A game is only as good as its controller. Since the dawn of gaming, hardware and software have worked together to create immersive and compelling gaming experiences. The two must work together—and hardware has often been the bigger issue for developers and creators. While it takes hundreds of hours to design and program a game from a software perspective, it means nothing if the controls and peripherals fall short.
Every gamer remembers a subpar experience thanks to a lagging or otherwise defective controller. For Xbox fans, there have been more than a few duds since Microsoft released its first console. Let’s take a closer look at controllers, specifically, as we explore some of the best and worst releases to ever hit the market.
Use Cases Galore
It might seem like any functional controller will get the job done. While this is true, there are a few different reasons why having a solid controller matters. First and foremost, advanced controllers let gamers customize them. For example, a poker fan who wants to use their Xbox controller can remap the settings to expand their gaming horizons.
Virtual poker platforms have been around for decades and are hugely popular worldwide. However, these types of games (especially real money poker games) aren’t part of the traditional console zeitgeist. But that doesn’t mean an Xbox controller won’t come in handy for virtual poker players.
Remapping is also a great option for gamers who want a greater degree of control in their game. A title like Borderlands 2, for example, has a range of dizzying options. Players who remap their controls can more readily navigate in the game, especially when the action cranks up.
Then, of course, there are controllers that deliver on customization, comfort and accessibility. Joystick controllers allow gamers with limited mobility to dive into the action. Others are more geared toward long gaming stints, providing long-lasting batteries and even cooling functions. But all of the above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Xbox controllers. Let’s take a closer look at the best and worst to hit the market.
Best: Victrix Pro BFG
When it comes to durability and comfort, there’s no controller that meets the hype of the Victrix Pro BFG. There are two modular control units that gamers can use based on their button preferences. The trigger stops are also worth noting. But the real appeal is its aesthetic design and build quality, which haven’t been matched yet.
Worst: Original Xbox Controller
Anyone who had the first Xbox knows that its controllers were… subpar, to say the least. The feel was clunky and cheap (think: toy plastic), while the ergonomics weren’t suitable for most gamers. Only a few years later, Microsoft attempted to sweep the original release under the rug with the roll out of its S series controllers.
Best: 8BitDo Arcade Stick
Enter one of the most robust alternative Xbox controllers. This little joystick setup is designed for gamers who enjoy arcade-era hits. All the controls and toggles are customizable, letting gamers map out the controls as needed—for retro games and for modern releases. This makes it truly dynamic and intriguing for gamers of all ages.
Worst: Xbox Kinect
Few will forget the painful flub that was Microsoft’s Kinect. The company’s first misstep was its poor functionality. The Kinect didn’t work unless lights were blaringly bright—and even when they were, the controls were still prone to lag. Worse, Microsoft forced Xbox buyers to opt in. It was a multi-million-dollar mistake that stands as a lasting example in the world of gaming.
Best: Turtle Beach Recon 200
This truly innovative release focuses on one thing: multiplayer gaming sessions with friends. The Turtle Beach Recon allows players to navigate voice chat options with just a few taps, controlling the volume and other settings. This has streamlined the sometimes difficult nature of team play on the Xbox, especially for players who are worried about noise contamination.
