Now that the Xbox Series X is widely available, you’re probably looking for a second controller for more gaming options. Or maybe you’re searching for an important controller upgrade that gives you much-needed personalization or accessibility options. We took a look and found all the latest and best controllers that are compatible with the Series X. Here’s what they are and why they’re awesome!
Scuf Instinct Pro
- Excellent modular design
- Back paddle buttons
- Faceplate customization
- Supplies have quickly dried up in the past
Scuf is known for its modular controllers, and this is one of the best available, including very sturdy components with options to switch out the instant triggers and thumbstick to different versions, and a new performance grip to prevent slipping. It also includes four programmable back paddles similar to the Xbox Elite Series, which you can map to any buttons you want, based on how you want to play. The headset is wireless or wired depending on preference, and uses a USB-C port to connect. If you feel like changing the design for your controller, you can purchase additional faceplates from Scuf and switch them out as you prefer. You can also create up to three different profiles for your favorite games so you don’t have to keep remapping on the fly.
Xbox Elite Series 2
- Designed for sensitivity
- Customizable back paddles
- 40-hour battery life
- Improved design
- Expensive
The Elite Controller was a marvel in its time, with customizable back paddles, high-quality triggers, and special thumbsticks to enable even the twitchiest gameplay, and options to sub out various parts with different pieces to get just the feel you wanted. The Series 2 returns with a Series X compatible model that sports even more customization options, plus an amazing 40-hour battery life. It’s also taken steps to fix some of the problems of the original model (like the notoriously flimsy shoulder buttons) with a more durable design, making this controller more worth picking up than ever before — particularly for pro gameplay.
Thrustmaster ESWAP X Pro
- Great preset options
- Physical locking for triggers
- Very modular
- Another pricey pick
The ESWAP X Pro is specifically designed for Series X compatibility, so it’s a great pick if you want to ensure that there won’t be any compatibility issues. It also includes a ton of tech to help you personalize your gameplay and give you a competitive edge — like swapping between different preset configurations during a game, physical locking for triggers, and lots of re-mapping options for the extra buttons in the back. It’s also highly modular, with interchangeable mini-stick, grips, triggers, D-pads, and thumbstick caps … ideal for gamers who like to tinker with both setup and feel. However, keep in mind that is a corded option, not wireless.
Razer Wolverine Ultimate
- Six remappable buttons
- Razer Synapse on Xbox support
- Some RGB effects
- Wired only
Razer also has a highly competitive controller ready for the Series X: The Wolverine comes with six different remappable buttons and interchangeable thumbsticks that allow you to alter the height and grip of the sticks to match your gameplay, plus a similar option to swap between different D-pads. It supports Razer Synapse on Xbox, too, which makes it easy to remap buttons and experiment quickly to find the loadout that’s best for the game.
And, of course, there are some RGB lighting effects packed into the controller too, which you can customize to whatever you find the most stylish (or least distracting). Like the Thrustmaster model, this control is also wired.
Turtle Beach Recon (Series X)
- Affordable
- Pairs well with Turtle Beach headsets
- Two programmable back buttons
- No modular options
The Turtle Beach Recon headset line has always been an excellent, dependable option for playing on Xbox. Here, Turtle Beach has updated the Recon line specifically to include a Series X controller, and the results are yet again impressive. In addition to the stylish incorporation of controller grips, you’ll also notice a separate little audio dashboard at the top of the controller: This is designed to pair with a Turtle Beach headset and allows you to quickly mute, turn on the EQ, enable “superhuman hearing” model, and adjust game/chat mix, among other modes.
It’s also a clever controller in other ways: You can tune your own preferred thumbstick sensitivity, and program two back buttons to map to whatever you prefer. Note that the Recon controller (Series X) is a wired controller, so playing wirelessly will not be an option here.
AimControllers Customized Xbox Series X Controller
- Amazing color customization
- Can add your gamer tag
- Reasonably affordable
- Focused on appearance
AimControllers offers a complete customization of your controller appearance at an affordable cost, a great option for those who want to pick exactly what their controller looks like. And we do mean exactly, which options to customize the shell, action button colors, individual sticks, grips, and more. If you have a look in mind for your Series X, you can spend literally hours choosing how the controller looks right down to optional gamer tags on the side grip.
All these choices do come with some limitations — AimControllers is focused on appearance for this model, which means you’re largely stuck with the current design and there aren’t really any replaceable parts. But if looks are high on your list, you won’t be disappointed in your options.
RIG Nacon Revolution X
- Excellent thumbstick options
- Full button mapping
- Dolby Atmos 3D sound support
- Primarily for competitive gamers
The Nacon Revolution X is an all-purpose competitive gaming controller that, as the Xbox Logo gives away, is designed foremost for the Series X. The wired controller is made with tournaments in mind and includes options for three different thumbstick shaft sizes, concave or convex sticks, and installable grip weights to change how weighty the controller feels in your hands.
In addition to being able to map your buttons and adjust stick sensitivity (including setting trigger dead zones to avoid costly mistakes), you can also choose or create up to four different gaming profiles, with built-in options for arcade, FPS, and more. And since environmental awareness is important in competitive gaming, RIG made sure the controller supports Dolby Atmos 3D surround sound through connected headsets.
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