Console gaming systems are nothing without the right control. Think of the classic systems of the past, from the chunky Nintendo Entertainment Systems to bat shaped Sega Megadrive joypads. And Microsoft's Xbox series is no exception. In fact, the Xbox series may well boast the best-designed, most effective gaming controller ever made.
And don't assume this is just for gamers. Xbox controllers can be used for much more than Red Dead Redemption 2. Microsoft have designed their joypads to be adaptable tools for use with all sorts of appliances. So whether you're hunting for a new gamepad, or a versatile remote, read on. This hotukdeals Xbox controller buyer's guide will provide everything you need to know.
The physical look of Xbox controllers hasn't changed much over the years. When the first Xbox was released way back in 2001, it kick-started an aesthetic that hasn't budged a great deal. Pure black matte plastic, combined with iconic blue, yellow, red and green buttons, the D-pad, and a pair of thumbsticks, creating an instantly playable layout that lent itself to hit titles like Halo or Forza.
2005 saw an upgrade for the initial controller when the Xbox 360 landed, adding the “ring of light” around the Xbox logo, which let users know when the controller was connecting to the console or online services.
Then the Xbox One arrived in 2013, along with its own iteration of the classic joypad. Boasting 40 improvements, the One's controller looked fairly similar to its ancestors, adding much more sensitivity and navigational abilities on the Xbox's various menus.
The One's controller also connected seamlessly with the Xbox Kinect, an innovative motion capture based controller that actually became the world's fastest selling electronic device ever. But even the Kinect has been superseded, with a slimline, voice-activated update now available for the Xbox One X console.
The controller for the Xbox One X is much more than just a joypad, although for sure, it has the same array of buttons, directional pad and analogue thumbsticks gamers are used to. So it's perfectly set up for traditional arcade gaming. But it's gone way beyond the standard arcade format as well:
Wireless Control –Wireless models now provide complete freedom of movement for gamers, meaning that they can hide behind the sofa if the action gets too scary, and celebrate FIFA goals in fitting fashion.
Rumble – Rumble motors inside the controllers provide enhanced feedback when playing action games or racers, making you feel part of the action at all times.
Ergonomics – Textured grips and an ergonomic form factor make it more comfortable than ever to play the games you love for long periods without taking a break.
Headphone Jack – 3.5mm headphone jacks let you plug audio devices straight into controllers, which is handy for multiplayer gaming where you need to chat with your fellow players. And it's also great when you want to play discretely, but still hear every sound effect.
Customisation – Custom button mapping allows gamers to work out an arrangement which suits their style. So, if you favour your thumb, you can map crucial in-game actions to the left thumbstick.
Reliability and Versatility – Extended wire-free range and Bluetooth connectivity mean that the latest range of Xbox controllers are more reliable and versatile than ever, and it also means they can pair up with a variety of Bluetooth ready devices. As we'll see, that's a very handy feature.
You bet. Thanks to the Xbox Design Lab, newer controllers can be customised by the user, adding a wide range of colours. Have a controller branded with your favourite gaming characters or NFL team, gather inspiration from the community gallery, or dive into the Design Lab, where Microsoft promise the ability to choose over 1 billion colour combinations. That's something no other controllers have ever offered.
The Design Lab is a great tool for creating personalised gaming gifts. But some people would say that it doesn't represent true customisation. However, there are ways to mould your controller into a unique gaming weapon. As we'll see, some controllers offer programmable features. But, more interestingly, some manufacturers let you build your own controller, adding paddles, triggers, grips, and all sorts of extra add-ons.
If you go down the customisation route, be aware that not all games are compatible with custom-built pads, although plenty of major games like Call of Duty, Borderlands, and Bioshock Infinite are. If you take your Battle Royales, like PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, Fortnite or Apex Legends, or even death matches seriously, why not give yourself the tools you need to take on all comers?
Obviously, the major purpose of Xbox controllers is to give gamers maximum control and comfort when they take on Xbox titles. But that's not the only role Microsoft had in mind when designing the One's classic gamepad. There are also plenty of other applications to think about.
For example, Xbox controllers can be used as TV remote controls in many situations. If your TV comes from LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba or VIZIO, you can use the “Device Control” option on the Xbox menu, then “Send Command” to sync up your console and TV. This should put your controller in the cockpit when changing channels and adjusting volume, a really convenient solution in many cases.
Xbox controllers can also be used on PCs for gaming. That's probably not a huge surprise, seeing as the controller was developed by the creators of Windows, but it's something that is often overlooked. Setting it up couldn't really be easier. In most instances, you can just plug the controller into your PC's USB port, and the drivers will automatically download.
However, if you intend to use a wire-free Xbox controller, be aware that you may need to purchase a special adapter. This plugs into your PC's USB port, and should connect with the pad automatically.
While PC gaming and TV remotes are excellent uses for Xbox controllers, the most common reason for buying one is as a second controller. When you buy Xbox bundles, the chances are you'll receive a single gamepad, but many people need more than that.
Thankfully, adding extra controllers to Xbox consoles is extremely easy. So don't hesitate if you want to add to your controller collection. Just switch on the One console, make sure your joypad contains batteries, turn on the controller, and then press the “Connect” button (with the Xbox logo). That sends a signal to the console that an extra controller is in the area, and the two devices will pair up automatically.
The process is the same for all Xbox-ready devices. If the Xbox logo button is there, you can pair up controllers and consoles in seconds.
When it comes to Xbox controllers, one size doesn't fit all. Whatever console you use, you'll come across a variety of joypads at hotukdeals merchants, and it's important to choose the right one for your needs. Firstly, it's vital to pick a controller that suits your console, and here are some pointers.
Xbox 360 Controllers – While the 360 is probably obsolete from a marketing standpoint, it's far from dead where gamers are concerned, and it also has some nifty controllers that can be used for TV and PCs. The original 360 controllers came in wired and wire-free versions, and had a range of 30 feet. While most of the joypads around come in classic black, there are some “prismatic” versions with transparent cases, which will make an eye-catching addition to your gaming setup.
Xbox One Controller – However, if you need a controller for the One, you'll find much more choice. There's a whole minor industry dedicated to serving the needs of One users, and the select goes way beyond the classic controller we've been talking about so far. So let's outline some of the choices in more detail.
Razer – Designs like the Razer Wildcat and Razer Wolverine Ultimate take the original Xbox template and go further, adding customisable features aplenty. There are two extra triggers that can be remapped however you desire, and extra button options on the top of the casing. You get the option of adding thumbstick caps to enhance comfort levels, while the prongs of the pad are covered in soft padding to make the gamepad easier to handle. There are enhanced autofire modes to give players a firing boost in certain games, as well as ways to control headset volume much more quickly than normal.
Scuf – Another label that's totally geared toward customised gaming, Scuf have gone to town on its Xbox range, offering all sorts of weird and wonderful designs. The Infinity range is probably the best of all, with stylish colour schemes, thumbsticks of different lengths, concave and domed thumbstick tips, and reduced-travel triggers to make firing more responsive. They also come with gorgeous leather cases, a sign that they are aimed at serious gamers.
Xbox Elite – Microsoft have also come up with an enhancement for the original One controller, and it's quite something. Oozing premium quality, The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller comes in an attractive case and some impressive finishes, including titanium. So it looks the part, that's for sure. The prongs feel extra-comfortable thanks to the use of rubberised materials, D-pads and thumbsticks can be lifted out of their magnetic sockets with ease and switched for your own preferences, while paddles on the base can be remapped. If you want a controller you can really make your own, this is the option to go for.
Until now, we've looked at the classic Xbox controller and some third party or premium alternatives. And they're great options for most games, but that's not the whole story. Gamepads are just one way to control Xbox consoles, and buyers might want to have a look at some of these alternatives.
Steering Wheels – The Xbox has some excellent racing titles, with classics like Forza Horizon setting the pace for other systems. But when you're racing, you don't need to be restricted to gamepad controls. Why not take the wheel just like in real life, and experience the true adrenaline rush that games like Forza Horizon 4 provide? Doing so isn't hard, because brands like Logitech have developed some exceptional Xbox steering wheels. The G920 offers force feedback, three pedals, and a comfortable padded wheel. And if you want something more realistic, Fanatec have just the thing. Their CSL Wheel emulates the physics of sports car wheels, with brutal feedback, and a real sense of speed as you engage the accelerator. It's a world away from joypad control, and racing fans will love it.
Flight Sticks – Action flying games aren't hard to find on the Xbox, with titles like Ace Combat 7 commanding huge followings. If you love taking to the skies, a flight stick controller is an essential part of your gaming collection. Thrustmaster is the brand to go for here. They have been creating gaming sticks for a generation, and their Xbox devices are incredibly durable and slick. Rudder pedals and button controls mix with carefully calibrated stick mechanics to create a sense of flight that you won't get with a joypad.
Mice – While most people associate console gaming with joypads, some titles on the One and 360 actually lend themselves towards traditional mice and keyboards in some cases. Minecraft is a great example, where the precise control provided by a mouse can be a big advantage. In the past, mice and keyboard combos for the One haven't been easy to find, but Razer have come up with something that fits the bill. And it could add a new dimension to your gameplay.
Adaptive Controllers - Until recently, gamers with limited mobility had a raw deal. Few joysticks or pads were designed with their needs in mind, until Xbox Adaptive Controllers arrived. With accessible controls, the ability to link to assistance devices, and voice activation, these units are a must-have for gamers who struggle with traditional pads.
Controllers don't exist in a vacuum. They need to be connected and charged, and they can be enhanced by some pretty cheap add-ons.
For example, if your current device is struggling, you don't necessarily have to buy a totally new controller. It's also possible to enhance existing pads with add-ons like new thumbsticks and grips. So if your controls have worn down, you might be able to rejuvenate your gamepad on the cheap.
If you need to charge multiple Xbox One X controllers, a charging cradle might also be a worthwhile addition. These devices are designed for multiplayer fans, housing a couple of gamepads. Chargers from brands like Venom tend to go beyond Microsoft's own versions, adding extra fast charge, while making it easy to pluck pads off the cradle when you need to play. So they are the charger models to go for.
As we've seen, the range of Xbox controllers goes well beyond the versions bundled in with consoles, encompassing customisable wired and wire-free gamepads, souped-up premium pads from Microsoft, gaming mice, steering wheels, and flight sticks. So pick a type which suits your gaming style.
However, be aware that specialist controllers tend to come with a price premium. Thrustmaster sticks and Fanatec steering wheels are engineered to offer as much realism as possible, and they aren't cheap. So make sure you shop for the best possible deals if you want to add one to your collection.
When it comes to buying new controllers, hotukdeals has everything covered. We feature Xbox controller deals from the UK's biggest merchants, including GAME, Argos, Amazon, Very, Smyths, and plenty of other major retailers. This includes boutique gamepad makers as well as standard Microsoft devices, so whatever you need, our listings should be the first place to look.
If you're after a premium controller, shopping at the right time of year can help. Black Friday and Cyber Monday often see brands like Razer and Logitech drop their prices, while the New Year Sales and Amazon Prime Day (in July) should offer plenty of potential bargains.
Whatever you do, don't pay full price. Shop around and you're sure to find a way to enhance your gaming experience for less with hotukdeals.
Put yourself in control with a premium Xbox games controller. Whether you go for a top of the line Microsoft model, pimp your controller to look like a work of art, or pick a flight stick to send your gaming soaring, having the right controller really makes a difference. Whatever style you need, there's no need to spend more than you have to. So before you upgrade your gaming options, always check the hotukdeals Xbox controller listings.
