I have been to the world of controllers for a long time. I used to play with Redgear controllers before switching to Power A Xbox controllers. But one thing about those controllers which bothered me the most was their longevity.
My previous controllers were well built and at first felt so good to play with, but after few months or a year, they started to lose their functionality like the sprint triggers and even the L joystick. Therefore, I was on the lookout for a controller which would serve me for at least a few years before breaking down.
I heard from my friends who play on their Xbox that the original Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller is pretty handy. So I decided to try that out and purchased the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller (Robotic White) the previous weekend from Amazon India (there was also a great discount offer going on, which convinced me further to buy this!).
I have now been using the Xbox controller for a week and am very much satisfied with its performance. It’s completely worth the money, and instead of buying any cheap Xbox controller, you should always go for the original Microsoft Xbox controller. I guess you’ll find it on your own when you reach the end of the article.
In the box
- 1 Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller
- 2 AA Duracell batteries
- User Manual
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for 14 days
Specifications
- Experience the modernized design of the Xbox wireless controller in robot white, featuring sculpted surfaces and refined Geometry for enhanced comfort and effortless control during gameplay
- Stay on target with textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back case and with a new hybrid D-pad for accurate, yet familiar input
- Make the controller your own by customizing button Mapping with the Xbox accessories app
Connectivity
The Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller can be paired to the Xbox controller just by turning it on. It’s just simple as that. But those of you would buy it for playing it on PC like me, then you would need a Bluetooth adapter in your PC to connect with it wirelessly. Or you can even connect it with your smartphone.
The controller support Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Windows 10 PCs, and Android, iOS support coming in the future.
You need to first insert the battery into the controller and then turn it on by pressing the Xbox button on the top middle of the controller. After that, you need to press the small button right beside the Type C port for 3 seconds.
Then you will be able to see ‘Xbox Wireless Controller 4416’ in the list of available devices on your PC or even on your smartphone. Just select it, and you’re good to go. Microsoft claims that the battery lasts for around 40 hours.
But the most important part is that you can even connect it to your PC via a Type C to USB cable. It’s convenient to keep the cable as I tend to forget to charge my accessories, which is like a lifeline for me. I purchased the boAt A400 USB Type-C to USB-A 2.0 Male Data Cable, 2 Meter (Black) from Amazon India with the Xbox controller to play with it even in the wired form and free me of the stress of charging it every time I wanted to play. It’s just plug-n-play for the wired mode.
Note – For the very first time you may need to connect the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller to the PC via the USB type C port to get the firmware update from the Xbox accessories app available in the Microsoft store.
Design and build quality
The Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller is clearly the leader in its segment. The Robotic White colour, along with the black buttons, forms a very eye-catching combination.
I have always preferred the Xbox layout of controllers compared to the PlayStation layouts. This particular newly released Xbox controller for Xbox Series X/S features sculpted surfaces and a refined geometry for enhanced comfort during gameplay.
It also has a hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back case, which makes it very handy to use as the sweat of the hand doesn’t make you lose control of the controller.
Microsoft has also added a new Share button for seamlessly capturing and sharing content such as screenshots, recordings, and more. It also features a 3.5 mm stereo headset jack on the bottom edge.
Overall the design and build quality of the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller is really good.
Buttons
The Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller has offset dual analog sticks with convex caps. It also features a hybrid direction pad, two shoulder buttons and standard A/B/X/Y buttons. The two triggers at the back of the gamepad also feel quite handy and you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged (as is the case in most of the controllers).
It has a view and menu button along with the new share button. The buttons are sturdy and offer a great gaming experience. The analog sticks are also well-built and you would have almost no problem with them. It also has great vibration feedback.
You can use the Xbox Accessories app to remap buttons and create custom controller profiles for your favourite games.
Gaming experience
Latency is one of the most important factors of a controller. The latency must be very low in order to offer a good gaming experience. I usually play FIFA 21 on my PC, and I have been playing FUT rivals and championship matches with it. I haven’t felt any delay or latency problem while playing online matches. The buttons and triggers are also very sturdy, and the overall grip of the gamepad is quite nice. It actually feels nice to hold the controller in your hands during playing.
I also tried playing Need For Speed: Heat with this controller. I am quite satisfied with the results. The analog sticks allowed me to control my car very precisely and the triggers offered great acceleration and braking features. The vibration feedback also helps to have the feel of driving a real car.
So the overall gaming experience which the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller offers is unparalleled, even though it costs you a few bucks more than the other Redgear and Power A controllers.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide range of connectivity options | Will have to purchase a rechargeable battery on your own |
| Textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back case | No advanced gaming buttons |
| Refined geometry | |
| Premium feel |
Verdict
If you are looking for a premium Wireless Controller which will at least be good enough for few years, then the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller is the perfect choice for you.
It comes for Rs 4,999 on Amazon India, but if you’re lucky enough, you can get it for around Rs 4,500 via the various bank offers. It would be an absolute win-win situation. The Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller is absolutely worth the money. Just go for it!
Buy the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller from Amazon India: https://amzn.to/3tvXOCe
You had reviewed the product on May’21. Could you tell me how is the gameplay experience now, after a year of using it?
In my case, after 5-6 months the L stick started malfunctioning a bit. I wanted to take it to the service centre but discovered that the warranty of the controller is only limited to 2 months, sadly.
However, surprisingly, the L stick is now functioning perfectly and the gameplay, vibration and everything else is quite good like it’s almost new.
Right. Thanks. Clarifies my doubt and I shall go for this controller itself then. Unless you could suggest some better alternatives in the same range
You can check out the PS5 dualsense controller as well. We have reviewed it here https://technosports.co.in/2021/07/17/sony-playstation-dualsense-wireless-controller-review-a-true-experience-for-gamers/