Reputable brands in the third-party space, such as PowerA, Razer, and Hori, to name a few, are also important to look out for. However, those spending their time playing turn-based RPGs really don’t need anything fancy to be able to play their games well. Look for D-pads with a middle pivot, responsive buttons, and stronger plastics. For instance, players who put in dozens of hours per week in a fighting game may want to consider getting a higher-quality controller or one that was built with fighting games in mind. This is a key gauge of how long the controller could last. We also prefer USB and USB-C to micro-USB, simply for the added security of the connection. Some of these are hardwired, and we’ll make no secret that we prefer detachable connections, which make them easy to replace if a cable goes bad. For the most part, a wired controller is the way to go when in the budget market. Communication quality usually isn’t great, with dropouts and latency issues that can affect gameplay. There are other wireless options, but they are less common. With two exceptions, these are wired controllers, unlike the core Xbox unit. That said, $60 for a single controller can be a big ask for many gamers, so we went on the search for solid options from other brands for less. Its well-designed elements make it an excellent choice for just about any type of game on Xbox platforms, PC, and even other systems through adapters. The latest core Xbox controller is one of the best-designed gaming inputs on the market. He’s also been published on gaming sites such as Giga Geek Magazine, Marooners’ Rock, and Twin Galaxies. His website,, is a celebration of games from all eras across all systems, including Xbox, PlayStation, Steam, and Nintendo Switch. About the Expert: Alex McCumbers has personally owned lots of Xbox-style controllers over the years that qualify as budget-friendly options.

Pdp wired controller for xbox one use