Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller review
Best for: Everyday Xbox and PC play ยท Budget
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Pros
- Works on Xbox, PC, iOS and Android
- Up to 40 hours from AA batteries
- Many colours and Design Lab options
- Remapping through the Accessories app
Cons
- No back buttons
- Uses disposable AA batteries unless you add a charging kit
- Microsoft does not list weight or size
Full review
The standard Xbox Wireless Controller is the pad most people end up with, and it has the widest compatibility of anything here. Microsoft lists support for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10 and 11, Android and iOS, using Xbox Wireless on consoles and Bluetooth on PCs and phones.
Power comes from AA batteries, which Microsoft says can last up to 40 hours depending on use. That is convenient for swapping in fresh cells. A 3.5 mm stereo headset jack, textured triggers and bumpers, a hybrid D-pad and a textured back case make it comfortable.
A dedicated Share button captures screenshots and recordings. Button mapping works in the Xbox Accessories app on Xbox consoles and Windows, and on Windows the app needs a compatible USB-C cable that is sold separately. You can also design your own colours through Xbox Design Lab.
It has no back buttons, no profiles stored on the pad and no stick tuning, and Microsoft's page does not state weight or size. For players who want those extras, the Elite Series 2 is the step up. For general play on Xbox or a PC, this is a dependable and affordable choice.
Full specifications
| Platforms | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11, iOS, Android |
|---|---|
| Wireless type | Xbox Wireless (console) and Bluetooth |
| Wired use | USB-C cable needed for Windows app mapping (not stated as included) |
| Battery | 2 x AA batteries, up to 40 hours |
| Weight | Not stated |
| Stick technology | Not stated |
| Triggers | Textured triggers and bumpers |
| Back buttons | No |
| Remapping | Yes, Xbox Accessories app |
| Customisation | Colours and Xbox Design Lab personalisation |
| Other features | Share button, hybrid D-pad, 3.5 mm headset jack |
| Size | Not stated |
Spec check note: Microsoft's page does not list weight, dimensions, stick technology, or whether a cable is supplied, so those cells are Not stated.
Specifications checked against: Xbox Ireland Wireless Controller page
How it compares with its rivals
| Feature | Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller | Sony DualSense Edge Wireless Controller | Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 | Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller | 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller | GameSir Cyclone 2 Multiplatform Controller |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Everyday Xbox and PC play | Competitive PS5 players | Serious Xbox and PC players | Switch 2 on the TV | PC and Steam Deck players | Budget multi-platform play |
| Price band | Budget | Premium | Premium | Upper mid-range | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Platforms | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11, iOS, Android | PS5; PC (via PlayStation Accessories app) | Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11, iOS, Android | Nintendo Switch 2 only | Windows 10 (1903) or later, Android 13+, SteamOS, Apple devices (26 or later) | PC, Steam, Switch, Android, iOS |
| Wireless type | Xbox Wireless (console) and Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Xbox Wireless (console) and Bluetooth | Bluetooth and NFC | 2.4G wireless dongle and Bluetooth (Android and Apple) | 2.4 GHz dongle and Bluetooth |
| Wired use | USB-C cable needed for Windows app mapping (not stated as included) | Yes, braided USB cable included | Yes, 9 ft USB-C cable included | USB-C for charging | Yes, USB (Windows) | Yes, USB-C |
| Battery | 2 x AA batteries, up to 40 hours | Not stated | Internal rechargeable, up to 40 hours | About 40 hours (estimate); charging about 3 hours | Not stated (integrated charging dock) | 860 mAh (hours not stated) |
| Weight | Not stated | Not stated | About 345 g (with paddles, faceted D-pad and standard sticks) | About 235 g | 246 g | 306.9 g |
| Stick technology | Not stated | Not stated (adjustable sensitivity and dead zones) | Not stated (adjustable tension, 3 settings) | Not stated | TMR joysticks, 12-bit ADC | Mag-Res TMR sticks |
Prices in every region
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