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Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: one-minute review
We’re big fans of Thrustmaster’s eSwap products at TechSwitch Gaming but the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. isn’t exactly the big leap forward the brand’s controller lineup needs. As for changes, the clue’s in the name. The H.E. packs in a pair of Thrustmaster’s H.E.A.R.T. Hall effect thumbsticks, which is nice, and means you won’t need to buy them separately. It’s one of the best Xbox controllers, however barely higher.
If you’re shopping for an eSwap controller for the primary time, then the H.E. is unquestionably the one to get. By default, it’s the greatest eSwap gamepad so far by packing these Hall impact sticks in with the already glorious eSwap X2. And sure, you may nonetheless anticipate good construct high quality and Thrustmaster’s dedication to accessibility and customizability by way of its swappable stick and D-pad modules.
But don’t expect any changes beyond that, which also means issues that we had with the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 are still present here. It’s a bulky controller that, while ideal for big-handed players, can be a bit unwieldy for anyone else. I also found the D-pad to be a little uncomfortable over long play sessions.
Finally, I’m still baffled by the lack of a wireless connectivity option, given the relatively high price of the controller. This is a competitive-facing controller, and naturally wired connections offer little to no input latency. However, as we see in rival controllers like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, wi-fi polling charges are bettering, additional decreasing enter lag over 2.4GHz wi-fi connections on PC. It’s one thing I’d prefer to see Thrustmaster at the very least take into account if and when it will get round to creating the eSwap X3.
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: price and availability
- List price: $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)
- Cheaper than the eSwap X2 in the UK
- Price remains identical to the eSwap X2 in the US
The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. launched on October 1, 2025, and is available to buy from Thrustmaster’s website and other stocking retailers for $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260). In terms of price, it’s on par with the original Thrustmaster eSwap X2 in the US. In the UK, the eSwap X2 H.E. is £10 cheaper than the first eSwap X2, coming in at £149.99 as opposed to the prior model’s £169.99. Bonus.
Looking at the wider controller market, when it comes to pads compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. finds itself amongst a busy crowd. While cheaper than the wonderful Razer Wolverine V3 Pro ($199.99 / £199.99), it finds firm with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 ($179.99 / £159.99).
And frankly, I’d advocate the eSwap X2 H.E. over that official Xbox pad in a heartbeat, because of the former’s Hall impact sticks and customarily superior construct high quality.
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Specs
|
Price |
$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260) |
|
Weight |
10.6oz / 0.3kg |
|
Dimensions |
6.3 x 4.7 x 2.4in / 160 x 120 x 60mm |
|
Compatibility |
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC |
|
Connection type |
Wired (USB-C) |
|
Battery life |
N/A |
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: design and features
The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. remains largely identical to the original eSwap X2 in design. It’s the exact same shape and has all the same features. That includes swappable thumbstick and D-pad modules, trigger locks, and four remappable buttons on the rear of the pad.
You also have a row of on-board function buttons at the bottom of the controller, and these are for headset volume and mic muting, as well as swapping between custom button profiles. You can hit a ‘map’ button to customize the rear remappable buttons, too, if you don’t like the fact that they’re assigned to the four face buttons by default.
The controller does feel quite bulky in the hands, and the thumbsticks rest higher than what you’ll find on the average pad. As such, it really benefits players with larger hands, or those looking for an especially sturdy grip. It’s not quite to my personal preference, but I absolutely can see it being many players’ go-to pad for specifically this reason.
Much like the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. helps swappable stick and d-pad modules. These are magnetic, and come out both by pulling them (don’t fear, you’re not susceptible to breaking these as they’re particularly sturdy and there’s no bodily connection), or the included screwdriver which slots into the D-pad. This makes it simple to undertake a symmetrical stick format for those who want, or to swap out with different Thrustmaster modules which can be offered individually.
As was the case with the eSwap X2, you may anticipate construct high quality to be stable right here. After all, it’s for all intents and functions additionally an eSwap X2, simply with the addition of these Hall impact sticks included within the field. So no motion or modifications on that entrance.
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Performance
The inclusion of Thrustmaster H.E.A.R.T. thumbsticks really is the selling point here. These resist stick drift and are a massive improvement over the eSwap X2’s default sticks. They feel super smooth, too, reminding me greatly of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller’s chic stick really feel.
Like the unique X2, the face buttons listed here are impressively responsive and tactile, providing a mouse click-esque press. You’ll really feel the distinction instantly for those who’re used to the softer, spongier button presses of cheaper pads just like the Xbox Wireless Controller. The immediacy of presses listed here are tremendous satisfying, and that additionally goes for the clicky bumpers and D-pad.
Speaking of, the D-pad right here truly isn’t amongst my favorites. While I admire its responsiveness, the raised, bumpy design is one thing I discovered to be fairly uncomfortable to make use of over longer stretches of time. It’s removed from horrible, however for platformers, arcade-style video games, and the very best combating video games, it’s not an amazing match.
One different factor to notice is that the H.E. remains to be a strictly wired controller. To an extent, that is to be anticipated, as what we’ve got right here is basically a slight revision of the eSwap X2. The ‘definitive’ model, fairly probably. I’d undoubtedly prefer to see Thrustmaster supply a wi-fi answer for its subsequent huge gamepad launch, although, as I strongly really feel the choice must be there when your controller is north of the $120 / £120 mark.
Should I buy the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.?
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Also consider
Not too keen on the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.? Here are a couple more controllers worth considering if you’re planning to upgrade from the stock Xbox Wireless Controller, or otherwise.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. |
Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded |
Nacon Revolution X Unlimited |
|
Price |
$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260) |
$209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322) |
$199.99 / £179.99 (around AU$300) |
|
Weight |
10.6oz / 300g |
9.3oz / 265g |
11.53oz / 327g |
|
Dimensions |
6.3 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 160 x 105 x 60mm |
6.3 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 160 x 106 x 66mm |
7.5 x 7.4 x 3.5in / 190 x 189 x 89mm |
|
Compatibility |
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC |
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (PlayStation version sold separately) |
Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC |
|
Connection type |
Wired (USB-C) |
Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C) |
Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C) |
|
Battery life |
N/A |
Around 20 hours |
Around 10 hours |
How I tested the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.
- Tested for a week
- Played a variety of games across Xbox and PC
- Compared to the previous eSwap X2, and the Victrix BFG Pro Reloaded among others
I tested the eSwap X2 H.E. for about a week for this review. I was already familiar with the original eSwap X2 via its excellent Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree special edition, and I discovered the H.E. to be utterly equivalent in design and efficiency, with the addition of these included Hall impact sticks.
I performed video games throughout Xbox Series X Digital Edition and PC, together with Final Fantasy 14 Online, Tekken 8, Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage.
I in contrast my time with the eSwap X2 H.E. primarily with that of the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded. Victrix’s pad is probably the most much like Thrustmaster’s with its swappable modules. While I do want the Pro BFG Reloaded general, that primarily comes down to non-public choice given its aptitude for combating video games and a comfier construct for my smaller fingers. Still, the eSwap X2 H.E. is extra reasonably priced, which is a robust purpose to think about it right here.
First reviewed October/November 2025