Best Controller for Xbox Series X

Gamers are nothing without their controllers. Being a good gamer requires an immersion into the game, and while the sight and sound plays a part ultimately it is the controller that connects gamers to the experience on the screen. A good controller should feel comfortable enough to disappear in a gamers hands and the best controllers deftly transfer the subtle movements of a gamer’s fingers into the story.

Microsoft has developed a core controller for the Xbox Series X that comes standard and is well regarded for its smooth surface, good geometry, responsiveness, and durability. The core controllers also have a strong familiarity to gamers who played on the Xbox 360. Any recent or subsequent innovations with this controller are likely limited to the colorways, with Xbox working to make a myriad of colors available.

For gamers that need to replace a controller or add a new controller to their Xbox Series X there are a few options besides the core controller. Spending a bit more money opens up a world of customized button mapping and trigger stops, while spending a bit less money can get you a comparable experience at a fraction of the cost. Gamers need to be sure about their budget before buying because there are several good options at different price points. We review the best controllers for Xbox Series X below.

Our Top Picks

Best: Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

Without a shadow of a doubt, the Microsoft Elite Series 2 is the best controller for the Xbox. It is also arguably the best controller available for PC, Windows 10 devices, and anything else that this controller can connect to. Gamers love that it is highly customizable and ultra responsive with a long battery life. No other controller has the build quality of the Microsoft Elite Controller 2 and we highly recommend it. The price might be too rich for most gamers’ blood, but if you want the best, you really have to pay for it. Read the full Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review →

Runner Up: Xbox Core Wireless Controller (Series X|S)

The Xbox Core Controller comes standard with an xBox console and gamers love its smooth, sculpted surfaces, customized button mapping, and textured trigger grips. Unless it’s broken or you have the budget for the Elite Controller 2, there is no need to replace it and if ever you need to replace it then probably you should replace it with the same controller. Older gamers know that this is essentially a refined version of the Xbox 360 controller, with improvements across the years including a new D-Pad, sticks, triggers, buttons, and texture. This controller is a bit smaller than its previous iterations. Read the full Xbox Core Wireless Controller (Series X|S) review →

Budget Pick: PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S

PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller combines the familiar form of the Xbox Core Controller and the Xbox One Controller with a wired connections and splashes in all the colors available under the sun to make it more attractive. While it does not have all the high-tech wizardry of other controllers, it has the form factor gamers love and it comes at a substantial discount of the Xbox controller. For such a low price, this controller is surprisingly comfortable to play with. Read the full PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S review →

Best Controllers for Xbox Series X Buyer’s Guide

Gamers might need to add a new controller to their Xbox Series X system for any number of reasons, but the top reason is enhanced gameplay. Ultimately any advantage helps out when playing Xbox and some gamers look to their controller to give them a leg up. There are a few different ways that a controller can enhance your gameplay but primarily it is through either high tech integrations like button mapping or physical interactions like trigger stops. Gamers shopping for a new controller also need to consider the connectivity, comfort, and cost of a controller.

Connectivity

The main difference between controllers is if they are wired or wireless. The standard Xbox controller is wireless and this makes it extremely comfortable to play with sitting on your couch. However, a wireless controller introduces battery issues along with latency and connectivity issues. Wired controllers do not need AA batteries or charging and they have a faster connection to the action on the screen.

Comfort

Gamers will differ in their preference for either a smooth grip or a rubberized grip on their controller. Either way it is important to find the surface that you are most comfortable playing with for extended periods of time. A smooth surface has the advantage of not holding dirt or sweat and being easier to clean. In comparison, the rubberized grips have a nice tactile feel that holds onto your skin. High end controllers for the Xbox have replaceable buttons and pads so that gamers can find something exactly to their preference.

Cost

The biggest issue when shopping for a controller is almost always going to be cost. The price of controllers can somewhat surprisingly vary by hundreds of dollars and gamers need to be aware that often in controllers you get what you pay for. It is ok to spend a bit less and it is ok to spend a bit more, either way it’s just important to be mindful of finding a solution that will work for you.

Customization

It is not rocket science when it comes to picking Xbox controllers but there are a lot of exciting personalization and customization options for the controller. Many of these features will revolve around button mapping and either adding entire new buttons to the controller or changing the default action for the standard buttons. Either way the button mapping allows many of the controls to be moved around and preprogrammed into ways that individual gamers might find advantageous on the Xbox. The other ways gamers get to customize their controllers is often with colorways and faceplates or even with button types and lengths of pull. The triggers specifically will often have options like customized pull length to try and give gamers an advantage in the game.

Conclusion

Luckily for gamers the Xbox consoles are not starving for an alternative solution for their controllers. With a solid Core controller and an Elite Series 2 controller worth lusting over there is not a lot of room in the market for other players. The default controllers are more than enough for whatever game you like to play. Still, beyond the first-party controllers are good options for gamers that want to spend a little less money and gamers that want to spend a little more money.

Before purchasing take some time to determine if you want a wired controller or a wireless controller, and consider the advantages of both. Also, think about customization and how useful you would find features like additional buttons and remapped controls. Ultimately it is most important to find a controller that is comfortable in your hands so that you can play with it for hours on end uninterrupted.