The shopping team 2:00 p.m., April 26, 2022

Do you own an Xbox One or an Xbox Series X or S, and want to invest in one or more additional controllers?

You can opt for an official Xbox controller, or look for alternatives.

Here are the best references.

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The editorial staff of Europe 1 did not participate in the production of this article.

Xbox video game consoles are models offered by Microsoft, which is also the company behind the Windows operating system.

That's a big part of why most Xbox controllers are also compatible with PCs: by buying an Xbox console controller, not only can you play on Xbox One and Xbox Series X, but you can also do so from your computer.

This makes this game controller a very good investment if you want to enjoy it on many platforms.

Obviously, when it comes to buying an Xbox One controller or an Xbox Series X controller, we are often tempted to immediately opt for an official Microsoft model.

But there are others, just as effective.

This selection from our

shopping guide

introduces you to the essential Xbox controllers on the market.

Summary

  • PowerA wired controller for Xbox, the lightest

  • PDP wired controller for Xbox, the configurable

  • Turtle Beach Recon wired controller for Xbox, the expert

  • Xbox wireless controller, the classic

  • Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller, the ultimate model

Xbox console controllers: 5 models to discover

PowerA wired controller for Xbox, the lightest

From a distance, it is difficult to differentiate this Xbox controller from the PowerA brand from an official Microsoft controller.

It must be said that the manufacturer has the official Xbox license, which helps a lot to offer a convincing alternative.

Unlike the controllers that come with the Xbox One and Xbox Series, this PowerA controller works wired.

This allows it to be lighter and, above all, to pose no concern for autonomy.

The controller has a cable with a length of 3 meters, which is comfortable.

It's an interesting choice if you want to save batteries.

It also works on PC.

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PDP wired controller for Xbox, the configurable

The PDP controller is another controller offered by a third-party brand, but which has an official Xbox license.

Its wired operation requires connecting it to the game console, but in return, you do not have to buy batteries or monitor the remaining autonomy.

Its 2.4 meter cable detaches for easier storage.

PDP's Xbox controller has a few extra features, like the ability to adjust the game or chat audio volume directly from the D-Pad.

The non-slip handles ensure good comfort.

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Turtle Beach Recon wired controller for Xbox, the expert

The Turtle Beach Recon is an officially licensed controller that works equally well with an Xbox One, an Xbox Series or even a Windows PC.

The manufacturer offers a very complete experience since in addition to the buttons found on a traditional Xbox controller, there are also buttons related to the optimization of voice chat.

Additional triggers are present on the back of the controller to make it easier to grip.

It is also possible to save up to four profiles linked to the assignable quick action buttons.

A wise choice for players who like to control everything.

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Xbox wireless controller, the classic

The traditional Xbox controller, offered by Microsoft, works wirelessly.

You can still add a cable to it, for example to use it on a PC.

Its Bluetooth connectivity makes it compatible with a large number of devices, including smartphones.

This model is the one that usually comes with the Xbox One, but it also works with Xbox Series consoles and PCs.

The controller incorporates the essential features for playing in good conditions on Microsoft consoles, which includes the famous Share button and a headphone jack.

It works with batteries.

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Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller, the ultimate model

With the Xbox Elite Series 2, Microsoft is targeting gamers who not only want to bet on an official controller, but also want to control everything, from A to Z. Designed with high quality materials, this controller allows total customization: it is possible to adjust the sensitivity of the many triggers and to change certain buttons according to the games.

It can be used either wirelessly or wired with the supplied 2.7 meter cable, and it also comes with a storage case.

It's an investment that few players regret, regardless of their platform of choice.

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Should you choose a wired or wireless Xbox controller?

This choice depends on your gaming habits, but also on your desires and needs.

If freedom is your priority and you don't mind changing the batteries in your controller regularly, you should go wireless.

If you prefer to save batteries and you do not want to monitor the battery life of the controller when you play, the wired is preferable.

It should be noted that this second option is often more suitable if you want to play from a desktop computer: this type of installation only rarely offers basic Bluetooth connectivity.

There are accessories that allow wireless gaming on PC, but this requires an additional investment.

What you need to know to properly connect your controller to your Xbox console

Basically, an official Xbox console controller comes without a cable: the reason for this is that it is intended to work wirelessly on an Xbox console.

If you also want to use it on a PC or wired, you can either buy an official cable sold by Microsoft, or acquire a native wired controller, offered by a third-party manufacturer or by Microsoft.

To connect an Xbox Wireless Controller to your games console for the first time, you need to turn on your Xbox One or Xbox Series and then press the "pair" button present on the machine.

Then you have to do the same on the controller: this allows you to synchronize the two devices.

The other solution is simply to connect the two devices using a USB cable if you have one.

Once the synchronization has been carried out for the first time, the Xbox console will be able to automatically recognize the controller afterwards, without the need to plug it in or reuse the buttons.

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