Best Xbox One Controllers In 2020: Xbox Series X Compatible Controllers

The Xbox One had a rocky launch in 2013, however since then, Microsoft has markedly improved the console and, most significantly, its controllers. Things are trying nice heading into the Xbox Series X launch, particularly because the next-gen console will probably be backward-compatible with the entire Xbox One’s peripherals. That means each Xbox One proprietor already owns a controller that works with the Series X, and something they purchase earlier than the console releases will probably be suitable as effectively.Best Xbox One controllers with Xbox Series X compatibilityWith the variety of nice Xbox controllers available on the market, together with high-end choices, you’ll be able to relaxation simple understanding that for those who drop a big amount of cash on a pad, you’ll use it with Xbox Series X and the following technology of Xbox consoles.Of course, the fundamental Xbox One controller is completely appropriate. It options wonderful ergonomics, clean triggers, and correct analog sticks, and if you’ll want to face somebody 1-on-1 in a preventing recreation, its clicky D-pad will serve you effectively sufficient. However, among the different choices gives you customization options, a extra accessible expertise, and even an edge over the competitors.If you’ll want to hold your thumbs on each sticks throughout a tense firefight, there are a number of controllers from Microsoft, Scuf, and Razer that function remappable again paddles. If you wish to relive the previous with a healthy dose of nostalgia, the Xbox One has two wonderful choices in Hyperkin’s Duke and X91 pads. And for those who’re trying to streamline the gameplay expertise as, or for, somebody with restricted mobility, then Microsoft has a superb, accessibility-focused controller.Xbox Series X controller: What we all know concerning the next-gen padWe will not have hands-on with the Xbox Series X controller till later this yr, however we already know fairly a bit about it. At the top of 2019, we spoke to Xbox head Phil Spencer for the Xbox Series X’s reveal. He stated Microsoft discovered quite a bit from the Elite controller and thru fan suggestions. Two important design adjustments for the Xbox Series X controller got here from that. The first is a brand new hybrid D-pad, whereas the second is a share button. Aside from this and a few apparent beauty adjustments, not a lot else has been adjusted, as Spencer believes the Xbox One controller is already “pretty good.” And like each controller on this checklist, it will be suitable with the Xbox Series X and any Xbox One console.We’ll hold this text up to date as we check new controllers, main as much as the discharge of the Xbox Series X and all through its lifespan. While you look ahead to the next-gen console, remember to learn via our checklist of the most effective Xbox One controllers that can work with the Series X. It’s essential to notice that the costs indicated under are every controller’s normal value and do not mirror any reductions or fluctuations.Quick look: The finest Xbox One controllers in 2020 Best worth Xbox One wi-fi controller | begins at $60/$70Execs:Stark enhancements have made for a superb normal controllerAffordable priceSeveral totally different editions to select fromOf course, you’ll be able to’t discuss the most effective Xbox One controllers with out first speaking about the usual of which all are based mostly on. The Xbox One controller has overgone a big makeover because it was first launched with the console again in 2013. For starters, the bumpers have been tuned to make them extra ergonomic and simpler to push, whereas all the entrance faceplate of the controller is now one stable piece of plastic–the plastic across the Home button was once separate from the remainder of the pad. In addition to that, the controller now incorporates a 3.5mm headphone jack and Bluetooth connectivity. Other small adjustments have additionally been adopted, making it more and more arduous to return to any earlier iteration of the Xbox One controller. Despite all of the adjustments, it nonetheless requires two AA batteries.Different editions of the controller typically boast distinctive properties, reminiscent of additional texture on the hand grips or triggers. If you desire a distinctive design to your controller, Microsoft presents Xbox Design Lab, which provides you the flexibility to vary the color of just about each single a part of the pad–you can even add an engraved message. No matter what path you go together with a normal Xbox One controller, you are going to get an excellent pad that works effectively with each recreation on the console. | Mat PagetBest general Xbox One controllerXbox One Elite Series 2 controller | $180Execs:Newly added grips hold controller firmly in your handsTrigger stops robotically modify sensitivityThree profiles for controller customizationAdjustable analog-stick tensionNew thumb-stick heads emulate Xbox 360 controller40-hours of battery lifeCons:Uncomfortable with all 4 paddles connectedThe Xbox One Elite Series 2 controller is difficult to beat. With its textured hand and set off grips, refined set off stops, and adjustable stick rigidity, it is fairly the step up from the unique Elite controller. It options the entire similar customization choices as effectively, however as an alternative of solely two profiles, there are four–one of which returns the controller to its default settings. It additionally boasts a built-in battery that may last as long as 40 hours and Bluetooth connectivity, which was launched to the Xbox One’s controllers after the discharge of the Elite Series 1 controller.There is a draw back, although. Microsoft’s structure for the Elite controllers’ again paddles is a bit uncomfortable, and whereas it is not terribly tough to get used to, I do discover it arduous to get my fingers into a snug place with all 4 paddles connected. Thankfully, I do not really feel the necessity to have all 4 paddles attached–I’m completely content material with two paddles for crouching and leaping in my shooters of alternative. However, when firms like Scuf make controllers with a snug structure for all 4 paddles, it’s barely disappointing by comparability.Despite this setback, the Elite Series 2 is a delight to make use of. The additional hand and set off grip feels good, and having the ability to modify the stick rigidity is a large constructive. The tighter analog sticks really feel nice, and when paired with the bigger thumb stick heads, it emulates the Xbox 360 controller besides with the extra snug ergonomics of the Xbox One pad. On prime of that, there at the moment are two set off cease positions versus one, and by default, the controller adjusts set off sensitivity on its own–previously, you’d have to do that within the Xbox Accessories app on Xbox One or PC. The clicky residence button additionally has a extra premium really feel when in comparison with the mushy-ness of the fundamental Xbox One controller. All of this makes the Elite Series 2 really feel like a next-gen controller, excellent for utilizing with the Xbox Series X. | Mat PagetBest Xbox One controller for accessibilityXbox adaptive controller | $100Execs:Works with a variety of assistive gadgetsExtremely versatile customizationOfficially suitable with Xbox One and PCWorks on Nintendo Switch with Bluetooth adapterThe Xbox Adaptive controller is way totally different than the remainder of the management choices on this round-up. It’s supposed before everything as a tool that helps these with restricted mobility play video games. It works with a variety of assistive gadgets that customers can plug in and assign to particular controller inputs to offer them the flexibility to play any recreation on the 2 platforms.It options 20 ports so that you can plug joysticks, switches, buttons, and some other assistive machine into–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 suitable with each 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 might not be for everybody, however because of its capacity to successfully bridge the hole between avid gamers with restricted mobility and the video games they wish to play, there is not any doubt in my thoughts that it is a very powerful controller on this checklist. | Mat PagetBest again paddlesScuf Prestige | begins at $160Execs:Extremely snug again paddles30-hour rechargeable battery lifeRubberized grip feels niceInterchangeable analog sticksCons:Scuf has been making Elite-style controllers for years, and it reveals. The firm’s controllers are among the most snug you could find, and the Scuf Prestige controller is a good instance of this. The Scuf Prestige is similar to a normal Xbox One pad, although it positively feels totally different. The plastic is way smoother on the Scuf controller, and the bottom options refined, but efficient rubberized grip. It additionally options an interchangeable faceplate and a built-in rechargeable battery with 30 hours of life.The Prestige excels most in its 4 again paddles, that are probably the most snug we have examined, because of their vertical alignment and distinct textures, shapes, and sizes. Remapping the paddles can be fairly easy, although you may want to ensure to hold on to a small accent to do so–the EMR (Electro-Magnetic Remapping) key. All you do is place the magnetic key on the again of the controller, then maintain a particular paddle and particular button for no less than one second. Once you are executed remapping your paddles, simply take away the EMR key and also you’re good to go.The Prestige additionally comes with two interchangeable thumbsticks and adjustable built-in set off stops. Like all Scuf controllers, you’ll be able to customise and construct your personal precisely to your liking on Scuf’s web site. It begins at $160, and you’ll select the color of every half, in addition to take away the rumble motors if you wish to go that route. | Mat PagetBest buttonsRazer Wolverine Ultimate | $160Execs:Excellent, clicky face buttonsSix programmable buttonsInterchangeable D-padCons:Only usable with a wired connectionThe Xbox One Elite and Elite 2 controllers are thought to be among the finest high-end, pro-style gamepads on the market. But Razer has its personal tackle that design with the Wolverine Ultimate. It could not sound like a game-changer, however the most effective factor concerning the Wolverine is how nice its buttons really feel. The face buttons mimic the tactile nature of mouse clicks and really feel extra responsive consequently, and the analog sticks are buttery clean and frictionless (which makes minuscule actions and precision simpler).Another key function of the Wolverine is its six programmable buttons–four are on the again and two are close to the shoulder buttons. Of course, this implies you’ll be able to map face button capabilities to those further inputs and hold your thumbs on the sticks always. Those buttons are easy to press down as effectively. You can even customise the D-pad for use in a conventional four-way or rounded eight-way structure.There are a number of drawbacks with the Wolverine Ultimate, one being that it may possibly solely be used via a wired USB connection. It often retails round $160 USD, which places it up within the territory of an Elite controller, too. But for those who’re on the lookout for an Elite-style controller and may discover it on sale, the Razer Wolverine Ultimate could be an excellent possibility. | Michael HighamBest retro-style Xbox One controllersHyperkin Duke | $70Execs:Recreates traditional Xbox really feelIncludes trendy touches like shoulder buttonsFeels nice to make use of with massive handsCons:Can be fairly cumbersome for smaller fingersOnly useable with a wired connectionThe 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 shortly surpassed by the Controller S, which grew to become the usual design shifting ahead. But when you have huge fingers, the Duke may be a greater match.Hyperkin has made a reputation for itself by recreating retro gaming experiences via its big selection of {hardware}, and its Duke controller very a lot resembles the unique Xbox controller by way of measurement and button structure, however with a number of trendy touches. While authentic Xbox controllers had black/white buttons as an alternative of left/proper bumpers, Hyperkin integrated small bumpers so the Duke would make sense for enjoying as we speak’s video games. The large emblem 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 trustworthy recreation of the Duke that now works via USB for Xbox One and PCs. | Michael HighamHyperkin X91 | $30Execs:Retro kind factorFeatures each button an everyday Xbox One controller doesGreat for retro-style or D-pad-focused gamesCons:Mushy triggersOnly usable with a wired connectionIn addition to Hyperkin’s big selection of retro gaming {hardware} that permits you to play outdated video games simply, it has a number of retro-inspired equipment. One of which is the Hyperkin X91, an Xbox One controller that is scrunched down right into a SNES-like kind issue. Despite the small measurement, the whole lot 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 virtually 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 One controller.And when you have a gaming laptop computer and play on the go usually, the X91 is the right measurement for journey. Unfortunately, this controller solely works via wired USB. While meaning you do not have to fret about battery life, having a thick twine related could make it a bit clunky to have round. The kind issue may additionally make it barely harder to be exact with the analog sticks since there is not a lot you’ll be able to 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 fantastic alternative. | Michael HighamBest Xbox One battle stickRazer Atrox battle stick | $200Execs:Easily moddableExcellent 8-way stickGreat buttonsSanwa partsRemovable USB cableCons:No right-stick management or L3/R3 buttonsNo official PC assistIf you are on the lookout for an Xbox battle stick that can final, then the Razer Atrox is the one you need. Not solely will it’s forward-compatible with the Xbox Series X, but it surely’s additionally absolutely moddable, which suggests you’ll be able to substitute the joystick and buttons as you wish–and it is as simple as pushing a button to pop the Atrox open and entry its varied wires and elements. Despite its modding potential, it is greater than able to go proper out of the field. The Sanwa joystick and buttons really feel nice and are satisfying to faucet combos out on. The USB cable can be fully detachable, making it simple to retailer contained in the battle stick’s compartment.The Atrox could also be the most effective stick I’ve used for the Xbox One up to now, but it surely’s not fairly excellent. Unlike Razer’s Panthera Evo PS4 stick, the Atrox isn’t formally suitable with PC and doesn’t function a swap that permits you to swap the joystick from D-pad to both analog stick or a strategy to press L3 or R3. The circumstances during which you want these inputs in a preventing recreation are uncommon, however needing an everyday controller for character customization or anything that makes use of these inputs is somewhat disappointing.Thankfully, the Atrox makes up for this while you get into the motion. I examined it with Dragon Ball FighterZ, Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, Tekken 7, and Dead or Alive 6 and was very proud of the way it carried out throughout totally different types of preventing video games. If you are on the lookout for an excellent, future-proofed Xbox One battle stick, then the Atrox is a wonderful one to go together with. | Mat Paget