Xbox controllers aren’t only for the Xbox anymore—controllers designed for Microsoft’s sport console work simply as effectively on Windows, and most video games will perceive the management structure robotically. But which one do you have to get? There are a plethora of third-party choices, after all, however Microsoft has additionally expanded its lineup of controllers to run the gamut from sensible to lavishly costly.
While most players might be proud of a middle-of-the-road decide, those that play competitively (or wish to fake they do) would possibly need a controller with extra capabilities. And these on a price range would possibly need to avoid wasting money for PC parts and different upgrades. We’ve examined the preferred controllers to search out one thing for everybody.
1. Xbox Wireless Controller (2020) – Best Xbox controller for PC
Pros
- USB-C port is best for long-term help
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Refined, extra tactile d-pad
- Grippy textures and slimmer physique
Cons
- Rechargeable battery will not be included
- Share button is tough to succeed in
Microsoft up to date its customary Xbox controller for the Series X and S launch in 2020, and it’s nonetheless the perfect Xbox controller for many PC players. It has a refined design, comfy hand-feel, and importantly, Bluetooth connectivity so that you don’t want so as to add a brand new wi-fi dongle to your PC. Plus, it prices simply $60, and infrequently much less when on sale.
Pairing the Xbox controller is totally painless. Simply long-press the Bluetooth button on the highest edge, and choose the controller in your PC’s Bluetooth settings. It will mesh completely with the controller settings in most Windows video games, and there’s no extra software program to muck round with.
This controller has the usual Xbox button structure, that includes asymmetrical thumbsticks and properly tactile buttons. The spherical d-pad is a welcome improve over older variations, which had mushy, cross-shaped directional pads. The 2020 Xbox controller has a plastic physique with a micro-dot texture on the grips and triggers to make it simpler to carry onto throughout intense gaming classes. The Elite controller provides rubberized grips and adjustable triggers, however it’s additionally a bit heavier.
Part of the explanation for the decrease weight is that the usual controller doesn’t have a built-in rechargeable battery. The continued reliance on AA batteries makes it lighter (even with the batteries put in), however retaining a field of batteries helpful is much less handy than simply plugging in a USB-C cable. There’s a USB-C port on prime for wired gaming, however it gained’t cost the controller except you get the add-on battery pack.
While the Series X/S Xbox controller is acknowledged in Windows, there aren’t any profiles or customizations such as you get with the Elite Series 2. That’s most likely positive as the usual controller lacks the extra rear paddle buttons of the Elite.
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Review Xbox Wireless Controller (2020)
2. PowerA Enhanced Xbox controller – Best price range Xbox controller for PC
Pros
- Much lighter than official controller
- Physical quantity toggle
- Only prices about $30
- Programmable buttons
Cons
- Uses previous microUSB port as an alternative of USB-C
- Mushy d-pad
- No wi-fi connectivity
For PC players on a price range, look no additional than the PowerA Enhanced Xbox Controller. While it’s just a little bigger than the 2020 Xbox controller, the PowerA unit is way lighter because of its lack of batteries. Yes, this can be a wired controller, however your PC might be going to be near the place you sport, whereas a console is more than likely throughout the room.
If you’ll be able to address the detachable cable and its growing old microUSB connector, the PowerA controller does all the pieces the usual controller does and extra. For instance, there’s a {hardware} toggle proper within the center for quantity management, and there are two programmable buttons on the again of the grips.
The button structure is an identical to the usual controller, save for the extra controls talked about above. The buttons don’t really feel fairly as secure as Microsoft’s controller, and the d-pad is mushy. However, it solely prices about $30 most days, which is half the worth of the official controller.
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Review PowerA Enhanced Xbox controller
3. Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Best premium Xbox controller for PC
Pros
- Durable and good within the hand
- Built-in battery and USB-C charging
- Fully programmable buttons
- Customizable button and thumbstick {hardware}
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavier than inventory controller
If you’re taking your gaming significantly, there’s no higher solution to go than Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller. It’s barely heavier than the usual Series X gamepad, however it has a long-lasting rechargeable battery, which saves you from stocking up on AA batteries. Plus, the exhausting plastic physique provides solution to tender, rubberized grips that make for a really cozy hand-feel.
This is a controller that adapts to you. The dish-shaped metallic d-pad is extra exact and tactile than the one on the usual controller, and the adjustable triggers can velocity up your actions in shooters. Both thumbsticks and the d-pad are detachable, and the Elite Series 2 comes with alternate attachments. For instance, there are longer sticks, sticks with domed tops, and a standard cross-shaped d-pad.
Pairing together with your PC is simply as fast and straightforward as it’s with the inventory controller, however there’s an additional step after that. You’ll want the Microsoft Xbox Accessories app to replace the firmware and configure the controller’s profusion of added options. Via this software program, all of the buttons are remappable, together with the rear-facing paddles. You may even create “shift” layers that change button features while you maintain one of many paddles. Just since you make a ton of alterations for one sport doesn’t imply you’re caught with that structure while you swap to a distinct one. The controller can retain a number of profiles, and you may immediately swap between them by tapping the middle button.
The most important disadvantage right here is the worth, which clocks in at a whopping $180. Microsoft makes a model of this controller known as the Elite Series 2 Core that prices a bit much less at $130. However, this one doesn’t include the additional buttons and thumbsticks—in case you care in regards to the options provided by the Elite controller, you’ll care about having that stuff. That stated, the Elite Series 2 is just value shopping for if you’re taking part in video games competitively or wish to fake you’re.
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Review Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
What to search for in an Xbox controller for PC
Depending in your price range, you may need to make compromises on a controller’s options. But realizing how totally different options can have an effect on your expertise will assist you to make an knowledgeable selection.
Feel
Your gameplay expertise could be significantly impacted by the construct high quality of a controller. Mushy or wobbly buttons could be irritating and trigger errors in your video games. Likewise, a controller that isn’t comfy to carry could be the distinction between going out on a win and giving up.
Connectivity
Most controllers right this moment are wi-fi, however there are occasions you would possibly need to use a cable. A controller that sports activities each Bluetooth and a USB-C port affords essentially the most choices for connecting to your PC.
Power
Wireless controllers want energy, and the way in which you retain them juiced up can range. Cheaper controllers with AA battery compartments get the job achieved, however an built-in battery charged through USB-C is extra handy.
Customization
The trendy Xbox controller structure is tried and true, and the vast majority of controllers adhere to that customary—for most individuals, that’s positive. For those that take their gaming extra significantly, options like button remapping, programmable controls, and {hardware} customizations are good to have.
How we check controllers
PCWorld’s freelance and employees contributors have untold years of mixed expertise with gaming {hardware}, and the easiest way to check a controller is to rack up much more time gaming. We put controllers to the check in a number of genres, together with shooters, RPGs, and fighters. This different gaming expertise helps to disclose any {hardware} shortcomings or latency points.
We pay particular consideration to how, if in any respect, a controller’s distinctive options change the expertise. Some might make video games extra pleasurable, however others are only a novelty or a waste of cash. Our evaluation additionally consists of testing each wired and wi-fi capabilities, the place relevant. If controllers require extra software program to entry all their options, we dive into that as effectively.