We live in a golden age of controllers. The gamepads on the market now are of higher quality, more versatile, and more customizable than anything from even one console generation ago. If you play games on an Xbox Series X or Series S (or a Windows PC), you have the unenviable task of choosing between several controllers from Microsoft as well as a plethora of great options from the likes of 8BitDo, PowerA, Razer, Scuf, GameSir, and Hyperkin. Some of them have drift-resistant Hall effect or TMR-based joysticks for improved longevity, yet all of them are good for one reason or another. The days of the cheap “little sibling” controller that looked cool but barely worked are over.
Technology
Heartless scammers are preying on people's lost pet anguish
Scammers prey on society’s most vulnerable members, stopping at nothing to exploit their victims’ emotions for financial gain. In a despicable new scheme, these con artists are stooping to a new low by taking advantage of distraught pet owners desperately searching for their lost companions.
The “lost pet” scam cunningly manipulates the anguish and attachment felt by loving owners to extract money through deception.
This insidious tactic tugs at heartstrings, making it imperative for pet owners to be informed and vigilant against falling prey to such callous exploitation during their time of distress. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t fall victim to this scam and can focus on finding your beloved pet.
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A man on the street with his dog. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What is the ‘lost pet’ scam?
The “lost pet” scam is a scam that specifically targets owners of lost pets. Imagine your dog runs away or your cat gets out the window. You post “lost pet” signs all over your neighborhood and also share a post on social media with the hopes of spreading the news far and wide in case someone finds your pet. You may even offer a reward (but this won’t matter to scammers who have other tactics to get money up their sleeves already).
The scammers explicitly look out for or search online for these postings (which is not hard to do) and call the number on the sign or post. Then, the owner on the other end of the line — who is already probably anxious to receive this call — is suddenly caught off guard by the scammer’s tactics. One tactic is to claim that they’ve found your pet but had to take it to the vet, and they need the money to pay the vet bill.
Another is to tell the victim they’ve found the pet, but they are asking for an exorbitant amount of money. When the owner realizes this may be more of an extortion (thinking that the scammer still very much has their pet in their possession), the scammer may start to threaten to hurt the animal until the victim hands over the money. They will even go as far as to threaten to kill the pet if the victim turns the tables and threatens to call the police.
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET
“Lost cat” post on tree. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
HOW SCAMMERS HAVE SUNK TO A NEW LOW WITH AN AI OBITUARY SCAM TARGETING THE GRIEVING
How to avoid falling victim to ‘lost pet’ scammers
The first thing to understand is that a scammer is not your friend. Most people who find a lost pet are going to help get it back to the owner. Chances are, if a scammer is calling you, they don’t actually have your pet. And, if they do (perhaps they have even stolen your pet), then you’ll want to call the police regardless.
1. Ask the person to describe your pet. To avoid them reading your “lost pet” posters, try to leave some information on the posters that only someone with your physical pet would know.
2. Tell them you want to “hear” your pet. Most pet owners can recognize their dog’s bark.
3. Ask them to tell you how and when they found your pet.
4. If your pet has a microchip, ask them to scan it.
5. Ask for video proof or a photo of your pet. Remember, AI is helping scammers to get away with this more easily, so if it looks fake, it probably is. If they do, in fact, have your pet, agree to give them the money in person when they hand over your pet.
6. If they claim to have to pay a vet bill, tell them you have insurance on the pet and that you’ll need to talk to the vet’s office where they took it. If you can find out the scammer’s location or get an idea of where they are calling from, then you can search for veterinary offices in that area to see if anyone has seen the pet.
Of course, aside from all of this, do your very best to keep your pet safe. Make sure you have proper fencing and an appropriate harness/leash for walks. In addition to these scammers taking advantage of people with lost pets, there are those who actually steal pets and extort the owners, too — something that’s sadly becoming more common these days. Some pet owners, for instance, will put a GPS tracker on their pet to help in these situations, but hackers can get access to that as well and use it to track down your pet (and, by default, you).
BEST PET TECH GIFT GUIDE
How to use the internet to actually help find your lost pet
Too many of us know the pain of having a pet run away from home. The good news is that microchips and social media can give pet owners hope that they may actually see their pets again. But it’s important to use the internet safely so that you don’t fall victim to one of these scams while ensuring you’re focused on connecting with people who actually have your and your pet’s interests at heart.
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Research the local animal shelters and pounds in your area. They may have your pet, and by going online, you can often find the best and quickest way to get in touch with them. And, it also helps to give them a heads-up in case that pet comes in through their doors.
Look for local neighborhoods and community groups, as well as “lost/found pet” groups in your area. It’s safer to join groups that require members to be invited or answer questions to get in to limit the number of strangers who don’t belong in these groups. There, you can first browse “found pets” to see if anyone has come across yours. If you don’t see anything, then post about your pet and include a photo, but see if you can leave out one or two less important identifying details that only a person physically with the pet could see.
A woman with her pet. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
IDENTITY THEFT SCAMMERS TARGET INNOCENT CHILDREN
Kurt’s key takeaways
Look, I get it — losing a pet is an incredibly stressful and emotional experience. Your furry friend is part of the family, so, of course, you’ll do anything to get them back safe and sound. But please, be on high alert for these heartless scammers trying to take advantage of your vulnerability. They have no shame and will stoop to new lows to line their own pockets.
At the end of the day, use common sense. If something seems fishy about someone claiming to have your pet, trust your gut. Don’t let desperation cloud your judgment. Stay vigilant, but also try to keep a level head. Your pet is counting on you to outsmart the scammers. With some street smarts and the right precautions, you can focus on what really matters — getting your beloved companion back home where they belong, safe and sound in your arms once again.
Have you ever encountered a scam during a vulnerable time? We’d love to hear your story and any wisdom you can share to help others navigate these challenges. Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
I’ve never been more optimistic about the future of Lux and Halide. Today we launched the public preview of Halide Mark III, and the reception is more positive than we possibly could have hoped.
As we mentioned in the announcement post today, we’ve been working with legendary team at The Iconfactory on Mark III. We’re also super excited to be collaborating with the renowned colorist Cullen Kelly on the new looks in Mark III.
Ten years ago I started Halide, and for ten years, I lead product, ran the business, and coded almost everything. Except for the paywall. I hate working on payment screens. But I built everything else, and design was always a collaborative experience.
So in short, Halide is going nowhere. This has been my full time job since 2019, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
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Most people think identity theft starts with a massive hack. In reality, it usually starts much more quietly, with bits of personal information you didn’t even realize were public: old addresses, family connections, phone numbers and shopping habits.
All are sitting on data broker sites that most people have never heard of. During Identity Theft Awareness Week, organized by the Federal Trade Commission, it’s a good time to clear up some dangerous myths that keep putting people at risk, especially retirees, families and anyone who thinks they’re “careful enough.”
Let’s break them down.
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Myth #1: ‘I wasn’t in a data breach, so I’m safe’
FIBER BROADBAND GIANT INVESTIGATES BREACH AFFECTING 1M USERS
Identity theft often starts quietly, with bits of personal information collected and shared long before a scam ever happens. (Kira Hofmann/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Reality: You don’t need to be in a breach to have your data exposed.
Data brokers legally collect personal information from public records, loyalty programs, apps and online purchases. Over time, they build detailed profiles that can exist for decades, even if you’ve never been hacked. Scammers often use this data as a starting point. It helps them sound legitimate, personalize messages and choose the right angle to trick you.
Actionable tips:
- Don’t assume “no breach” means “no risk”
- Avoid oversharing details on social media
- Remove your personal data from data broker sites so it can’t be reused
Myth #2: ‘Scammers don’t have enough info to impersonate me’
Reality: They usually have more than enough.
Scammers don’t need your Social Security number to cause damage. A name, address history, phone number and family connections can be enough for someone to:
This is why scams often feel unsettlingly personal.
Actionable tips:
- Be suspicious of messages that reference personal details
- Don’t confirm information just because the sender “knows” something about you
- Reduce what’s available by removing your data from broker databases
Myth #3: ‘Retirees aren’t targeted because they’re cautious’
Reality: Retirees are one of the most targeted groups.
Why? Because scammers assume:
- Stable income from pensions or benefits
- More savings
- Greater trust in official-looking messages
- Less familiarity with newer scam tactics
Many scams are designed specifically for retirees, from Medicare updates to fake government notices and investment fraud. A recent widespread scam involves fake IRS calls and the illegitimate “Tax Resolution Oversight Department” that tries to steal your money.
Actionable tips:
- Never act on urgent requests involving benefits or finances
- Verify messages by contacting organizations directly
- Encourage family discussions about scams and warning signs
- Remove publicly available data that helps scammers profile retirees
Data brokers build detailed profiles using public records, apps, purchases and loyalty programs, even if you have never been hacked. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Myth #4: ‘Credit monitoring will stop identity theft’
Reality: Credit monitoring only tells you after something has gone wrong.
It doesn’t stop scammers from:
- Targeting you
- Attempting account takeovers
- Using your information in phishing or social engineering scams
Think of credit monitoring like a smoke alarm-helpful, but it doesn’t prevent the fire.
Actionable tips:
- Use credit monitoring as a backup, not your main defense
- Lock down accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication
- Reduce exposure by removing your data before it’s misused
Myth #5: “There’s nothing I can do about data brokers”
Reality: You can take control, but doing it manually is time-consuming and frustrating.
Most data broker sites allow opt-outs, but each one has a different process. Some require forms. Others need ID verification. And many re-add your data months later. That’s why I recommend a data removal service. These services contact hundreds of data brokers on your behalf, request the removal of your personal information and keep monitoring them so it doesn’t quietly reappear. For families and retirees, this matters even more because once scammers connect relatives through broker profiles, multiple people can become targets.
While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.
Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.
Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.
ILLINOIS DHS DATA BREACH EXPOSES 700K RESIDENTS’ RECORDS
Why identity theft often starts long before you notice
Identity theft rarely begins with a dramatic moment.
It usually starts with:
- Data collected quietly over the years
- Profiles that grow more detailed with time
- Information being sold and resold without your knowledge
By the time fraud shows up on a credit report, the damage has often already been done.
What you can do during Identity Theft Awareness Week
If there’s one takeaway this week, it’s this: reducing your exposed data lowers your risk.
1) Be skeptical of unexpected messages
Do not trust surprise emails, texts or calls, even if they appear to come from a bank, retailer or government agency. Scammers often copy logos, language and phone numbers to look legitimate.
2) Verify requests on your own
If a message claims there’s a problem with an account, pause and verify it independently. Use the official website or phone number you already know, not the one provided in the message.
3) Reduce your digital footprint with a data removal service
Remove your personal information from data broker websites that collect and sell names, addresses, phone numbers and other details. A data removal service can help you do just that. Less exposed data means fewer opportunities for identity thieves. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.
4) Turn on two-factor authentication
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever it’s available. Even if a criminal gets your password, 2FA adds a second barrier that can stop account takeovers.
5) Strengthen your account security
Use strong, unique passwords for important accounts and avoid reusing them across sites. A reputable password manager can securely store and generate complex passwords, making it easier to stay protected without memorizing everything.
Next, see if your email has been exposed in past breaches. Our No. 1 password manager pick includes a built-in breach scanner that checks whether your email address or passwords have appeared in known leaks. If you discover a match, immediately change any reused passwords and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.
Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.
Scammers use this background data to sound legitimate, personalize their messages and pressure victims into acting fast. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
6) Use identity theft protection software
Consider identity theft protection software that monitors your personal information, alerts you to suspicious activity and helps you respond quickly if something goes wrong. Some services also assist with data broker removal and recovery support if your identity is compromised.
Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.
See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com.
7) Help family members stay protected
Scammers often target seniors and teens. Walk family members through these steps, help them secure accounts and encourage them to slow down before responding to urgent messages.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Identity theft isn’t about being careless; it’s about how much information is floating around without your permission. The fewer places your data lives online, the harder it is for scammers to use it against you. Taking action now won’t just protect you this week; it can reduce scams, fraud attempts and identity theft risks all year long.
Which of these myths did you believe, and what personal information do you think is already out there about you without your consent? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
We’ve spent time playing all kinds of games (first-person shooters, fighters, third-person action-adventure, racing, indie roguelikes, etc.) to test a wide swath of Xbox controllers, and it may not be a surprise that the standard Xbox Wireless Controller is the best option for most folks. It makes for a great PC and Steam Deck controller, too. The default Xbox gamepad strikes the right balance of quality, comfort, versatility, and price, but there are several alternatives worth considering.
What we’re looking for
We test Xbox controllers by playing with them for an extended period of time across a variety of genres. Our test targets include team-based arena games like Marvel Rivals, competitive shooters like Call of Duty, fighters like Tekken 8, and role-playing titles like Elden Ring. When doing so, we pay close attention to how all of the components feel. Are the triggers satisfying to pull? Do the analog sticks offer the right level of resistance? Are the D-pads and face buttons too mushy, or just right? If a controller includes customization options — such as adjustable trigger stops and sensitivity, and / or remappable back buttons — we test how easy they are to configure, then judge their impact on our gameplay experience.
Is it wireless? Does it support Bluetooth? Or is it wired only? If so, is the cable replaceable?
Does it feel cheap or nicely made? Any glitches or reliability issues while testing?
Does it have handy extras, like remappable buttons or customizable triggers?
Can you remap buttons or tune it with custom software profiles?
Is it priced affordably, about average, or does it come at a steep premium?
The best Xbox controller for most people
$49
The Good
- Incredible value for Xbox Wireless support
- Great ergonomic design
- Satisfying buttons and triggers
The Bad
- Lacks customization
- Requires AA batteries (or an optional rechargeable cell)
Connectivity: Xbox wireless, Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software customization: No / Power: AA batteries or add-on rechargeable
Okay, I already know what you’re thinking. “The best controller for Xbox is the one that comes with the Xbox?” That may seem like a no-brainer, but this standard controller truly does earn this title as the best. It lacks some extras found on pricier options, but this controller is the distillation of all that has made the last 20 years of Xbox gamepads great, and it shows.
Thanks to Microsoft’s proprietary wireless protocol, the Xbox Wireless Controller is the only affordable wireless option out there. (Third-party wireless alternatives are available, but they’re mostly at the high end.) While some hate the standard Xbox wireless controller for its use of AA batteries instead of a built-in rechargeable cell, that also means it’s flexible, allowing for rechargeable AAs or a battery pack. And user-replaceable batteries mean you’re not stuck with a controller that doesn’t hold its charge after years of use. It also works over a USB-C wired connection.
But the standard-issue Xbox pad isn’t just great because of its varied connectivity. The hardware itself is excellent for the controller’s $65 (and often less) asking price. The sticks, buttons, triggers, and the sunken dish-shaped D-pad all feel impeccably tight, with the latter having a satisfying clickiness to it. If you’re a hardcore fighting game fan, you’ll probably be best served by a dedicated fight stick or a controller geared toward that genre — one with a superb D-pad like Hori’s Horipad Pro — but the Xbox Wireless Controller is otherwise an extraordinary jack-of-all-trades.
The only things it really lacks compared to pricier options are extra, customizable buttons and software tuning for things like stick sensitivity (button remapping is available), though Microsoft does offer cosmetic customization through its Xbox Design Lab, which bumps the price from $79.99 to $124.93 depending on the configuration. There’s a lot to love about these controllers, whether you make your own or pick one from the many colors that Microsoft offers.
The best cheap Xbox controller
$30
The Good
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Satisfying buttons and Hall effect components
- Programmable back buttons are easy to press
Connectivity: Wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Two / Software customization: Yes / Power: Wired
The 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller for Xbox is a fantastic budget model that typically retails for $44.99 but can often be found for as little as $29.99. The shape is reminiscent of Nintendo’s Switch Pro Controller, only a bit smaller, with hints of Xbox influence and a curvaceous design that feels great to hold.
On the hardware front, the Ultimate Wired Controller features Hall effect sticks with satisfying tension. It also uses Hall effect triggers with dedicated vibration motors, though it lacks trigger stops, unlike our previous budget pick, the PowerA Advantage Wired. Its D-pad, face buttons, and bumpers are nice and clicky, too, despite being smaller than we’d typically like. It has two rear paddles, remappable buttons, and the ability to save up to three profiles, which you can switch between on the fly using a dedicated button. There’s even a built-in mute switch for audio, which isn’t common on cheaper controllers. You can download the 8BitDo Ultimate Software X app on PC or Xbox to fully customize this controller.
The 8BitDo Ultimate Wired works as a wired controller with your PC, but if you prefer wireless connectivity, the company also makes a three-mode wireless version for $69.99 with support for both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless (via a dongle). The wireless version is a bit more expensive, however, and it’s still limited to wired connectivity on Xbox consoles.
The best “pro” Xbox controller
$135
The Good
- Extensive modular customization
- Premium look and feel
- Rechargeable battery lasts an incredible 40 hours
The Bad
- Pricey
- Questionable quality control
- No Hall effect components
Connectivity: Xbox wireless, Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Up to four / Software customization: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable
The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is Microsoft’s fanciest controller, and it’s got a lot of nice extras, like better build quality, extra buttons, user-swappable sticks and D-pad, a built-in rechargeable battery, and loads of software customization. Where the standard Xbox controller is constructed entirely of unassuming plastic, the Elite mixes higher quality soft-touch plastic, rubberized grips, and metallic touches for a superior fit and finish. This makes it heftier than the stock controller, and as a result, it just feels nicer in your hands. It also comes with a charging dock and zip-up case with passthrough charging, completing a really nice package for $199.99 (or sometimes less, if it’s on sale).
There’s also the stripped-down Elite Series 2 “Core” version with an MSRP of $149.99, which ditches the add-ons but is equally customizable. You can buy them separately in a $59.99 accessories pack, but you’ll end up paying more that way, barring sales or discounts.
A pricey controller like an Xbox Elite is a bit of a splurge purchase. Most of us are not competing at e-sports levels that require its high-end features. Nevertheless, it’s fun to use something that feels nicer, offers ways to custom-tailor it to your liking, and maybe gives you a slight competitive edge thanks to features like hair triggers and removable rear paddles. In theory, you may be able to get shots off faster in an online shooter with the hair triggers, and you can map the paddles to functions like jump, crouch, reload, etc., while keeping your thumb on the right stick. You could teach yourself claw grip to accomplish the latter with even a cheap wired controller, sure, but it just won’t feel as cool or easy as when using an Elite.
While the Elite is still a great controller in 2025, you should keep in mind that it’s been around since 2019 and a Series 3 revision is feeling long overdue. The Series 2 also has a bit of a reputation for lackluster quality control — with horror stories from users about going through multiple replacements under warranty. Microsoft extended the controller’s warranty from 90 days to a year in late 2020 to help address concerns, but buying an Elite Series 2 may still feel like a slightly risky proposition. It also predates the current-gen implementation of a dedicated Share button, and its potentiometer-based sticks run the risk of stick drift after long-term use (something third parties are addressing with controllers that use drift-free Hall effect sticks, unlike all three big console manufacturers).
Even so, the Elite 2 remains by far the most well-rounded option for a step-up Xbox controller — thanks in large part to its impressive build and expansive software experience. If all these caveats give you pause, though, there is another promising option.
Read our Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review.
A formidable alternative to the Elite
$141
The Good
- Supports Xbox Wireless protocol
- Hall effect sticks use replaceable tops
- Four rear buttons smartly positioned for comfort
- Two extra shoulder buttons add unique versatility
- Trigger stops and back buttons offer a satisfying mouse-like click
The Bad
- Expensive
- Requires a USB dongle
- Razer Synapse software needs work
Connectivity: Wireless USB dongle (Xbox / PC), wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Four / Software customization: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable
At $199.99, Razer’s Wolverine V3 Pro controller is as expensive (or more, depending on available deals) than the Elite Series 2, but it’s worth the cost if you want a high-end controller with drift-free sticks. Not only is the V3 Pro Razer’s first foray into using Hall effect sticks, it’s the company’s first fully wireless Xbox gamepad. It also sports some of the best hair-trigger lockouts around, yielding a mouse-like click usually found on even pricier Scuf controllers (a previous high-ranking pick of ours).
Other than that, the V3 Pro is similar to the previous V2 Pro, with six remappable buttons — four rear paddles in new, angled orientations and two extra shoulder buttons — and some RGB lighting. The buttons and D-pad still have that satisfying micro-switch tactility and audible clickiness like the previous-gen V2 Pro, but the RGB lighting is more subtle this time around.
The Wolverine V3 Pro’s biggest shortcomings compared to Microsoft’s Elite Series 2 are its more basic software customization, its lack of Bluetooth, and the fact that it needs a USB dongle to work wirelessly. The V3 Pro is otherwise the better pick if you can justify its high price, which, unlike the Series 2, is rarely subjected to discounts. Luckily, if you can’t, there’s also the $99.99 Wolverine V3 Pro Tournament Edition that has a nearly identical set of features in a wired configuration.
An affordable alternative to the Elite
$80
GameSir’s G7 Pro is a wired Xbox controller with remapable rear buttons, adjustable triggers, and TMR joysticks. It can also be connected wirelessly to a PC (via a 2.4Ghz dongle) or Android (via Bluetooth).
Connectivity: Wired (Xbox), wireless USB dongle (PC), Bluetooth (Android) / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Two / Software customization: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable
If you don’t mind using a wired controller, GameSir’s G7 Pro offers some features of the splurge-worthy Xbox Elite Controller 2 for under $100. It has remappable buttons, smooth-feeling drift-resistant TMR control sticks, a satisfying weight, and textured grips that made it feel comfortable to hold even with sweaty palms.
The G7 Pro is actually a battery-powered wireless controller, but its cable free connectivity is limited to PC (via an included 2.4Ghz dongle) and Android (via Bluetooth). You’ll need to plug the controller into the Xbox with a cable, and GameSir provides a lengthy USB-C to USB-A cord. The cable was long enough that I could play games from my couch (roughly six feet away) without feeling tethered.
I was impressed with the G7 Pro’s overall build quality, especially the triggers, which could be locked by flipping switches on its back. GameSir includes three swappable direction pads with the G7 Pro, which can be swapped by lifting the front of the controller’s shell and popping them in and out. However, its face buttons felt noticeably cheaper than the ones on the Elite 2, which makes sense given their price difference. Button feel aside, the controller never dropped an input, even when I mashed buttons to string together elaborate combos in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, or continuously cast spells, dodged, and healed in Diablo IV. If an action was mistimed, it was on me.
What the controller lacks in face button quality is more than made up for in customizability. GameSir Nexus, a free app on the Xbox Store, allowed me to remap any button (including the L4 and R4 buttons on its backside), adjust the vibration intensity of both triggers, enable two flavors of hair trigger mode, and set the deadzone for each control stick. You can save up to four profiles with different settings, and quickly switch between them by pressing the controller’s M button along with one of the face buttons. You never need to touch these options, or even download the GameSir Nexus app for the G7 Pro to work, but doing so will unlock its full potential.
The GameSir G7 Pro is an excellent Xbox controller, especially in its price range. I’d have liked the option to use it wirelessly, but that wasn’t a dealbreaker for me. That said, it’s something to consider depending on how far away you are from your Xbox when playing. If you’re a multi-platform gamer and want a controller to use with both an Xbox and PC (or Android device), it’s an even better choice.
The best Xbox controller for multi-console gamers
$50
Hyperkin’s Competitor is a wired Xbox controller that looks and feels like Sony’s PlayStation 5 DualSense gamepad. It has symmetrical Hall effect joysticks, four-button directional pad, and a pair of programmable back buttons.
Connectivity: Wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Two / Software customization: No / Power: N/A
Hyperkin’s cheekily-named Competitor wired Xbox and PC-compatible controller that looks and feels like the DualSense gamepad that comes with the PlayStation 5 — aka one of the Xbox’s main competitors. The controller’s Hall effect joysticks are symmetrical and located at the bottom, while a four-button directional pad sits above the left grip. The giant “X” button in the middle of the controller is an immediate giveaway that you’re using an Xbox gamepad, but it was easy to forget I wasn’t using a DualSense when playing games.
In terms of comfort the Competitor was on par with Microsoft’s official Xbox Wireless Controller. I’ve played enough PlayStation games over the years that using the gamepad felt intuitive, with no need to adjust my muscle memory, or change my grip. Playing with a wired controller can feel restrictive, but the long USB-C to USB-A cable included with the Competitor prevented me from feeling tethered. The cable is replaceable, which is good news if yours gets frayed or otherwise damaged over time.
Overall, I was pleased with the controller’s construction. It was heavy enough to feel substantial, but light enough that I never felt wrist fatigue after holding it for an hour or more. Its buttons were all satisfyingly clickey, and its joysticks glided smoothly. The controller has two programmable back buttons, which you can program by pressing one of the rear buttons and the “M” button that’s also located on the controller’s backside. The controller rumbles to let you know it’s time to press another button on the controller to set the hot key. Each back button has to be programmed one at a time, and can be disabled by flipping a switch.
My tests included playing Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, Crash Bandicoot 4, Trials of Mana, and Tales of Arise. I had no problems jumping (or skating as it were) into any of these games. Playing them felt intuitive, and the controller never dropped an input. A benefit to playing games with a wired controller is there’s less latency between when you press a button and an action happens on screen. The difference is generally imperceptible (unless you play online games competitively), but there were probably a couple of Tony Hawk combos I nailed in the nick of time thanks to the lower latency.
My personal preference will always be to play Xbox games with a wireless controller because it’s the least restrictive type of gamepad. However, Hyperkin’s Competitor is a great gamepad in general, and an especially good choice if you’re regularly switching between playing Xbox, PC, and PS5 games. It doesn’t offer the same amount of customization as the GameSir G7 or Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, but its design and $49.99 MSRP more than make up for those shortcomings.
Other Xbox controllers to consider
- The Scuf Valor Pro is the company’s first Xbox controller with Hall effect sticks, as well as its cheapest at $109.99. Scuf emulates Microsoft’s winning ergonomics while implementing redesigned remappable rear buttons (two are removable) and shoulder bumpers that are more comfortable to reach. It also has trigger stops that produce a satisfying click with next to no travel when pressed. The D-pad produces a similarly satisfying click, one we prefer over the softer tactile feel of the Instinct. The Valor Pro is not the most exciting controller on paper, but it’s a solid option for Scuf faithful or anyone who wants more durable analog sticks. Read our hands-on impressions.
- We tested PowerA’s latest pro-style Xbox controllers, including the Fusion Pro 4 Wired ($79.99) and PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless ($169.99). They’re standard fare for pro-style controllers these days, with height-adjustable Hall effect sticks, four remappable rear buttons, three-way trigger locks, and onboard volume controls. They’re similar, but the Pro Wireless has four trippy Lumectra lighting zones that respond to your button presses. Both controllers are satisfying to use and a clear step up from PowerA’s older products in terms of overall quality, but they ultimately don’t stand out much at these price points.
- At CES 2026, 8BitDo unveiled its second officially licensed wireless Xbox controller, the $149.99 Ultimate 3E. It isn’t coming until Q2, but there are reasons to get excited, especially if you like to customize your gamepads. The new model features swappable ABXY buttons, and you can also swap out the joysticks and D-pad for others included with each purchase. It offers TMR joysticks, Hall effect triggers, and a pair of rear bumpers. It connects to Xbox via the included 2.4GHz USB dongle, though it also supports Bluetooth for connecting to Apple and Android devices.
Update, January 28th: Updated to reflect current pricing / availability and add a mention of 8BitDo’s forthcoming Ultimate 3E controller. Brandt Ranj also contributed to this post.
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