for Forza Horizon 5, drifting is so much better than just using a regular analog stick.
We’d like to have seen some shift in the price by now, though.
It’s a premium product with some great extras included in the sustainable packaging.(Image credit: Windows Central)
4.5 Thrustmaster have made something truly unique to each individual gamer by offering a modular design.
2.5 Wired isn’t a a deal breaker, but we are disappointed it’s a micro-USB.
The best mobile and Xbox Cloud Gaming controller
6.
All six extra buttons/paddles and the triggers utilize Razer’s innovative mouse switches.(Image credit: Windows Central)
To turn your mobile into an Xbox, you’ll need theGameSir G8 Galileo.
This mobile gaming controller connects via USB-C, transforming your phone into a handheld console.
Don’t want to shell out for a Steam Deck or a ROG Ally?
The rear paddles are in the perfect location, although one has already become loose on my unit.(Image credit: Windows Central)
The package includes the controller, instructions, stickers, and even three customized thumbstick options.
As ever, GameSir has packed in Hall-effect technology in the triggers and joysticks to provide precision and durability.
That said, it should work with most standard-sized phones out there.
The father of all “premium” gaming controllers also sports the best battery life and charge dock on the market.
4.5 It is priced competitively against rival controllers from brands like Razer.
4.5 Having full size sticks and a button that lights up depending on configuration makes this design stand out.
4 The USB-C connection means you don’t have to worry about charging.
The Forza edition of the Thrustmaster Eswap has a racing wheel module(Image credit: Windows Central)
4 Packing Hall effect components into a mobile controller is admirable and it has remappable buttons too.
Here are some other controllers we like that didn’t make the top 6.
PRO + SOCIAL FEATURES?
There are four mappable back buttons which are by default set to mirror the face buttons but can be reassigned(Image credit: Windows Central)
This was actually our choice for the best ‘pro’ option until Razer came along to eat its lunch.
Read our in-depthGameSir Kaleid review
ADAPTIVE
When everybody plays, we all win.
What is my budget?Wired or wireless?For standard or competitive games?
The modules can be used in any of three slots on the controller(Image credit: Windows Central)
First and foremost, determine your budget.
They offer a comfortable, familiar layout and are available in a range of colors and designs.
For example, the Xbox Elite Series 2 offers these features and more.
If you’re not a Forza fan, there’s a plain black version.(Image credit: Thrustmaster)
Best Xbox gaming headsetsBest keyboards for Xbox gamingBest Xbox controller chargers
Finally, should you choose wired or wireless?
Wireless offers the convenience of untethered play and allows you to sit comfortably at a distance from your console.
Many competitive gamers prefer wired.
The GameSir G8 Galileo works with all USB-C compatible devices(Image credit: Jez Corden - Windows Central)
That being said, we all test Xbox controllers to a similar set of standards.
Frequently asked questions
We get a lot of questions about Xbox controllers and gamepads in general.
How do I connect my Xbox controller to the Xbox?
You get decently sized triggers and bumpers to make mobile gaming more comfortable(Image credit: Jez Corden - Windows Central)
You then need to find the’Pair’button on your Xbox.
On the Xbox Series X, this is front right above the USB port.
On the Xbox Series S, it is to the right of the USB port.
The phone sits in a rubberized base, but if you have a protuding camera you may struggle(Image credit: Jez Corden - Windows Central)
Press this, and also press and hold thePairbutton on your controller until theXbox buttonflashes.
You’ll need to check the instructions for your third-party controller, as they each have different methods.
How do I connect my Xbox controller to my Windows PC?
This is the best way to play Xbox Cloud Gaming on your phone(Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
Official Xbox controllers use Bluetooth to connect.
ChooseXbox Wireless Controllerfrom the list.
How do I put my Xbox controller in pairing mode?
There is a Bluetooth version too, called the GameSir G8 Plus(Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
The Pair button is on the top of the controller near the USB port.
Press this until the Xbox buttons starts flashing rapidly.
This shows the controller is in pairing mode and discoverable by other devices.
Why is my Xbox controller blinking?
Go to theXbox Accessoriesapp on your dashboard to test whether an update is available.
How do I fix Xbox controller stick drift?
It might not necessarily be related to wear and tear.
On your Xbox go toSettings > Devices & Accessories >Select Controller: Choose your controller and find theDeadzonesettings.
On your Xbox or Windows PC, initiate the Xbox Accessories app.
I have rescued many controllers by taking them apart and cleaning them with a cotton bud and Isopropyl alcohol.
If you are brave, you cantake apart your Xbox controllerand clean the individual components.
If you’re not so brave, try some Isopropyl alcohol or compressed air around the sticks only.
What is Hall effect?
Currently, the official Microsoft-created Xbox controllers do not have Hall effect sticks and instead use potentiometer-based analog sticks.
What is the difference between membrane and microswitch?
The difference between these two button types is in construction and the feedback they provide.
Membrane use a flexible membrane layer underneath the buttons you press that makes contact with a circuit board.
They are softer and more cushioned, but they can wear out over time and feel less responsive.
Microswitch buttons use individual mechanical switches similar to what are found in a mechanical keyboard.
Microswitch buttons are generally more durable than membrane buttons.
Can I get a customized Xbox Controller?
Getting the best controller for your needs involves considering price and how you want to use it.
you might create a unique and customized Xbox controller viaXbox Design Lab.
Plus, you’re able to get something engraved on the gamepad.
Many Xbox controllers can be used with PC.
The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro has Hall effect joysticks to prevent stick drift.
