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 palms, 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 The reliance on batteries or a battery pack feels outdated for contemporary gaming, however regardless of this, the wi-fi controller remains to be a really dependable and high quality selection.
- Very simple to setup on a PC
- Feels nice in your palms
- Accessible in many alternative colours and designed
- No Corridor Impact sticks
- Rumble is inferior to the PS5 controller
- Requires batteries or a battery pack
In November 2020, the gaming neighborhood was launched to the Xbox Sequence X and the Xbox Wi-fi controller. This controller guided us by means of 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 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.
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Specs
Xbox Wi-fi Controller specs:
Connection | Bluetooth / USB / 2.4GHz |
Energy | 2 x AA batteries or battery pack |
Buttons | 18 |
Button format | Xbox |
Options
As somebody who desires 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 and not using a hitch. Extending its versatility to different platforms, notably 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 out there the subsequent 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 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 useful that as a Microsoft product, it’s already primed to work effectively with nearly all of PC video games. The wi-fi counterpart to plug-and-play.
One other cool function is you can 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’ll be able to watch telly in your Xbox and play a PC recreation 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, relating 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 high of the Xbox stick feels extra snug than the PS5 controller. So, you win some, you lose some, proper?
But, there’s a downside 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, and not using a battery again, you’re certain to batteries. The reliance on batteries appears outdated, particularly contemplating the strides made in Xbox controller know-how.
Design
The Xbox controller is as fashionable as it’s purposeful. What’s extra, is that Xbox has launched loads of colours and particular editions. You possibly can go for a basic carbon black, a scorching pulse purple, or perhaps a gold shadow particular version. You possibly can even create your very personal custom-made controller by means of 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 should 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 greatest preventing video games. Taking a look at you, Tekken 8!
As somebody with small palms, I can attest that the Xbox Wi-fi Controller is just not one in all 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 palms 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 effectively. 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 taking part in a Swap recreation, (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 suitable, 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 high quality should you usually stick to 1 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 once I wished him to, deftly placing 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 recreation was troublesome, however that’s onerous whatever the controller. It’s not a miracle employee.
Must you purchase an Xbox Wi-fi Controller?
• Sure: If you need a controller that works effectively on a PC
• Sure: If you need a controller that feels good in your hand
• No: For those who 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 evaluate to search out out extra concerning the Xbox Wi-fi Controller’s greater, dearer sibling.