10 Best Xbox Controllers 2025 in the United States

The Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller (2025) is designed with comfort in mind, featuring sculpted shapes and textured grips that make long gaming sessions easier on your hands. The new hybrid D-pad offers precise control, enhancing gameplay accuracy. Its button layout is familiar and user-friendly, including a convenient Share button for quick screenshots and clips. Connectivity is strong, supporting Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth, so you can easily switch between Xbox consoles, PCs, smartphones, and even smart TVs or VR headsets.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 40 hours on two included AA batteries, which means less worry about frequent recharging. You can customize button functions using the Xbox Accessories app, tailoring the controller to your play style. The build quality feels solid and reliable, made by Microsoft, and it includes a 3.5mm audio jack for headset use and a USB-C port for wired connection when needed.

This controller is a great fit for gamers who want flexibility across devices and value comfort and customization. One downside is the use of AA batteries instead of a built-in rechargeable battery, which might be less convenient for some users. Additionally, while the design is modern, it may not differ drastically from previous models for those seeking a major change. For those seeking a dependable, versatile controller with strong battery life and good ergonomics, this model makes a strong choice.

The Xbox Elite Series 2 Core Wireless Gaming Controller is designed for serious gamers who value high performance and customization. One of its standout features is the ergonomic design, which ensures comfort during extended gaming sessions. The button layout is highly customizable, allowing you to swap thumbsticks, D-pads, and paddles to suit your personal gaming style. This level of customization is further enhanced by the Xbox Accessories app, which offers advanced configuration options like deadzone adjustment and button mapping to voice commands.

Additionally, you can save up to three custom profiles and quickly switch between them using the Profile button, which is a great convenience for those who play multiple types of games. Connectivity options are versatile, as you can connect via Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, or the included USB-C cable. This makes it compatible with a range of devices including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Android, and iOS. The rechargeable battery life is impressive, lasting up to 40 hours, and the controller comes with a USB-C cable and charging dock for easy recharging.

Build quality is robust, with refined components built to last. However, it is worth noting that the controller is relatively heavy at 1 pound, which might not be ideal for everyone. Additionally, while the customization options are extensive, they might be overwhelming for casual gamers who are not looking to tweak every aspect of their controller. This controller is best suited for dedicated gamers who are looking for a high degree of control and customization in their gaming experience.

The Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller (2025) in Pulse Red offers a comfortable gaming experience thanks to its sculpted shape and textured grips on the triggers and bumpers, making long sessions easier on your hands. Its new hybrid D-pad improves precision for different game types. The button layout includes a dedicated Share button, letting you quickly capture and share screenshots or clips, which is great if you like sharing your gameplay.

Connectivity is versatile, supporting Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth, so you can easily switch between Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, mobile devices, Fire TV sticks, smart TVs, and even VR headsets. This makes it a solid choice if you plan to game on multiple platforms. Battery life can last up to 40 hours using the included AA batteries, which means you’ll need to replace or recharge batteries regularly compared to built-in rechargeable controllers. You can customize button mappings via the Xbox Accessories app, allowing you to tailor controls to your liking.

The controller also features a 3.5mm audio jack and a USB-C port for wired connections or headset use. At about 15 ounces, it has a sturdy build but might feel a bit heavy for some. This controller is suitable for gamers looking for a reliable, comfortable, and adaptable option across many devices, though those preferring rechargeable batteries might find the AA setup less convenient.