Wireless controller for the Xbox One console - which one to choose?

For many people, playing with a pad is much more comfortable than using a mouse or keyboard. A good controller is therefore ideal for arcade games, adventure games, RPGs or sports simulations. For years, console manufacturers have been promoting wireless pads that offer the right degree of freedom of movement. You can operate the joypad freely, without having to worry about the distance to the TV or the cable being torn out of the port to which it is connected. But not every wireless controller is the same. Which one to choose for the best performance? We present an overview of the best pads for the Xbox One console.

What controller features should you check before buying?

When looking at pads for the Xbox console, Sony console or PC, there is a clear standardisation. They all have similar shapes and button layouts. Standard is the use of thumb sticks, four function buttons for the most frequently used actions, and additional buttons operated with the index or middle finger. The design, which has been familiar for many years, has been slightly improved, but the differences are hardly noticeable at first glance.

Other manufacturers' pads are basically copies of the original wireless controller that comes with the console. How do the different models differ?

• Casing material - depending on the particular model, the pad casing can be more or less slippery and abrasion-resistant.
• Weight and balance - a good pad is one that simply fits comfortably in the hand. One that is too light or too heavy will get in the way of the game.
• The build quality of the buttons - they will be used thousands of times, so they should be reliable. On some models you can get interchangeable paddles and sticks with different properties and adjustment tools.
• Colour and texture - as the solid is almost the same in each case, in order to show their creativity, manufacturers offer controllers not only in standard colours such as black and white, but also transparent, moro or intense pink - every gamer can find something that best suits their personality.
• Compatibility of the pad with other platforms - if you play not only on an Xbox, but also on a PC or a smartphone, you will certainly be pleased to be able to connect the pad to other hardware via Bluetooth or a USB cable.

Which wireless pad for Xbox should you choose?

The safest option for most gamers is to buy a standard controller manufactured by Microsoft. Then you can be sure that the hardware is solidly made and reliable. What's more, duels with other players will be fair when both people use an identical control pad. All that remains is to choose the colour.

The second option is for gamers who are more aspirational and expect something better than a standard pad. With them in mind, Microsoft's Xbox Elite series of devices was created. These are controllers that offer customisation options to best suit your playing style and individual preferences. Interchangeable parts are included, with which you can remake the pad to suit your needs. What's more, you can manually adjust the movement resistance of the stick, choosing from three. Using the Xbox accessory app, you modify the sensitivity curves of the stick and the input signal of the sticks: the left stick can control the input signal from the right stick - and vice versa.

A third option is to buy an Xbox controller from a company other than Microsoft. Such hardware is offered by Turtle Beach, PowerA, PDP or Cobra, for example.

Where can you find all these pieces of hardware? Check out the Xbox controllers in the MediaMarkt shop!