Best Xbox Controllers In 2021 | GameSpot

No shock right here. The first-party Xbox Wireless Controller is the obvious selection for those who’re on the lookout for a brand new controller. Slightly revised when the Xbox Series X|S launched, the “Core” mannequin has some good enhancements that make an already nice controller even higher. It’s a tad smaller, has textured grips and triggers, and swaps the usual D-pad for an eight-way design that is has a bit extra click on to it. One of probably the most notable additions is the Share button, which provides Xbox gamers a straightforward option to rapidly snap screenshots and document footage.

The Xbox Wireless Controller is on the market in all kinds of colours. For the worth, you possibly can’t beat it–and it isn’t unusual for this controller to be on sale. The Xbox Wireless Controller stays one of the comfy and strong controllers in 2023–across all platforms. All Xbox homeowners have already got a minimum of one, however that is undoubtedly a controller that gamers wind up proudly owning a number of of. It’s additionally an excellent possibility for PC and cell units by way of Bluetooth.

Though the usual Xbox controller is the “best” on account of efficiency and worth, in order for you the highest-performing controller with an ultra-premium construct, the Xbox Elite Series 2 is the clear winner.

Made with sturdier supplies and weighted simply sufficient to present it an unparalleled really feel, the Xbox Elite Series 2 is a kind of controllers that is spectacular earlier than you even begin gaming with it in your palms. It boasts textured hand and set off grips in addition to steel analog sticks and D-pads.

The analog stick caps and D-pads could be swapped on the fly with the included customization package. Four extra stick caps (domed and completely different heights) are included within the hardshell carrying case. It comes with an eight-way D-pad and an ordinary cross mannequin.

Other customization options on the precise controller itself embrace adjustable stick pressure and set off stops. An included instrument enables you to alter stick pressure to your liking, and switches on the again of the controller help you lock triggers at three completely different pull distances.

Perhaps most significantly, the Elite Series 2 has 4 detachable again paddles that simply snap into place. These are situated in simply the best spots to make them really feel pure to press.

You can use the Xbox Accessories App to remap inputs and save as much as three distinctive controller profiles that may be cycled via on the fly. You can even tinker with rumble depth within the app and create customized “shift” keys so as to add much more management inputs.

The controller and the entire spare parts are conveniently saved contained in the included carrying case. It comes with a USB-C cable that provides the Elite Series 2 a formidable 40 hours of battery life on a full cost.

The Elite Series 2 is roughly thrice as costly as the usual Xbox controller. It is probably not value it except you’re severe about on-line multiplayer video games, nevertheless it’s arguably the most effective controller in the marketplace in the present day (for any platform).

The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Controller launched final 12 months as a “budget” different to the usual Elite Series 2. It’s the identical precise controller from a construct perspective, nevertheless it doesn’t include the carrying case full of swappable parts.

What which means: no again paddles, additional analog sticks, or additional D-pad. However, it nonetheless has the built-in set off stops and analog stick pressure adjustment instrument. The D-pad and included pair of sticks could be eliminated on the fly–just like the unique Elite Series 2.

Essentially, this mannequin will enchantment to those that need the premium construct of the Elite Series 2 with out the entire customization.

Of course, you should buy the entire swappable equipment individually. Down the road, for those who resolve you need every thing, you possibly can choose up the Complete Component Pack for $60 to show your Core controller into an ordinary Elite Series 2.

Alternatively–and that is most likely the path to go for many users–you can choose and select which equipment you need to purchase and buy them from third-party producers. For occasion, you may get Scuf’s glorious again paddles for $20, or you should buy paddles that look just about precisely the identical because the official ones for round $10.

The Elite Series 2 Core controller now is available in crimson, white, and blue.

Razer’s newest Xbox iteration of its Wolverine controller is the corporate’s greatest but. The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is a marked enchancment by way of kind issue. The L-shaped chassis design makes it comfy for lengthy gaming classes, and it is now simpler than ever to handle the Wolverine’s plethora of inputs.

The Wolverine V2 Chroma has 4 again paddles that resemble triggers in addition to a pair of additional shoulder buttons. Essentially, the Wolverine V2 Chroma is the most effective Xbox controller for many who prefer to customise their inputs. One of the hallmarks of the Wolverine line continues with the V2 Chroma: Mecha-Tactile buttons. The face buttons and D-pad have suggestions that is much like clicking a mouse, they usually additionally supply lightning fast response instances.

The Wolverine V2 has interchangeable thumbsticks and comes dome-shaped and taller sticks. Additionally, it has set off stops for the left and proper triggers. Customizing your enter format and total expertise (creating profiles) is straightforward with Razer’s proprietary software program that is obtainable on the Xbox and Windows Stores.

The solely draw back right here is that the V2 Chroma nonetheless can solely be used with a wired connection. It comes with a prolonged, removable USB-C twine. That mentioned, for those who’re selecting up an Xbox controller for aggressive play, it is smart to seize a wired controller when contemplating latency. We’d advocate the V2 Chroma for many who routinely play aggressive multiplayer video games.

8BitDo makes a number of the greatest controllers round, so it was nice information when the producer introduced it could produce Xbox controllers. The 8BitDo Ultimate is a wired controller with genuine look, nice sticks/triggers/buttons, and glorious customization options. Best of all? It’s obtainable for underneath $50, which makes it a steal contemplating what you are getting right here.

The 8BitDo Ultimate has two programmable again buttons and may retailer as much as three customized profiles. You can obtain 8BitDo’s Ultimate software program in your Xbox, PC, or smartphone to tweak a number of settings to get the controller working the best way you prefer it. You can change stick and set off sensitivity and regulate the power of the rumble. All of the buttons could be remapped utilizing the software program, too. You can cycle via your trio of profiles everytime you need with the press of a button, which makes this wired controller superior for many who play a number of on-line video games recurrently.

The 8BitDo Pro 2 was the primary formally licensed Xbox controller launched by the producer. It has the identical design because the Pro 2 that has been fashionable for the Nintendo Switch for years. As such, the analog stick format mirrors PlayStation’s method to controllers. If you play preventing video games rather a lot, this stick and D-pad format could also be preferable. It’s additionally nice for retro video games or fashionable side-scrollers that play higher with a D-pad. Outside of the reversed place and its retro-inspired kind issue, the 8BitDo Pro 2 has the identical nice options because the 8BitDo Ultimate.

HyperX’s new Clutch Gladiate controller is tremendous spectacular for the worth (simply $35). It has the entire inputs you’d discover on an ordinary Xbox controller (together with the Share button) and an excellent ergonomic kind issue.

The Clutch Gladiate has textured grips, a pair of remappable again buttons, twin set off locks, and a pair of rumble motors. The D-pad is simply an ordinary cross format, nevertheless it’s responsive and has a pleasant really feel.

Even with out its suite of competitive-focused options, the Clutch Gladiate could be a great choose for these on the lookout for a budget-friendly wired controller.

The Turtle Beach Recon is one other inexpensive pro-style controller that is value testing. This formally licensed controller has a light-weight however sturdy design. Its face buttons feel and appear practically similar to the common Xbox controllers. While the sticks are a bit looser, they nonetheless really feel nice. The Recon additionally has a pair of fantastic again triggers with textured grips which might be situated within the good spot. The deal with grips additionally supply an enchancment on the common Xbox controller. The D-pad is a bit underwhelming, because it has a inflexible really feel to it. On the plus facet, you get the entire identical menu buttons right here, together with the brand new Share button.

The principal perk of the the Recon is that it has built-in audio options when utilizing a 3.5mm headset (it does not must be a Turtle Beach headset). Dubbed “Superhuman Hearing,” the audio tech will help you establish the character of sounds and the place they got here from in aggressive multiplayer video games. You additionally get full management of your recreation/chat combine, EQ, and different normal audio settings straight on the controller.

The Recon plugs into your Xbox by way of the included USB-C to USB-A cable. Overall, the Recon falls simply in need of the 8BitDo by way of really feel and efficiency, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a strong controller and the audio options are distinctive for positive.

Scuf has been making Elite-style controllers for years, and it exhibits. The firm’s controllers are a number of the most comfy yow will discover, and the brand new Scuf Instinct Pro controller is a good instance of this. The Scuf Instinct Pro is similar to an ordinary Xbox Series X pad, although it undoubtedly feels completely different. The plastic is way smoother on the Scuf controller, and the bottom options comfy textured grips. It additionally has an interchangeable faceplate. Unlike some older Scuf controllers, the Instinct Pro makes use of AA batteries for energy.

The Instinct Pro truly bests the Elite Series 2 in a single class: again paddles. The Instinct Pro has 4 built-in again buttons/triggers moderately than conventional paddles. The placement of those buttons and the design makes them a bit extra comfy to use–especially for those who plan on utilizing all 4. You can remap these inputs in seconds, which is a helpful function to have.

In addition to the interchangeable faceplates with cool designs, you possibly can swap out the default thumbsticks for the included pair of longer, flat sticks. The Instinct Pro additionally has adjustable set off stops and helps as much as three profiles that may be cycled via on the fly. However, it does not have adjustable stick pressure.

The Scuf Instinct Pro is dearer than the Elite Series 2. Even the common Instinct (sans textured grip) is pricier. We’d undoubtedly advocate the Elite Series 2 over the Instinct Pro. But in case your principal concern is programmable again buttons, the Instinct Pro is value contemplating.

Thrustmaster’s eSwap S and X controllers are strong choices for aggressive gaming, they usually have a function not present in different controllers on this record: a modular design. The analog sticks, D-pad, triggers, and facet panel handles could be simply swapped out with completely different colour scheme kits you should purchase from Thrustmaster. You can even change the stick caps with completely different kinds, together with domed choices and different sizes. In addition to the modular design, you possibly can tweak set off pull sensitivity with the set off cease switches on the again of the controller.

In phrases of really feel, the eSwap S and eSwap X each supply stellar ergonomics. These controllers are a bit bigger than the common Xbox controller, which makes them nice for individuals with greater palms. Another nice function is the mechanical construct on the parts. Similar to Razer’s Wolverine Chroma line, the eSwap collection has mechanical face buttons and D-pad. This function permits the eSwap to be sooner relating to inputs. That mentioned, it takes a little bit of time to get used to the face buttons, as they’re fairly darn flat and mimic clicking a mouse much more so than the Wolverine Chroma.

The principal distinction between the 2 controllers is the variety of programmable again buttons. The eSwap S has two, and the eSwap X has 4. However, these buttons are fairly a bit smaller than the standard again paddles, particularly on the eSwap X, which has 4 small, spherical buttons. Even the eSwap S’ elongated buttons are a tad too small. Both controllers are wired and use a microUSB connection to the controller. That’s considerably unlucky contemplating USB-C is the usual nowadays.

Nevertheless, modular controllers aren’t tremendous plentiful, and the eSwap collection provides nice ergonomics and efficiency. We’d advocate the inexpensive eSwap S over the X.

The Xbox Adaptive controller is way completely different than the remainder of the management choices on this round-up. It’s supposed firstly as a tool that helps these with restricted mobility play video games. It works with a variety of assistive units that customers can plug in and assign to particular controller inputs to present them the flexibility to play any recreation on the 2 platforms.

It options 20 ports so that you can plug any sort of thumbstick, change, button, and every other assistive gadget you need into it–19 of these are 3.5 mm ports, whereas the opposite two are USB 2.0 ports. There’s additionally a 3.5mm audio output port for headphones or a headset. It’s appropriate with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, and there is fairly the devoted group behind it, discovering new methods to make use of the adaptive controller–you may even make the most of a Bluetooth adapter to get it working with the Nintendo Switch.

The Adaptive controller is probably not for everybody, however due to its means to successfully bridge the hole between avid gamers with restricted mobility and the video games they need to play, there is not any doubt in our minds that it is an important controller on this record.

The Hyperkin Duke was made purely out of nostalgia for the unique launch Xbox controller from manner again in 2001–it was this hulking gamepad with oddly formed and offset face buttons. So there wasn’t a lot shock when it was rapidly surpassed by the Controller S, which turned the usual design shifting ahead. But you probably have bigger palms, the Duke is likely to be a greater match.

Hyperkin has made a reputation for itself by recreating retro gaming experiences via its wide selection of {hardware}, and its Duke controller very a lot resembles the unique Xbox controller by way of measurement and button format, however with a couple of fashionable touches. While authentic Xbox controllers had black/white buttons as a substitute of left/proper bumpers, Hyperkin integrated small bumpers so the Duke would make sense for enjoying in the present day’s video games. The large brand on the middle of the controller is a display screen that additionally acts as the house button–when you energy on, the display screen shows the outdated Xbox splash display screen. Otherwise, it is a devoted recreation of the Duke that now works via USB for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.

In addition to Hyperkin’s big selection of retro gaming {hardware} that allows you to play outdated video games simply, it has a couple of retro-inspired equipment. One of these is the Hyperkin X91, an Xbox Series X controller that is scrunched down right into a SNES-like kind issue. Despite the small measurement of this gamepad, every thing you want in a controller is there and all of it works surprisingly effectively. From the analog sticks to the face buttons, the X91 recreates the complete controller really feel nearly completely. One draw back is that the triggers can really feel a bit squishy versus the graceful really feel of the triggers on a DualShock or common Xbox controller.

And you probably have a gaming laptop computer and play on the go usually, the X91 is the proper measurement for journey. Unfortunately, this controller solely works via wired USB. While which means you do not have to fret about battery life, having a thick twine linked could make it a bit clunky to have round. The kind issue may additionally make it barely tougher to be exact with the analog sticks since there is not a lot you possibly can grip to maintain the controller regular. However, for those who want a small, fully-featured gamepad for much less intense video games, the X91 is a high-quality selection.