The Best Xbox One Controllers for All Types of Gamers

If you’re an Xbox One gamer, you may be aware that the console is nearing the end of its life cycle, with the Xbox Series X/S taking its place. This means that manufacturers are focusing on developing the best Xbox Series controllers, but fear not, as there are still plenty of excellent options available for the Xbox One. In fact, many of these controllers are also compatible with the new Xbox Series X/S.

One of our top picks for the best Xbox One controller is the Elite Series 2. This premium controller takes the already excellent form of the standard Xbox controller and adds new rear controls and swappable components. It also comes with a durable case, a built-in battery that lasts up to 40 hours, and compatibility with the Xbox Series X/S. The Xbox Elite Series 2 offers a solid build quality, a comfortable grip, and customizable features such as swappable D-Pads, rear paddle buttons, tunable triggers, and interchangeable thumbsticks. You can even remap the controls to suit your gaming preferences. Additionally, it has a wired USB-C connection, Xbox Wireless support, and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to use it with your phone or computer for Xbox Cloud Gaming.

While the Xbox Elite Series 2 may be our favorite controller, it does come with a higher price tag and advanced features that may not be necessary for all gamers. In that case, the Xbox Core Controller is an excellent alternative. It has a familiar design that feels perfect in your hand, especially if you enjoyed the original Xbox One controllers. The Xbox Core Controller offers improved grip with side grips, textured triggers and bumpers, and a D-pad similar to the concave stylings of the Elite Series controller’s alternate D-Pads. It also features a modern USB-C port, Xbox Wireless support, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, one drawback is that it uses AA batteries when playing wirelessly unless you purchase a separate add-on.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still provides excellent performance, the Razer Wolverine V2 is worth considering. While it doesn’t offer swappable components or wireless connectivity, it does provide a low latency wired connection for fewer missed inputs and a competitive edge. The Wolverine V2 has a comfortable grip, mechanical face buttons for a tactile feel, and additional shoulder buttons for enhanced control. It also includes a toggle for trigger locks for shorter travel, which is beneficial for FPS games.

For gamers who enjoy fighting games, the MAYFLASH Arcade Stick F500 Elite is the best option. This tournament-grade fight stick features high-end Sanwa components and impressively responsive buttons. It offers incredible build quality, precise joystick control, and modding capabilities to suit your gaming style. The MAYFLASH Arcade Stick F500 Elite is not only compatible with Xbox One but also works with Xbox Series X, making it a solid investment for both current and future gaming needs.

For those who prefer a streamlined design for fighting games, the PowerA Fusion Wired Fightpad is a great choice. It has a large D-pad on the left-hand side with a three-way switch to emulate the Xbox controller’s thumbsticks. The right side features the ABXY buttons, bumper buttons, and additional shoulder buttons for easy access to important controls. Unfortunately, the PowerA Fusion Wired Fightpad is no longer available, but you may find it used.

The Xbox Adaptive Controller is specifically designed for gamers with limited mobility. It offers three inputs with an oversized D-pad and two large A and B buttons, which can be programmed based on individual needs. This controller serves as a hub to connect various accessibility controllers, such as buttons, foot pedals, switches, and joysticks, to create a centralized control panel. However, the extra components needed for accessibility can be quite expensive.

If you enjoy playing older Xbox titles, the Hyperkin Duke is the perfect choice for a nostalgic experience. While not made by Microsoft, it is officially licensed by Xbox and replicates the original Xbox controller’s design. The Duke features a large, rotund shape, resistance on the thumbsticks, all the essential buttons and triggers, and even includes the LCD screen that plays the Xbox start-up animation.

For racing game enthusiasts, the Thrustmaster TMX racing wheel provides a more immersive experience. This racing wheel features force feedback, allowing you to feel the road in your hands as you take high-speed turns. It offers precise steering control with a 900-degree rotation and high sensitivity. The Thrustmaster TMX includes a force feedback base, an 11-inch wheel with paddle shifters, and foot pedals. It is also compatible with the Xbox Series X/S.

If you’re into piloting games like Ace Combat or Star Wars Squadrons, the Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One flight stick is the ideal choice. It provides an authentic hands-on-throttle-and-stick experience at an affordable price. The flight stick and throttle can be connected together or separated, allowing for customizable positioning. The Thrustmaster T-Flight HOTAS One offers realistic controls with five axes of control, 14 action buttons, a multidirectional hat switch, and a rapid-fire trigger.

When it comes to purchasing these Xbox One controllers, you can find them at standard tech retailers in the UK, such as Amazon, Game, and Currys PC World. One advantage that Xbox controllers have over the DualShock 4 PS4 controller and DualSense PS5 controller is that they work wirelessly with Windows PCs straight out of the box, without needing extra software or configurations. This makes them a convenient choice for PC gaming. However, PS4 controllers can also be used on PC with some additional effort.

In conclusion, whether you’re looking for advanced features, affordability, accessibility, or a nostalgic experience, there is an Xbox One controller that suits every type of gamer. These controllers offer different designs, functionalities, and connectivity options to enhance your gaming experience on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles.