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The best Xbox Series X controllers for 2025

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma controller for PC and Xbox Series X.
Razer
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It doesn't matter if you're playing the best Xbox Series X game or the worst if you've got a bad controller. A gamer is only as good as their controller, after all, and the Xbox Series X has plenty of options to choose from when it comes to ways to interact with the best exclusives. However, a recent update to the system has made all unofficial controllers no longer compatible, leading to confusion about which accessories one should invest in. That's why we made your search easy by listing not only controllers guaranteed to work on the system but the best ones across the board for any upcoming game.

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The Xbox Elite Series 2 controller.
Microsoft

Xbox Elite Series 2

Pros
  • Designed for sensitivity
  • Customizable back paddles
  • 40-hour battery life
  • Improved design
Cons
  • 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.

Xbox Elite Series 2
Xbox Elite Series 2
The Thrustmaster ESWAP X Pro.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Thrustmaster ESWAP X Pro

Pros
  • Great preset options
  • Physical locking for triggers
  • Very modular
Cons
  • 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.

Thrustmaster ESWAP X Pro
Thrustmaster ESWAP X Pro
The Razer Wolverine Ultimate.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Razer Wolverine V2

Pros
  • Six remappable buttons
  • Razer Synapse on Xbox support
  • Some RGB effects
Cons
  • Wired only

Razer also has a highly competitive controller ready for the Series X: The Wolverine V2 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.

Razer Wolverine V2
Razer Wolverine V2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

GameSir G7 SE

Pros
  • Excellent thumbstick options
  • Swappable faceplates
  • Hall Effect triggers
Cons
  • Only two back buttons

The GameSir 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 competitive play in mind thanks to responsive triggers and durable thumbsticks.

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 for different players or games. And since environmental awareness is important in competitive gaming, GameSir made sure to include a 3.5mm audio jack for whatever headset you're rocking.

GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & Windows 10/11, Plug and Play Gaming Gamepad with Hall Effect Joysticks/Hall Trigger, 3.5mm Audio Jack
GameSir G7 SE
Jesse Lennox

Jesse Lennox has been a writer at Digital Trends for over five years and has no plans of stopping. He covers all things gaming but has a specific interest in all things PlayStation, JRPGs, and experimental indies. Jesse has been writing about games for over 10 years, starting off as a volunteer and eventually finding his way into doing it full-time. He is constantly striving to push his boundaries in what he covers and finds thought-provoking and important angles to highlight within the games industry.

Originally double-majoring in English and Education, Jesse came into games media as a profession by accident. After an unfortunate layoff, he took his passion for writing about games seriously and was lucky enough to find Digital Trends and other outlets such as Pocket-Lint, Classic Nerd, and Gamepur to write for. He has held numerous writing positions, as well as several editing roles, and is always on the hunt for new opportunities to grow his skillset.

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