Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller (Series X|S) Review 36

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller (Series X|S) Review

Packaging & Accessories »

Introduction

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I bought my very first PC controller, the wired Xbox 360 controller, over a decade ago. It has moved with me across continents multiple times and still works fine for when I need to pull it out. It has not happened in a while, however, with there being many quality of life improvements that have come along since with the Xbox One controller and premium Xbox Elite Series 2 controller we recently saw. I had mentioned then that the Xbox Elite Series 2 needed a price cut to be competitive in a world where the baseline has improved since, especially with the advent of the Xbox Series X|S consoles in Nov 2020 with a new controller alongside. Thanks to Microsoft for sending TechPowerUp a review sample as we aim to find out just how well this new controller performs.


If you thought the naming scheme of the new consoles was confusing, allow me to present you the Xbox Wireless Controller. Based on name alone, this could be any of a range of first-party controllers released in 2016 or 2020, with the only way to know for sure the colors. You may have noticed from the thumbnail above that I have the Shock Blue version, not to be confused with the Xbox Wireless Controller- Blue which is an older-generation Xbox One controller. The color on the newer one is clearly darker, but the button layout is also different, and the back is white. Either way, this is my way of telling you that the controllers need a better name, which is why I am referring to this as the Series X|S controller. There are five stock color options, and a few custom options too, so I went with something other than the usual black. Without further ado, let's begin the review with a look at the specifications in the table below.

Specifications

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller (Series X|S)
System Requirements:For use with Xbox systems and PCs running Windows 7 or later. Windows 10: requires Bluetooth, or USB cable (sold separately), or Xbox Wireless adapter (sold separately). Windows 7 or 8.1: requires USB cable; some functionality not supported.
Xbox Accessories App Requirements:Available on Xbox consoles and Windows 10 PCs.
Audio:Includes 3.5 mm stereo headset jack. Also compatible with the Xbox stereo headset adapter and all other Xbox controller accessories made by Microsoft.
Haptic Feedback:Features rumble motors
Weight:280 g (+/-15 g)
Connectivity:Connect to Xbox Series X, Xbox One X, Xbox One S, or Xbox One consoles with Xbox Wireless, or using a separately sold USB-C cable. Wirelessly connect to Windows 10 PCs, tablets, Android, and iOS devices using Bluetooth, or with a separately sold cable. Connect to Windows 7 or 8.1 PCs with a separately sold cable; some functionality not supported.
Battery:AA batteries for up to 40 hours of battery life
Assignable Buttons:A, B, X, and Y; D-pad up, down, left, and right; left and right bumpers; left and right thumbstick click.
Warranty:One year
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