The Best Xbox Series X|S Controllers of 2024
5 min read
Now that it’s been on the market for several years, there’s no shortage of Xbox Series X|S controllers. However, not all of them are built to withstand the rigors of gaming, and only a handful stand out from the pack due to superior construction, responsive buttons, and sleek designs. Here are the five best Xbox Series X|S controllers of 2024.
It should come as no surprise, but the first-party Xbox Core Wireless Controller is the best overall gamepad for the Xbox Series X. Designed specifically to work with the new-gen console, this controller is the ideal companion for all types of gamers. With a built-in Share button, responsive inputs, and an ergonomic design, it’s the gold standard of controllers.
Aside from its great performance, the Xbox Core Controller looks great. Its design hasn’t changed much from the old Xbox One days, but it’s still sleek and stylish—and now that it’s available in a wide array of colors and patterns, it’s easy to find something that fits your preferences. Toss in a great price and impressive build quality that’ll last you years, and it’s easy to see why this is a perennial favorite.
Best Overall
Xbox Core Wireless Controller
$50 $60 Save $10
Microsoft designed the Xbox Core Wireless Controller specifically for Xbox Series X, and it’s the ideal companion for most gamers.
- Designed by Microsoft
- Built-in Share button
- Tons of styles
- Comfortable design
- No back buttons
- Not customizable
If you’re looking to save a few bucks, opting for a wired controller is a smart choice. These are typically cheaper than wireless alternatives, and the PowerA Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S is no exception. Affordable (and often on sale), it’s a no-frills gamepad that lets you quickly connect to any Xbox Series X and start gaming without needing to plunk down serious cash.
Despite its low price tag, PowerA didn’t cut many corners with this controller. Its triggers and buttons are responsive, it looks more impressive than its price would suggest, and it even comes with dual rumble motors. Most importantly, it’s officially licensed for Xbox, ensuring it works flawlessly and has the full support of Microsoft.
Best Budget
PowerA Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S
$27 $30 Save $3
The PowerA Wired Controller is incredibly affordable yet still packs dual rumble motors, responsive buttons, and a lightweight design.
- Affordable
- Four available colors
- Dual rumble motors
- Lightweight design
- Wired connection
- Not customizable
Anyone diving deep into competitive gaming, including aspiring professionals, needs to take a look at the Microsoft Elite Series 2. The gamepad is loaded with high-end features that make it great for hardcore gaming, including adjustable triggers, swappable thumbsticks, and back paddles for enhanced accessibility. Despite all these fancy features, the Elite Series 2 isn’t cluttered or busy-looking. Instead, it’s sleek and stylish and as premium as you’d expect from a gamepad at its price point.
Along with the controller, your purchase includes a carrying case to keep it safe while traveling to a friend’s house or local competitions. If you largely stick to single-player games or wouldn’t benefit from the added customization options, you might find this to be excessive. But for everyone else, the Elite Series 2 is the best you can get.
Best Premium
Microsoft Elite Series 2
$151 $180 Save $29
With heaps of customization options, responsive buttons, and adjustable triggers, the Microsoft Elite Series 2 is built for competitive play.
- Responsive buttons and triggers
- Tons of customizable components
- Adjustable triggers
- Simple design
- Expensive
- Not everyone needs this much firepower
The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is one of the most comprehensive wired controllers money can buy. It features slick RGB lighting and is built to Razer’s usual high standards. That means it’s reliable, responsive, and light enough to stay comfortable during long gaming sessions.
The main attractions of the Wolverine V2 Chroma are the mecha-tactile buttons, trigger stop switches, and back paddles. The mecha-tactile buttons ensure each button press is registered lightning fast, while the trigger stops let you shorten their actuation distance (which could make all the difference during competitive matches).
Add customizable back paddles for more functionality, and this wired controller is ready to compete with the best wireless gamepads. It’s a bit pricey for a wired controller, but that shouldn’t stop you from adding it to your game room.
Best Wired
Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma
The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is a wired controller that doesn’t pull any punches. With flashy RGB lights, premium buttons, and customizable back paddles, it’s the complete package for discerning gamers.
- Premium Razer construction
- Flashy RGB lights
- Mecha-tactile buttons
- Officially licensed for Xbox
- Wired connection can be cumbersome
- Expensive for a wired gamepad
As the first Xbox-licensed wireless arcade stick available around the world, it should be obvious why the 8BitDo Wireless Arcade Stick is a great companion for fighting games. Beyond the backing of Xbox, 8BitDo built the arcade stick with support for both wireless 2.4G connections and wired USB connections, a 3.5mm audio jack with volume control, and a joystick that works with both four- or eight-way inputs.
Most folks will also enjoy its large buttons, which make it easy to pull off complex attack combinations without needing pinpoint precision. If you’re looking to use the stick on consoles other than Xbox, you’ll be a bit let down knowing it only works with Xbox and PC. Compared to everything else it has to offer, that’s a minor caveat.
Best Fight Stick
8BitDo Wireless Arcade Stick
This officially licensed arcade stick supports wireless and wired connections, features large responsive buttons, and gets 30 hours of play before needing a recharge.
- Wireless and wired connection options
- Officially licensed for Xbox
- Large, responsive buttons
- 30 hours battery life
- Only works with PC and Xbox
FAQ
Q: Can I use Xbox One controllers with the Xbox Series X?
Yes, your old Xbox One controller will work with Xbox Series X after it has been properly paired.
Q: Can I use PC controllers with the Xbox Series X?
This depends on the controller. Many third-party controllers support both Xbox and PC, though be sure to check the product description for a full compatibility report.
Q: How do I pair my Xbox controller to the console?
Controllers can be paired to an Xbox by connecting them with a USB cable. Wireless controllers can be paired to the console by pressing the Pair button on the gamepad, then the Pair button the your Xbox.
Q: Do Xbox controllers use Bluetooth? Are there wired versions?
Yes, Xbox controllers use Bluetooth. You’ll also find wired versions on the market that connect with a USB cable.
