Microsoft has been making sport controllers for greater than 20 years, and it’s settled on a fundamental system. Thus, the newest revision of the enduring Xbox controller isn’t a lot a revolution as it’s an evolution. The 2020 Xbox Wireless Controller ships with the Xbox Series S and Series X, nevertheless it works virtually as nicely on different units, and the design is subtly improved from the Xbox One-era gamepad. The outcome is a superb, well-supported controller it is best to take into account irrespective of the way you sport.

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Xbox Wireless Controller (2020): Design and construct high quality

If you’ve held an Xbox controller prior to now decade, the newest revision will really feel acquainted. However, Microsoft tweaked the geometry of the controller a bit, so equipment you had for older controllers could not match completely. This, together with a couple of millimeters shaved off of the triggers and shoulder buttons offers the 2020 refresh a much less cumbersome physique. 

Ryan Whitwam

The grips are easy on the highest, however the underside and the triggers have a delicate dot texture to make it safer, even when your arms get sweaty within the midst of an intense gaming session. The backside edge sports activities the usual Xbox growth connector, in addition to a headphone jack. On the highest, we see one of the vital vital adjustments: a USB-C port to switch the micro USB on older controllers. This newer customary is extra sturdy and makes connecting to non-Xbox {hardware} simpler. I additionally applaud Microsoft for together with a protracted eight-foot USB-A-to-C cable with the controller.

The thumbsticks are asymmetrical, with the left stick larger than the correct. They each have concave tops, whereas the second-gen Xbox Elite Controller has one convex stick that’s higher for nice aiming. The d-pad is beneath the left stick, and the ABXY button cluster is above the correct stick. The d-pad has gotten a long-overdue overhaul with this unit. The management is now dish-shaped with a raised part in every of the cardinal instructions, making it simpler to hit diagonal instructions. On the flip aspect, the rim collects pores and skin oils and dirt, requiring frequent cleansing to maintain it wanting tidy. 

Ryan Whitwam

All these buttons, together with the bumpers and triggers, are simple to press with out shifting your grip, however there are some lesser-used controls grouped towards the center. The conventional view, menu, and Xbox/energy button are all current, however the 2020 revision provides a share button. 

The battery door is on the again, and this compartment is empty out of the field. It nonetheless runs on AA batteries, however there’s a rechargeable battery pack obtainable for $25, which is a major chunk of the controller’s $60 price ticket. With that accent, you should utilize the USB-C port to recharge the gadget. Otherwise, it’s just for wired connectivity. Sony’s DualSense, however, has a built-in rechargeable battery.

Xbox Wireless Controller (2020): Features and hands-on expertise

Microsoft says that the gamepad is quicker than all its earlier incarnations when linked to a Series X or S console because of a characteristic referred to as “Dynamic Latency Input.” This system polls the controller extra usually to transmit your presses immediately. Even when linked to different units over Bluetooth, we discovered the controller to be completely responsive. 

The share button is fairly useful, should you care to succeed in over to it within the lifeless heart of the gamepad. On the Xbox, a single faucet takes a screenshot and a long-press data a 15-second video clip. On Windows 11, it really works the identical, however that’s a comparatively new improvement. At launch, Windows 10 didn’t perceive the button in any respect. As for the Xbox button, Windows hyperlinks that to the Game Bar, which incorporates controls for display seize, efficiency monitoring, audio, and extra. 

You gained’t discover any superior know-how within the triggers—Microsoft appears to have upped the resistance a contact, which might make it simpler to seek out the candy spot in video games that use the set off as a throttle, however it may be fatiguing to carry them down for lengthy intervals. Sony has Microsoft beat right here; its DualSense controllers can fluctuate the quantity of resistance to extend gameplay immersion. The Xbox controller’s thumbsticks have simply the correct resistance, although. They’re exact, easy, and so they snap again to heart rapidly with no bounce. 

Ryan Whitwam

The new “hybrid” d-pad isn’t as elaborate because the bigger round pad on the Elite model, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a welcome enchancment over older fashions. It’s an enormous enchancment for video games (like fighters) that rely closely on the d-pad. The mushiness of the cross-style d-pad is gone, however that tactility provides a little bit of noise. The identical excessive tactility carries by way of to the opposite buttons—there’s by no means any query should you’ve pressed a button arduous sufficient for it to register, nevertheless it’s loud. A brand new controller with unmashed buttons is certain to be somewhat extra clicky, however even evaluating the up to date Xbox Wireless Controller to a frivolously used 2016 variant, the brand new design is noticeably louder. If you’re gaming round others, they could get irritated with the extra audible clicking.

Xbox Wireless Controller (2020): Compatibility

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Naturally, the controller launched alongside the Series X and S and is designed to work completely with these consoles. However, it really works with computer systems, telephones, and different devices over Bluetooth. That means you gained’t get a USB dongle within the field—this unit can join on to a large number of units. 

To pair with new units over Bluetooth, merely long-press the pair button subsequent to the USB-C and choose it in your cellphone or PC. You can even double-tap that button to maneuver the controller again to your Xbox (in case you have one). If you don’t need to hassle with Bluetooth, the spiffy new USB-C port allows you to wire the controller to your PC, and it ought to work with any spec-compliant USB-C cable—we efficiently examined it with each A-to-C and C-to-C cables. 

Windows has built-in help for the Xbox controller, so there’s no setup or apps wanted. You can even pair with macOS to play video games, nevertheless it gained’t have the identical system-level integrations from Windows just like the Game Bar, audio output, or firmware replace help. 

Android and iOS added help for Xbox controllers a number of variations in the past, so that is additionally a simple expertise over Bluetooth. Microsoft’s support page claims that Android telephones can not hook up with the controller over USB, however we are able to affirm that does work in Android 12. You don’t even want batteries within the controller, making this a helpful characteristic for on-the-go gaming.

Conclusion: Buy it

The Xbox Controller with USB-C seems like a strong enchancment over older variations. The improved d-pad, slimmer chassis, and USB-C port are the massive adjustments right here, and so they all assist to enhance the expertise. Oh, and there’s a share button. Yes, the 2020 Xbox controller performs it secure. We would have favored to see Microsoft push the {hardware} additional with options like an built-in rechargeable battery and microphone—each options which are obtainable on the DualSense 5. 

Even should you’re not a console gamer, the Xbox controller could possibly be simply what you need. With Bluetooth connectivity, it’s a snap to set it up with a PC or cellphone. If your batteries get low, you should utilize the brand new USB-C port to attach the old style method, too. When you do get linked, you’ll discover the Xbox controller is supported completely in Windows, and it really works virtually as nicely on smartphones. 

You get lots for the $60 asking worth, and that makes the $180 Elite controller a a lot harder promote. Unless you want these further paddle buttons, get the usual wi-fi controller.