On the other hand, there's a lot to be praised in Razer's latest Wolverine. It's a fitting competitor to the DualSense Edge, and shows how truly beneficial extra buttons are. Moreover, it has some of the best battery life you'll find. Particularly if you like a chunky controller, this is a true heavyweight. The Wolverine V2 has a limited capacity for customization on console and gaming PC, which you can access through the Razer Controller Setup for Xbox app. Through the app, you can customize four buttons – M1 and M2, the two added “multi-function” buttons, as well as the “view” and “menu” buttons. You can swap these to replicate most of the other inputs on the controller, but not every one. The Scuf Instinct Pro requires AA batteries, like standard Xbox pads, unlike the Elite which houses a lithium ion battery. The ability to swap in a fresh pair of batteries mid-tournament is potentially a selling point, and lithium ion batteries are meant to have a finite shelf life. Though it's not something I've ever experienced with my Elite pad in the past few years of use.

You probably knew it was coming but near the top of any best Xbox Series X controller list, we simply have to feature the Elite Series 2 pad. It really is the one to beat for many Xbox (and PC) users, with none bettering its performance and feature set. Ignore those who seem to think every game is best with a mouse and keyboard. Assassins Creed Valhalla is not best played with a keyboard. Street Fighter 5 is not best played with a keyboard. True, we play most games with a mouse and keyboard, but for PC gamers with ranging tastes, a good controller is a must. Either way, it's a fantastic controller that feels great in the hand and is as responsive as you could wish for. It's just painfully pricey with all my chosen greebles. Our sources indicate that Microsoft is lifting restrictions on the ability for third-party hardware manufacturers to build wireless accessories for Xbox Series X|S devices. Indeed, this year we saw the PowerA MOGA XP-Ultra launch, which is among the first official third-party wireless controllers that isn't simply a re-skinned Xbox standard controller, or a patent holder such as some of SCUF's accessories. Naturally, it often demands a price tag to match its premium nature, but we have seen this level out at a new, lower price range which is encouraging (or potentially is heralding the arrival of the Elite Series 3 perhaps...). But anyway, what that means, in reality, is the Elite Series 2 is just more affordable than it has ever been and if you want a premium beast for the new-gen of consoles then this is still the one to beat.Many may disagree, but the truth remains: controllers are sometimes the best tool for the job, even in games considered PC classics. Take Elden Ring, for example—it has a much simpler control system when played with the best PC controller than a mouse and keyboard. You can bet that the best gaming mouse and the best gaming keyboard will prevail in almost every PC exclusive ever made, but adding a great controller to your inventory will cover the areas where they fall short. This might seem an utterly offensive question to ask in the annals of PC Gamer, but it remains true that certain PC games are far better played with a controller than the classic keyboard and mouse combo.

However, there's an overwhelming reason why this iteration is easy for us to recommend and why it is similar to the previous generation's - if it isn't broken, you don't fix it. And that's why we have a superb Xbox Series X/S controller in the shape of the updated core controller. You cannot go wrong with this one, and our testing proved that the Xbox core controller is a brilliant one. The trigger stop switches are another huge aid to performance in certain games. Instead of pulling the trigger all the way down to fire, wasting precious fractions of a second, using the trigger stop switches allows you to fire almost as soon as you start pulling. In fast-paced games like Fortnite, those fractions of a second can make all the difference in the world. If you made the investment in an Xbox Series S or Series X console, whether for yourself or someone else, you’re probably eager to start playing. But if you haven’t already, and you want some additional or custom features, it’s worth considering upgrading the Xbox controller as well. Overall that's an astonishing value, and particularly impressive considering just how good this Xbox One controller feels to use. Some sacrifices have been made by slimming down the previous release (the Turtle Beach Recon Controller). You're dropping rubberized grips and Pro-Aim assist mode, for example. However, the textured plastic still holds your position well and you're still getting particularly pleasing ridges on the shoulder buttons as well.So, is the result worth the money? Should you buy one instead of the Elite Series 2 - the current gold standard? It's a subjective matter best left in your capable hands, but if you do decide to invest, you'll find a handset at the top of its game. This brings me to my other issue with these buttons. They look fairly plush thanks to the texture scores through them, but they feel extremely firm to the press, which makes them yet harder to use. It's such a shame because had they been set along the grips, or even been a little less central to the controller's spine, it would have made a big difference. The additional bumpers, on the other hand, are fantastic and gave me extra functionality in HUNT: Showdown beyond other pro controllers. We capitalize "Wireless" for a reason—not because the word is a proper noun per se, but because the Xbox Wireless controller leverages Microsoft's wireless protocol called "Xbox Wireless." Though the name could benefit from some creative refinement, you can find comfort in the fact that, since 2016, the Xbox Wireless controller offers much-needed Bluetooth compatibility as well. Game on for hours in comfort with the ease and convenience of plugging your 3.5mm audio device straight into the controller, instead of the console.