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 fingers, 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 The reliance on batteries or a battery pack feels outdated for contemporary gaming, however regardless of this, the wi-fi controller continues to be a really dependable and high quality alternative.
- Very straightforward to setup on a PC
- Feels nice in your fingers
- Obtainable in many alternative 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 Sequence X and the Xbox Wi-fi controller. This controller guided us by way of the difficult occasions of the COVID-19 pandemic as we launched into adventures in Star Wars Fallen Order and Halo MCC. Many people, looking for the optimum gaming expertise, turned to the PC, wielding the Xbox controller. Why, you may surprise? Nicely, as a result of it’s one of many greatest PC controllers round. Be a 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 system, 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 simply want a wi-fi dongle in case your PC doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth. (Sadly, mine doesn’t have these capabilities, nevertheless it prices lower than $20 and is accessible 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 system
- 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 system is able to go. It’s particularly useful that as a Microsoft product, it’s already primed to work effectively with the vast majority of PC video games. The wi-fi counterpart to plug-and-play.
One other cool characteristic is you can effortlessly change 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 characteristic means you’ll be able to 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. Do you have to spend money on a battery pack the controller is handy to cost. Scorching-swappable battery packs are a perk. However, and not using a battery again, you might be certain 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 practical. 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 pink, or perhaps a gold shadow particular version. You’ll be able to even create your very personal personalized 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 forestall slippage. It has a hybrid D-pad permitting seamless in-game rotational motion. Different controllers available on the market, just like the PS5 wouldn’t have this. Arguably, I feel that is one of many largest perks of the Xbox Wi-fi Controller as I do benefit from the greatest combating video games. Taking a look at you, Tekken 8!
As somebody with small fingers, 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 is able to be tough for a kid. Likewise, somebody with bigger fingers may 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 acquired a information to elucidate Corridor Impact in additional element.
It’s vital to notice that the button format differs in comparison with different controllers. Transitioning from enjoying a Change sport, (I performed The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom) posed a short problem to my muscle reminiscence, because the Change Professional controller has the A button on the correct, whereas the Xbox locations it on the backside. This may take some getting used to, nevertheless it doesn’t diminish the general gaming expertise. It’s additionally positive in the event you usually 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 needed him to, deftly putting rocks as meant. 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 tough, however that’s onerous whatever the controller. It’s not a miracle employee.
Do you have to purchase an Xbox Wi-fi Controller?
• Sure: In order for you a controller that works effectively on a PC
• Sure: In order for you a controller that feels good in your hand
• No: In the event you don’t need to depend on batteries/ battery packs
If the Xbox Wi-fi Controller isn’t for you
Learn our Xbox Elite Sequence 2 evaluate to seek out out extra in regards to the Xbox Wi-fi Controller’s greater, costlier sibling.
