Despite fierce competition, the official Xbox controller is still the best controller you can buy — when Microsoft drops it to this price

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There are a lot of high-end controllers available now, from Microsoft and other companies, all competing for gamers on consoles and PCs. We’ve tried many of them, but none have surpassed the original in terms of quality and performance.

Even though it first came out over ten years ago, the original Xbox wireless controller – improved with versions for the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S – is still a top choice for gamers. It’s easy to use and works with Xbox consoles and most PC games.

The controller’s well-known design is comfortable and reliable, and it’s now much more affordable! Best Buy has dropped the price by 33%, from $59.99 to just $39.99. Plus, it comes with a USB-C cable, so you don’t need to worry about batteries!

Is the official Xbox controller worth buying?

The first Xbox Wireless Controller was released in 2013 with the Xbox One. Microsoft has since improved its features and design, ensuring it works well with the latest Xbox Series X|S consoles and staying current with technology.

It’s designed to be lightweight, making it easy to carry and pack for travel. The comfortable shape fits well in your hand and helps prevent wrist strain, even during long periods of use – I’ve experienced this myself!

The standard Xbox wireless controller responds quickly to your actions thanks to its 125Hz polling rate, making gameplay feel smooth and connected. It works reliably from up to 20 feet away, offers around 30 hours of playtime on a single charge, and includes a dedicated ‘Share’ button for easily capturing and sharing screenshots or video clips.

Despite its strengths, the Xbox Wireless Controller has a few small downsides. To use it wirelessly with a PC, you’ll need to buy a separate USB adapter. It also relies on AA batteries, rather than having a built-in rechargeable battery. Finally, its responsiveness isn’t quite as fast as some higher-end controllers from brands like Razer and Hyperkin, which can register inputs more quickly on both consoles and PCs.

If you’re looking for a straightforward Xbox controller to improve your gameplay in games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 or Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 without spending a lot of money, the Xbox Wireless Controller is a great choice. Plus, it comes with a USB-C cable, so you can easily connect it to your PC for wired gaming if you prefer.

As a long-time gamer, I still think the official Xbox controller is one of the best you can get, and right now Best Buy has a fantastic early Black Friday deal – you can snag one for just $39.99, which is a 33% discount! It’s a great time to pick one up.

FAQ

Does the official Xbox controller suffer from stick drift?

Stick drift is a common issue with game controllers, sometimes requiring you to restart your console or update the controller’s software through your Xbox settings or the Xbox Accessories app on your computer. If updating doesn’t fix the problem, try cleaning around the buttons and analog sticks with rubbing alcohol – dirt and dust can often cause this issue.

What platforms is the Xbox wireless controller compatible with?

It is compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Android, and iOS.

When does Black Friday start?

Black Friday will start on November 28, 2025, the last Friday of the month.

When will Cyber Monday start?

After Black Friday concludes on December 1, 2025, Cyber Monday will begin festivities for shoppers.

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2025-11-20 14:39