The Xbox Series X and the more affordable Xbox Series S are Microsoft's most ambitious and powerful gaming consoles to date. Ever since their launch, there has been a massive demand all over the globe. So, if you're one of the lucky ones who's managed to get your hands on the new console, then we've got a list of controllers, both official from Microsoft and from other companies, that can help take your gaming experience to the next level. Whether you want to just get into some multiplayer with a regular Xbox controller or take on something more niche with a fighting stick or driving wheel, there's something out there for you.

White Xbox Wireless Controller, front view in white
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller
Best overall

The best possible Xbox controller

The Xbox Wireless Controller has textured triggers and bumpers, a hybrid D-pad, and support for Bluetooth technology to make it the best controller for most people playing on Xbox's new consoles.

Pros
  • Works via Bluetooth and USB
  • Super comfortable
  • Comes in different colors
Cons
  • Needs AA batteries
  • Doesn't have too much grip

The best controller for the Xbox Series X is the one that comes with it, the official Xbox Wireless Controller. If you need an extra one for local multiplayer or need a replacement, this is the controller you should buy. It costs $60 and comes in multiple color options, including classic black and white or more vibrant colors like blue and red. Regardless of your choice, you'll enjoy the textured grips, the hybrid D-pad, and the ability to use the controller wirelessly with a PC over Bluetooth. For those into sharing clips from games, you also get a dedicated share button on the controller, which makes it easy to share recordings captured on your console.

Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller, white and black
Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller 2
Best premium pick

Featuring lots of customization

The Elite Wireless 2 controller offers many more customization options than the regular Xbox Wireless controller. You also get the option of replacing the buttons and paddles on the back.

Pros
  • Has familiar feel to Xbox Core Controller
  • Can be customized
  • Can also be upgraded
Cons
  • Very expensive
  • No rear paddles

If you want a bit more out of your controller and don't mind paying a premium, Microsoft made the Elite Controller Series 2 just for you. It offers adjustable-tension thumbsticks, shorter hair trigger locks, a wrap-around rubberized grip, assignable buttons including paddles at the back, and re-engineered components all around, making it a great option for pro gamers or those who need more customization options. It also comes with a built-in battery, which is said to last 40 hours and can be quickly charged using a USB Type-C cable.

We do want to note, though, that there are actually two different versions of the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller. The Core controller retails for $130, and the full Series 2 package is $180. There are a few differences between them. That Core version has a white section, and the Elite Series 2 is black. The Elite Series 2 can be customized through the Xbox Design lab, too, helping you find a controller that fits your style and looks. Other than that, the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller includes some extra paddle buttons, thumbsticks, a D-pad, and a charging dock that you won't find on the Core controller. On the Core version, these are optional and can be purchased later on.

Scuf Instinct Pro
Scuf Instinct Pro
Best features

With lots of customization

The Scuf Instinct Pro is a great third-party controller for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. It has four remappable paddles on the back, adjustable Instant Triggers, a rubberized grip, and a microphone button on the front. You even can swap out the faceplate. 

Pros
  • Can change out the shells
  • Feels like traditional Xbox core controller
  • Responsive
Cons
  • Still uses AA batteries
  • Very expensive

Scuf is behind many great gaming accessories, and the Instinct Pro is no exception. It looks and feels similar to Microsoft's Xbox Elite Controller 2 but packs in some additional improvements — hence the higher price tag. This controller has four remappable paddles on the back that can be configured to 16 different in-game functions. There's even a great rubberized grip and triggers that help relax your hands during prolonged gaming sessions. Other than that, the front of the controller has a dedicated microphone mute button. For further customization, you even can swap out the faceplate. And in terms of actual gameplay on PCs, you get the bonus adjustable Instant Triggers that let you switch from a regular trigger to a mouse-click action instantly.

Black Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma, front view
Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma
Best with RGB

For a great light show

The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is another premium controller, but this one has RGB lighting. It's not only for Xbox but also works on PC. The controller has fast actuation with Razer Mecha-Tactile buttons. There are also six custom buttons on the shoulders and back,

Pros
  • Has RGB lighting
  • Has custom buttons on the back
  • Tactile buttons
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Is only wired

Razer is a staple in the video game industry, so the company’s Wolverine Ultimate V2 would, of course, make our list. While this is a wired controller (most of the other options on this list are wired), it's one of the most feature-packed controllers you can get today, which makes it perfect for competitive gamers. This controller is also one of the rare ones that has RGB lighting, to help you fit and match the mood in your games. The face buttons are said to offer a tactile feel similar to that of mouse clicks, making them more responsive for hair-trigger responses. The interchangeable thumbsticks are also quite smooth.

The controller also has six remappable buttons — four at the back and two near the shoulder buttons — and also gives you the option to swap between different D-pads. Apart from button customizations, you can play around with the RGB lighting effects, adjust precise sensitivity for the thumbsticks, and customize vibration intensity for the trigger buttons and haptic motors for an enhanced experience.

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Microsoft Xbox Design Lab Controller
Best color variety

A personal controller

If you're bored with the simple black and white finish of the Xbox wireless controller, head over to the Xbox Design Lab to fully customize the look and transform it the way you want

Pros
  • Has a lot of color variations at Microsoft
  • Is exactly the same as the Xbox Core controller
  • Super comfortable
Cons
  • Expensive to customize
  • Uses AA batteries

The new Xbox Wireless controller is more or less the same as the one that shipped with the Xbox One series, and it only comes in a few standard colors. If you're looking for a second controller and are done with the monochromatic color scheme, check out the Xbox Design Lab, which allows you to create your own controller. You can choose from the standard Xbox Controller, or the more premium Xbox Elite Series 2 controller.

You can mix and match colors and customize everything from the button, triggers, and analog sticks, as well as the option of engraving text. This is great for someone who cares about the color scheme of their setup or just wants to have a controller that stands out. The only important thing to consider is that the customization service is only available in limited regions.

White PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller, front view
PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller
Best affordable controller

For those on a budget

The PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller works with the new Xbox Series X and Series S consoles and comes in a wide variety of colors. It doesn't have many extra features, but considering the low price, it's hard to complain.

Pros
  • Super lightweight
  • Has volume toggles
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Uses micro USB
  • Doesn't offer wireless option

Controllers can be quite expensive, which is why PowerA exists. The Enhanced Wired Controller is one of the more affordable options if you need another controller for your Xbox Series X or S. It's a wired controller available in various colors with two mappable buttons at the back. The controller also features dual rumble motors placed in the left and right grips for an immersive gaming experience. Additionally, there's a dial to control the game audio when you connect a headset via the 3.5mm stereo headset jack.

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Microsoft Xbox Adaptive Controller
Best for limited mobility

For those with disabilities

Meant for gamers with limited mobility, the Adaptive Controller offers a vast variety of ports to allow attaching a number of contoller inputs.

Pros
  • Great for those with disabilities
  • Works with other accessibility peripherals
  • Great design
Cons
  • Sometimes hard to find
  • Expensive

Gaming shouldn't have any boundaries, and the Adaptive Controller from Microsoft is a fine example. It's made for users who have limited mobility and is unlike any controller listed here, with options to fully customize the controller according to the user’s needs. The controller is also a hub that can connect with various assistive devices, which can then be assigned to specific controller inputs. There are about 20 ports that let you plug a variety of thumbsticks, switches, buttons, and other assistive devices. Apart from Xbox gaming consoles, the Adaptive Controller also works with the Nintendo Switch and Windows PCs.

HORI Fighting Stick Alpha
Hori Fighting Stick
Best arcade stick

For arcade gamers

This fighting stick is the perfect recommendation for a fighting game fan who wants to return to the days of smashing buttons and turning the joystick on old-fashioned arcade controls.

Pros
  • Has a lot of buttons
  • Can be customized
  • Works with console and PC
Cons
  • A bit bulky
  • very expensive and Xbox version is hard to find

Love the charm of an old-school arcade console? Check out the Hori Fighting Stick α. Officially licensed from Microsoft, the controller comes with Hori’s own Hayabusa joystick, which is made for competitive gaming and is popular in the fighting game community. It offers easy profile switching with quick buttons right on top, along with options to change the top housing for a customized look. Other notable features include easy maintenance, audio controls for both mic and headset, and fine-tuning via a dedicated app.

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Hyperkin Duke Wired Controller
Best retro

For classic Xbox gamers

The Hyperkin Duke Wired Controller is a modern replica and remake of the original Xbox controller. It has vibration motors, as well as precision analog triggers and bumpers.

Pros
  • Recreates the classic Xbox controller we love
  • Has an LCD screen
  • Comfertable design
Cons
  • Not wireless
  • Very expensive

Are you a big Xbox fan? Then you might remember the original Xbox controller, nicknamed "The Duke." Well, the folks at Hyperkin made a working replica of the original Xbox controller for modern audiences and consoles, and best of all, it's officially licensed. This controller has the same shape and form as the original Xbox controller, and you even get the original Xbox animated startup screen right inside the Xbox button. There's also vibration feedback and modern touches like the precision analog triggers. Just note you'll need to use this controller with a USB cable.

Logitech G923 Racing Wheel
Logitech G923 Racing Wheel
Best racing wheel

For racers

The Logitech G923 racing wheel is great for the Xbox Series X as well as PC gamers. It packs in features like improved vibration motors, 900-degree rotation, premium metal shifters, and A/B/X/Y buttons on the wheel to control in-game menus. 

Pros
  • Comes with wheel and pedals
  • Has great force feedback
  • Has a comfortable grip
Cons
  • Plastic mount
  • Kind of expensive

For racing fans who own an Xbox Series X and play titles like Forza Motorsport, the best way to enjoy the game is with a racing wheel. The Logitech G923 is the one we suggest since it delivers a realistic driving experience at an affordable price. This wheel sports 900-degree rotation with a premium leather grip and three foot pedals. For controlling in-game menus, the wheel also has the A/B/X/Y buttons and even a dial and metal shifters on the rear. As for force feedback, this wheel packs stronger vibration motors than its predecessors, ensuring you get simulation-level driving experiences in your favorite games.

Best Xbox Series X controllers in 2023: The bottom line

There are a lot of video game controllers on the market that'll work with the Xbox Series X and S. Most people will go with our top pick, the standard Xbox Wireless Controller since it offers the best compatibility and the most reasonable price for most people. It also works via Bluetooth, and via Xbox Wireless, so you can use one controller with your PC and your phone should you be into Cloud Gaming. Just keep in mind, though, that you might want to consider a rechargeable battery pack, since this controller uses AA batteries.

White Xbox Wireless Controller, front view in white
Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller
Best overall

The best possible Xbox controller

The Xbox Wireless Controller has textured triggers and bumpers, a hybrid D-pad, and support for Bluetooth technology to make it the best controller for most people playing on Xbox's new consoles.

However, if you decide you need more customization options or features, there's the Elite Wireless Controller 2 or the Razer Wolverine Ultimate. If you have more niche needs — say you play fighting games or play competitively — there is a controller out there for you. As mentioned, there's been a huge demand for the Xbox Series X and the Series S. If you're planning to buy either of the consoles, make sure you go through our restock guide.