Unofficial Series X Controllers That Give You A Whole New Edge
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In the second half of 2022, two of the biggest gaming companies made fans rethink what they knew about their controllers. In August, PlayStation announced its brand new advanced controller, the DualSense Edge. This was Sony's alternative to the Xbox's Elite Series 2 – and then in September, only a few weeks after PlayStation's announcement, Xbox announced a new version of the Elite Series 2, the Elite Series 2 – Core.
Given all of this controller hubbub, it's likely many gamers are currently weighing whether or not to purchase a new one. Before making a definitive decision, however, Xbox players should know there are plenty of options out there. In fact, there are plenty of third-party models available outside of Microsoft's official collection that may be worth your time.
Here are some interesting third-party Xbox controllers that offer all sorts of unique aesthetics and features that you wouldn't find with a traditional pack-in controller.
Third-party controllers with advanced settings
If you're into remappable buttons and other enhanced features, don't worry about saving up money for an official Xbox controller, especially since so many can be hard to buy right now. There are plenty of third-party options that boast all of the same features at a fraction of the price.
Take the Turtle Beach Recon Controller, for example. It has remappable buttons, audio enhancements and a feature called "Superhuman Hearing," designed to give players a leg up during multiplayer matches, boosting sounds and giving you a heads up when enemies approach. Perhaps most unique among its features are its Ergonomic Cooling Grips: "Micro-cooling channels and a comfortable shape keep [your] hands cool and dry while reducing fatigue," the devices listing says. You can snag the Recon Controller for $59.95.
Another option players can go with is the PowerA FUSION Pro 2 Wired Controller. Yes, this controller requires a 10-foot wire, which some players may not like. However, other features offered by the $62.97 PowerA may make up for this deficiency. For instance, the controller offers a three-way trigger lock feature (to make sure the triggers respond with the exact amount of resistance you need) and four remappable buttons, according to the product listing. In addition, the PowerA FUSION Pro 2 boasts healthy rumble for gameplay feedback and two sets of thumbsticks that can be switched out based on the owner's needs and preferences.
Alternative controllers with unique designs
Of course, when it comes to controllers, it's not always about functions and features. Sometimes, all one is looking for is a unique design that stands apart. Thankfully, there are a number of third-party controllers with unique aesthetics. The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma, for example, offers some sleek lighting effects. According to the device's Amazon listing, there are 16.8 million color/lighting combinations you can choose when customizing the Razer Wolverine. In addition, this $149.99 controller customizable buttons, triggers, and an extra-comfy grip design. It costs more than the Elite Series 2 – Core, but it's a pretty-looking piece of equipment.
Lastly, there's the 8BitDo Pro 2 Wired Controller. The 8BitDo has a thin retro-style design, custom button mapping, and costs a mere $44.99. It's definitely more lightweight than the others on this list, but customers of the device sure seem to enjoy it. One customer review claims the controller is "truly amazing" because it fixes the layout problems native to the standard Xbox controller. This one is recommended for Xbox players who prefer the design of the PlayStation's DualShock line.
All in all, there are plenty of Xbox controller options out there. So, next time you're looking to upgrade, make sure you give every one of them a hard look before making your decision. No matter what kind of controller you might be seeking, there's likely a third-party design out there for you.