The new Xbox controller is a sleeker design than its predecessor. With rounded bumpers and easier-to-reach triggers, it’s designed for a wide range of hand sizes. It’s also got a more precise D-pad that brings it closer to the style of Elite controllers. And there’s a’share’ button, which combines screen capture and video recording in one click.
The controller is comfortable to hold, and it works well with Windows, Android, and iOS. It connects over wireless Bluetooth and has a USB port for charging on the go. It doesn’t have the same system-level integrations as the Xbox One console, but it’s a great choice for PC gaming.
There are a couple of issues with the bling xbox one controller. First, its textured grip is prone to picking up scuffs and stains. The second is that the rumble motors aren’t quite as sophisticated as those on the PlayStation 5 controller. They can rumble independently of the stick presses, but they don’t replicate the ABS vibrations you’d feel as you navigate gravel with your car in Forza Motorsport.
Microsoft also includes a battery pack that slots into the spot usually occupied by AA batteries. It’s a lithium-ion battery that promises up to 30 hours of play before needing a recharge, and it came close to that in our tests. However, it’s an extra-cost accessory, and the reliance on AA batteries seems outdated given the strides in wireless controller technology. In addition, the bundled memory card doesn’t let you transfer game saves between consoles since they are digitally signed with each console’s unique key.