Xbox Wi-fi Controller evaluation – it’s bought the X issue

Our Verdict

The Xbox wi-fi controller affords 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 a wide range 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 The reliance on batteries or a battery pack feels outdated for contemporary gaming, however regardless of this, the wi-fi controller continues to be a really dependable and high quality alternative.

Causes to purchase

Very simple to setup on a PC
Feels nice in your arms
Obtainable in many alternative colours and designed

Causes to keep away from

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 Controller
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In November 2020, the gaming neighborhood was launched to the Xbox Sequence X and the Xbox Wi-fi controller. This controller guided us by way of the difficult instances of the COVID-19 pandemic as we launched into adventures in Star Wars Fallen Order and Halo MCC. Many people, searching for the optimum gaming expertise, turned to the PC, wielding the Xbox controller. Why, you would possibly surprise? 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.

Specs

Xbox Wi-fi Controller specs:

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 gadget, it springs to life with out a hitch. Extending its versatility to different platforms, significantly the PC, is a breeze. The one downside is that you just want a wi-fi dongle in case your PC doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth. (Sadly, mine doesn’t have these capabilities, however it prices lower than $20 and is obtainable 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 units
Add gadget
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 gadget is able to go. It’s particularly helpful that as a Microsoft product, it’s already primed to work properly with the vast majority of PC video games. The wi-fi counterpart to plug-and-play.

One other cool function is that you would be able to 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 possibly can watch telly in your Xbox and play a PC sport on the similar 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, in relation to movement rumble, the PS5 controller takes the crown with its spectacular haptic suggestions. Nevertheless, it’s a little bit of a trade-off, because the grip on prime of the Xbox stick feels extra comfy than the PS5 controller. So, you win some, you lose some, proper?

But, there’s a downside with powering the controller. Must you spend money on a battery pack the controller is handy to cost. Sizzling-swappable battery packs are a perk. However, with out a battery again, you’re sure to batteries. The reliance on batteries appears outdated, particularly contemplating the strides made in Xbox controller expertise.

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 traditional carbon black, a scorching pulse crimson, or perhaps a gold shadow particular version. You’ll be able to even create your very personal custom-made controller by way of the Xbox Design Lab – although that’ll price you.

The controller is light-weight with textured triggers and tactile grips on the again to assist stop slippage. It has a hybrid D-pad permitting seamless in-game rotational motion. Different controllers available on the market, just like the PS5 should not have this. Arguably, I believe that is one of many greatest perks of the Xbox Wi-fi Controller as I do benefit from the greatest combating video games. you, Tekken 8!

As somebody with small arms, I can attest that the Xbox Wi-fi Controller shouldn’t be one among 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 may be troublesome for a kid. Likewise, somebody with bigger arms would possibly discover the controller cramped.

Efficiency and Performance

The Xbox Wi-fi Controller has glorious ergonomics. To not point out it’s glorious 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 bought a information to clarify Corridor Impact in additional element.

It’s essential to notice that the button format differs in comparison with different controllers. Transitioning from enjoying a Swap sport, (I performed The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom) posed a short problem to my muscle reminiscence, because the Swap Professional controller has the A button on the best, whereas the Xbox locations it on the backside. This would possibly take some getting used to, however it doesn’t diminish the general gaming expertise. It’s additionally nice when 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 placing rocks as supposed. I indulged in hours of gameplay comfortably, encountering no vital 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 arduous 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: In case you don’t wish to depend on batteries/ battery packs

If the Xbox Wi-fi Controller isn’t for you

Learn our Xbox Elite Sequence 2 evaluation to search out out extra concerning the Xbox Wi-fi Controller’s greater, dearer sibling.