Our Verdict
The Xbox wi-fi controller provides a seamless setup on a PC, offering on the spot performance and ease of connection. Its ergonomic design with textured grips feels nice in your arms, and quite a lot of colours can be found. The reliance on batteries or a battery pack feels outdated for contemporary gaming, however regardless of this, the wi-fi controller continues to be a really dependable and high quality alternative.
- Very simple to setup on a PC
- Feels nice in your arms
- Obtainable in many various colours and designed
- No Corridor Impact sticks
- Rumble is inferior to the PS5 controller
- Requires batteries or a battery pack
US: Xbox Core Wi-fi Gaming Controller / UK: Xbox Wi-fi ControllerWidget Type: simplified
In November 2020, the gaming neighborhood was launched to the Xbox Collection X and the Xbox Wi-fi controller. This controller guided us by the difficult occasions of the COVID-19 pandemic as we launched into adventures in Star Wars Fallen Order and Halo MCC. Many people, in search of the optimum gaming expertise, turned to the PC, wielding the Xbox controller. Why, you may marvel? Effectively, as a result of it’s the most effective PC controllers round. Be part of me as I dissect the deserves and shortcomings of the Xbox wi-fi controller.
Why you may belief our recommendation ✔ At PCGamesN, our consultants spend hours testing {hardware}, video games, and VPNs. We share trustworthy, unbiased opinions that can assist you purchase the perfect. Discover out how we check.
Specs
Xbox Wi-fi Controller specs:
| Connection | Bluetooth / USB / 2.4GHz |
| Energy | 2 x AA batteries or battery pack |
| Buttons | 18 |
| Button structure | Xbox |
Options
As somebody who needs their tech to work immediately, the Xbox wi-fi controller doesn’t disappoint. The second you join it to your machine, it springs to life with no hitch. Extending its versatility to different platforms, notably the PC, is a breeze. The one disadvantage is that you simply want a wi-fi dongle in case your PC doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth. (Sadly, mine doesn’t have these capabilities, but it surely prices lower than $20 and is accessible the following day with Amazon Prime, so I’m not complaining.)
To attach the controller to the PC, you merely:
- Go to settings
- Go to Bluetooth and gadgets
- Add machine
- Maintain the sync button on the controller till the Xbox icon flashes
- Click on the Xbox wi-fi controller on the PC
With that, your machine is able to go. It’s particularly helpful that as a Microsoft product, it’s already primed to work properly with nearly all of PC video games. The wi-fi counterpart to plug-and-play.
One other cool function is you could effortlessly swap between Xbox and PC. A double-tap of the sync button returns you to Xbox mode, whereas holding the sync button shifts you again to PC mode. This nifty function means you may watch telly in your Xbox and play a PC sport on the identical time flawlessly!
The Xbox controller boasts an array of options, together with rumble motors within the triggers and handgrips. These can rumble independently offering an expertise tailor-made to particular video games. Take, for instance, Forza Motorsport, the place the triggers simulate ABS vibrations as you navigate gravel. Admittedly, on the subject of movement rumble, the PS5 controller takes the crown with its spectacular haptic suggestions. Nonetheless, it’s a little bit of a trade-off, because the grip on high of the Xbox stick feels extra snug than the PS5 controller. So, you win some, you lose some, proper?
But, there’s a disadvantage with powering the controller. Must you put money into a battery pack the controller is handy to cost. Scorching-swappable battery packs are a perk. However, with no battery again, you might be sure to batteries. The reliance on batteries appears outdated, particularly contemplating the strides made in Xbox controller know-how.
Design
The Xbox controller is as trendy as it’s useful. What’s extra, is that Xbox has launched loads of colours and particular editions. You’ll be able to go for a basic carbon black, a scorching pulse pink, or perhaps a gold shadow particular version. You’ll be able to even create your very personal personalized controller by the Xbox Design Lab – although that’ll value you.
The controller is light-weight with textured triggers and tactile grips on the again to assist forestall slippage. It has a hybrid D-pad permitting seamless in-game rotational motion. Different controllers available on the market, just like the PS5 would not have this. Arguably, I believe that is one of many largest perks of the Xbox Wi-fi Controller as I do benefit from the finest combating video games. you, Tekken 8!
As somebody with small arms, I can attest that the Xbox Wi-fi Controller just isn’t certainly one of these controllers that appears to require a 30cm handspan. It feels very pure to carry and I can comfortably attain all of the buttons. Though, I can think about this might be troublesome for a kid. Likewise, somebody with bigger arms may discover the controller cramped.
Efficiency and Performance
The Xbox Wi-fi Controller has wonderful ergonomics. To not point out it’s wonderful for cross-platform video games. It does what a controller is supposed to do and it does it properly. Though it’s a disgrace that the Xbox controller hasn’t embraced Corridor Impact joysticks. Implementation of those joysticks would elevate the expertise and guarantee a smoother efficiency by eliminating considerations about potential stick drift. We’ve acquired a information to clarify Corridor Impact in additional element.
It’s essential to notice that the button structure differs in comparison with different controllers. Transitioning from enjoying a Swap sport, (I performed The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom) posed a quick problem to my muscle reminiscence, because the Swap Professional controller has the A button on the fitting, whereas the Xbox locations it on the backside. This may take some getting used to, but it surely doesn’t diminish the general gaming expertise. It’s additionally superb should you sometimes stick to at least one platform/controller.
In my adventures in Stardew Valley, guiding my character, Marco of Polo Farm, was a seamless expertise with the Xbox Wi-fi Controller. He moved after I wished him to, deftly hanging rocks as supposed. I indulged in hours of gameplay comfortably, encountering no important points with the controller. The one hiccup was the occasional slipping of my thumb off the thumb grip, a minor inconvenience. Oh, and the fishing sport was troublesome, however that’s laborious whatever the controller. It’s not a miracle employee.
Must you purchase an Xbox Wi-fi Controller?
• Sure: If you’d like a controller that works properly on a PC
• Sure: If you’d like a controller that feels good in your hand
• No: For those who don’t need to depend on batteries/ battery packs
If the Xbox Wi-fi Controller isn’t for you
Learn our Xbox Elite Collection 2 overview to seek out out extra concerning the Xbox Wi-fi Controller’s larger, costlier sibling.
