Xbox Wi-fi Controller (2020) overview: One of the best but

Microsoft has been making recreation controllers for greater than 20 years, and it’s settled on a primary formulation. Thus, the most recent revision of the long-lasting Xbox controller isn’t a lot a revolution as it’s an evolution. The 2020 Xbox Wi-fi Controller ships with the Xbox Sequence S and Sequence X, nevertheless it works nearly as nicely on different gadgets, and the design is subtly improved from the Xbox One-era gamepad. The end result is a superb, well-supported controller it’s best to think about regardless of the way you recreation.

Value When Reviewed

59.99

Greatest Costs At this time: Xbox Wi-fi Controller (2020)

$59.99

Not Accessible

Free

Xbox Wi-fi Controller (2020): Design and construct high quality

In the event you’ve held an Xbox controller up to now decade, the most recent revision will really feel acquainted. Nevertheless, Microsoft tweaked the geometry of the controller a bit, so equipment you had for older controllers could not match completely. This, together with a number of millimeters shaved off of the triggers and shoulder buttons provides the 2020 refresh a much less cumbersome physique. 

Ryan Whitwam

The grips are clean on the highest, however the underside and the triggers have a refined dot texture to make it safer, even when your fingers get sweaty within the midst of an intense gaming session. The underside edge sports activities the usual Xbox enlargement connector, in addition to a headphone jack. On the highest, we see one of the essential modifications: a USB-C port to interchange the micro USB on older controllers. This newer normal is extra sturdy and makes connecting to non-Xbox {hardware} simpler. I additionally applaud Microsoft for together with a protracted eight-foot USB-A-to-C cable with the controller.

The thumbsticks are asymmetrical, with the left stick increased than the suitable. They each have concave tops, whereas the second-gen Xbox Elite Controller has one convex stick that’s higher for fantastic aiming. The d-pad is under the left stick, and the ABXY button cluster is above the suitable stick. The d-pad has gotten a long-overdue overhaul with this unit. The management is now dish-shaped with a raised part in every of the cardinal instructions, making it simpler to hit diagonal instructions. On the flip facet, the rim collects pores and skin oils and mud, requiring frequent cleansing to maintain it wanting tidy. 

Ryan Whitwam

All these buttons, together with the bumpers and triggers, are simple to press with out shifting your grip, however there are some lesser-used controls grouped towards the center. The standard view, menu, and Xbox/energy button are all current, however the 2020 revision provides a share button. 

The battery door is on the again, and this compartment is empty out of the field. It nonetheless runs on AA batteries, however there’s a chargeable battery pack out there for $25, which is a major chunk of the controller’s $60 price ticket. With that accent, you should use the USB-C port to recharge the machine. In any other case, it’s just for wired connectivity. Sony’s DualSense, then again, has a built-in rechargeable battery.

Xbox Wi-fi Controller (2020): Options and hands-on expertise

Microsoft says that the gamepad is quicker than all its earlier incarnations when linked to a Sequence X or S console due to a function referred to as “Dynamic Latency Enter.” This technique polls the controller extra usually to transmit your presses immediately. Even when linked to different gadgets over Bluetooth, we discovered the controller to be completely responsive. 

The share button is fairly helpful, if you happen to care to achieve over to it within the useless heart of the gamepad. On the Xbox, a single faucet takes a screenshot and a long-press information a 15-second video clip. On Home windows 11, it really works the identical, however that’s a comparatively new improvement. At launch, Home windows 10 didn’t perceive the button in any respect. As for the Xbox button, Home windows hyperlinks that to the Sport Bar, which incorporates controls for display seize, efficiency monitoring, audio, and extra. 

You gained’t discover any superior expertise within the triggers—Microsoft appears to have upped the resistance a contact, which may make it simpler to seek out the candy spot in video games that use the set off as a throttle, however it may be fatiguing to carry them down for lengthy intervals. Sony has Microsoft beat right here; its DualSense controllers can differ the quantity of resistance to extend gameplay immersion. The Xbox controller’s thumbsticks have simply the suitable resistance, although. They’re exact, clean, they usually snap again to heart shortly with no bounce. 

Ryan Whitwam

The brand new “hybrid” d-pad isn’t as elaborate because the bigger round pad on the Elite mannequin, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a welcome enchancment over older fashions. It’s an unlimited enchancment for video games (like fighters) that rely closely on the d-pad. The mushiness of the cross-style d-pad is gone, however that tactility provides a little bit of noise. The identical excessive tactility carries via to the opposite buttons—there’s by no means any query if you happen to’ve pressed a button laborious sufficient for it to register, nevertheless it’s loud. A brand new controller with unmashed buttons is certain to be a bit of extra clicky, however even evaluating the up to date Xbox Wi-fi Controller to a calmly used 2016 variant, the brand new design is noticeably louder. In the event you’re gaming round others, they could get irritated with the extra audible clicking.

Xbox Wi-fi Controller (2020): Compatibility

Ryan Whitwam

Naturally, the controller launched alongside the Sequence X and S and is designed to work completely with these consoles. Nevertheless, it really works with computer systems, telephones, and different devices over Bluetooth. Meaning you gained’t get a USB dongle within the field—this unit can join on to a large number of gadgets. 

To pair with new gadgets over Bluetooth, merely long-press the pair button subsequent to the USB-C and choose it in your cellphone or PC. You may as well double-tap that button to maneuver the controller again to your Xbox (you probably have one). In the event you don’t wish to hassle with Bluetooth, the spiffy new USB-C port enables you to wire the controller to your PC, and it ought to work with any spec-compliant USB-C cable—we efficiently examined it with each A-to-C and C-to-C cables. 

Home windows has built-in assist for the Xbox controller, so there’s no setup or apps wanted. You may as well pair with macOS to play video games, nevertheless it gained’t have the identical system-level integrations from Home windows just like the Sport Bar, audio output, or firmware replace assist. 

Android and iOS added assist for Xbox controllers a number of variations in the past, so that is additionally an easy expertise over Bluetooth. Microsoft’s assist web page claims that Android telephones can not hook up with the controller over USB, however we will affirm that does work in Android 12. You don’t even want batteries within the controller, making this a helpful function for on-the-go gaming.

Conclusion: Purchase it

The Xbox Controller with USB-C appears like a stable enchancment over older variations. The improved d-pad, slimmer chassis, and USB-C port are the large modifications right here, they usually all assist to enhance the expertise. Oh, and there’s a share button. Sure, the 2020 Xbox controller performs it protected. We might have preferred to see Microsoft push the {hardware} additional with options like an built-in rechargeable battery and microphone—each options which can be out there on the DualSense 5. 

Even if you happen to’re not a console gamer, the Xbox controller may very well be simply what you need. With Bluetooth connectivity, it’s a snap to set it up with a PC or cellphone. In case your batteries get low, you should use the brand new USB-C port to attach the old style means, too. If you do get linked, you’ll discover the Xbox controller is supported completely in Home windows, and it really works nearly as nicely on smartphones. 

You get rather a lot for the $60 asking worth, and that makes the $180 Elite controller a a lot harder promote. Except you want these further paddle buttons, get the usual wi-fi controller.