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.
Best Controller for Xbox Series X
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.
- Five of the Best Controllers for Xbox Series X
- Microsoft Elite Controller 2 – Premium Product, Premium Price
- Xbox Core Controller – Standard and Solid
- PowerA Enhanced Controller – Smart Budget Buy
- Razer Wolverine V2 Controller – Wired For Performance
- SCUF Prestige Controller – Customizable and Personalized
Best: Microsoft Elite Controller 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.
Runner Up: Xbox Core Controller
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.
Budget Pick: PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox
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.
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.
Best Controllers for Xbox Series X – Ratings and Reviews
Now let’s take a look at some of the top controllers for the Xbox Series X.
1. Microsoft Elite Series 2 Controller – Premium Product, Premium Price 
Key Features at a Glance
- Highly customizable including adjustable tension thumbstick
- Interchangeable components
- Shorter hair trigger locks
- Svelte design with wrap around rubberized grip
- Long battery life up to 40 hours per charge
- Maximum compatibility with Xbox, PC, and mobile platforms
Dimensions and Specs
- Weight: 2.59 pounds
- Dimensions (in inches): 3.58 x 7.60 x 7.60 Inches
- Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer battery required. (included)
- Color: Black
The Details
If you want to have the best xBox controller available then save up and buy the Elite Series 2 controller from Microsoft. It is seamlessly compatible with the Xbox family of consoles, PC, Android, and iOS devices. You will never want to use any controller again once you put your hands all over the Elite 2 controller. The only knack to this controller is its gratuitous price but you get what you pay for: great button and trigger feedback, customizable directional pad, interchangeable paddles, and it is one of the most attractive controllers out there.
The controller has strong gameplay features including custom button mapping and hair trigger locks. Aside from the impressive controller, the carrying case that comes with is just as awesome with six alternative thumbsticks and two alternative d-pads included. Microsoft went all-in with the Elite 2 Controller and jam packed all of the features and technology into the controller and its case. The case has slots for the accessories, a built-in charging dock, and a hidden wire port.
The Bottom Line
Elite is an understatement to describe this controller. It has all the functionalities you want from a controller and then some. With all the bells and whistles the Elite 2 controller has, it is easy to gloss over how comfortable the Xbox controller is. Gamers find the controller offers excellent grip, good geometry, and smooth action.
2. Microsoft Xbox Core Controller – Standard and Solid 
Key Features at a Glance
- Sturdy and dependable
- Lots of color options
- Comfortable to hold
Dimensions and Specs
- Weight: 14.2 ounces
- Dimensions (in inches): 7.2 x 7.1 x 3 inches
- Battery: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
- Color: Black, White, Red, Blue
The Details
The Xbox Core Controller is the newest iteration of the Xbox 360 controller and it shares a very similar but slightly smaller form factor. This controller delivers solid performance with accurate analog inputs, super responsive triggers, and buttons that are not mushy. Only the Elite 2 has a superior d-pad than the Xbox Core Controller, although some might find the circular D-pad button a bit strange. Using the Xbox accessories app does allow for some customized button mapping with this controller.
The Xbox Core Controller also offers great value and versatility by being able to connect seamlessly with PC and mobile platforms. The controller has a USB-C port on the back and a 3.5mm audio headset jack on the bottom. Two AA batteries power the controller for up to 40 hours and good rechargeable battery options are available as well. A myriad of color options for the Xbox Core Controller means gamers can find their favorite color but it also looks sharp in traditional white or black.
The Bottom Line
This Core controller comes standard with an Xbox so some gamers might be quick to dismiss it as just “adequate”. That would be a mistake as it offers exceptional form, functionality, comfort and compatibility.
3. PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller – Smart Budget Buy 
Key Features at a Glance
- Small form factor that is incredibly comfortable
- Cheap in price but not in construction and materials
- Comes in a multitude of attractive colors
Dimensions and Specs
- Weight: 14.24 Ounces
- Dimensions (in inches): 6.14 x 2.56 x 4.21 inches
- Battery: N/A, Wired
- Colors: Black, Pink, Green, White, Blue, Purple, Silver, Camo, Blue-Green
The Details
The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller is an excellent budget buy for gamers in need of a replacement controller. Not only is this a fantastically low-cost alternative if you somehow lost or broke your Xbox Core Controller, but it’s also surprisingly sturdy and well built. The PowerA is also a very attractive controller with a number of designs and colors available. Remapping the buttons is shockingly easy on this controller, so it is a great way for gamers to inexpensively introduce some customization into their gaming sessions.
The controller has a texture that extends across the front and back for good grip. A headset jack on the bottom accepts a 3.5mm plug and a dial on the bottom of the controller can mute the in game audio or chat. This is an officially licensed Xbox series X product so gamers do not have to worry about any compatibility issues. It also has a solid 2 year limited warranty.
The Bottom Line
The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller is a good, budget-friendly alternative to the more expensive first-party controllers. It is also wired, hence, it makes a great second controller when you are playing highly competitive games like shooters and fighters and you want to have the lowest possible latency while not worrying about battery life.
4. Razer Wolverine V2 Wired Gaming Controller – Wired For Performance 
Key Features at a Glance
- Ergonomic with a focus on precision
- Tactile with rubber grips and a contoured design
- Solid D-pad
- Chroma lighting
Dimensions and Specs
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Dimensions (in inches): 3.15 x 7.99 x 8.46 inches
- Battery: N/A, Wired
- Color: Black
The Details
The face buttons on the Razer Wolverine V2 are smaller than those on first-party Xbox controllers, and the layout of both buttons is more spread out. The controller has two additional buttons added in the center, with one there to match the Xbox Core Controller’s new share button. The “X” home button in the middle is the same as the previous Wolverine models and it appears cheap and slightly off-centered. The rest of the face buttons are on par with the Xbox’s controllers, which matters the most as it is the industry standard. The D-pad on the Wolverine is slightly better than the Xbox controllers and gives gamers a bit more control.
Gamers love that this controller offers two additional multi-function buttons on the front center of the console. These buttons can be remapped to allow for exciting customized play. The triggers on the controller have slide-locks that can be used to reduce travel and implement a hair trigger mode.
The Bottom Line
Razer Wolverine V2 Wired Gaming Controller is an improvement to the first iteration of the Xbox-like controller, and it offers a contoured design and non-slip rubber grip that some gamers prefer. It is a good option for gamers that want a wired controller with strong customization options and additional buttons to personalize. Think of this product as a wired Elite 2 Controller without the interchangeable paddles.
5. SCUF Prestige Custom Performance Controller – Customizable and Personalized 
Key Features at a Glance
- 4 Customizable rear paddles
- Enduring battery light
- Easily configurable trigger stops
- Good compatibility with all the Xbox consoles
Dimensions and Specs
- Weight: 9.49 Ounces
- Dimensions (in inches): 8.62 x 7.13 x 3.82 inches
- Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required (included)
- Colors: Black. Blue, White
The Details
The Scuf Prestige Custom Performance Controller is comfortable to use, has long battery life, and offers good customization options. Gamers love that the controller has four paddles on the back that can be quickly mapped to any of the standard 14 controller functions: A, B, X, Y, left stick, right stick, d-pad, menu, left bumper, right bumper. In addition the controller has trigger stops that can be used to shorten the throw distance of the trigger on the fly and a key to adjust the overall distance of the trigger pull.
Gamers can also easily customize the faceplate on this controller as it connects magnetically to the chassis and slides on and off easily. The thumbsticks on the SCUF Prestige are interchangeable as well.
The Bottom Line
The Scuf Prestige Custom Performance Controller is highly customizable and has strong overall performance. It is also surprisingly light given all of its available buttons and replaceable parts. Still, it is hard to recommend this control over the Elite Series 2 unless gamers are getting a lot of value from the customized rear paddles.
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.
