Best Xbox controllers for Starfield – top premium, budget and mobile options
With Xbox's latest AAA title finally landing, here are our top picks for the best Xbox controllers for Starfield.
If you're hoping to jump on the Starfield hype train, then you may be wondering which Xbox controller is worth picking up. After testing a whole bunch of gamepads we've put together our list of best Xbox controllers for Starfield along with our reviews for each to save you having to scroll between webpages.
After some pretty impressive early impressions from our own Gaming Editor, Nathan Bliss, it's no wonder Starfield is shaping up to be one of the most popular games of the year. It's available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, so we've been sure that all of our best Xbox controllers for Starfield are compatible with both.
However, the game can also be played on compatible mobile devices with Xbox Cloud gaming so if you're looking for a controller which works with your phone then we've still got you covered.
Best Xbox controllers for Starfield
When testing our Xbox controller we consider all aspects that will affect you when gaming, ranging from ergonomics and comfort to input speeds and additional features. With tons of gamepads on the market at the moment, it can be harder than ever to pinpoint which one really is the best. So we've removed any potential guesswork and tested a whole load of them ourselves to present you with the true best Xbox controller for Starfield.
Why Star Wars Jedi: Survivor's six week delay is a good thing
1. Xbox Wireless – best Xbox controller for Starfield overall
The Xbox Wireless controller comes in many colours, designs and prints with the one I tested being the Starfield Edition. (Jasmine Mannan)If you're looking for the best Xbox controller for Starfield plain and simple then the Xbox Wireless Controller will be the way to go for most. This controller comes paired with your Xbox Series X|S meaning you don't have to go out of your way to purchase anything else and just get stuck in. In our Xbox Wireless Controller review, we found that this gamepad provided instantaneous inputs and was comfortable to use for long periods of time.
Despite not packing any additional fancy features, the Xbox Wireless Controller is still a perfect option for casual gamers who want to get lost in Starfield without any faff. And for those who are into collecting limited edition gear or just want to play Starfield in style, there's even an Xbox Wireless Controller Starfield Limited Edition version which was the gamepad we tested.
- Xbox Wireless Controller | £54.99 / $54.99 / AU$89.95
- Xbox Wireless Controller Starfield Limited Edition | £69.99 / $79.99 / AU$109.95
2. Xbox Elite Series 2 – best pro-level Xbox controller for Starfield
If you're looking to spend serious money on an ultra-premium controller, the Xbox Elite Series 2 wireless controller is a great choice. (Xbox)Despite not being a competitive game at all, there will be those hoping for a more elevated experience in Starfield and with that I present the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller. In our Xbox Elite Series 2 controller review we found that both the build quality and experience when using this gamepad were absolutely next level. You get a whole host of customisation options that aren't available on the standard Xbox Wireless controller along with adaptive triggers and four extra buttons to either simplify or further complicate your time in Starfield. The choice is truly yours.
- Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller | £149.99 / $139.99 / AU$249.95
3. Nacon Pro Compact – best budget Xbox controller for Starfield
The Nacon Pro Compact comes with an insanely cool transparent shell and RGB and you also get access to a dedicated app. (Nacon)If you're on the hunt for style and customisation all wrapped up into one budget gamepad then the Nacon Pro Compact is a fantastic option. When reviewing the Nacon Pro Compact controller, we were blown away by what was on offer here considering the price point. Along with an insanely cool transparent shell and RGB lighting, you also get access to a dedicated app that allows you to customise all of your buttons, change your stick settings and adjust your trigger sensitivity controls.
However, for those that prefer to play untethered, this unfortunately isn't an option with the Nacon Pro Compact controller, which only comes wired. We believe this is a small loss given the cost and features presented by this gamepad.
- Nacon Pro Compact Controller | £34.99 / $29.99
- Nacon Pro Compact Controller Colourlight Edition | £39.99 / $54.90
4. Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro – best customisable Xbox controller for Starfield
If you're a high-level player or an aspiring pro then the feature-packed and fully customisable Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro may be the controller for you. (Thrustmaster)As much as the Xbox Elite Series 2 provides you with customisation, it's nowhere near the level of the Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro. This modular gamepad allows you to swap around your joysticks and D-pad so you can design a controller that meets your exact needs. You also have the ability to interchange the grips on either side of the base of the controller as well as the triggers, with Thrustmaster selling a range of packs in different colours so you can game in style.
When we reviewed the Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro we found that this level of customisation paired with the four extra buttons and adjustable hairline triggers on the rear of the controller really did make for a gaming experience matched by no other gamepad on the market. However, it's worth keeping in mind that the Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro certainly has a price to match its flashy features.
- Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro | £149.99 / $169.99 / AU$378.95
5. Backbone One – best mobile Xbox controller for Starfield
The Backbone One is an affordable alternative to the upcoming PlayStation Portal which has hidden costs that could bump up the price to four times that of the Backbone (Backbone)If you're hoping to take advantage of Xbox Cloud streaming and play Starfield on your phone then the Backbone One is the perfect mobile controller. There are versions for both iPhone and Android and you have your choice of an Xbox or PlayStation layout so no matter what you're familiar with, there's a gamepad for you.
In our Backbone One review, we found that the quick and easy plug-and-play feature of the gamepad makes it a fantastic option for those who are hoping to game on the go without any extra nonsense.
- Backbone One | £99.99 / $99.99 / AU$179
6. Turtle Beach React-R wired – best audio-enhancing Xbox controller for Starfield
Turtle Beach is coming out swinging for the fences with its budget pro controller and has hit a home run with the React-R offering a generous selection of hardware and design features you wouldn’t expect for the price. (Turtle Beach)For those who may not be boasting one of the best gaming headsets, the Turtle Beach React-R wired controller can actually enhance the audio quality of your cans. The gamepad comes equipped with a Superhuman Hearing feature which can be utilised when an aux headset is plugged into the controller, giving you next-level audio enhancement.
Xbox culls 17 backwards compatible games – and it could just be start
In our Turtle Beach React-R wired controller review we also found that considering its price, it packs a punch with remappable buttons and audio adjustment settings all wrapped up in a beautiful and retro-style casing.
- Turtle Beach React-R wired controller | £24.99 / US$39.95 / AU$89.95
Starfield is available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers at no extra cost to the base subscription price.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
