Did you buy an Xbox controller recently? You might be in luck.

Xbox controllers are (in my humble opinion) the best in the world. They work with Windows PCs, smart phones, and of course, Xbox consoles. Using adapters you can also use Xbox controllers with the Nintendo Switch and other devices, too.

The offset sticks, superb ergonomics, and affordable price makes them a staple across all platforms, but if you picked one up recently you might've noticed something weird.

Microsoft confirmed on its Xbox Support page on X recently that a batch of Xbox controllers shipping between now and December 2025 were missing batteries. Typically, Xbox controllers come with two AA batteries, usually Duracell units, which should net you a couple dozen hours of gameplay.

As such, it's usually cheaper to grab an Xbox rechargeable battery instead, either aftermarket ones or the official Xbox Play and Charge kit. Either way, it's pretty dumb if you bought an Xbox controller and couldn't use it without a cable day one. But, Microsoft has your back.

Speaking on X, Xbox support said: "A limited number of controllers have shipped without batteries since December," confirming some reports we'd heard over the Winter. Microsoft says that it will give you a free rechargeable battery if you were affected.

"If you received one of these controllers, go here https://aka.ms/batteries for a rechargeable battery on us. All controllers moving forward will include batteries."

If you head to the URL, you will be able to register your Xbox controller using its serial code. Presumably, Xbox knows exactly the serial numbers for the batch of controllers that were missing batteries. So if you were hoping you could score a free battery despite being ineligible, you may be out of luck, you sneaky naughty boy.

Once you've entered your controller's serial number as described on the site, it'll tell you if you're eligible for the free battery.

Dealing with batteries is annoying, so I use an Xbox Elite Controller

Dealing with batteries and cables and recharges and so on is annoying if you play Xbox a lot like I do. As such, I still prefer the Xbox Elite Controller over all others, despite its occasional quality issues they can have.

The Xbox Elite Controller has a built-in battery giving it anywhere up to 80 hours of gameplay on a single charge, it also has a charge dock that keeps it topped off at all times. The Xbox rechargeable batteries are decent, but don't last anywhere near as much as the Xbox Elite Controller's battery pack, and they do degrade over time. The Elite Controller batteries are of a high-tier calibre for whatever reason, and are arguably the best rechargeable Xbox controller batteries on the market. Nothing really comes close.

Still, you can't argue with free here. The Xbox basic controller is much, much cheaper, and if you can nab a free rechargeable battery from Microsoft, it's a big win for your wallet, without a doubt.

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.

If you don't have the budget to afford one of the more expensive Xbox Elite controllers or 3rd-party controllers from the likes of Razer or Hyperkin, then don't fret.

The official Xbox wireless controller still stands as the best option available for ergonomic build, great performance, and comparatively modest MSRP of $64.99. A price that has been slashed by 23% to $49.99 at Amazon.

What makes the official Xbox wireless controller worth using?

The official, Microsoft-branded Xbox wireless controller has some stiff competition these days from the likes of the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro or the GameSir Super Nova.

Yet despite the odds, it's still regarded by many (including us here at Windows Central) as overall one of the best Xbox controllers that's value-for-money while packing enough technology to help you beat the toughest Xbox games out there.

It features an ergonomic design with a lightweight, balanced build that's comfy to hold and will ensure you don't strain on your wrists or hands for many hours of gaming.

The buttons are responsive with a satisfying, clicky feedback; it has a dedicated "Share" to capture and share personal gameplay screenshots or clips, and it can be bought in various colors or unique designs through Xbox Design Labs.

Ff course, what wireless controller would be complete without wireless connectivity? The Xbox wireless controller can connect to Xbox consoles and Windows PC through reliable Bluetooth connections with a 20-foot max range (which can be enhanced with Xbox Wireless Dongles sold separately).

The only major downside is that this controller lacks an internal rechargeable battery, so you will need to find one sold separately.

The best part about this controller is its affordable MSRP of $64.99, which makes it an affordable option compared to other wireless controllers that have MSRPs of $199.99, like the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core and the aforementioned Razer Wolverine V3 Pro.

Plus, when you take into account Amazon's 23% discount, taking the Xbox Wireless controller's price down $49.99, making $150 cheaper than either of those options, it's practically a steal by comparison.

FAQ

In an age where many videogames contain dozens of hours worth of playtime that quickly drain the battery life of wireless controllers, acquiring a fast-charging stand for your controller has almost become a necessity (unless you prefer using wired controllers). Thankfully, Razer has stepped up to produce one such product for your gaming needs - the Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand.

This charging stand is an exceptional product that will recharge your Xbox controllers in a jiffy while proudly displaying them on your shelves for your friends to see. The Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand typically has an MSRP of $39.99 but that price has been temporarily cut down to $22.99 thanks to this 43% discount deal on Amazon.

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Why should you buy the Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand?

Razer has a highly-regarded reputation for manufacturing top-of-the-line gaming peripherals designed to enhance a player's gaming experience ranging from input-accurate controller controllers and keyboards, high-end end laptops, headsets with crystal clear audio, and of course, fast charging stands.

The Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand is one such product and is the perfect accessory for players who prefer using the best wireless Xbox controllers to play the best Xbox games and best PC games. Our own Zachary Boddy reviewed the Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand and praised it as an excellent, premium accessory that's worth the cost of its somewhat expensive price tag.

What makes this charging stand special? Well for starters, it has an attractive, smart design that blends seamlessly with your Xbox controller's color scheme while displaying it. It has an exceptional build quality that will last for many years of use. It's compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S controllers, and it can recharge them from empty to full in just 3 hours.

In addition, the Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand has a USB-C port so it can hook up to your Xbox, PC, or charger plug to power it up. Plus, there are alternate colors and pattern variations of the Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand available to purchase should you wish to match with Xbox controllers with alternate color designs. 

The only major shortcomings the Razer Universal Quick Charging Stand has is that it can only charge one controller at a time, and it has a steep MSRP of $39.99, which is pretty expensive compared to its competitors like the PowerA Dual Charging Station which offers similar features for half the price. However, its MSRP of $39.99 has been reduced to $22.99 thanks to this 43% discount deal courtesy of Amazon, making this the perfect time to grab one of the best premium Xbox controller chargers at a more affordable price.

What you need to know

• Capcom and Square Enix have announced several new games during June 2024's Nintendo Direct event.
• One of the titles Capcom announced was MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection Arcade Classics, a bundle featuring several of Capcom's Marvel Vs. Capcom series. However, it will be coming to every platform except Xbox.
• Square Enix meanwhile has announced that its upcoming Dragon Quest III HD-2D remake will be coming to Xbox on November 14, 2024, and that Fantasian Neo Dimension will be coming to Xbox during Winter 2024.
• UPDATE: It seems that Capcom's MT Framework engine is at least partially to blame for the spate of omissions. Details below. 

On June 18, 2024, Nintendo hosted its latest Nintendo Direct event and it was packed with earth-shattering announcements from Zelda finally getting her own game with Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom to Metroid 4 becoming a reality with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

During the event, Capcom and Square Enix appeared to show off a few products they have lined up for the Nintendo Switch, although only some of them will be coming to Xbox.

UPDATE (June 18, 2024): We saw a suggestion from Jawmuncher on Twitter (X) that Capcom's MT Framework engine is to blame for the recent spate of Xbox omissions. Our sources indicate that this is correct. Right now, Capcom has no pipeline for porting older MT Framework titles to Xbox's modern ERA system, which makes it more expensive to deliver the same titles than it would porting them to PlayStation 4, Switch, or PC. Perhaps Microsoft could step in to lend a hand here? We can only hope.

Original article: 

Capcom announced two collection bundles featuring based on two of their popular franchises. The first one is the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection, a bundle of remastered Ace Attorney Investigation games where the player assumes the role Miles Edgeworth, a prosecutor, and arch-rival of the series' protagonist, Phoenix Wright.

The other is Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection Arcade Classics, a monolith collection of Capcom's legendary Marvel Vs. Capcom fighting game series, now included with training modes, one-button super options, display filters, and more.

Ace Attorney Investigations Collection will be coming to all home consoles and PCs on September 6, 2024. Unfortunately for Xbox fans, Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection Arcade Classics will be launching on all platforms except for Xbox sometime later in 2024.

This is a disappointing blow for Capcom fans as the Marvel Vs. Capcom series was fairly popular on previous Xbox console generations with titles like Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 and Marvel Vs. Capcom Infinite. I'd imagine those fans had been waiting for a long time to play the earlier Marvel Vs. Capcom titles on Xbox Series X|S, especially Marvel Vs. Capcom 2, which is considered by many to be one of the greatest fighting games of all time.

Fans on Twitter (X) are already calling Capcom out for making yet another missed opportunity to port some of its most-requested titles to Xbox consoles, as it missed golden opportunities to port much-requested titles like the Mega Man Battle Network Collection, Monster Hunter Stories, and Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin.

Meanwhile, Square Enix continues to uphold its promise of bringing more of its titles to Xbox and PC by showing off a new trailer for the highly-anticipated HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest 3 and a new title called FANTASIAN Neo Dimension.

Dragon Quest 3 is widely regarded as one of the greatest JRPGs of all time and the upcoming remake is dead set to improve upon everything that made the original classic great by implementing gorgeous HD-2D presentation, polishing out the original game's rough edges, and refining combat system. Judging from our preview of Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D at Summer Game Fest, it seems to be already making good on that goal and beyond.

Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC via Steam, and Nintendo Switch on November 14, 2024. On top of that, Square Enix has also announced that they already started development on HD-2D remakes for the original Dragon Quest and Dragon Quest 2.

The second major title Square Enix announced at Nintendo Direct is FANTASIAN Neo Dimension. This game is an enhanced console port of FANTASIAN, a mobile JRPG game released in 2021 by Mistwalker. This game is notable for being produced and written by the 'father' of the Final Fantasy series, Hironobu Sakaguchi, and has a soundtrack composed by Final Fantasy's legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu.

The plot revolves around Leo, an amnesiac researcher traveling the Queendom of Vibra in search of his missing father and memories. Along his journey, Leo will meet a host of intriguing characters that accompany him, battle insidious foes in turn-based combat, and become embroiled in an epic adventure where he must save the Queendom from being destroyed by a bio-mechanical infection called Mechteria.

FANTASIAN Neo Dimension is slated to come on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam during the Winter season of 2024.

For Xbox, it seems like one step forward, one step back

Marvel Vs. Capcom fans have my utmost sympathies with this disappointing announcement of classic Marvel Vs. Capcom games skipping Xbox consoles as I too feel your pain. Between this and the Monster Hunter Stories series not coming to Xbox, my hopes of seeing classic Monster Hunter titles like Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate and Capcom's Dino Crisis series being ported to Xbox consoles are growing dimmer by the day. It's incredibly frustrating to see, given how Xbox finally started to turn a corner with publishers like Square Enix and Sega's ATLUS arm for games like Dragon Quest and Persona — now Capcom is giving Xbox users the cold shoulder, unless they get that $$$ from Xbox Game Pass with titles like Kunitsu-gami and Exoprimal. 

Either way, I cannot wait to play the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake on Xbox as I played the original game a long time ago and it was an amazing adventure that made me fall in love with the Dragon Quest. Additionally, FANTASIAN Neo Dimension looks intriguing to me as it reminds me of experimental, underground JRPGs released on the Xbox 360 like Mistwalker's criminally underrated Lost Odyssey. I wish I could count on Capcom to bring Monster Hunter Stories 1 and 2 to Xbox some day ... alas. 

With upcoming Xbox titles like these and many more upcoming Xbox JRPGs such as Visions of Mana, Atlus' Metaphor Re:Fantazio, 2024 is looking to be a great year for Xbox JRPG fans regardless, even if Capcom doesn't want to play ball. Sigh. 

What you need to know

• Back in 2015, PDP released this controller that was an official collaboration with Fallout 4 for the Xbox One. 
• As Fallout mania hits following the Prime Video show, coupled with the likely scarcity of these things, prices on eBay are pretty high. 
• If you've got one stashed away, you could be sat on something worth a pile of caps. Or, you know, dollars. 

It's impossible not to have seen Fallout somewhere in the last couple of weeks. The success of season one of the Fallout Prime Video show has well and truly rejuvenated the franchise, drawing in a raft of new players on all platforms. 

Fallout also has a healthy merchandise scene, and there are folks out there that want to collect everything. Including this, the PDP Fallout 4 Vault Boy controller from almost nine years ago. 

Launched in the heyday of the Xbox One, this wired controller is adorned with a fetching Vault-Tec blue and yellow paint job, with an image of the beloved Fallout mascot in his trademark thumbs up pose. Naturally, you can't buy one from retail anymore, but prices on resale sites like eBay are CRAZY. If you have one, you might be able to fetch a hefty asking price for it. 

Take this eBay listing, for example. A brand-new, mint in box Vault Boy controller with an asking price of $200. Is it worth that? Maybe, maybe not. It's worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it, which could well end up being $200. That's not even the most expensive listing at the time of writing, a similar sealed controller is priced $100 higher. In contrast, this one looks like a bargain! 

But what about if it's not new and you don't have the box? Such an item is currently listed at $115, so it's still a hefty markup over both what this cost new, and what you could buy a new controller for. Even if you hit the Xbox Design Lab, you can get a brand sparkly new Fallout-themed controller for much less. 

It looks like a similar story for anyone who owns, or already owns the red, Nuka Cola-themed Fallout controller by PowerA. There's only one of these available right now, but again, it's listed at $200. Wishful thinking, or shrewd business? 

These aren't the only rare controllers we've seen in recent times fetching big bucks on the resale market. My colleague, Jennifer Young, recently covered an even more outrageously priced Halo Wars 2 Xbox controller that fetches up to $500. 

Of course, to collectors, this might not seem like a lot. But it's certainly an eye-opener. If I had one of these, I'd definitely be tossing it up on eBay right now. 

Like the prices of these controllers, the Fallout franchise has seen a surge in numbers since the debut of the show. Every Fallout game has seen an increase, with the most recent title, Fallout 76, even hitting a new all-time peak concurrent player count on Steam. If you haven't played it yet, it's on Xbox Game Pass, or if you're an Amazon Prime subscriber, you can claim a free copy on PC and console until May 15. 

It looks like there's solid gold out there in the Wasteland. 

Today's Amazon Prime Day Deals event spotlights one of Razer's more light-hearted and fun controllers that's designed with a custom paint job to cater to specific fan bases. The Limited-Edition Sonic-themed, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One controller with a charging stand usually sells for $199.99 at most online retailers, but Amazon is currently selling this bundle at a 42% discount for Amazon Prime Day. That means you can buy this product for $115.99 and save yourself $84.

Razer makes many of the best Xbox controllers. The Wolverine V2 Chroma Wired Gaming Pro Controller, for example, strives to improve upon the design foundations of stock Xbox controllers, so gamers can experience playing the most beloved Xbox games at their very best. But this Sonic-themed controller isn't actually made by Razer. It's a standard Xbox Wireless Controller with a special paint job and matching charging stand (the charging stand is made by Razer).

This controller is designed to be used on an Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and PC. It functions identically to the regular Xbox controller and can be connected to the gaming platform of your choice via wireless or through a micro USB cable. You can also remap the buttons on this controller by using the Xbox Accessories App, so you customize the control scheme of almost any Xbox game you play.

The charging stand can recharge the battery of the Xbox controller in just under three hours, and it features overcharge protection to prevent users from unintentionally cutting the controller's battery life short. Rechargeable batteries are in this product bundle as well.

If you're a Sonic fan who wants to add a little extra immersive excitement while playing Sonic Frontiers or the upcoming Xbox title, Sonic Superstars, then this Xbox controller/charging stand bundle is for you. So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to Amazon and make the most of this Prime Day deal before it's up, over, and gone. 

Since the Xbox One controllers were released, Microsoft has had in-built drivers for its operating system, making it easier than ever to use your favorite controller with PC games. 

With the Xbox Series S|X controllers having different wired connectivity to the previous generation of controllers, we've updated our guide on connecting your controller to Windows 10 and 11.

Read on for our complete guide.

Use a micro USB cable

The simplest way to connect your Xbox controller to your PC is by USB cable. The cable needed will differ depending on which version of the controller you have. Pictured above in black is the Xbox Series S|X controller which has a USB-C input, and the red controller is the older Xbox One model which has a mini-USB input (also known as mini USB-A).

Take a look at your controller and see which cable you need to connect to your PC, and it's as simple as that! Many phone charging cables will be either USB-C or mini-USB and can be used for this purpose, or we have suggested cables to use at the end of this article

Xbox Wireless Adapter

While the newer controllers all have Bluetooth, some older models do not. The first generation of Xbox One controllers and the original Xbox Elite controller do not support Bluetooth, so if you want to play wirelessly, you will need an Xbox Wireless Adapter.

Simply plug the dongle into your PC or laptop's USB port, and connect your controller by holding down the pairing button on the controller's bumper.

How to use bluetooth

The current generation of Xbox Series S|X controllers, most recent Xbox One controllers and the second generation Elite controller all support Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can connect them to any Windows PC, laptop or tablet that has Bluetooth capabilities.

1. Open your PC settings.
2. Go to devices.
3. Ensure Bluetooth is switched on.
4. Turn on the controller by pressing the large Xbox icon button.
5. Hold down the pairing button on the controller button as you would to pair to a console.
6. Click on the controller in your discovered devices to pair.

Make use of the Xbox Accessories app

If you're using an Elite controller, this menu is particularly useful for customizing your buttons and paddles to your preferences. The Xbox Accessories App is available to download on the Microsoft Store app found from your search bar. Once installed just connect the controller to your PC using one of our above methods to get started. You can also save two profiles to your Elite controller to switch between depending on its intended use. 

All the gear you need

Exactly what equipment you need will depend on which controller you want to use and with what type of device. Our list below shows everything you need to get gaming on your pc with an Xbox controller. 

Don't forget to check out our rundown of the best Xbox Series S|X controllers, and for fans of the Elite series, we have a review of the Elite 2 controller, though a new white version is out soon which may be worth waiting for!

What you need to know

• 8Bitdo just announced the Ultimate Wired Controller.
• The wired controller features fully customizable buttons and works with Xbox consoles, iOS, Android, and Windows.
• You can preorder the 8Bitdo Ultimate Wired Controller for $45 through Amazon.

8Bitdo just unveiled its Ultimate Wired Controller. Featuring customizable buttons, the new controller works with the Xbox Series X, Series S, and Xbox One. It can also connect to devices running Android, iOS, or Windows.

The Ultimate Wired Controller is the latest device from 8Bitdo that's designed for Xbox consoles. The company already has a media remote for the Series X and S as well as a mobile controller designed for Xbox Cloud Gaming. Unfortunately, the mobile controller received middling reviews due to its lack of balance and tiny form factor that made it difficult to play on. The Ultimate Wired Controller appears to have a more natural size that should fit well in hand.

In addition to the standard buttons you'd expect on an Xbox controller, 8Bitdo's new controller features two rear-facing paddle buttons. Those, as well as all of the controller's buttons, are completely remappable. You can also adjust the ranges and motor sensitivity of the controller's triggers.

The biggest drawback of 8Bitdo's Ultimate Wired Controller is that it only works through a wired connection. The product's page on 8Bitdo's website does not mention any form of wireless connectivity. The Amazon listing for the controller mentions connecting wirelessly to iOS and Android. It's unclear which is accurate.

We'll have to wait for the device to ship before we can judge it against the best Xbox controllers.

You can preorder the Ultimate Wired Controller from 8Bitdo in black or white for $45 through Amazon. The controllers should start shipping on May 31, 2022.

Update 11/17/2021: This controller is now back in stock at the Microsoft Store, while supplies last!

It's a special time of year right now. No, not Thanksgiving, Black Friday, or Christmas, even though those are all on the horizon. We're celebrating an important birthday; Xbox is finally out of its teenage years and has hit the big 20.

There's a lot going on around the 20th Anniversary celebrations, but in true Xbox style, there's some hardware to celebrate. One of which I'd apparently forgotten I pre-ordered since it showed up completely out of the blue this morning.

This is the #Xbox20 special edition Xbox Series X|S controller and it's easily my favorite to date.

You can see right through it

Why do we love being able to see inside electronics? I've never understood why I love it, but I do. And that's what you get on the Xbox 20th Anniversary controller. The whole front is a smoky translucent finish, exposing the rumble motors and a green ring around the D-Pad and, well, not a lot else really. All the actual electronics face inward so there are no circuits to look at. But honestly, I think that's good. This controller looks sweet.

On the front, the buttons are all themed to match the front panel for a bit of a stealthy look and the only other visual flare on the front is a subtle "20" logo that Xbox has been using on its promos for the 20th anniversary, and a green flash across the Xbox symbol.

This is more interesting than it first appears when the controller is off and it matches the rest of the theme. But when the controller is on and connected, the button glows white, illuminating the classic white and green Xbox logo.

Special touches around the back

On the back, the controller is basically black with a standard battery door and the same slight texture on the triggers that you find on the normal Xbox Series X|S controllers. The grips are bright green but they're also rubberized, providing some added friction when in hand. Given the front and sides are super smooth these grips are certainly welcome.

The other special touch is to be found below the battery door. Here you find a message from Xbox chief, Phil Spencer, that simply says "When everybody plays, we all win." You also get a small signature, to match.

Never have wiser words been said in the gaming world and it's a fitting message as Xbox celebrates such a milestone. They're doing awesome work in accessibility and cross-platform play, making Xbox a home for gaming for millions.

The only downside...

There's only really one downside to the Xbox 20th anniversary controller; you might not be able to get one. In some markets, such as the UK where I am, you can still order one from some sources such as Amazon, but in the U.S. it's out of stock at Microsoft and Amazon. You might have luck at retailers like Best Buy where the website says it could still be in-store, but without a pre-order ahead of time, it's going to be tough to track down.

It's a shame because this is one of the best-looking special edition controllers that Xbox has ever launched. It keeps to the traditional theme of black and green for the anniversary and even the box looks great. I'm not entirely sure I'm going to use this one. Maybe on special occasions. Happy birthday, Xbox.

Microsoft is going all-in on Space Jam: A New Legacy with a new beat'em style game landing on July 15 (via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) and releasing three new Xbox controllers to celebrate. The movie stars basketball legend LeBron James and the whacky Looney Tunes cast for some interplanetary b-ball shenanigans. Or something.

And that's where I come into the picture. While I have never seen the original Michael Jordan-era Space Jam movie and have zero intention to watch the revival version for 2021 (sorry, not sorry), I do collect Xbox controllers. Whether it is the legendary Sea of Thieves controller (with dock), the multiple Gears of War editions (see the Elite controller), those fun Minecraft editions, or that fantastic Cyberpunk 2077 version, I have, for some reason, well over 30 controllers.

But the new Space Jam: A New Legacy Serververse controller, which is of the limited-edition variety, is simply stunning. So, while I may not be a fan of the franchise that it is built on, nor even basketball, there was no way I was missing an opportunity to grab this Tron-like Xbox accessory.

Close up, you can see the attention to detail, but it is the excellent contrast black and teal colorway that caught my eye. The hardware description notes the design is influenced by "the wild details of the "Serververse" – a digital space where LeBron and his young son Dom are trapped by a rogue A.I.." Sure, sounds fine.

Like many special edition controllers, this one features the Space Jam: A New Legacy stamp on the rear battery door. You also get some excellent grip on the handles and that newish dedicated Share button.

Also, a small round of applause of our dear friend the Type-C charging port making an appearance on this controller. That addition lets you direct plug and play to an Xbox or your P.C., and two included A.A. batteries power it all, as expected.

The bad news comes in if you want one.

Being limited edition and part of Amazon's weird Treasure Truck promotion, these are all sold out already. Of course, just like a hard-to-find Xbox Series X, you can still buy one, but you're likely to be dropping at least $100 for it or higher from third-parties, which is much more than the original $70 price tag.

The other two versions: Goon Squad and Tune Squad, are not nearly as great looking, but those aren't limited and can still be found from Amazon or Microsoft.

Anyway, if you are a fan of the series, or like me, an Xbox controller collector, this is one to pick up if you can find it for the right price. And if not, there is no doubt Microsoft will have more limited-edition controllers for other releases, so start saving now. Plus, you can always check our best Xbox controllers for more ideas.

Let me know in the comments which is your favorite Xbox controller of all time!

What you need to know

• Microsoft's Pulse Red Xbox wireless controller is available for preorder.
• The controller is set to be released on February 9, 2021.
• You can preorder the controller now for $65.

Microsoft unveiled the upcoming Pulse Red Xbox wireless controller earlier this month. Now, you can preorder the controller from Amazon.

The Xbox Series X/S controller is currently available in Carbon Black, Robot White, and Shock Blue. The addition of Pulse Red adds some more pop to the Xbox controller lineup. It has a bright red front and a white back in a similar design layout to the Shock Blue controller.

The Pulse Red Xbox wireless controller is the newer design that came out with the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, but it's backwards compatible with the Xbox One X, Xbox One S, and Xbox One. The controller has a share button, improved shoulder buttons, a revamped d-pad, and uses USB-C. It also has some other welcome improvements, such as textured grips on the triggers. We also have a full guide that breaks down everything you need to know about the Xbox Series X/S controller.

In select markets, the Pulse Red Xbox wireless controller also comes with a 14-day free trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Microsoft's announcement post for the Pulse Red controller states that it will be available starting on February 9, 2021. The Amazon listing currently states that it will be released on February 23, 2021, so you may have to wait a couple of extra weeks.

Xbox Series X/S

Main

• Xbox Series X: Everything we know
• Best games coming to Xbox Series X/S
• List of Xbox Series X specs
• What is the Xbox Series X release date?
• How much does Xbox Series X cost?
• Why you can't preorder Xbox Series X yet
• Best Xbox Series X Headsets

What you need to know

• Gears Tactics is a turn-based strategy game set in the Gears universe.
• It launched on PC to rave reviews, but an Xbox version was only promised to come in the future.
• Now that Gears Tactics has been confirmed as an Xbox Series X / S launch title, the game is getting a new Limited Edition controller.
• The slick new controller from Controller Gear includes a charging stand and button mapping.

It's official. Gears Tactics, the excellent turn-based strategy game from Coalition, is coming to Xbox consoles this fall, including the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. To celebrate their console launch, Coalition, Xbox, and accessory company Controller Gear teamed up to create a new Limited Edition Xbox controller, dubbed Locust Horde.

The custom-designed controller features a pattern inspired by the Locust General RAAM, features a matching Pro Charging Stand, and is compatible with Xbox Series X / S, current-gen Xbox consoles, and compatible Bluetooth devices like Windows 10 PC's and Android phones.

The controller looks awesome, and is available to pre-order right now from Controller Gear, ahead of its launch on November 3, 2020. Gears Tactics comes to Xbox consoles on next-gen launch day, so you can be assured you'll have your new controller in hands when the game is officially available.

Will you be picking up the Limited Edition controller? Let us know in the comments below!

Related: Read our Gears Tactics full review!

The Xbox One wireless controller has dropped in price to $46.88 on Amazon. Unfortunately, it's not exactly in stock, but the page says the controllers will come in around August 24. You can order now at this discounted price or wait and see the price jump back up. The controllers normally sell for $60 and have been going for that price for the last several months as supply chains have dried up thanks to the global pandemic. The controller is going for $60 at Best Buy, Walmart, and other retailers.

The blue and red versions of the controller are also discounted a bit. Both are going for $50 right now, which is $10 off. The shipping is still delayed of course, but securing that price is worth a little extra wait time.

Like most retailers, Amazon has struggled to keep any Xbox hardware in stock at all. These controllers have barely managed to be available, let alone on sale. If you've been playing a lot more games since working from home and being quarantined, then maybe you've been putting a lot more wear and tear on your controller than usual. So it's got to be frustrating when you don't have a replacement handy at retailers.

The Xbox wireless controller is one of the most versatile gaming controllers around, too. It's not just a great controller for gaming on the Xbox. You can also use it with your Windows 10 PC, especially with a wireless adapter. The Bluetooth connection even lets you connect to tablets and other mobile devices so you can use it that way.

The controller features a textured grip, a large wireless range, and all the comfort and feel you expect from a controller you'll probably be holding for hours. You should grab some rechargeable batteries if you don't want to ever plug the controller in or get a play-and-charge kit that gives you a removable cord for keeping it charged.

Why should you get rechargeable batteries?

In the long run, picking up a pair of rechargeable batteries for your Xbox One will save you a ton of money. Packs of regular AA batteries can run anywhere between $10–20, and having to buy them regularly can be a surprisingly expensive endeavor. Solutions that allow you to use rechargeable batteries only cost slightly more, and ensure that you won't ever need to buy batteries for gaming again, thus taking that financial strain off your budget.

Another great reason to invest in rechargeable batteries is that they'll take up less space in your home and are safer. Large battery packs can be big and bulky, and if you don't have that much free space, it can be a pain to deal with. Also, the more batteries you have, the greater risk there is of losing one of them. Batteries — including battery packs — can be dangerous, charged or not, especially if a pet or young child puts their mouth on them. If you have fewer batteries lying around, your home will be safer overall.

Why get the Xbox One Play and Charge Kit?

Though a wide variety of rechargeable battery options are available, the best one overall is the official Xbox One Play and Charge Kit. The kit comes with a battery pack that easily and comfortably snaps into the battery slot of your Xbox One controller. Then, you charge the controller by using the included micro USB cable to connect the controller to a powered machine with a USB port. The whole process is simple, efficient, and doesn't take up that much space at all, making it the best way to replace your batteries with rechargeables.

If you'd prefer to use regular rechargeable batteries instead of a battery pack, then we recommend the Panasonic Eneloop charge pack. Though you'll have to use a cumbersome wall plug charger instead of a simple USB one, these batteries may be worth it for some because you can use them in other electronics besides your Xbox One controller. Additionally, the pack contains four batteries so you can keep two controllers powered up at once.

For other solutions that we recommend, make sure to check out our guide on Xbox rechargeable batteries.

What you need to know

• Every controller suffers from thumbstick drift after some time it seems.
• Nintendo was recently sued for the same problem.
• It seems like Microsoft is the latest one to be hit regarding the Xbox One Controller.
• Plaintiff Donald McFadden says the problem is large-scale.

Almost every controller suffers from thumbstick drift after some time, and it looks like plaintiff Donald McFadden has had enough of it. Recently, a report by VGC said that McFadden has launched a lawsuit against Microsoft. The outlet said the following.

It's unclear if this case will become a huge trial, I'm guessing it'll be settled out of court, but it's still interesting to know what it may be a major issue. Have you experienced thumbstick drift? Let us know.

It's worth pointing out that it's unknown if issues are widespread. At the end of the day, the proof of these allegedly widespread issues will be what determines if the case has any merit and goes forward.

Amazon's Fire TV family isn't exactly built for gaming, but thanks to its Android base, there are some casual games on its store for you or your kids to enjoy. Controller support is built-in, and you don't need to use Amazon's own (which itself isn't supported by some of the latest devices). Luckily, it's super simple to pair an Xbox One controller. Whether you want to game or just control the Fire TV, it's simple to do with your existing Xbox controller.

Products used in this guide

• Affordable video streamer: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K ($50 at Amazon)
• Best controller around: Xbox One Controller ($53 at Amazon)

How to pair an Xbox One controller to Amazon Fire TV

A caveat: if you're using the original, first-gen Xbox One controller or the first-gen Xbox Elite Wireless controller, you won't be able to do this. Neither of those controllers support Bluetooth, which is necessary for pairing. The current standard controller, as shipped with all consoles from the Xbox One S launch, and the Series 2 Elite controller are fine.

Similarly, if you're using a third-party controller that is wired or simply doesn't support Bluetooth, you cannot use it here, either.

1. On your Fire TV scroll over to settings.
2. Select remotes & Bluetooth devices.
3. Select game controllers.
4. Select add new game controller.
5. Next, make sure your Xbox One controller is turned on.
6. Press and hold the pair button until the Xbox logo button flashes steadily.
7. When the Fire TV detects your controller, choose it from the list.

You can now not only use your Xbox One controller to play games but to navigate the Fire TV and control media playback. It's even supported for entering PIN codes for access to restricted content. The B button is recognized to go back as it would be on the Xbox One, and the only differences in function to the Alexa Voice Remote are the lack of direct volume control and access to Alexa voice search.

Our top equipment picks

Amazon's newer Fire TV devices support the Xbox One controller, but if we were picking one, it'd be the affordable Fire TV Stick 4K.

For a double whammy, you can also run the Fire TV Stick 4K into the HDMI input on your Xbox One and view it through the TV app, saving space on your actual TV. But if you're using a controller with it in this way, you'd have to have a second one connected only to the console.

Additional Equipment

Any current generation official Xbox One controller will work with the Fire TV, but if you're in the market for a new one, there are plenty of designs from which to choose. This grey/green combination is one of our current favorites.

Xbox One controller ($53 at Amazon)

Control your Xbox or your Fire TV in some serious style with the grey and green Xbox One controller.

What you need to know

• DJI's Ronin-S gimbal now supports the Xbox One controller.
• DualShock 4 support also added.
• It allows you to control the camera and gimbal with the controller.

In today's edition of unexpected, perhaps slightly strange Xbox-related news, we have DJI swooping in with a new firmware for one of its products that adds support for the Xbox One controller. It's also not the one you might have expected.

The Ronin-S is the company's (somewhat) affordable gimbal system for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and by all accounts is a pretty impressive piece of kit. I haven't used one, but if it's as good as the company's drones, I'm sure it's killer. And now you can use the best controller around to make life using one a little easier.

Essentially it seems straight forward. You connect the controller to your Android handset or iPhone (Apple added support in iOS 13), and then you're good to go. Oh, and if you're a PS4 owner, you can also use the DualShock 4. It's a pretty neat idea, though I can certainly think of some other DJI products that this would be awesome to see on.

How about some love for the drones next, huh, DJI?

How can you use the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 on PC?

There are three ways that you can use the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 on PC. The first way is to use Bluetooth; this only works with computers that have Bluetooth, of course, but if you want to use the controller on your modern laptop or tablet hybrid, this is a great way to do it wirelessly. The second option is to use a USB-C cable to connect the controller to a computer, which is doable out of the box since the controller comes with one in the package. This forces you to stay tethered to your computer, but it does prevent the need for recharging your controller's battery.

The final option available is to use the Xbox Wireless Adapter, which is a nifty accessory that fits into a USB slot and gives off the same wireless signal that an Xbox One console does. Any controller, including the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2, can then pair with the adapter and be used with the computer it's plugged into wirelessly. If your PC doesn't have Bluetooth, this is the option for you if you want wireless play.

Why get the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2?

If you want a controller that offers incredible customization and extra options, the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 will be ideal for you. Compared to the first edition of the Elite Controller, this one sports several performance boosts. Boosts such as more durable plastics and hinges, rubber grips that have better durability, and tension control for thumbsticks that allow you to tweak how you aim in-game from the analog input side of things. On top of this, the controller has Bluetooth connectivity for use with PCs and Project xCloud, as well as a fantastic battery life of 40 hours per charge. Lastly, all of the first Elite Controller's benefits make a strong return here. These include the myriad of different D-Pads, thumbsticks, and buttons that you can opt to use and swap out at your leisure, as well as lockable triggers and paddle buttons on the back of the controller. This controller may not be cheap, but you definitely get the quality that you pay for.

What is Xbox Design Lab, anyway?

Xbox Design Lab is a special part of the Microsoft Store where you can customize an Xbox One Wireless Controller's visual appearance extensively by changing the pattern of its skin, as well as the colors of various parts of the controller. On top of that, some of the pieces, such as the triggers, can be configured to be metallic instead of the standard Xbox hard plastic. As a result of the customization options, these controllers can get pretty expensive, but Xbox Design Lab is nevertheless a lovely way to add personal flavor to your gaming gear.

Why get the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2?

If you play games competitively or you just want a controller with a lot of different textural options, the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 will be just what you're looking for. Compared to the original Elite Controller, this new one has several improvements, such as better plastics and hinges, rubber grips that use adhesive (this is to counteract the problems the original had with durability), and tension control for thumbsticks that allow you to tweak your aiming style beyond in-game settings. On top of this, the controller has Bluetooth connectivity for use with Project xCloud, and also a very large battery life of 40 hours on a full charge. Finally, all the benefits that the first Elite Controller had make a return with this one. These benefits include the wide selection of different D-Pads, thumbsticks, and buttons that you can swap out whenever you want, as well as lockable triggers and paddle buttons on the back of the controller. The controller is far from cheap, but if you want top-notch quality, this controller has everything you could ever want.

So, when exactly does it release?

The Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is slated to release on November 3 at 11:00 PM ET (Eastern Time), according to Microsoft. This means that depending on what your timezone is, it will become available either on November 3 or on November 4. If you're going to try and buy it the second it's available, make sure to compare your timezone to Eastern Time to see when the controller will release for you. Of course, you can simply preorder it right now, as well.

Why get the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2?

If you want the best of the best, the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 will be right up your alley. Compared to the first Elite Controller, this one sports many quality-of-life improvements, such as more durable plastics and hinges, rubber grips that have adhesive, and tension control for thumbsticks that give you a ton of power over your aim in-game. Also, the controller has Bluetooth connectivity Project xCloud usage, and also a massive battery life of 40 hours per charge. Finally, all of the great features of the first Elite Controller make a return here. These include all of the different D-Pads, thumbsticks, and buttons that you can choose to use, as well as lockable triggers and paddle buttons on the back of the controller. It's pricey, but if the best of the best is what your heart is set on, it doesn't get better than this.

Why buy from Microsoft?

The reason you should choose Microsoft over other retailers for your Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is that Microsoft is offering free 2-3 day shipping for the device. This will get the controller in your hands incredibly quickly once you buy it, and the fact you don't have to pay a penny for the shipping itself is a lovely bonus. Considering the controller is pricey as-is, saving money where you can is a huge win.

Why get the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2?

If you play games competitively or just simply want a highly-customizable controller, the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 will be perfect for you. Compared to the first edition of the Elite Controller, this one sports several improvements, such as more durable plastics and hinges, rubber grips that have adhesive, and tension control for thumbsticks that allow you to fine-tune your aiming experience in-game. On top of this, the controller has Bluetooth connectivity for use with Project xCloud, and also a considerable battery life of 40 hours per charge. Finally, all of the benefits of the first Elite Controller make a return. These include the myriad of different D-Pads, thumbsticks, and buttons that you can swap out, as well as lockable triggers and paddle buttons on the back of the device. It's a pricey accessory, but if peak performance is what you're after, this is the controller for it.

Why controller stands are good

While at a glance controller stands might just seem like big hunks of plastic that clutter up a surface, in reality, they're useful for several purposes. A good controller stand can help keep your controllers organized so that you don't lose them, and will also prevent your controllers from scratching (or getting scratched by) other surfaces.

In addition, they look great and let you stylishly display your gaming gear, and some of them will even charge your controller if you use rechargeable batteries.

What makes the Controller Gear Stand 2.0 stand out?

In an era where bulky and/or flimsy accessories are more common then they should be, the Controller Gear Stand 2.0 is both small and durable. Built with the same official material that Microsoft uses to build the outer casing for Xbox One controllers, this stand can take a decent beating if you accidentally drop it onto something hard. It's also compact, which means that it won't obnoxiously take up a large amount of room on your entertainment center like other controller stands.

The Controller Gear Stand 2.0's aesthetic simplicity also ends up working in its favor. Both the black and the white versions look great with any controller skin and blend well with most interior decoration styles. If you want something fancier, Controller Gear sells specialized stands with unique designs on the website. Lastly, each stand comes with rubberized grips that prevent it from sliding on whatever surface you decide to place it on.

Defining 'cost-effective'

When it comes to pricing, the Controller Gear Stand 2.0 is the definition of cost-effective. For only $15, you get a controller stand that's durable, conveniently sized, looks great, and doesn't slide around on surfaces. Most stands at a similar price are flimsier and less reliable overall.

Charging stand option

If you happen to use rechargeable batteries, then you'll want to invest in a Controller Gear Charging Stand. This stand offers everything that the standard 2.0 stand does, but with an additional charging functionality that is highly competitive in the accessories market. Compared to most other stands, Controller Gear's will charge your controller back up to full power quicker, and those charges will last longer. It's a bit pricey at $40, but it won't let you down.

Microsoft recently shared a video going through the trove of Xbox One controllers the company has created over the last few years. Anyone who watches our weekly podcast may notice I'm quite the avid collector of these controllers just because some of them really look great.

Since Microsoft is highlighting its work on these gems, I figured I'd share a few of the favorites I've collected over the years.  

For the true Gears fan

Xbox Elite Gears of War (Limited Edition)

The Elite controllers are always fun to use as they feel significantly better in hand, offer more customization, and at least, in this case, offer one of the best designs yet.

The Limited-Edition Gears of War controller coincided with the Gears 4 release in late 2016. While it costs $200, the blood-red design with physical claw marks and hidden gems made it a winner. Need more? Go see my full review including video to learn all about it.

(No longer available).

So fresh

Xbox One Sport White

The Sport White controller came out in late 2018. With its pure white military-inspired design, and silver and teal accents, this beauty is perfect for the minimalist gamer. This design screams "fresh," and it is easily one of my favorites.

Pure and clean

Xbox One Phantom White

I have both the Phantom Black and Phantom White controllers because you got to get 'em all. Both of these controllers look amazing with their simple color schemes. But it is the half-translucent top half that lets you peek into the controller's innards that makes this stand out. If you like Sport White but can no longer find it, Phantom White is your next best bet.

It glows!

Sea of Thieves – Limited Edition

Of all the Xbox One controllers the Sea of Thieves one is easily the best creation yet. It's purple, has some translucency, lots of hidden Easter eggs with minute detail. And those green/blue color blotches? They glow in the dark! Combine it with its matching (but optional) recharge stand, and this the pinnacle of design and customization.

You can still find this beauty online, but it now fetches $300 without the stand.

Oldie but goodie

Titanfall

The Titanfall (2015) special edition controller was Microsoft's first foray into custom hardware for its new Xbox One. The color palette on this one, with orange, black, and white, looks awesome and like nothing Microsoft has created since. The good news is you can still pick this up if you want one.

Over to you ...

Which is your favorite? If you need to see more, don't forget our running guide of all the 54 different Xbox One controllers (so far). And if you don't like any of these, you can always make your own using Microsoft's Design Lab.

What you need to know

• A new video from Xbox shows off every Xbox One controller ever made.
• The video shows off the developer controller sent out before the console launched.
• Two industrial designers from Xbox break down details of each special edition and variation of the controller.

There are dozens of versions of the Xbox One controller, ranging from the Halo 5: Guardians Master Chief to the Xbox Elite Series 2. Now, a new video from the Xbox team has Xbox Industrial Designers Monique Chatterjee and Carl Ledbetter go through every Xbox One controller ever made, including the developer design that was never available for purchase.

In the video, Chatterjee and Ledbetter go through every edition of the Xbox One controller in great detail, adding stories and backgrounds to many designs. For example, they show the Call of Duty Advanced Warfare controller and how it has a kill count on the outside of one grip and a smiley face on the other grip, simulating things that people might carve into actual guns. Chatterjee also adds that the gold color on that controller was designed to match a candy bar wrapper.

• List of all different Xbox One controller styles and colors
• Daniel Rubino's 5 favorite Xbox controllers ever

The video is a great insight into the design process of each controller and showcases each of the unique designs that the Xbox team released over the years. If you're on the hunt for a new controller, we have a collection of every Xbox One controller available.

If you want to disassemble an Xbox controller to try and fix a stuck joystick or unruly d-pad, here's how you can go about it quickly and easily.

Note: Disassembling your Xbox controller will void its warranty, so disassemble your controller at your own risk!

Products used in this guide

• Tools for the job: Vastar T6 T8 T10 Screwdriver Kit ($10 at Amazon)
• Best in the business: Xbox One Controller ($46 at Amazon)

How to take apart an Xbox One controller

1. Consider working on a tray to prevent screws or other parts from falling on the floor or getting lost.
2. Take the orange pry tool from your tool kit.
3. Slide the pry tool between the plastic seam on the grips as shown.

4. Lever the grip away from the main controller body. Note that there is also adhesive holding it in place under the plastic, so don't be afraid of applying some force.
5. Repeat this again for both grips.
6. Next, we'll remove the screws. Once the screws are removed, your Xbox controller will come apart like a sandwich. Be extremely careful because if you pull it apart too hard, you may damage the cable that connects the battery to the circuitry.

7. Find your T8 screwdriver from your kit, and begin removing the five security screws as shown. Note that one of the screws is hidden behind the sticker in your battery housing.

Now, you can take a look at the inner workings of your gamepad. Take care not to misplace any of the parts, though!

Additional notes

From here, the controller is split into three main parts. A front faceplate, the body with the circuitry, and the backplate with the battery housing. Be careful as to not lose any parts while manipulating the controller.

When reassembling the controller, you'll want to ensure that the battery connectors are properly lined up inside the backplate, and also that the audio jack underneath is properly snugly fit into the outer shell.

I disassembled my controller because, when dropping it, I somehow managed to get the joystick lodged into an awkward position on the inside. Taking it apart to reset the positioning of parts in this situations can be a cheaper, or at least a faster alternative than sending it off for repairs, but make sure to be delicate since some of the parts are fiddly. And of course, you can void your warranty by doing this stuff.

Our top equipment picks

You'll need a T8-compatible screwdriver kit to get into your Xbox controller's security screws, and this more than does the job. It also comes with pry tools for popping out the grips, making it a one-stop-shop for all your controller maintenance needs.

If something goes awry during your repair attempt, it may be cheaper to simply pick up a new Xbox controller than send it to Microsoft for a repair. So be extra careful!

During its latest episode of Inside Xbox, Microsoft took the wraps off of its latest special edition Xbox Wireless Controller, sporting the fitting description of "Phantom White." If the reveal had you drooling, preorders are now available at the Microsoft Store for $70.

The Phantom White Xbox controller largely mimics the look of the equally sleek Phantom Black controller, but with a white coat of paint. The top still features a translucent shell that shows off the guts of the controller, offering a neat look at the mechanisms inside. That gradually fades down to an all-white exterior on the controller's grips.

Like all new Xbox Wireless Controllers, this one comes sporting Bluetooth, so you can use it with your Windows 10 PC as well as your Xbox One. There's also the standard textured grip around back, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom.

The Phantom White controller is set to start shipping on April 2, but you can get your preorder in now at Microsoft for $70.

SteelSeries Stratus Duo is able to connect via Bluetooth and an included wireless dongle. It's easy to connect the gamepad to Android via Bluetooth or Windows using the dongle or cable. In this guide, I'll show you how to connect the device to Windows 10.

Products used in this guide

• Amazon: SteelSeries Stratus Duo ($60)

How to connect the Stratus Duo on Windows 10

Not only can you connect the SteelSeries Stratus Duo to Windows 10 PC using a cable or the 2.4GHz wireless dongle.

1. Plug the 2.4GHz wireless dongle into a free USB port.
2. Slide the wireless mode switch to 2.4GHz.
3. Turn on the SteelSeries Stratus Duo.
4. The gamepad will automatically pair itself with the receiver.

You're good to go! The controller will be recognized by Windows and be ready for your next gaming session. Should you need to pair the gamepad to the receiver, simply press the synchronization button after moving past step three in the above walkthrough.

Our top equipment picks

You're going to need the SteelSeries Stratus Duo.

Some highlights of the SteelSeries Stratus Duo include being Fortnite-certified, support both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless capabilities, sport a rechargeable battery with up to 20 hours of game time, and it feels great in the hand.

This generation, Microsoft hasn't released as many special edition Xbox One consoles as Sony. However, the company has put in a lot of effort with multiple controllers. There are a lot of gorgeous peripherals out there — from the Titanfall controller to the mesmerizing Dusk Shadow — but the newly-announced "Sport Red" definitely makes a statement.

Not only is it very bright, but it's also features an intricate pattern on the front and back. Microsoft said the following when describing the device.

The Sport Red controller will be available for $69.99 on March 5, 2019. Luckily, it's going to launch worldwide so gamers outside of the United States don't have to worry about availability. You should be able to find it at your local retailer like Games Planet in the Middle East. There are listings for Chinese New Year-themed controllers floating around too.

For those of you who like matching accessories, Controller Gear is also releasing a Sport Red Xbox Pro Charging Stand. Each Xbox Pro Charging Stand includes a battery cover, rechargeable battery, and a six-foot power cord so you won't have to buy cells again and again. The charging stand will be available on May 1 for $49.99.

• See at Amazon
• See at Microsoft Store

Why get a racing wheel controller?

The main reason why people looking to get serious with titles like Forza Horizon 4 should get a driving-wheel controller is that it allows you to control your car much more reliably and efficiently. On the race track, sometimes you need to turn so subtly or sharply that your Xbox One controller analog sticks simply won't respond the way you want. This is where a wheel comes in, and with one, you can perform these maneuvers with ease. Additionally, they also come with rumble support, which helps give you feedback about how rough of a surface your car is currently driving on.

Another great reason to get a racing wheel is simply that it feels awesome. Using a controller is OK, but using a wheel does make you feel like you're in the driving seat of the vehicle on your screen.

Why get the Logitech G920 Racing Wheel?

Compared to other wheel controllers, the Logitech G920 is cheaper, meaning you won't break the bank with a purchase. However, you're not sacrificing a ton of quality either; the Logitech G920 is incredibly well-built and designed with stainless steel and leather. It also has a three-pedal setup that allows you to control your speed and braking with just as much subtlety as you do direction-wise with the wheel, which makes it everything a racing game player needs in one package. Additionally, it has several buttons on it that mimic Xbox One controller buttons, meaning you can navigate menus with it.

Go big or go home

If you need something heavy duty, then we recommend the Thrustmaster TS-XW. It's over three times as expensive as the Logitech G920, but you get quite a bit for the price. One of the wheel's best features is its powerful force feedback, which is powered by a 40-watt servomotor. The entire thing is made out of steel, and the pedals it comes with are adjustable. It also sports a power efficiency rating of 86 percent, which is due to its high-end power supply. This beats out wheels with standard power options by around 20 percent!.

We love our limited-edition Xbox One controllers at Windows Central – but what about paying homage to those powering them? Battery manufacturer, Duracell, has kicked off a new partnership with Microsoft, highlighting its product lineup for Xbox gamepad use. Among a series of promotions, it's (somehow) sparked the creation of one of the best yet. Yes, that's a Duracell-branded Xbox One controller.

Debuted via the official Duracell Twitter, the custom controller mirrors the design of copper-topped batteries. Similar to the existing line of ombré "Shadow" controllers, its metallic finish slowly descends into matte black, embossed with bold Duracell branding on the right-hand grip.

Although Duracell's Xbox One controller won't hit store shelves, the design is still falling into public hands. The manufacturer is dishing out the design to select followers, paired with a stylish Duracell waist bag and 24 batteries.

Duracell's promotion appears to be part of a larger deal with Xbox, touting up to 50 hours of gameplay via its rechargeable Ultra Power AA batteries. Tied into Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft's growing Netflix-style subscription service, buyers receive over 100 titles for $10 per month. Let us know your thoughts on this high-voltage design in the comments.

List of all different Xbox One controller styles and colors

See at Microsoft

The official Xbox One Play & Charge kit offers all you could want, with Microsoft's expertise in accessories prevalent. However, PowerA comes close with its low-cost alternative.

Just plug and play

Xbox One controllers can eat batteries fast, making rechargeable battery kits a valuable companion for any gamer. Microsoft's Xbox One Play & Charge kit is among the best, offering an official, all-inclusive package to top-up your favorite controller. One rechargeable battery pack and an accompanying 9-foot micro USB cable are included, providing all you need for fast plug-and-play use.

PowerA also features a Play & Charge kit in its lineup, offering the best third-party alternative for recharging controllers. While priced $10 cheaper than the official kit, it contains two battery packs and one micro USB cable, ideal for setups with multiple gamepads. The unique battery shape also requires the use of PowerA's custom black battery doors, which support its other wireless charging accessories, as well.

PowerA's kit offers superior value — packing two batteries for just $15 — yet bears noteworthy design flaws over its premium counterpart. Most prominent are the unsightly battery packs that exposing surplus micro USB ports from the rear rather than use the controller's built-in input. The vibrant orange plastic construction further draws attention, throwing off the aesthetics of any special edition controller.

In contrast, Microsoft's solution feels more premium with its low-profile implementation. Don't overlook the benefit of a sleek charging kit for your daily driver, even if PowerA's value is unbeaten.

Not all batteries are created equal

While PowerA packs double the charging at half the price, Microsoft takes the lead in overall performance. Microsoft succeeds with its 1400mAh lithium-ion offering, packing up to 30 hours of promised charge. PowerA leverages 1100 mAh nickel–metal hydride (NiMH) units, and while offers less playtime, still trumps most budget alternatives.

Microsoft's use of lithium batteries is also notable over the inferior NiMH technology of budget batteries. Accompanying the increased capacity, expect improved charging times and longevity. Third-party battery packs are more likely to diminish over prolonged use, while our five-year-old lithium kits are still reliable today.

Microsoft vs. PowerA: Which is best?

Microsoft and PowerA offer some of the best controller accessories on the market with recommendable charging kits. Microsoft's offering is superior, with its simple design and superior technology under the hood.

However, both lower priced and offering two batteries, PowerA offers equally strong value for money. Small design shortcomings don't overshadow its huge savings, ideal for those on a budget.

Microsoft's own Xbox One controller leverages the system's best features, while Amazon's alternative doubles down on the basics. While the latter is an ideal choice on the cheap, the official solution is likely worth the premium.

Among the best Xbox One controllers

Microsoft's Xbox One wireless controller is the universal go-to solution, packaged alongside consoles, and produced in-house by the Xbox team. It's a reference design that inspires third-party alternatives, packing the key features, alongside some premium touches.

As expected from any product donning Xbox branding, this wireless controller touts impressive build quality, with guaranteed compatibility across the growing accessories range. This is paired with ergonomic buttons and triggers and backed by extensive research from the firm's Redmond teams. Microsoft's expertise in gaming accessories shines in 2018, following nearly 20 years in the space.

AmazonBasics is the mega-retailer's budget product line, recently expanding to Xbox One with its take on the iconic controller. This entry-level alternative strips the gamepad to its core, cutting surplus features in pursuit of a low price point.

The final result is still a well-built controller lined with a grippy rubberized rear, maintaining sizeable weight for a great in-hand feel. However, there's an overall lack of refinement, alongside soft, mushy buttons likely attributed to its low-cost assembly. You'll also be limited to just black or white, in contrast to the ever-growing Xbox controller lineup with all the colors and patterns under the rainbow.

Slashing prices comes at a cost

The official Xbox One controller highlights the console's best packing some features often overlooked by third-parties. The integrated 3.5mm audio jack and accessories port ensure usability with all headsets, chatpads, and other controller accompaniments. Rumble triggers provide further feedback in vibrations, bringing out the most in shooters, racers, and other supported games. With its latest revision, Bluetooth support for PCs and mobiles is standard issue.

Functionality is cut by Amazon, once again sticking to simplicity. You'll get vibration without rumble triggers, but lose the accessories port for a single 3.5mm jack. The obvious omission is wireless capability, limiting use to the integrated 9.8-foot USB cable. This might not be a huge deal if you sit close to your console but for those with larger spaces, or who like the freedom of wireless, you're out of luck.

More for your money

Microsoft's Xbox One wireless controller provides everything you need, supporting all of the console's best features. It feels excellent to use and has no significant flaws; it's truly among the best gamepads you can buy in 2018. At just $49, it could be the last controller you buy for a while.

AmazonBasics' $22 variant is cheap and nails the essentials, functioning as an equally strong alternative. However, the cutbacks may outweigh the savings, making the official Xbox One controller our top pick. AmazonBasics' controller might be good if you need an extra controller on the cheap, but it should definitely not be your main controller.

Why get an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller?

Before discussing the pros and cons of available colors, it's important to highlight why you'd want an Xbox Elite Wireless Controller in the first place. Between the four customizable paddles on the back, rubber grips, a variety of different available joysticks and d-pads, and hair trigger functionality, this controller gives you extensive control over how you play your games. While it's quite expensive at $150, you're ultimately getting a controller that can be functionally tuned to your specific needs. For more details, check out our review.

Reasons to choose black

Though the black Elite controller is less of a standout than its white counterpart, there are still reasons that you might find it a preferable option. For one, the vast majority of Xbox equipment comes in black, so choosing the black version of the Elite will mean that it fits in with your other accessories. Another good advantage of black accessories in general is that it's harder to tell they're dirty — nobody will be able to see the Dorito stains on your gear if the gear is darker than orange already. Lastly, this controller has some nice silver accents, so if that fits within your style, this might be the version for you.

Reasons to choose white

A good reason to choose the white version of the Elite controller is if you own an Xbox One S or the new white variant of the Xbox One X. Having a controller that matches your console always looks great, and previously, only regular Xbox controllers were available in white. Now that the Elite is, you no longer have to choose between style and function; you can have your cake and eat it, too. Also, since most Xbox accessories tend to come in black, this controller will stand out quite a bit from everything else in your arsenal. If you want something to contrast the norm, then this color scheme is right up your alley.

Why make your own controller?

The Xbox Design Lab gives you the ability to add tons of personal flair to a controller, but why would you want to do it? There are a few good reasons. One of them is personality; if you want your controller to reflect things about you, such as your favorite colors or favorite quote, then the Xbox Design Lab offers you a way to create a controller that does just that.

It's not just aesthetics though; the Design Lab also has some options that can affect how the controller operates while gaming. Things like metallic bumpers, a metallic D-pad, and rubberized grips on the back of the controller can improve textile feedback with inputs or help you hold your controller better. These options significantly increase the price of your custom controller, though.

Where do you stand?

Ultimately, an Xbox Design Lab controller is only worth the increased price if you're going to get increased enjoyment out of what you're paying for. A $103 Xbox controller will probably be a fantastic investment for a hardcore player that lives and breathes Xbox and loves things like metallic bumpers and detailed camo designs, but a more casual player would likely consider that controller a waste of money. Instead, they would probably want a simple design that has their favorite colors, which costs $70, only $10 up from the standard Xbox One controller price.

People who only turn on their Xbox once in a blue moon should most likely avoid paying for any Design Lab controller simply because of how rarely they'll use it. There's no point in buying a customized, more expensive controller if it's going to sit on an entertainment center for months, unused and neglected.

Final thoughts on Xbox Design Lab controllers

Overall, I think an Xbox Design Lab controller with basic color customization is worth it if you play a couple of times a week, while extensively personalized controllers that cost over $100 are only worth buying if you game all day, every day. People who barely play on their Xbox One at all should avoid the Design Lab entirely, as they won't gain any value from a customized controller.

At the end of the day, the only person that can decide what is and isn't worth your money is you. Despite this, I think it would be foolish to waste your money on luxury controllers if you don't play frequently. If you do, though, then Xbox Design Lab controllers are a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your gaming gear.

What makes the Phantom Black special?

Controller skins are nothing new in the market for Xbox accessories, but the Phantom Black controller is unique in that it features a sleek fading translucent shell. Depending on how the lighting in your room hits your controller, you'll be able to see the inner workings of the device. This in and of itself isn't unheard of, either, though — custom designers have made clear controller skins before. What makes the Phantom Black's casing truly one of a kind is the way that it can appear to look like an opaque black surface when the light isn't shining on it.

Due to this, turning the controller in your hands causes various parts of the inner hardware to become both visible and invisible right before your eyes. It looks amazing, and gives off a ghastly ethereal vibe; the controller definitely earns its title of Phantom Black. It's sleek, stylish and functional. In fact, ur games editor Jez Corden loves this controller and literally called it "the sexiest accessory Microsoft ever made" in his full review.

An affordable upgrade

While some high-quality custom controllers will cost you anywhere from $75 to $90, the Phantom Black's price tag of $70 is only $10 higher than a standard generation-three Xbox One controller. This puts it in line with custom-made controllers from Xbox Design Lab and ensures that it is an affordable upgrade from the regular controllers. For just a little bit of money, you can give your controller a hell of a lot of personality.

It is worth pointing out that the Phantom Black doesn't come with any of its own unique features aside from its outer shell. It's all about the style. Personally, I feel that the incredible skin is easily worth the cost, and I highly recommend the controller. You won't regret this purchase.

Recently our game's editor Jez Corden did a full review of the Hyperkin Duke Xbox One controller – a revival of the original Xbox controller from 2001. Priced at $70 the 2018 edition is proving to be quite popular.

I recently took it for a spin and compared it to the original to see what is new and what is different, which you can see in our latest review video.

One thing I like about this whole project is the original Duke was panned so heavily in 2001 that Microsoft had to redo it with a slimmed-down variant to appease gamers quickly. Now, in 2018, suddenly people want the original, but they also want it to work with a new Xbox One or their PC.

Hyperkin did a great job with the update, which includes new shoulder buttons that were not on the original, modern trigger buttons that have smoother momentum, and a bright large OLED display in the center that shows the original Xbox animation.

That display though would be great to use as a secondary screen for gaming, and while that would require some high-end programming, it may not be a bad idea if Microsoft and Hyperkin want to work that out.

The other big downside is the Hyperkin Duke is not wireless. Not only would that have upped the price even further, but Microsoft doesn't actually allow third-party companies use that technology in its controllers as of writing. Still, the included micro-USB cable is long enough (but if you lose it you may have trouble finding one with the port to fit the Duke's).

As someone who never used the original Duke, I liked the feel and handling of the new Hyperkin edition. It's a nice change-up from a standard controller and is quite fun to use. While it is heavy – even more onerous than the original – I'd have to push 60 minutes before my hands got fatigued, but that is something to keep in mind.

Overall, the Hyperkin Duke is what we should be doing with technology these days: taking old, but flawed ideas and improving them where we can. Hyperkin did that, and the $70 is worth it for those who want a bit of history to use every day.

• See at Microsoft Store
• See at Amazon

Xbox One controllers wear out a lot quicker than you'd like, especially if you're a heavy gamer. But, before you go running to buy a new one, think about repairing the one you have. If it still fundamentally works as it should but something is broken or worn, you can save a bundle by doing a home repair job.

In the case of the thumbsticks, they're prone to wearing out, or worse, since they're only plastic. If you need to replace them, it's not actually that difficult.

Here's everything you need to know.

What you need

• Replacement Xbox One Thumbsticks (about $10)
• Plastic pry tool (about $5)
• Torx T8 screwdriver (about $5)

The latter two items are useful for other things, too, and they'll be universal for any repair or customization work you do on your Xbox One Controller. You can get a toolkit with both in for about $10.

A pair of regular black thumbsticks is about $10, but in swapping them out you could also go for some different colors or styles. As long as they're compatible with the Xbox One controller, the method remains the same.

How to replace Xbox One controller thumbsticks

Because the thumbsticks are on the front and all the screws to hold the controller together are on the back, you'll need to do a complete teardown by following these steps.

1. Remove the battery door.
2. Remove the batteries from the controller.

3. Use the plastic pry tool to detach the rear grips from the controller body. (Once you've separated them, pull firmly to remove them from the body.)

4. You now have five screws to remove as shown in the image with the T8 screwdriver. (The fifth is located beneath the battery label so you'll have to pierce it or remove it entirely.)

5. Pull the backplate away from the controller body.

6. Flip the controller around and pull the faceplate away from the controller body.

7. Pull the thumbsticks straight up to detach from their poles.

8. Push your new thumbsticks down on the poles.
9. Repeat the steps above in reverse to reassemble your controller.

Note, if you have an actual issue with the thumbstick mechanism, such as drift or misalignment, replacing the thumbsticks won't fix this. But if you've got some nasty looking worn sticks, for a few dollars and 15 minutes of your time, you'll be fixed up quickly.

How to add trigger stops to a regular Xbox One controller for just $20

I play a lot of shooters (badly) and one thing I absolutely cannot do without anymore are trigger stops on my controller. When active, they shorten the travel of the triggers making aiming and shooting that little bit quicker. Your responses are sharper and you're firing faster than before.

Of course, they're not so awesome in a racing game like Forza 7, because without the full press of the trigger your car won't accelerate properly. That's the way racing games are designed, so you need to be able to take the trigger stops off again when necessary.

Until now I thought you had to fork out for a pro-grade controller to get this feature. Then I found this amazing kit from Bionik that not only adds trigger stops to a regular controller but does it cheaply as well.

See at Amazon

How to add trigger stops to a regular Xbox One controller

You don't need any fancy equipment or a lot of time to get this done. Free up five minutes and grab yourselves this:

• Bionik Quickshot kit
• Xbox One controller

That's it. Inside the Quickshot kit, you get a plastic pry tool which will help you remove the old grips and put the new ones on. I've tried this on the newer Xbox One controller that launched with the Xbox One S, but there's no reason to think it wouldn't also fit the original model.

Applying the Quickshot is really simple.

1. Use the plastic pry tool to prise one of the rear grips away from the controller. It's best to start at the top by the triggers as you have an easier edge to get into.

2. Once the grip has popped away, firmly pull away from the controller body. It's connected by plastic lugs, but they're pretty sturdy and you'll have to be firm.

3. Repeat steps one and two on the other side.
4. Firmly push down each Quickshot grip until they click into place. There should be a seamless fit with the controller, so make sure to push down along the whole edge.

That's all there is to it. You now have fully functioning trigger stops on your standard Xbox One controller. To turn them on, just slide the orange latch across and you'll immediately feel the benefits of less travel in your triggers.

Any drawbacks?

Drawbacks, no. Not for $20. The Bionik Quickshot does exactly what it says it will. My only lingering doubt is over the longevity of the product since it's all just bits of plastic, but equally, I don't expect much life from a standard Xbox One controller anymore. And this isn't an expensive accessory, at least.

What you should have are expectations. While the Quickshot does work and it does shorten the travel of your triggers, as an aftermarket accessory it doesn't have the same effect as you'd find on the Elite Wireless or on Razer's controllers. Both of those have a much shorter trigger travel with the stops on. They also cost over $100 each.

But if you're a console shooter fan and you'd really like to improve your experience without spending big bucks on a new controller, this kit is as close to a no-brainer as you'll find. Not only does it add trigger stops, but you'll get a pretty substantial grippy area so things don't get slippy at the crucial moment. It's also available in white.

See at Amazon

The Xbox One controller is fantastic. Its design is perfect, and often even the PlayStation crowd can be heard longing for Sony to replicate it. The offset analog sticks are more comfortable to use than Sony's side-by-side config, and the overall shape and feel of the Xbox One controller is hard to beat.

But while Microsoft has perfected the design, the build quality is a little more questionable. I'm sure I'm not the only one with creaks, rattles or just plain broken parts. My super fancy Design Lab controller barely gets used and yet the frame already squeaks and moves when I'm playing a game.

One controller from Microsoft where this is much less of an issue is the Elite Wireless. It's expensive, and it's also now a couple of years old and doesn't even have Bluetooth. But should you be considering investing in a new controller and you've thought about the Elite, the answer is yes. It's very much worth the extra money, even at $140.

See at Amazon

Build quality and features

The first thing you'll notice about the Elite controller is the weight and just how solid it feels. While the main body is plastic, it's covered in soft touch materials. You get metallic triggers and bumpers, metal thumbsticks and D-Pad and those removable metal paddles on the rear.

The easiest thing to say is that it's a quality product and it feels like it when you hold it, especially when you hold it next to a regular controller.

The build quality is important not just because of the price, but also because it's going to last you a lot longer. Microsoft developed the Elite alongside professional gamers, and everything is just better. The thumbsticks are smoother and more responsive but also designed to last a lot longer and take a little more punishment.

More: Xbox Elite Wireless controller review

The Elite is also customizable. Besides being able to use up to four paddles on the rear, you get different length thumbsticks with both concave and domed tops, and with the Xbox Accessories app you can remap buttons and truly make the Elite your own.

Then do it again and store two different profiles on the same controller.

With the regular controller, it's basically the experience you're given by Microsoft. With the Elite, it's more personal. As well as being a highly superior piece of hardware. If you've considered one but the price put you off, know that it's worth every penny.

See at Amazon

Not the only way

It's also worth pointing out that the Elite isn't the only way to get a pro-grade controller for the Xbox One. For starters, you can get a similar product from Scuf Gaming, with paddles, customizable thumbsticks and trigger stops, as well as a unique design with a number of wild colors and patterns available.

Scuf also has a partnership with Microsoft, so you can buy an Elite controller from them, but jazz it up a little!

See at Scuf Gaming

Another controller we love that's worth considering is the Razer Wolverine. It comes in two different versions, the tournament edition and the ultimate edition, with the former being lower priced at $120, compared to $160 for the Ultimate.

Both offer an improved experience over a standard Xbox One controller, with paddles, remappable buttons, and in the case of the ultimate edition, replaceable sticks and a built-in audio control panel. And Chroma lighting, which is important.

See at Amazon

Your thoughts

I definitely think the Elite controller is worth the money, as are the other controllers mentioned here. You get a substantially better product that will stand better the test of time and give you more features in the process.

If you're an Elite fan, drop your own experiences into the comments below.

The latest Xbox One controllers from Razer are the Wolverine series, and coming in cheaper than the Ultimate that we reviewed a little while back is the Tournament Edition, or TE.

This is still a controller targeted at pros and the serious gaming enthusiasts, those looking for more than you'll ever find with the standard controller that you can buy from Microsoft.

The Wolverine TE isn't as full-featured as the Ultimate, nor the Xbox Elite Wireless, but it still has a lot to offer. Even if there are a couple of things I wish it had that didn't make the cut.

What you'll love about the Razer Wolverine TE

If you've ever used an Elite Wireless, the first thing you'll notice and probably be very happy about is the weight. The Wolverine TE is light, and as such it doesn't fatigue the wrists as much during longer play sessions. Being light isn't a slight on its build quality, though. It feels solid, is well made and has some really nice grips on the rear.

One reason you might want to step up to the Wolverine TE is the additional buttons it provides. You get two small paddles on the rear and two additional buttons just inside the triggers on the top of the controller. Additionally, you get trigger locks, perfect for quicker reaction times in games like first-person shooters.

The rear paddles are excellent, and their size and positioning is preferable to me over the Elite Wireless. They don't detach, so they're always there, but they're perfectly placed and it takes only the slightest of presses to activate.

The triggers and bumpers, as well as the ABXY buttons, have a great feel to them. The click on the buttons is different to a Microsoft controller, with what feels like a slightly deeper press and a more pronounced click. Razer calls it "mecha-tactile" and I like it. While I don't think anyone would say it's bad, it could also take a little getting used to if it's your first time off the Microsoft reservation.

The triggers, bumpers, and buttons are mostly like you'll find on the more expensive Wolverine Ultimate, but unlike that controller, the thumbsticks aren't swappable. The feel of them is nice, with a very smooth travel, no sign of dead zones and a raised dot in the middle of the concave face which adds just enough texture for a good grip.

The size and shape of the Wolverine TE is extremely close to Microsoft's own design, so Razer hasn't strayed too far from the form factor so many find appealing. It's wired, which some will actually prefer (myself included) and the cable has a secure connector with a shroud around the port so it shouldn't accidentally disconnect.

The Razer Synapse app for Xbox also comes into play, and not just for changing the Chroma lighting effects (though the Chroma is important and awesome.) It allows you to remap the additional buttons and paddles to suit your needs, as well as offering focus and agile functions that can adjust the sensitivity of your thumbsticks at the press of a button. If you're playing PUBG, for example, and you're sniping an opponent, a quick press on focus will slow down sensitivity and make it a little easier to aim.

Synapse can also disable vibration, which you should definitely do for the M1 and M2 buttons at least, it's a bit strong!

What you'll hate about the Razer Wolverine TE

Being wired isn't a problem, nor is it that Razer has made a system to try and prevent accidental disconnects. But what might be a problem is that the Wolverine TE takes a very specific micro USB cable to fit that system. If you lose it, you won't be able to use the controller. So don't lose it.

And as I mentioned above, the vibration is really strong on the M1 and M2 button in particular, and I can't really see why you'd need it at all on those, let alone set to maxmium by default. Luckily you can turn it all off in Synapse.

What's also mildly disappointing is that the Wolverine TE only comes with a 3.5mm headset jack. Unlike the Ultimate, there's no included audio controller, and you can't attach the Microsoft Headset Adapter to get these features either. Personally, I prefer having audio controls close at hand, rather than having to go into the guide to make the adjustments.

You also can't really ignore the price. This is an expensive controller at $120. It's a big step up from being able to buy a standard controller for $50, but also makes the $40 difference to the Wolverine Ultimate quite attractive if you're looking for a little more.

Bottom line on the Razer Wolverine TE

I really like the Wolverine TE and having spent the last couple of years with the Xbox Elite Wireless, I'm enjoying the change. I'm particularly enjoying the lighter weight. Sure, it's all plastic, but the Elite feels like a bit of a brick in comparison.

And that's all while still having the main features I look for in a controller nowadays. The paddles are excellent and preferable to me over those on the Wolverine Ultimate, the trigger locks are easy to flip on and off in the middle of a game and the thumbsticks are accurate and drift-free. I'm also pleased it's wired, because the mild inconvenience of being cabled (this cable is long by the way) is better than having to recharge, and having no batteries drops a bit more off the weight.

The size and form factor is perfect, the rear grips add just the right amount of texture and I love the click on the ABXY buttons. I'm less keen on the one-off nature of the micro USB cable, especially since a controller labeled as a Tournament Edition would indicate you're maybe going to carry it around. And it is pretty pricey.

But look into its Chroma eye and you'll be very happy with it. I know I am. My tired, somewhat battered Elite Wireless can now happily retire.

See at Amazon

Instead of releasing a lot of custom consoles, Microsoft chooses to manufacture numerous special edition Xbox One controllers. Recently, the company launched a Sea of Thieves edition which features a glow-in-the-dark skull. Hot off the heels of that announcement, today Microsoft revealed the Combat Tech Special Edition model.

The Combat Tech Special Edition controller features a sleek dark green military design with black, silver and orange accents. Just like other military-themed ones, it supports rubberized diamond grips and Bluetooth technology so that it works with Windows 10 devices. It's definitely striking even though it's similar to the Patrol Tech model which came out many months ago.

These controllers are great for collectors, and many gamers will be excited for this new reveal. However, highly-customized ones like the Sea of Thieves edition, which offer new designs and not just variations, stand out more. Hopefully, in the future, Microsoft will release more controllers along the lines of the Sea of Thieves model, as opposed to a slight variation of the Patrol Tech one.

You can preorder the Combat Tech Special Edition controller right now on the Microsoft Store, but it should be available at other retailers soon. The controller is expected to launch on March 27, 2018 for $69.99. While this price seems a bit steep considering that the Patrol Tech model is available at a reduced price at many retailers, it'll probably still appeal to collectors.

See at Microsoft Store

Keep an eye on WindowsCentral.com/Gaming for all the latest in Xbox and Windows 10 gaming, accessories, news, and reviews!

Hyperkin's revival of the original Xbox controller, always called the Duke, is set to arrive later this year, and the good news for eager Xbox One gamers is that preorders are now open at Gamestop.

It'll cost you $69.99, which is a fair amount, but you're getting a lot of controller. Literally. The layout mimicks that of the original controller perfectly, with the addition of left and right bumpers to bring it up to today's standard. The Xbox logo in the center is also an OLED screen, which is extra fancy.

If you want one (and of course you do), hit the link below to get your preorder in. There's a chance these could be a pretty hot item, so get in while you can!

See at Gamestop

Whether you like Microsoft's gradient-style Dawn Shadow controller, the premium Xbox Elite controller, or a custom-made Xbox Design Lab controller, Microsoft has something for everyone.

That's why we're asking you which of Microsoft's sizeable controller library is your favorite?

Personally, my favorite is my very own custom painted Twin Peaks controller, made by a company called Controller Chaos, shown in the image above.

Jump in the forum thread and post yours!

From the forum: What's your favorite Xbox One controller?

While Microsoft has been touting the Xbox Elite controller, it looks like Razer has been hard at work on an answer to it. The just announced Razer Wolverine Ultimate is not only a high-end, configurable Xbox controller for PC and the console, but it also sports Razer's popular Chroma RGB lighting.

Razer Wolverine Ultimate

Featuring interchangeable D-Pads, thumb stick adapters that vary in height and size, and no less than six remappable triggers and buttons the $160 Razer Wolverine Ultimate looks to be a compelling alternative to Microsoft's Elite controller.

• Remappable 2 Multi-Function Buttons & 4 Triggers
• Razer Chroma lighting with full 16.8 million color options
• Interchangeable D-Pad – Choice between Individual and Tilting Designs
• Interchangeable Thumbsticks
• Hair-Trigger Mode with Trigger-Stop for rapid-fire
• Quick Control Panel
• Tactile Switch Action Buttons
• Ergonomic Non-Slip Rubber Grip
• Razer Synapse for Xbox app
• Razer Chroma SDK enabled
• Play Anywhere – Play on Xbox One or PC
• 3.5 mm audio port for stereo audio output and microphone input
• Carrying case
• Detachable 3 m / 10 ft lightweight braided fiber cable with Micro-USB connector
• Approximate size: 106 mm / 4.17 in (Length) x 156 mm / 6.14 in (Width) x 66 mm / 2.60 in (Height)
• Approximate weight (without cable): 260 g / 0.57 lbs

As expected, Razer has put a lot of emphasis on the trigger and button tactile responses giving gamers more accurate game play.

Unfortunately, it does not seem the controller supports wireless connectivity, so you'll be wired up to your Xbox (though the cable is likely needed for those Chroma lighting effects).

Razer Chroma now for Xbox and games too

Perhaps the most interesting part is support for Razer Chroma – the brilliant glowing LEDs lights that nearly every Razer product supports. While putting Chroma on a controller is not new, the ability to modify it directly through the Xbox is. Razer can do this with its new Razer Chroma for Xbox app that lets users choose from 16.8 million colors and multiple effects, such as spectrum cycling, breathing, stars, reactive, and more.

Even better there the Wolverine Ultimate supports Razer's new Chroma SDK. That means game developers can add support so that the controller's colors are reactive to the game adding for the first time lighting immersion as an experience.

Pricing and availability

I'll be reviewing the new Razer Wolverine Ultimate in the coming weeks contrasting it with Microsoft's Xbox Elite controller for reference.

General availability for the Wolverine Ultimate is slated for September from Razerzone.com with global availability in Q4 2017. Pricing is set at U.S. $159.99 / EU €179.99.

More information about the Wolverine Ultimate can be found on Razer's site.

The Steam Controller is a more advanced gamepad than that offered by Microsoft and PlayStation, but the input solution is still in its infancy stage. I've also come to the conclusion that while it's neat in some PC games and can absolutely be used in others where a typical gamepad would be deployed, there are also some things Microsoft's Xbox One controller is simply better at.

Here's a quick look at what specifications are featured by both controllers in question:

They're different beats. The Xbox One controller (especially the Elite variant) is considered by many to be the absolute best when it comes to console gaming and using a gamepad on a PC. Valve certainly brings some interesting features to the table, including a gyroscope, accelerometer, dual-stage triggers and two trackpads. Not to mention the number of buttons that can be re-mapped using Steam software.

Microsoft has come a long way with its console controllers. From the famous Duke to the current generation of gamepad, those with an Xbox have enjoyed a solid experience with launched titles. For PC, it's mainly been keyboard and mouse, which is what Valve wanted to replace with the Steam Controller, most notably for the living room and Big Picture Mode.

The Steam Controller takes some time getting used to. When setting up the gamepad with your PC, you'll need to spend some time getting used to how everything works. Instead of relying on two analog sticks, the Steam Controller only has one, with a trackpad for secondary input. It's incredibly off-putting at first, but almost feels natural after some time.

When is the Xbox One controller better? Well, if you don't like the Steam controller then Microsoft's own offering is a must-use. It's particular handy in first-person shooter titles and anything running on the Xbox console. As a slight downside, there's little in terms of customization, re-mapping and more complex controls can feel overwhelming on the small gamepad unless you go for the Elite variant.

This is where the Steam Controller shines though. Take Star Citizen (or Elite Dangerous) as an example. A space simulation title as complex as this requires numerous buttons for various functions. This is possible with the Steam Controller and a maintained configuration file (or you can go it alone and do everything yourself). Should you be comfortable with both controllers, Steam's solution really shines in more advanced games like this.

One also has to include the price when looking at Xbox One controllers and the Steam pad. If you want to match Valve's offering in Microsoft's camp, you'll need to fork out around $140 for the Xbox One Elite controller, which introduces more buttons and customization. The Steam Controller costs just $49.99. It's a substantial difference that should be considered by those looking for a new means of input for their PC.

But that's just me, what say you? Do you prefer the Steam Controller or Xbox One gamepad? Sound off in the comments!

• See the Steam Controller at the Steam Store
• See the Xbox One Elite Controller at Amazon

The Elite Wireless Controller is the cream of the crop of Xbox One controllers, but it also costs a pretty penny. The Hori Pro Pad offers some of the same features for under fifty bucks. But will it meet the needs of hardcore Xbox and PC gamers?

Design

The Hori Pad Pro features the same basic shape as previous Hori controllers, the regular Hori Pad for Xbox One, and the Hori Xbox 360 Gem Pad. Concave areas near the top and bottom of the controller resemble the shape of a PlayStation DualShock controller, although the Hori shares the same basic width as a Microsoft Xbox One controller.

Besides its pronounced concave shape, the top of the controller where the bumper buttons are housed juts out at hard angles. The angular bumpers have no downside from a gameplay standpoint, but they contrast with an otherwise smooth design.

The front of the controller features a dark translucent shell that allows for partial visibility of the white circuit board beneath it. The grips on this side have a distinctive "gemmed" pattern of tessellated triangles. The top of the controller is glossy black plastic (a fingerprint magnet) and the back consists of solid matte black plastic. I wish the back had been translucent too, as I always enjoy getting a peek at a controller's innards.

The Xbox Home/Guide button on the front of the controller doesn't light up. Instead, a white LED just below that and between the View/Back and Menu/Start buttons indicates that the controller is on.

The Hori Pro Pad is a wired controller with a breakaway cable. Like other third party controllers, it can't be used wirelessly. It does include a standard 3.5mm headset jack at the bottom of the controller. But (as with all third party controllers) there is no data port, so you can't use the Chatpad accessory with this controller.

Performance

Hori controllers always feature excellent D-Pads, and this one is no different. The Hori Pad Pro includes a traditional Nintendo-style D-Pad that feels great and excels at 2D games, fighting games, and menu selection. The official Xbox Controller and Elite Controller's D-Pads are no slouches, but it's always nice when affordable options like the Hori Pad Pro get these things right, too.

The analog sticks on the Hori Pad Pro have slightly wider and thicker tops than those of a Microsoft controller. They feel slightly looser than official sticks too, but not so much that they lose precision or performance. Hori sticks used to be way too loose, so I'm glad these are up to snuff.

The Hori Pad Pro's weak points are its analog triggers. They are stiff and don't have much travel. That makes them difficult to partially depress with any degree of accuracy, negating the benefit of analog design. Partially depressing the triggers is not important in most games, but racing games and some first-person shooters do take advantage of the analog nature of the triggers.

Programmable buttons

The main selling point of the Hori Pad Pro is that it offers four programmable buttons on the back side of the controller. The Hori Pad Pro only costs about $50, a whole $100 less than an Elite Controller. For fifty bucks, Hori's offering gets you a wired pad with extra buttons that could potentially improve your gaming performance.

The programmable buttons on the rear are labeled FR1, FR2, FL1, and FL2. An 'Assign' button allows users to program any desired button to these extra buttons. If you want to be able to jump, reload, or switch buttons without removing your thumb from the right analog stick, that could be very handy.

My initial concern with the programmable buttons was their horizontal positioning. Both the Elite Controller and the PowerA Fusion Pro Controller utilize vertical positioned for their rear buttons, which seems more natural. But distinguishing between the two buttons on either side isn't that tough, because your middle finger can feel the shapes of both buttons beneath it. The buttons are nice and long, too, so you'll be able to hit them regardless of how high or low your fingers rest on the controller.

Overall Impression

The Hori Pad Pro is a fine controller for the price. You get a fantastic D-Pad, a unique look, and four rear buttons for a fraction of the price of an Elite Controller. I wish the analog triggers weren't so stiff and short, but they're still fine for the vast majority of games.

You can use the Hori Pad Pro with both Xbox One and PC, with Windows 10 detecting it by default. With the low price and features on offer, this one is a great buy for anybody who needs a wired pad for console and PC or wants a few extra features at an affordable price. 2D gaming fans will especially want to give Hori's controller a shot.

See on Amazon

Microsoft has a bunch of different controller configurations available for the Xbox One line at the moment. There's the high-powered Xbox One Elite Controller, the refreshed Xbox One standard controller with 3.5mm audio jack, and the all-new Xbox One S controller with textured grips and Bluetooth.

Whichever controller you decide to pick up for your Xbox One, here's a quick and handy guide on how to pair them to your console.

How to pair an Xbox wireless controller with your Xbox One

1. Hold the Xbox button on the controll to turn it on.
2. Press and hold the pairing button on your controller until the Xbox logo starts flashing. The button is situated on top of the controller next to the micro-USB port.
3. Press the pairing button on your console until the power button starts flashing. The photographs below illustrate the location of the pairing button on the Xbox One and Xbox One S.This should pair the controller. Once paired, the lights should turn solid.

Note: You can also pair the Xbox One controller to your console by connecting it to the Xbox using a micro-USB to USB charging cable.

How to pair a Bluetooth Xbox controller with your Windows 10 PC

If you have a controller from the Xbox Design Lab or the one bundled with the Xbox One S, it will have Bluetooth support. Here's how you pair it to a Windows 10 PC that supports Bluetooth.

1. Open the Start Menu.
2. Open Settings.
3. Click on Devices.
4. Click on Bluetooth. Your computer will start scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices.
5. Press and hold the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on.
6. Hold the pairing button on your controller. It can be found at the top of the Xbox One controller next to the USB port. After a short time the controller will appear in the available Bluetooth devices on your computer.
7. Click on Pair. You computer will pair with the controller and you'll be ready to go.

See on the Microsoft Store

How to pair an Xbox controller with your Windows 10 PC using the Xbox Wireless Adapter

If you don't have the Xbox One controller with Bluetooth, you can purchase the Xbox Wireless Adapter that's compatible with any Windows 10 device and the standard Xbox One controller. Here's how to pair those.

1. Plug the Xbox Wireless Adapter USB dongle into your PC. It should automatically download and install the necessary drivers.
2. Press and hold the Xbox button on your controller to turn it on.
3. Hold the pairing button on your controller. It can be found at the top of the Xbox One controller next to the USB port.
4. Hold the pairing button on the USB adapter (it is located on the upper side of the dongle). The adapter's lights should flash and then turn solid, pairing the controller to your PC.

Note: Just like on Xbox, you can pair a standard controller using a micro-USB to USB cable.

See on the Microsoft Store

Other controller resources

Microsoft's Xbox controllers are some of the best on the market, and there are all sorts of options for customization and more. Here's a few links you might find interesting.

• This is what a Windows Central custom ColorWare Xbox One Controller looks like
• Controller Chaos turned my Twin Peaks Xbox controller concept into something awesome
• Xbox Design Lab custom controller unboxing and hands-on!

Back in June, Microsoft announced their new Xbox Design Lab imitative where anyone can go and create their own customized Xbox One controller. Microsoft is already taking orders at xboxdesignlab.xbox.com for shipping in early September.

I happened to get a first reviewer's version in and today, we'll unbox it and tell you what I think.

This is the Xbox Design Lab custom controller!

Video unboxing

Watch as I unbox the controller and give you a brief tour of the design and features.

How it works

The process of making your controller is very simple. Head to xboxdesignlab.xbox.com and start picking your colors for the various components. For $79 you can choose from 15 different shades for:

• Body
• Bumpers & Triggers
• D-pad
• Thumbsticks
• ABXY
• View & Menu
• Back

As a bonus and for an extra $9.99 you can also do some fancy laser etching at the base of the controller perfect for your Gamertag.

Once you have picked your design, you can check it out using the Microsoft 3D modeler to see it from all angles. You can then share your design as well for others to see. Once finished you can just add to your cart, pay for it, and begin the waiting process!

Later, once the full Xbox Design Lab is up and running, it will be about a two-week turnaround time for them to make your controller.

Overall, the process was smooth and seamless. The only problem is settling on just one design! (Luckily, I have two others on the way, which have more ambitious color schemes).

Great build quality

Microsoft has learned a lot in making the much more expensive Elite Controller, and that experience trickled down to this new offering. There are no creaks, buttons feel responsive, and since they used colorized parts – and not paint – there is no fear of chipping or scratching the color away.

Compared to the Day One controller that shipped with the original Xbox One in 2013 this newer one is a much better experience.

What's different?

The newer Xbox One controller has a few changes that may make the $79 investment worth it for gamers:

1. Grippy handles – Although it's not aggressive the new controller has a textured grip instead of the current smooth finish. While not as impressive as the rubber on the Elite controller it is miles ahead of the original for feel in the hand
2. Bluetooth This is probably one of my favorite features. You no longer need the external Bluetooth thumbstick if you want to use your Xbox Controller with a PC. Now, you can just connect it to any Bluetooth devices (including Windows 10 Mobile and HoloLens).

I should point out that as of right now connecting this Xbox Controller to Windows 10 Mobile does not do too much. But for Continuum and gaming, there is a whole new avenue opened up by having a Bluetooth enabled Xbox One controller. I'm sure it's no coincidence that they made this controller this way.

The same goes for HoloLens where holographic gaming is now a real possibility!

The new Design Lab Xbox One controller works with existing Xbox One consoles, the new Xbox One S, PCs, Surface, Windows 10 Mobile, and more.

Photo Gallery

First thoughts

Microsoft did a bang-up job with the Design Lab. Gamers have clearly been yearning for the ability to customize accessories, and now the infrastructure is there anyone can. The price is right at $79 (free shipping too), and the build quality is much higher than previous controllers.

Perhaps the only downside is the Elite Controller can be customized, but I know when I travel I'll be taking my Molon Labe one with me.

See at Microsoft

Let me know in comments if you ordered one and what color choice you picked! Special thanks to @karelj, who's design I chose for my first controller!

A company claims it is coming out with a new product that will charge up a standard Xbox One controller in less than a minute. Game console accessory maker Performance Designed Products says its Super Charger will allow gamers to play with the controller for up to 12 hours after just a minute on its charging dock.

IGN has the first word on the Super Charger, along with a quote from PDP's chief technology officer Tom Roberts:

Aside from that, and a render of the Super Charger, little else is known about the product and PDP has yet to announce a price or release date. By the limited graphics and information they've released, it appears the Super Charger consists of a charging base and a fast-charging battery module that's slung underneath the standard Xbox One controller. If we had to guess, that module is what's charged up so quickly and it then charges the controller as you use it at a more traditional pace (which is along the lines of around 4 hours).

More information on PDP's Xbox One controller Super Charger is expected to be revealed at CES 2016 next week in Las Vegas.

Source: IGN

This year the Xbox One has received not one but two luxury controllers: Microsoft's Elite Wireless Controller and the Razer Wildcat. Both offer a number of features you won't find on a regular controller, such as extra programmable buttons and trigger locks. But they also ring up at $149.99 a pop, which will break many a gamer's bank. Wouldn't it be nice to have a more affordable option in advanced controllers?

PowerA (makers of the Mini Series Controller and a bunch of Star Wars controllers) have just the thing for gamers who can't or don't want to spend one-and-a-half Benjamins on a luxury Xbox One controller. The Fusion Pro Controller is a wired controller with many of the same features as the Elite and Wildcat. The big difference is that it only costs $79.99. Read our detailed review with video to find out whether the Fusion Pro Controller can stand up to the big boys!

Wrap that cord

Unlike the Elite Controller and Razer Wildcat, the Fusion Pro Controller doesn't come with a carrying case. PowerA has to keep costs down in order to sell the controller at such a low price point, after all. You could always buy a generic controller case if you really want one.

That said, the Fusion Pro does at least come with a decent cord wrap. The black rubber wrap features the PowerA logo. It has a number of grooves which can slide over two orange pegs, keeping the wrap in place. Although the wrap is a good idea in concept, the actual design doesn't stick the landing…

The portion of the wrap with the PowerA logo doesn't have any grooves, which creates a large area that can't connect to the orange pegs. Basically, you can't tighten the wrap as much as you'd expect because of the logo area. It's still good enough for wrapping the entire cable up during transportation, but not great at wrapping only a portion of the cord during use to reduce clutter.

As for the USB cable itself, it can't be detached like the Elite and Wildcat cables. But it measures a generous 9.8 feet and features a break-away end. And it's braided, so it should outlast standard rubber cords.

Body, Sticks, and buttons

The Fusion Pro Controller's body closely resembles that of a standard Xbox One controller, albeit with sharper angles on the front of the hand grips. The bulk of the controller consists of matte black plastic with a mild texture. The front left grip wears an embossed PowerA logo.

The traditional glossy black plastic area at the top of the control shows up as well, but with a rather unique design. Here the glossy plastic on the front forms a rounded Reuleaux triangle shape and does not extend to the actual top of the controller. The bumpers and triggers still use glossy plastic though. Naturally these glossy areas show hand grease, so I'd prefer an all matte design.

PowerA has always made a decent D-Pad, and the Fusion Pro's is no exception. It closely resembles the standard Microsoft directional pad, although I find this one slightly stiffer. The only downside to this D-Pad is that it doesn't stand out like the unique pads of the Elite and Wildcat.

The analog sticks do stand out, however. Their necks are noticeably thicker and about 1mm taller than those of the Elite. And the tops measure a whopping 20mm wide, about 9mm greater than the Elite's default stick tops. Their textured edges won't collect dirt like Microsoft's stick tops.

Do analog stick tops need to be two centimeters wide? Probably not, though I don't mind. Rather than keep my thumbs planted in the center of these pizza-sized tops, I keep them a few millimeters lower. People with small hands might just find them too massive, but I expect most will adjust as they'd do with any new controller.

Lighting

The Fusion Pro has one standout feature that neither the Elite nor Wildcat can claim: colorful lighting! Like PowerA's previous Spectra Controller, this one includes three lighting control buttons on its back. The first turns on a light along the lower rim of the triangular area at the top of the controller face. The bottom button lights up both analog stick bases. And the middle button switches between four brightness levels.

Pressing the triangle or stick lighting buttons additional times will toggle between lighting modes:

• Color cycling pattern 1
• Color cycling pattern 2
• Pink
• Amber
• Green 1
• Green 2
• Green 3
• Green 4
• Blue 1
• Blue 2
• Blue 3
• Blue 4
• Blue 5
• Blue 6
• Purple 1
• Purple 2
• Purple 3
• Off

The lighting has its ups and downs. Compared to colored lighting options found in computer peripherals, you get far less colors here, and most are variants of the same colors. Also, the controller doesn't remember lighting settings. So if you turn the console off or unplug the cable, you'll have to turn them back on the next time you use it. The Fusion Pro does save custom button settings, so it seems like an oversight that the lighting patterns don't save too.

Those complaints aside, I still love that the controller has semi-customizable lighting. It doesn't sport a ton of distinct colors, but you can set up the Windows Central blue and pink pretty easily. And it's cool that we can turn on and adjust the stick and face lighting independently. I hope Xbox One gets more high quality controllers with lighting in the future.

Triggers and locks

The bumpers and triggers of the Fusion Pro differ slightly from their Microsoft equivalents. The bumper shape makes it harder to keep your finger on both bumper and trigger simultaneously, so you end up having to move it from the trigger to hit the bumper. Not a huge deal, but Microsoft and Razer have better designs. The triggers themselves are good, though they have slightly less travel and lack the perfect resistance of the Elite's.

Fortunately, the Fusion Pro offers one of the key features of the Elite and Wildcat: trigger locks. Just flip the two switches on the back and you can lock both triggers, limiting their range of movement. This will let you fire non-automatic weapons more rapidly since you don't have to press the triggers down as far.

Programmable buttons

The Elite, Wildcat, and Fusion Pro all include four extra programmable buttons – and their implementations differ widely. Rather than paddles like the Elite controller, the Fusion Pro sports four regular buttons on the back of its controller grips.

The bottom buttons are much larger than the top ones, making them easier to tell apart by touch. The button positioning ensures that your middle and ring fingers will naturally sit over them while holding the controller. I have accidentally pressed them a few times, but only when gripping the controller too hard.

Unlike the Elite's problematic paddles, these extra buttons don't get pressed when setting the controller down, and will rarely be hit by mistake. And even if you do hit them by mistake, they do nothing by default. You have to program them to give them a function, so you can effectively disable them by deprogramming them. That said, I'd rather they mirrored the bumper and triggers by default instead of doing nothing.

Programming the extra buttons is easy. Press and hold the PowerA button found just under the Home/Guide button for two seconds and the face light starts to blink. Press the button whose function you want to copy, and then press the programmable button to complete the process. It would make more sense to press the programmable button first instead, but you get used to it.

The buttons that can be copied to the extra buttons include the four face buttons, the bumpers, triggers, and the stick buttons (clicking in the analog sticks). Disappointingly, View/Back, Menu/Start, and D-Pad directions can't be assigned to the programmable buttons. The Wildcat has the Fusion Pro beat there, but most people will only want to duplicate the face buttons anyway.

The Fusion Pro only offers a single profile for programmed buttons. Entering programming mode and then holding the PowerA button for five seconds will reset the memory to its default state.

Headset support and Windows compatibility

The Fusion Pro has a 3.5mm headset jack on its bottom, which is good. But it lacks a data port, which means you can't use the Chatpad with this controller. No third-party controllers currently offer data ports, so the absence seems to be a restriction imposed by Microsoft.

Like the Razer Wildcat, the Fusion Pro is fully compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10. Just plug it in and install the standard Xbox One controller driver if necessary. The four programmable buttons and lighting will function exactly as they do when used with the Xbox One.

Overall Impression

PowerA's Fusion Pro Controller presents a fine alternative to the Elite and Wildcat controllers. Don't get me wrong, the construction is not nearly as deluxe as those luxury controllers and it lacks some of their bells and whistles. But it does offer programmable buttons and trigger stops, which are the main selling points of the $150 controllers. And it stands out with some fancy lighting too.

Would I recommend you get the Fusion Pro instead of the Elite or Wildcat? If you can afford it, I still say go with the Elite. I greatly dislike the paddles, but in every other way the Elite is a perfect, standout controller. The Wildcat has the best programmable buttons but falls behind the Elite in a few other ways.

The Fusion Pro is for people who scoff at the idea of spending $150 on a controller. This one provides a strong arsenal of features for just $20 more than a standard controller. The lack of wireless and Chatpad support are its only real failings, and those both result from restrictions imposed by Microsoft. If you can live without the Chatpad, you should be very happy with the Fusion Pro Controller.

• See at Amazon
• See at BestBuy