Best Xbox Series X|S Controllers In 2023

The Xbox has been around for more than two decades now, which means we’ve had the distinctive shape and style of the Xbox controller for that long as well. Going through multiple iterations and changes in size and color, Microsoft has been refining its controller over multiple generations. For the current generation Microsoft tried something different, releasing two consoles, the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.

Related: Best Budget Gaming Headsets

Both consoles, however, can use the same Xbox Wireless Controller. But other controller options exist out there, from Microsoft and third-party brands. These cater to those looking for more customizability, a more luxurious feel, even for enhanced voice chat. There are budget controllers, premium ones, wired ones, and more. Here’s our guide to the best controllers for the Xbox Series X|S.

Updated on December 15, 2023, by Vaspaan Dastoor: Microsoft has introduced a new mandate which bans unlicensed accessories from Xbox devices. That, along with a bunch of new controller releases, has prompted us to update this list.

These Are The Best Xbox Controllers In 2023

The GameSir G7 SE Wired also looks pretty good. The white finish complements the coloured buttons and the anti-friction rings pretty well. It ticks all the boxes of a great base controller – however, if you’re not one for wired controllers, this may not be the one for you.

If you’re the fancy kind, or just like having a lot of options, the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is one of the most customizable and best looking controllers on the market. That subtle RGB lining is classy, and ther thumbstick cap options ensure you have everything you need.

The Xbox Wireless Controller is the controller that’ll satisfy most people. Coming in at a reasonable price of $50 or less, the controller also has a range of different color options, as well as special editions such as the recent Starfield Limited Edition one. The controller has the versatility of working both wired and wirelessly and it represents a subtle upgrade from its predecessor with reduced latency, allowing for quicker inputs, a slightly sleeker profile, and the presence of a Share button.

For those looking for a premium experience, and the controller is obviously the actual tactile part of the gaming experience, then the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller represents the cream of the crop. It has a healthy number of improvements versus the standard official controller. Offering superior build quality, customization, as well as a rechargeable battery pack, it’s notably better in many aspects although you do pay a significant premium for it all.

That being said, there is also the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core, which is a more affordable version of the Elite that doesn’t come with all the accessories, such as extra stick caps, bundled in with the fuller priced one. We have included a link to the Core version in the above Amazon listing.

8BitDo has a good reputation among gamers, with the company well liked for its charming and personable designs for the likes of the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. The 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller for Xbox is a wonderful budget option that even offers the ability to customize button mapping and stick and trigger sensitivity, among others options. For less than $40 the 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller for Xbox is great value.

The Turtle Beach Recon Controller has some unique features for a controller, and you get it all for a similar price to the official Xbox controller. You do miss out on the wireless connection, with the Recon being wired only, but this offering from Turtle Beach has other tricks up its sleeve. This includes its special Superhuman audio setting that allows players to focus in on faraway sounds, which could give you that extra advantage when playing online shooters such as Warzone 2.

The Recon comes packed with audio controls and mappable back paddle buttons that you simply won’t find on the standard Xbox controller. For those who want neat shortcuts for changing audio settings on the fly, this Turtle Beach Recon is a game offering.

The Scuf Instinct Pro is really geared for shooters with its switch-like back buttons. These feel like mouse-clicks and means firing can occur with rapid speed. It won’t feel as good as pressing down on a standard shoulder button, but the click action is just that much faster. Meanwhile, the Scuf Instinct Pro offers a host of customization options for the D-pad, bumpers, face plates, and triggers ranging from the cosmetic to the more functional.

While it does lack some features compared to the premium Xbox Elite Series 2, such as not being able to adjust dead zones and the tension of the analog sticks, the Scuf controller will favor those looking to build a unique-looking controller and extra responsive back buttons.

The Razer Wolverine V2 wired controller for Xbox has some features that may well tempt players away from the standard Xbox controller if they’re wanting to invest in an additional gamepad. While users will have to put up with a wire, the Wolverine V2 offers highly responsive buttons that actuate with rapid speed, remappable front buttons, and a “Hair Trigger Mode” that reduces travel distance to the main triggers.

Bottom line

The Xbox Wireless Controller is the best overall option for most people. It’s familiar, trusted, and reliable, while Microsoft offers the controller in a range of colors should buyers want a different look for their controller. However, there are a range of good options, as listed above, so Xbox gamers can consider their preferences and budget should they want to pick up a secondary or replacement controller.

As for an affordable budget option, the 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller for Xbox is an outstanding choice with extra functionality and buttons, compared to the standard Xbox controller, while coming in at a lower price, with the wire being one of the few compromises.

FAQ

Are premium Xbox controllers worth it?

The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 costs much more than the standard Wireless Xbox Controller so it might cause some doubt among prospective buyers. While the question of ‘is it worth it?’ can only ever be subjective, it all comes down to whether you want the greater customization and more luxurious build quality the Elite offers. It also comes sold in two packages, with the Core version of the Elite being cheaper since it doesn’t come with all the accessories of the pricier package.

Wired or wireless?

Wireless controllers will be more convenient since you don’t need to contend with the length of the wire, although battery life will become a contention. Meanwhile, wired controllers are often cheaper, have greater overall lifespans, but do result in compromises and inconvenience especially if you sit far away from the TV.