The Best Xbox Series X Controllers For 2024

Absolutely, a reliable controller can significantly impact gaming experiences. The Xbox Series X offers a range of compatible controllers that ensure seamless interaction with its top exclusives. However, a recent system update has rendered unofficial controllers incompatible, causing some confusion among users regarding their options.

To simplify your search, here are some recommended controllers guaranteed to work with the system, ensuring optimal performance across various gaming titles. The Xbox Wireless Controller, designed specifically for the Series X, stands as the primary choice, offering familiarity and robust functionality. Additionally, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 provides enhanced customization options and premium build quality for discerning gamers seeking advanced features.

For those preferring a more budget-friendly alternative, the Xbox Core Controller offers reliability without compromising on performance. Lastly, the Razer Wolverine V2 provides a competitive edge with its responsive inputs and additional customizable features, catering to gamers seeking an edge in competitive play. These controllers not only ensure compatibility but also deliver top-notch gaming experiences across the Xbox Series X’s exclusive titles.

The Top 5 Controllers

Scuff instinct Pro

Price: $210

The Scuf modular controller stands as a top-tier choice, renowned for its versatility and durability. It boasts robust components that allow users to customise their gaming experience, offering interchangeable instant triggers and thumbsticks. The newly introduced performance grip adds an anti-slip feature, ensuring a secure hold during intense gaming sessions.

One of its standout features includes four programmable back paddles, akin to the Xbox Elite Series, enabling users to map these paddles to their preferred buttons, catering to individual playstyles. The controller supports both wireless and wired headset connections, catering to users’ preferences, and utilises a USB-C port for connectivity.

Moreover, Scuf provides the option to personalise the controller’s design by purchasing additional faceplates, facilitating easy customization to suit personal aesthetics. The controller also offers the convenience of saving up to three different profiles for favourite games, eliminating the need for constant remapping during gameplay and allowing for quick switching between settings. Overall, the Scuf modular controller offers a high level of customization and functionality for a tailored gaming experience.

Xbox Elite Series 2

Price: $180

The Elite Controller made waves with its innovative features, including customizable back paddles, premium triggers, and specialised thumbsticks, catering to the most intricate gameplay needs. The Series 2 iteration, now compatible with the Series X, builds upon this legacy, offering an extensive array of customization options and an impressive 40-hour battery life.

This upgraded model addresses concerns from the original controller, notably reinforcing the durability of the shoulder buttons, which were previously considered flimsy. The revamped design aims to deliver a more robust controller, making it an even more enticing option, especially for professional gamers seeking top-tier performance and reliability. With improved features and enhanced durability, the Elite Controller Series 2 stands out as an essential choice for gamers aiming for precision and customization in their gameplay experience.

Thrustmaster ESWAP X Pro

Price: $130

The ESWAP X Pro is tailor-made for Series X compatibility, ensuring a seamless gaming experience without any compatibility concerns. Packed with an array of tech features, it offers extensive customization options to elevate your gameplay and gain a competitive edge. Notable functionalities include the ability to switch between preset configurations mid-game, physical locking for triggers, and versatile remapping options for the additional buttons at the controller’s rear.

Highly modular in design, the ESWAP X Pro allows for customization of various components such as mini-sticks, grips, triggers, D-pads, and thumbstick caps. This modularity caters to gamers who enjoy tinkering with both the setup and feel of their controller, ensuring a personalised gaming experience.

However, it’s important to note that the ESWAP X Pro is a corded option and does not offer wireless connectivity. Nonetheless, its extensive customization features and compatibility assurance make it an excellent choice for gamers seeking tailored gameplay experiences on the Xbox Series X.

Razer Wolverine V2

Price: $100

Razer’s offering for the Series X, the Wolverine V2, stands out as a highly competitive controller equipped with impressive features. It boasts six remappable buttons, granting users flexibility in customization. Additionally, the controller comes with interchangeable thumbsticks that allow for height and grip adjustments, catering to individual gameplay preferences. Similarly, users can switch between different D-pads, enhancing their gaming experience.

The controller supports Razer Synapse on Xbox, simplifying button remapping and facilitating quick experimentation to fine-tune the controller setup for optimal in-game performance.

Adding a touch of style, the Wolverine V2 features RGB lighting effects, allowing users to personalise the aesthetics according to their preferences, whether it’s for a sleek look or to minimise distractions during gameplay. Like the Thrustmaster model, this controller also operates through a wired connection, ensuring consistent performance during gaming sessions. Overall, the Razer Wolverine V2 presents a compelling choice for gamers seeking customization options and performance on the Xbox Series X.

Turtle Beach Recon (Series X)

Price: $65

Turtle Beach’s Recon headset line has long been a reliable choice for Xbox gaming. With the updated Recon line tailored specifically for compatibility with the Series X controller, Turtle Beach once again delivers an impressive offering. The incorporation of controller grips adds a stylish touch to the design. Notably, there’s a separate audio dashboard positioned atop the controller, intended for seamless integration with Turtle Beach headsets. This dashboard allows quick access to mute controls, EQ settings, “superhuman hearing” mode, and game/chat mix adjustments, among other modes.

Beyond its audio features, the Recon controller showcases clever design elements. Users can fine-tune their preferred thumbstick sensitivity and program two back buttons to map to their preferred functions. However, it’s important to note that the Recon controller (Series X) operates via a wired connection, meaning wireless gameplay won’t be an option with this controller. Nevertheless, its integrated audio controls and customizable features make it an attractive choice for gamers seeking a tailored and immersive gaming experience on the Xbox Series X.

Final Words

In the evolving landscape of gaming, the significance of a reliable controller cannot be overstated. The Xbox Series X hosts a diverse selection of controllers, each catering to distinct preferences and gaming styles. From the familiarity and robust functionality of the Xbox Wireless Controller to the enhanced customization of options like the Xbox Elite Series 2, these recommendations ensure seamless compatibility and optimal performance across various titles. Whether prioritising affordability with the Xbox Core Controller or seeking a competitive edge with the Razer Wolverine V2, these choices deliver top-notch gaming experiences. While recent system updates have limited compatibility with unofficial controllers, this curated list guarantees a range of options for gamers to elevate their gameplay experiences on the Xbox Series X.

Also read: How to connect a PS5 controller to a PC

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