Our Verdict
The Xbox wi-fi controller gives a seamless setup on a PC, offering instantaneous 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 The reliance on batteries or a battery pack feels outdated for contemporary gaming, however regardless of this, the wi-fi controller continues to be a really dependable and high quality selection.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 group was launched to the Xbox Collection 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 would possibly surprise? Nicely, as a result of it’s among the best 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 structure | 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 gadget, it springs to life with no 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, nevertheless 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 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 useful that as a Microsoft product, it’s already primed to work nicely with the vast majority of PC video games. The wi-fi counterpart to plug-and-play.
One other cool characteristic is which you could 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 possibly can 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, in the case of 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 snug 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 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’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 purposeful. 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 purple, 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 value 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 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 greatest preventing video games. you, Tekken 8!
As somebody with small palms, I can attest that the Xbox Wi-fi Controller will not 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 palms would possibly 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 nicely. 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 necessary to notice that the button structure differs in comparison with different controllers. Transitioning from taking part in 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 appropriate, whereas the Xbox locations it on the backside. This would possibly take some getting used to, nevertheless it doesn’t diminish the general gaming expertise. It’s additionally superb for those who 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 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 sport was troublesome, however that’s exhausting 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 nicely on a PC
• Sure: In order for you 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 evaluate to seek out out extra concerning the Xbox Wi-fi Controller’s greater, costlier sibling.
