If you're looking to upgrade from the standard Xbox wireless controller, Microsoft's Elite line of gamepads offers improvements to nearly every aspect of the device. First, the Elite Series 2 is rechargeable via USB-C instead of using AA batteries, and it lasts for up to 40 hours.
The Elite controller has four extra rear paddles that can be custom mapped to different controls, and the Elite can store up to three customization profiles to swap between different button layouts on the fly. The controller even lets you adjust how far down the rear triggers can be pressed.
The standard version of the Elite 2 comes with customizable parts like different analog sticks and directional pads, but the lower priced Elite 2 Core doesn't include the four rear paddles or additional parts. The Elite 2 Core package also lacks the magnetic charging stand and carrying case that comes with the standard Elite 2.
Microsoft will also start letting users create their own custom designs of the Xbox Elite controller later this fall in Xbox Design Lab.
If you're a competitive gamer who wants the absolute fastest controller possible, the Victrix Gambit is the choice for you. To provide the fastest response time possible, the controller can only use wired connections to your Xbox or PC. The included USB-C cable is just under 10 feet long and can be detached for storage or travel with the included carrying case.
Like the Xbox Elite controller, the Victrix Gambit is highly customizable, including 14 swappable components. There are two faceplates to change the controller's color from white to purple, four interchangeable gates to guide the analog sticks, two directional pad choices, four interchangeable thumbsticks, and a pair of back paddles to choose between two or four extra buttons in the rear.
The Razer Kaira Pro Wireless headset connects directly to Xbox consoles using Microsoft's proprietary wireless signal, but also has the ability to connect to Bluetooth devices at the same time. This means you can listen and communicate with your phone, PC, or other devices while still hearing audio from the Xbox.
To help with multi-device communication, the Kaira Pro has two microphones, one that's detachable, and another built directly into the headset. The headset has a mute button and volume controls, and it comes in three colors: black, white, and green.
Multi-device connection is also included with the official Xbox wireless headset from Microsoft ($100), but the Razer Kaira Pro is more comfortable to wear in our experience, and it often goes on sale for the same price as Microsoft's headset.
Microsoft released this headset in 2021 as an affordable option for gamers who don't mind being tethered to their controller. The stereo headset connects to the base of a wireless or wired Xbox controller with a 3.5mm headphone jack, and is fully compatible with computers and other devices with a microphone port.
The microphone can be wrapped around the ear cuff when not in use and the headset features controls for adjusting the volume or muting voice chat. The headset is fully compatible with spatial sound technology like Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone:X, and Windows Sonic.
The latest Xbox consoles use an NVMe drive that vastly reduces loading times for games. The only downside, however, is that games optimized for Xbox Series X and S cannot be installed on a traditional hard drive. This can become an issue if you end up needing more space than your console's built-in drive provides.
That's where Seagate's storage expansion card comes in. This card can increase the console's NVMe storage capacity by 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB, giving you more space while still allowing for the same quick loading speed. Keep in mind that the expansion card isn't compatible with Xbox One consoles, and Xbox One games can still be installed on a much cheaper USB storage device.
Xbox games can take up anywhere from 2GB to 100GB to install, but luckily portable USB drives are more affordable than ever. A 2TB drive can effectively triple the storage capacity of an Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One console.
While you might find some cheaper options on sale from time to time, Seagate's officially licensed Xbox drives are sturdy, reliable, and fast. The solid state version of this drive offers faster loading times, but costs $70 more for half the space.
Unfortunately, these drives can only be used to install Xbox One games, because games optimized for Xbox Series X/S require even faster NVMe storage.
Xbox wireless controllers are some of the last gaming devices still using AA batteries, but that can be easily rectified with this official battery pack from Microsoft. While some third-party vendors offer their own rechargeable battery kits for Xbox controllers, Microsoft's option charges easily from the controller's built-in USB port, and fits both Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S controllers for simple use.
Among PC gamers, the Xbox controller is by far the most popular gamepad. While it can connect to computers via Bluetooth or USB cable, this adapter from Microsoft provides the same wireless connection that Xbox consoles use to communicate with controllers.
The adapter's wireless connection is typically more stable than Bluetooth, and it has a sync button on the tip of the USB dongle to connect your controllers the same way you would with an Xbox console.
If you're a fan of driving games like Forza Horizon 5, F1 2022, or GRID Legends, using a racing wheel and pedal setup can completely change your experience. This Hori controller is an ideal starter device for those who want to try a racing wheel without investing hundreds of dollars in a premium driving setup.
The Racing Wheel Overdrive can be secured to your desk or a table using its built-in clamp, but it is wired to make sure it has a direct connection to the console. The wheel also has a directional pad and standard Xbox buttons for navigating the menu.
For those unaware, an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership lets you stream Xbox games directly to your phone, but touch-screen controls are less than ideal for most titles. The PowerA controller clip is a simple device but it's perfect for when you're using Xbox cloud streaming to play games on the go.
The clip latches directly onto the standard Xbox controller and you can adjust it to hold your phone steady at multiple angles. It even includes space to connect a USB cable if you prefer a wired connection over Bluetooth with your phone.
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