This new Xbox controller deal is even better than Woot's limited-time discount

Xbox Series X Controller
This is the same Xbox Wireless Controller that comes with new Xbox Series X|S consoles. (Image credit: Matt Brown | Windows Central)

Between a squeaky right trigger, several loose buttons, and some awful drift in the left thumbstick, the spare controller I've taken with me on travel since the Xbox One days is finally ready for retirement. It's high time I replaced it with one of Microsoft's newer Xbox Series-era models, anyway, and given how much I love using them at home, I'd have no issues paying full price for one. Today, though, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Woot! is actually selling Xbox Core Wireless Controllers for just $39.99 Lenovo is selling the Xbox Wireless Controller for $39. That's just over $20 markdown — 34% off — and one of the best Xbox controller deals I've ever seen. Woot's deal on the Xbox Wireless Controller ended, but Lenovo one-upped Woot with a bigger discount on the gamepad.

Xbox Wireless Controller | $59.99now $39.99 at Lenovo

Xbox Wireless Controller | was $59.99 now $39.99 at Lenovo

Save $20 on Microsoft's latest and greatest standard wireless Xbox controllers thanks to this incredible deal. If you're in need of a new gamepad, this is a discount you shouldn't pass up, especially considering it's an even better deal than a limited-time offer that ended at another retailer recently.

Note that you can only purchase up to three Xbox Wireless Controllers at this price through the current deal.

✅Perfect for: Players who prefer the design of Microsoft's Xbox controllers and want something with wireless capabilities for their Xbox console or gaming PC

❌Avoid if: You're a PC player that would rather use one of Sony's PlayStation controllers, or you want to try and save even more by going for a third-party, wired-only gamepad

🔍Our experience: Xbox Series X|S Controller review

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The best Xbox controller yet, hands down

Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Controller in-hand. (Image credit: Source: Jez Corden/Windows Central)

With the exception of the cumbersome "The Duke" from the original Xbox's heyday, I've always been a huge fan of Microsoft's Xbox controllers. Offset thumbsticks feel significantly more comfortable to me than the symmetrical design Sony uses for its PlayStation gamepads, and with the Xbox 360's iteration, I thought Microsoft achieved a great balance of size, shape, and heft. Xbox One-era controllers improved that balance further, and with the Series X|S' "Xbox Core" offerings, the publisher has gotten its blueprint to near-perfection.

Though the newer Xbox controller design is extremely similar to the one from the Xbox One generation, there are some small, yet significant refinements that I'd argue make it a definitive upgrade. Compared to Xbox One gamepads, Xbox Core ones have rounder edges and a slightly more compact chassis, making it more ergonomic and friendlier to small hands while still feeling sufficiently large enough for players with larger ones. All the buttons and triggers actuate and snap back into place speedily with satisfying feedback, too, while the grips are textured and easy to keep a hold on as you play the best Xbox games.

As far as features go, you can look forward to the same Bluetooth and wired USB-C functionality that later Xbox One controller models shipped with, along with compatibility with Xbox One systems and accessories like the Xbox Wireless Adapter for PC since they use the same wireless technology that's in Xbox Series X|S consoles. There's also a new Share button that lets you quickly snap screenshots or record gameplay clips without having to open the guide or Xbox Game Bar, which is a much-appreciated addition.

The only downside to the controller I can see (or hear, rather) is that its buttons are slightly louder than those of the Xbox One's gamepad as a result of their snappier performance, but realistically, you're probably not going to notice that. Put simply, the Xbox Wireless Controller offers improvements across the board, and at just $40 at Lenovo right now, it's more affordable than ever.

Brendan Lowry

Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he's been an avid fan since childhood. He's been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you'll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he's not writing or gaming, there's a good chance he's either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once. Follow him on X (Twitter).

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