Xbox Wireless Controller review – it’s got the X factor

Our Verdict

The Xbox wi-fi controller affords a seamless setup on a PC, offering prompt performance and ease of connection. Its ergonomic design with textured grips feels nice in your palms, and quite a lot of colours can be found. The reliance on batteries or a battery pack feels outdated for contemporary gaming, however regardless of this, the wi-fi controller continues to be a really dependable and high quality selection.

Causes to purchase

• Very simple to setup on a PC
• Feels nice in your palms
• Accessible in many various colours and designed

Causes to keep away from

• No Corridor Impact sticks
• Rumble is inferior to the PS5 controller
• Requires batteries or a battery pack

US: Xbox Core Wi-fi Gaming Controller / UK: Xbox Wi-fi Controller
Widget Fashion: simplified

In November 2020, the gaming group was launched to the Xbox Collection X and the Xbox Wi-fi controller. This controller guided us by the difficult occasions of the COVID-19 pandemic as we launched into adventures in Star Wars Fallen Order and Halo MCC. Many people, in search of the optimum gaming expertise, turned to the PC, wielding the Xbox controller. Why, you may surprise? Properly, as a result of it’s top-of-the-line PC controllers round. Be part of me as I dissect the deserves and shortcomings of the Xbox wi-fi controller.

Specs

Xbox Wi-fi Controller specs:

Options

As somebody who needs their tech to work immediately, the Xbox wi-fi controller doesn’t disappoint. The second you join it to your machine, it springs to life with out a hitch. Extending its versatility to different platforms, significantly the PC, is a breeze. The one disadvantage is that you simply want a wi-fi dongle in case your PC doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth. (Sadly, mine doesn’t have these capabilities, nevertheless it prices lower than $20 and is out there the subsequent day with Amazon Prime, so I’m not complaining.)

To attach the controller to the PC, you merely:

• Go to settings
• Go to Bluetooth and gadgets
• Add machine
• Maintain the sync button on the controller till the Xbox icon flashes
• Click on the Xbox wi-fi controller on the PC

With that, your machine is able to go. It’s particularly helpful that as a Microsoft product, it’s already primed to work properly with the vast majority of PC video games. The wi-fi counterpart to plug-and-play.

One other cool characteristic is that you would be able to effortlessly change between Xbox and PC. A double-tap of the sync button returns you to Xbox mode, whereas holding the sync button shifts you again to PC mode. This nifty characteristic means you possibly can watch telly in your Xbox and play a PC sport on the identical time flawlessly!

The Xbox controller boasts an array of options, together with rumble motors within the triggers and handgrips. These can rumble independently offering an expertise tailor-made to particular video games. Take, for instance, Forza Motorsport, the place the triggers simulate ABS vibrations as you navigate gravel. Admittedly, relating to movement rumble, the PS5 controller takes the crown with its spectacular haptic suggestions. Nonetheless, it’s a little bit of a trade-off, because the grip on prime of the Xbox stick feels extra comfy than the PS5 controller. So, you win some, you lose some, proper?

But, there’s a disadvantage with powering the controller. Must you spend money on a battery pack the controller is handy to cost. Sizzling-swappable battery packs are a perk. However, with out a battery again, you’re certain to batteries. The reliance on batteries appears outdated, particularly contemplating the strides made in Xbox controller expertise.

Design

The Xbox controller is as fashionable as it’s purposeful. What’s extra, is that Xbox has launched loads of colours and particular editions. You’ll be able to go for a traditional carbon black, a scorching pulse purple, or perhaps a gold shadow particular version. You’ll be able to even create your very personal custom-made controller by the Xbox Design Lab – although that’ll price you.

The controller is light-weight with textured triggers and tactile grips on the again to assist forestall slippage. It has a hybrid D-pad permitting seamless in-game rotational motion. Different controllers available on the market, just like the PS5 should not have this. Arguably, I believe that is one of many greatest perks of the Xbox Wi-fi Controller as I do benefit from the greatest combating video games. you, Tekken 8!

As somebody with small palms, I can attest that the Xbox Wi-fi Controller will not be considered one of these controllers that appears to require a 30cm handspan. It feels very pure to carry and I can comfortably attain all of the buttons. Though, I can think about this may be tough for a kid. Likewise, somebody with bigger palms may discover the controller cramped.

Efficiency and Performance

The Xbox Wi-fi Controller has glorious ergonomics. To not point out it’s glorious for cross-platform video games. It does what a controller is supposed to do and it does it properly. Though it’s a disgrace that the Xbox controller hasn’t embraced Corridor Impact joysticks. Implementation of those joysticks would elevate the expertise and guarantee a smoother efficiency by eliminating considerations about potential stick drift. We’ve acquired a information to clarify Corridor Impact in additional element.

It’s vital to notice that the button format differs in comparison with different controllers. Transitioning from enjoying a Swap sport, (I performed The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom) posed a quick problem to my muscle reminiscence, because the Swap Professional controller has the A button on the fitting, whereas the Xbox locations it on the backside. This may take some getting used to, nevertheless it doesn’t diminish the general gaming expertise. It’s additionally nice should you sometimes stick to at least one platform/controller.

In my adventures in Stardew Valley, guiding my character, Marco of Polo Farm, was a seamless expertise with the Xbox Wi-fi Controller. He moved once I wished him to, deftly placing rocks as meant. I indulged in hours of gameplay comfortably, encountering no important points with the controller. The one hiccup was the occasional slipping of my thumb off the thumb grip, a minor inconvenience. Oh, and the fishing sport was tough, however that’s exhausting whatever the controller. It’s not a miracle employee.

Must you purchase an Xbox Wi-fi Controller?

• Sure: If you would like a controller that works properly on a PC
• Sure: If you would like a controller that feels good in your hand
• No: For those who don’t need to depend on batteries/ battery packs

If the Xbox Wi-fi Controller isn’t for you

Learn our Xbox Elite Collection 2 assessment to seek out out extra in regards to the Xbox Wi-fi Controller’s larger, dearer sibling.