Xbox Wireless Controller review – brilliantly functional with no frills
Sometimes the default option is the best option, and that will likely be the case for many with the Xbox Wireless Controller.
The Xbox Wireless Controller is the default controller which comes included with the Xbox Series X|S and is a lot of people's go-to option for gaming with a controller on a PC. After being my personal favourite controller for over three years, an upgrade to the newer model, which now uses USB-C and has a Share button built right in, was much needed.
It's a neat gamepad, which does everything you'd need a controller to do, including wired and wireless gameplay and practically instantaneous inputs. It's wrapped up in a sleek and ergonomic casing which is comfortable to use for long periods of time. And... that's about it. If you're looking for something which gives you a bit more oomph, then consider the Xbox Elite Series 2 wireless controller, which includes additional buttons and a whole load of customisation options.
The Xbox Wireless Controller comes in at £54.99 / $54.99 / AU$89.95 for just the controller alone. If you're after the Starfield Limited Editon model that we reviewed then that costs slightly more at £69.99 / $79.99 / AU$109.95. It often comes down in price in major sales periods such as Black Friday, where it was just £34.99, so it may be worth waiting if you're in the market for a new Xbox Wireless Controller.
Xbox Wireless Controller design
The Xbox Wireless controller comes in many colours, designs and prints with the one I tested being the Starfield Edition. If you're an avid collector of limited-edition gear, then this may be the controller for you. In terms of layout, you get the standard asymmetrical format with A/B/X/Y buttons.
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In terms of ergonomics, you get a well-shaped controller which is easy to hold for extended periods of time. (Xbox)You also get a well-shaped controller which is easy to hold for extended periods of time. All of the buttons on the controller are easy to reach without having to move your hands too much, with the exception of the Xbox button, which requires the slightest bit of reach, but that's being picky.
The Starfield Edition controller comes with gorgeous annotations around each button on the controller, which I can only hope will correspond with the inputs in the game. Along with this, you also get some rigid rubber around the bottom of the controller to allow for better grip which isn't present on the original Xbox Wireless Controller.
Xbox Wireless Controller features
One of the first things you'll notice about the Xbox Wireless Controller is the fact that it uses AA batteries rather than being rechargeable, like practically every other controller on the market. It's really disappointing, considering it's one of the only things I own that needs batteries, meaning I rarely ever have them handy once the battery dies. A workaround for this is plugging the controller in, meaning you don't even need the batteries in the controller at all.
- Form factor: Asymmetrical
- Connectivity: Wired USB-C to USB-A, Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth
- Compatibility: Xbox, Windows 11, Windows 10, Andriod and Apple
- Extra buttons: No
- Adaptive triggers: No
The Xbox Wireless Controller connects straight to Xbox consoles via Xbox's own proprietary wireless connectivity protocol. If you plan to use it with a PC or other devices then you'll need to pick up an Xbox Wireless adaptor, which you can get bundled with the controller in most instances. Otherwise, the Xbox Wireless Controller also supports Bluetooth. It can be used with Xbox, Windows 11, Windows 10, Andriod and Apple devices.
Other than the fact that you can play both wired and wirelessly, there's not much else on offer with the Xbox Wireless Controller. It's a pretty simple piece of kit that does what it needs to do, and frankly, does it pretty well.
Xbox Wireless Controller performance
Using the Xbox Wireless Controller has been great, I'm never worried about my inputs not being registered and no matter how long I play, I never get any type of hand cramps or strain. However, for those who may be used to playing with fancier controllers that feature adaptive triggers or extra buttons, this probably isn't the option for you.
Coming back to this controller after using a PS5 DualSense Edge controller for a few months led to an adjustment period, as I'd gotten used to the extra buttons and customisation options. However, after getting used to it, I felt right back at home again.
Sometimes the connectivity on PC using the Xbox Wireless Adaptor can be a bit finicky, but other times the Xbox Wireless Controller connects as soon as you turn it on – the inconsistency can be a little frustrating. But it's an issue which you can easily overlook considering everything else on offer.
Overall thoughts on Xbox Wireless Controller
The Xbox Wireless Controller is a reliable piece of kit that does everything you need from a gamepad. You get the option of both wired and wireless connectivity, which is relatively easy to navigate and set up, as well as a sturdy casing making for quick inputs. However, if you're looking for something flashy, with extra buttons and additional features, this might not be the option for you.
Score: 4/5
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