With Halo 5: Guardians launching on Xbox One, we've all got Halo fever. And sometimes the only cure for Halo fever is to buy more Halo stuff. With that in mind, Microsoft has kindly released a pair of Halo 5 Limited Edition Wireless Xbox One Controllers.

One controller is themed after Master Chief, traditional protagonist the Halo series, while the other features a design based on Halo 5's new antihero Spartan Locke. Each comes with a download code for a unique REQ Pack and Visor accessory in the main Halo 5 game. Watch us put both controllers under the microscope in our detailed review with video.

Packaging, inserts, and DLC

The Halo 5 Limited Edition controllers each come in a unique decorative box, not unlike the Titanfall Limited Edition Controller's box. The Master Chief controller box mentions the Master Chief's name, whereas the Spartan Locke controller box does not mention Locke's name. Presumably that owes to Locke being a new character in Halo 5 rather than an established one.

Master Chief appears on the front of his box, and also in profile on the rear of that box. The same profile shot shows up on Locke's box but paired with a profile of Locke as well – the ultimate stare down.

Inside each box, you get the controller, 2 standard AA batteries, a double-sided insert describing both controllers, and a DLC card. Each DLC card contains a code for a unique REQ pack that only comes with that specific controller. The REQ pack consists of five REQ cards, one of which is an Ultra Rare item.

The Master Chief controller's pack gets you the Dauntless visor, whereas the Locke controller's pack includes the Resolute visor. Visors appear on your character in Halo's Arena and Warzone competitive multiplayer modes. They're barely visible during gameplay, but they do offer a nice touch of customization when looking at the larger profile images of your character.

Master Chief Controller

The front and sides of the Master Chief controller come in a fetching textured green color based on Master Chief's Halo 5 armor. These portions feature laser-etched detail lines (meaning they are actually cut into the controller) and several areas painted dark gray.

Etched honeycomb patterns adorn the front of the handgrips – these hexagons show up on Master Chief's actual armor in Halo 5. The UNSC (United Nations Space Command) logo appears on white between the standard black View and Menu buttons. Both sides have a single red triangle pointing towards the face of the controller.

The tops of the analog sticks are dark green, matching the rest of the controller. The neck and base of the analog sticks are black though, like those of a standard Xbox One controller. The Forza 6 controller used a similar effect, but with blue tops instead of green. On both cases, the designers likely kept the black parts to make the tops stand out more.

Standing out even more than the analog sticks are the Master Chief controller's d-pad and analog triggers. The d-pad features a gold chrome finish and the triggers, while not chrome, still come in shiny gold. The Halo controllers are only the second Xbox One controllers to include colored triggers, following the Forza 6 controller.

The four primary face buttons (X, Y, A, and B) are black with green letters. The traditional colors for those buttons appear as colored triangles below and left of the buttons. That should help reduce confusion when playing games that require knowledge of the standard button colors.

The back portion of the controller is black, just like with most standard controllers (and even special ones like the Titanfall and Special Forces controllers). The battery compartment has a unique touch, though – six etched dots represent the numbers 117 (Master Chief's Spartan Tag) in Braille. This same dot pattern appears on John-117's armor in some Halo games.

The top portion of the controller comes in glossy black plastic, as with most Xbox One controllers. The glossy plastic shows smudges and fingerprints very easily; I wish Microsoft would go with matte plastic instead.

Spartan Locke controller

This controller is a bit less recognizably based on Halo, but only because Spartan Jameson Locke first appears in the recent Halo: the Master Chief Collection and Halo 5 games. The front and sides of this controller come in a sleek textured silver color based on Spartan Locke's Halo 5 armor.

The Locke controller still features plenty of laser-etched details, including a honeycomb pattern (in a different shape) on the front hand grips. Some of the laser etched portions are painted slightly darker silver, but the effect might be too subtle for some users to notice.

A dark gray UNSC logo appears above the left analog stick. A series of dots – some silver and some gray – show up between and to the right of the Menu and View buttons. The number 10282558 sits to the right of the face buttons. Rather than one of the Spartan's service numbers, the number seems to represent the date 10/28/2558. A bit obscure there, Microsoft.

The four main face buttons, View, and Menu are all gray with dark gray labels. The Locke controller is the second one to have colored View and Menu buttons, after the Forza 6 controller. Colored triangles appear directly above the face buttons – a different position than on the Master Chief controller.

The analog sticks are entirely dark gray here, making this the first Xbox One controller with no black on its analog sticks. The back of the controller and battery share the same dark gray color. No Braille designs on this battery cover. The top portion of the controller matches the rest closely, as it uses dark gray glossy plastic. All firsts for an Xbox One controller.

The d-pad here is painted chrome blue. A subtle pattern of three slashes occupies the right direction on the d-pad. How long will the chrome and slashes last under regular use? Probably not forever, but hopefully a good while. Six blue lines of metallic paint appear on the controller's face as well – Locke's armor features similar blue accents.

The analog triggers are a dark but shiny silver. They look lovely, but I'd still have preferred blue to match the d-pad. The Master Chief's controller's triggers catch the eye better.

The right side of Locke's controller has five different Halo emblems painted in dark gray. The left side has four Spartan call signs in dark gray as well: F-104, J-117, K-087, and L-058. Oddly, these are the call signs of Master Chief's Halo 5 team, not Locke's. I guess they represent a checklist of Locke's enemies or something, but Locke's call signs would have made more immediate sense.

Prepare for the showdown

Both Halo 5 controllers do a great job of capturing the looks of the characters they represent. The Locke controller comes across as more neutral, but only because Spartan Locke has yet to become an iconic character in the way that Master Chief has. These green and silver controllers are among the most beautiful to grace the Xbox One to date, especially thanks to their chrome d-pads and colored triggers.

Should you buy a Halo 5 controllers even though it costs $10 more than a standard controller's retail price? If you're a Halo fan, I say yes. You get a memorable controller, a piece of unique DLC for halo 5, and an attractive box to stick on a shelf somewhere. These controllers also feature the 3.5mm headset jacks and improved bumper buttons that debuted in June 2015, which should help justify the upgrade for anyone stuck with an older controller.

Like the Titanfall controller, the Halo 5 controllers really are limited edition. I suspect the Locke controllers will stick around retail longer than the Master Chief version, but they'll still disappear eventually. Grab one or both controllers and you'll be ready to celebrate Halo 5 in style.

Note that the Spartan Locke controller also comes with the Halo 5 Limited Edition Xbox One console, so owners of that controller won't need to purchase it separately.

Buy the Halo 5 Master Chief Controller at Amazon ($68.99)Buy the Halo 5 Spartan Locke Controller at Amazon ($66.89)Buy the Halo 5 Master Chief Controller at Amazon UK (£49.85)Buy the Halo 5 Spartan Locke Controller at Amazon UK (£49.85)

Ford or Ferrari? In the car world, drivers have long had the option to buy either an affordable car or a fancier one. The existence of those sexier cars doesn't hurt us non-rich folks, and the world is far more interesting with luxury vehicles than without.

This year, mass-produced luxury controllers also became a thing – starting with the Xbox One Elite Wireless Controller from Microsoft. But supplies of the Elite Controller are extremely limited at present. Those shortages create opportunities for third-party manufacturers like Razer and Power A to swoop in with luxury controllers of their own.

The Razer Wildcat Controller for Xbox One and Windows is a direct competitor to Microsoft's Elite controller, selling for the same $149.99 price. Although the Wildcat lacks wireless support, it sports several unique features of its own such as a four-button d-pad, built-in headset volume controls, four unique multi-function buttons, optional stick covers and palm grips, and more. Read on for our detailed review with video!

Inside the box

Open up the Razer Wildcat's box and you won't find any wasteful packing materials. The controller and all of its accessories are contained within a zippered carrying case.

Box contents:

• Razer Wildcat controller
• Carrying case (~7.75 x 5.75 x 3 inches, a bit larger than the Elite case's 7 x 6.5 x 2.8 inches)
• Braided USB cable (9.5 feet)
• Torx screwdriver
• 2 Rubber analog stick caps
• 2 Rubber palm grips
• 2 Razer stickers
• 1 human soul

Body

The Wildcat itself measures 6.14 x 4.17 x 2.6 inches and weighs only 260 grams/0.57 pounds, making it lighter than either the standard Xbox One controller (262 grams) or the Elite (348 grams).

The controller body consists primarily of matte black plastic with a mild texture. A glossy black area at the top resembles those of standard Xbox One controllers, although its shape is thinner and sharper. The bumpers, triggers, and the Wildcat's unique multi-function M1 and M2 buttons share the glossy plastic – which means they have a nice shine, but easily show fingerprints.

Compared to standard/Elite controllers, the Wildcat follows the same basic shape but has more angular, pronounced grips on the rear side. The rigid edge along the rear handles provides a clearly defined position for your middle fingers to rest, directing them to align with the Wildcat's exclusive rear M3 and M4 Triggers – a clever design.

At the top of the controller lies a recessed micro-USB port. Although the Wildcat lacks wireless support, the required cable detaches and stows away inside the carrying case. Razer claims the absence of wireless functionality is due to the controller's intended tournament use, but it also happens that Microsoft doesn't allow third-party wireless controllers on Xbox One or 360.

The USB cable has a break-away end, so you don't accidentally pull the console off the shelf. The end of the cable that plugs into the controller has a micro-USB connector, but it's surrounded by a proprietary endcap that keeps the cable securely in place within the controller. A regular micro-USB cable will not fit inside, annoyingly. Lose the cable and you'll have to go through Razer to replace it.

Stick and buttons

The Wildcat's carbon steel analog stick necks match the Elite controller's default necks in length but are slightly wider. The stick tops are about 3mm wider and 1mm thicker than the Elite's standard tops. These feature a uniform mildly textured surface. This has the advantage of not collecting dirt, unlike the edges of the sticks on Microsoft controllers. On the whole, I find the larger textured tops of the Wildcat more comfortable than other controllers.

Just as the Elite controller features a unique D-pad design, so does the Wildcat. Actually, the Wildcat's directional pad consists of four buttons – almost exactly like those of a PlayStation controller. The D-pad buttons here don't feature a texture like the DualShock's, presumably to make rolling motions easier in fighting games. Since no other Xbox One controller currently sports a PlayStation-style D-pad, I can see people reared on DualShocks getting the Wildcat just for its pad.

The face buttons here are colored, unlike the black buttons of the Elite. I like the colors. They also produce audible clicks when pressed. I believe they use microswitches (like a mechanical keyboard or arcade stick buttons), which you absolutely never see on regular controllers. The clickiness helps tell exactly when the buttons actuate, which could prove beneficial to gameplay.

The Xbox Home/Guide button on the Wildcat doesn't light up. It still looks sexy though, thanks to a non-chrome silver finish. A white light just beneath the Home button indicates the controller is working.

Triggers, bumpers, and multi-function buttons

Up at the top of the Wildcat lie bumpers and triggers. They resemble those of Microsoft-brand controllers, especially the triggers. The bumpers do have a unique, softer click than those of the Elite, though. They still feel more responsive than launch-era controllers, thankfully.

A few millimeters towards the center of the controller you'll find the Wildcat's multi-function M1 and M2 buttons. By default, these act just like Left and Right Bumper. You might imagine having six buttons on top instead of four would be confusing, but no! M1 and M2 are offset and shaped in such a way that makes them easy to reach but impossible to hit by mistake. I'm surprised more controllers don't go with six buttons like this.

The rear of the controller holds two Trigger Stop switches, just like the Elite. Normally, the triggers fully actuate when pressed down at 18 degrees. Enabling the switches will stop the triggers at five degrees – that's 72% less travel. This will let you fire non-automatic weapons more rapidly since you don't have to press the triggers down as far.

Also on the back are two aluminum multi-function triggers: M3 and M4. They perform the same functions as the regular triggers by default, although as digital rather than analog buttons. As mentioned earlier, the shape of the controller grips puts your middle fingers directly on these secondary triggers. And quite unlike the Elite's paddles, nobody will hit these triggers by mistake. You have to reach inward for them a bit, which is perfect.

Although I find the secondary triggers unobtrusive, some players might not like them. They can be removed, but it's a much harder process than taking off the Elite's paddles. Each trigger has a built-in screw that you have to loosen with the included Torx screwdriver. It's way too easy for the driver to slide out of the screw's slot. And in doing so, one could potentially strip the screw. Since the screw is built into the trigger, you'd have to seek a replacement from Razer if that happened.

Once you get the extra triggers off, the hinge closes up into the controller. Sliding a switch next to the hinge pops it out again for reattachment. But given the difficulty of removing and replacing these triggers, I doubt many people will swap them in and out more than once.

Quick Control Panel

The Wildcat has a 3.5mm headset jack on its bottom, along with a built-in Quick Control Panel (QCP). Although the headset support is appreciated, the lack of a data port means you can't use the Chatpad with this controller. No third-party controllers currently offer data ports, so the absence might be a restriction imposed by Microsoft.

Getting back to the QCP, the four-button panel has two audio control buttons. One simply mutes, whereas the other performs a range of functions. Tap the volume button to raise headset volume. Hold it and press up or down on the D-pad to raise or lower volume. Pressing left while held will increase game audio while pressing right increases chat volume. A bit complex, but it works.

The other two QCP buttons deal with button remapping. Only the Wildcat's four multi-function buttons (M1-M4) can be reprogrammed by default, although an upcoming Xbox One system update will enable additional remapping options for all controllers. Being able to reassign them all right now through the controller would be better for disabled gamers, but oh well.

To reassign an M button, first press the Profile button to select custom profile 1 or 2 (as indicated by green LEDs on either side of the Home button). Then press and hold the Program button, press and hold the M button, and press the standard button you'd like to assign to it. The controller will vibrate and reassign it under the selected profile.

You can reassign any digital button or trigger to the M buttons – even View, Menu, or D-pad directions. This creates some exciting opportunities to do things in games without having to move your thumbs from the analog sticks. For instance, stick the pause button on a multi-function button and then you can rapidly pause while playing a game. In the old days, that's how the Slow Motion function on controllers worked.

Finally, the QCP also allows players to enable a Hair Trigger Mode independently from the Trigger Stop switches. Press and hold the Program button and either primary trigger, then press the A button. That trigger will now activate from any press, no matter how minor.

Windows compatibility

If you're looking for a quality wired controller to use with your Windows PC or tablet, then look no further. The Wildcat is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10. You might need to download a driver upon installation.

Having installed the Wildcat, it functions exactly like a normal Xbox One controller. You can still reprogram the M buttons just like on Xbox One; they don't show up as separate buttons. The volume control buttons don't work with Windows, but Razer says they will in the future (likely just with Windows 10).

Rubber stick caps and palm grips

The Wildcat comes with two sets of optional accessories: rubber analog stick caps and hand grips. Both are a loud and tacky shade of green styled after the Razer logo. Bright green might look good on a box, but big gobs of green rubber on a controller don't fare so well. I'm surprised a company like Razer that excels at aesthetic design would opt for such a cheap and unpleasant color for these accessories. At least they're optional.

The stick caps simply slip over the analog stick tops. They add an extra texture that supposedly improves grip. Some people like stick covers, but I think you lose too much sensation. Err, I mean these covers feel too spongy for my tastes. Luckily they go on and off pretty easily.

The palm grips, on the other hand, are just a disaster. They attach via adhesive and can't be reattached if removed. The instructions provide very little guidance on alignment, nor does the design of the controller help much. If we're supposed to apply the grips ourselves (already a bad idea), the plastic of the controller could at least have some obvious grooves for guidance.

I got in too much of a hurry while applying my grips and they came out rather uneven. Plus the edges of the grips just don't go on very smoothly due to the curvature of the controller. Admittedly I could have done a better job, but the application process has way too much room for error in the first place. Either the grips should be built in (and subtly) like the Elite controller's, or Razer should have simply left them out.

Tournament ready

The Razer Wildcat has a lot going for it: top-grade parts, a unique d-pad, clicky buttons, excellent ergonomics, superb vibration and feedback motors, and four nigh-perfect multi-function buttons. As far as controlling games goes, it offers clear advantages over standard Xbox One controllers. A few elements like the multi-function buttons even beat out the Elite controller.

Still, a few things hold the Wildcat back a bit. First, it can only be used wired. That's not Razer's fault, but it still gives the Elite a big advantage for wireless fans. Second, incompatibility with the Chatpad is a big shame. The Chatpad hadn't been released during the design process of the controller, I know. But I love that little keyboard and miss it when I need to input text with the Wildcat.

And finally, those rubber palm grips… However perfectly applied, the Wildcat looks better without them. Even with the perfect application in stock renders, the day-glo green presents an eyesore to consumers. Thankfully we can just toss the grips away, and that's exactly what I recommend.

The Wildcat is an excellent luxury controller, but a bit too pricey when compared against the Elite's extra functionality. Razer should drop the price by $20 or so to give the controller more mainstream appeal. Mainstream aside, the Wildcat's ergonomics and versatile multi-function buttons make it a clear choice for tournament competition and professional gamers.

The Razer Wildcat launches on Thursday, December 10th.

Preorder the Razer Wildcat at Amazon ($149.99)Preorder the Razer Wildcat at Amazon UK (£122.52)

This year the Xbox One has received not one but two luxury controllers: Microsoft's Elite Wireless Controller and the Razer Wildcat. Both offer a number of features you won't find on a regular controller, such as extra programmable buttons and trigger locks. But they also ring up at $149.99 a pop, which will break many a gamer's bank. Wouldn't it be nice to have a more affordable option in advanced controllers?

PowerA (makers of the Mini Series Controller and a bunch of Star Wars controllers) have just the thing for gamers who can't or don't want to spend one-and-a-half Benjamins on a luxury Xbox One controller. The Fusion Pro Controller is a wired controller with many of the same features as the Elite and Wildcat. The big difference is that it only costs $79.99. Read our detailed review with video to find out whether the Fusion Pro Controller can stand up to the big boys!

Wrap that cord

Unlike the Elite Controller and Razer Wildcat, the Fusion Pro Controller doesn't come with a carrying case. PowerA has to keep costs down in order to sell the controller at such a low price point, after all. You could always buy a generic controller case if you really want one.

That said, the Fusion Pro does at least come with a decent cord wrap. The black rubber wrap features the PowerA logo. It has a number of grooves which can slide over two orange pegs, keeping the wrap in place. Although the wrap is a good idea in concept, the actual design doesn't stick the landing…

The portion of the wrap with the PowerA logo doesn't have any grooves, which creates a large area that can't connect to the orange pegs. Basically, you can't tighten the wrap as much as you'd expect because of the logo area. It's still good enough for wrapping the entire cable up during transportation, but not great at wrapping only a portion of the cord during use to reduce clutter.

As for the USB cable itself, it can't be detached like the Elite and Wildcat cables. But it measures a generous 9.8 feet and features a break-away end. And it's braided, so it should outlast standard rubber cords.

Body, Sticks, and buttons

The Fusion Pro Controller's body closely resembles that of a standard Xbox One controller, albeit with sharper angles on the front of the hand grips. The bulk of the controller consists of matte black plastic with a mild texture. The front left grip wears an embossed PowerA logo.

The traditional glossy black plastic area at the top of the control shows up as well, but with a rather unique design. Here the glossy plastic on the front forms a rounded Reuleaux triangle shape and does not extend to the actual top of the controller. The bumpers and triggers still use glossy plastic though. Naturally these glossy areas show hand grease, so I'd prefer an all matte design.

PowerA has always made a decent D-Pad, and the Fusion Pro's is no exception. It closely resembles the standard Microsoft directional pad, although I find this one slightly stiffer. The only downside to this D-Pad is that it doesn't stand out like the unique pads of the Elite and Wildcat.

The analog sticks do stand out, however. Their necks are noticeably thicker and about 1mm taller than those of the Elite. And the tops measure a whopping 20mm wide, about 9mm greater than the Elite's default stick tops. Their textured edges won't collect dirt like Microsoft's stick tops.

Do analog stick tops need to be two centimeters wide? Probably not, though I don't mind. Rather than keep my thumbs planted in the center of these pizza-sized tops, I keep them a few millimeters lower. People with small hands might just find them too massive, but I expect most will adjust as they'd do with any new controller.

Lighting

The Fusion Pro has one standout feature that neither the Elite nor Wildcat can claim: colorful lighting! Like PowerA's previous Spectra Controller, this one includes three lighting control buttons on its back. The first turns on a light along the lower rim of the triangular area at the top of the controller face. The bottom button lights up both analog stick bases. And the middle button switches between four brightness levels.

Pressing the triangle or stick lighting buttons additional times will toggle between lighting modes:

• Color cycling pattern 1
• Color cycling pattern 2
• Pink
• Amber
• Green 1
• Green 2
• Green 3
• Green 4
• Blue 1
• Blue 2
• Blue 3
• Blue 4
• Blue 5
• Blue 6
• Purple 1
• Purple 2
• Purple 3
• Off

The lighting has its ups and downs. Compared to colored lighting options found in computer peripherals, you get far less colors here, and most are variants of the same colors. Also, the controller doesn't remember lighting settings. So if you turn the console off or unplug the cable, you'll have to turn them back on the next time you use it. The Fusion Pro does save custom button settings, so it seems like an oversight that the lighting patterns don't save too.

Those complaints aside, I still love that the controller has semi-customizable lighting. It doesn't sport a ton of distinct colors, but you can set up the Windows Central blue and pink pretty easily. And it's cool that we can turn on and adjust the stick and face lighting independently. I hope Xbox One gets more high quality controllers with lighting in the future.

Triggers and locks

The bumpers and triggers of the Fusion Pro differ slightly from their Microsoft equivalents. The bumper shape makes it harder to keep your finger on both bumper and trigger simultaneously, so you end up having to move it from the trigger to hit the bumper. Not a huge deal, but Microsoft and Razer have better designs. The triggers themselves are good, though they have slightly less travel and lack the perfect resistance of the Elite's.

Fortunately, the Fusion Pro offers one of the key features of the Elite and Wildcat: trigger locks. Just flip the two switches on the back and you can lock both triggers, limiting their range of movement. This will let you fire non-automatic weapons more rapidly since you don't have to press the triggers down as far.

Programmable buttons

The Elite, Wildcat, and Fusion Pro all include four extra programmable buttons – and their implementations differ widely. Rather than paddles like the Elite controller, the Fusion Pro sports four regular buttons on the back of its controller grips.

The bottom buttons are much larger than the top ones, making them easier to tell apart by touch. The button positioning ensures that your middle and ring fingers will naturally sit over them while holding the controller. I have accidentally pressed them a few times, but only when gripping the controller too hard.

Unlike the Elite's problematic paddles, these extra buttons don't get pressed when setting the controller down, and will rarely be hit by mistake. And even if you do hit them by mistake, they do nothing by default. You have to program them to give them a function, so you can effectively disable them by deprogramming them. That said, I'd rather they mirrored the bumper and triggers by default instead of doing nothing.

Programming the extra buttons is easy. Press and hold the PowerA button found just under the Home/Guide button for two seconds and the face light starts to blink. Press the button whose function you want to copy, and then press the programmable button to complete the process. It would make more sense to press the programmable button first instead, but you get used to it.

The buttons that can be copied to the extra buttons include the four face buttons, the bumpers, triggers, and the stick buttons (clicking in the analog sticks). Disappointingly, View/Back, Menu/Start, and D-Pad directions can't be assigned to the programmable buttons. The Wildcat has the Fusion Pro beat there, but most people will only want to duplicate the face buttons anyway.

The Fusion Pro only offers a single profile for programmed buttons. Entering programming mode and then holding the PowerA button for five seconds will reset the memory to its default state.

Headset support and Windows compatibility

The Fusion Pro has a 3.5mm headset jack on its bottom, which is good. But it lacks a data port, which means you can't use the Chatpad with this controller. No third-party controllers currently offer data ports, so the absence seems to be a restriction imposed by Microsoft.

Like the Razer Wildcat, the Fusion Pro is fully compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10. Just plug it in and install the standard Xbox One controller driver if necessary. The four programmable buttons and lighting will function exactly as they do when used with the Xbox One.

Overall Impression

PowerA's Fusion Pro Controller presents a fine alternative to the Elite and Wildcat controllers. Don't get me wrong, the construction is not nearly as deluxe as those luxury controllers and it lacks some of their bells and whistles. But it does offer programmable buttons and trigger stops, which are the main selling points of the $150 controllers. And it stands out with some fancy lighting too.

Would I recommend you get the Fusion Pro instead of the Elite or Wildcat? If you can afford it, I still say go with the Elite. I greatly dislike the paddles, but in every other way the Elite is a perfect, standout controller. The Wildcat has the best programmable buttons but falls behind the Elite in a few other ways.

The Fusion Pro is for people who scoff at the idea of spending $150 on a controller. This one provides a strong arsenal of features for just $20 more than a standard controller. The lack of wireless and Chatpad support are its only real failings, and those both result from restrictions imposed by Microsoft. If you can live without the Chatpad, you should be very happy with the Fusion Pro Controller.

• See at Amazon
• See at BestBuy

A company claims it is coming out with a new product that will charge up a standard Xbox One controller in less than a minute. Game console accessory maker Performance Designed Products says its Super Charger will allow gamers to play with the controller for up to 12 hours after just a minute on its charging dock.

IGN has the first word on the Super Charger, along with a quote from PDP's chief technology officer Tom Roberts:

"The Super Charger's unique ability to recharge the Xbox One controller in just seconds reduces interruption in game play sessions – a full recharge during a quick break provides convenience to all gamers,"

Aside from that, and a render of the Super Charger, little else is known about the product and PDP has yet to announce a price or release date. By the limited graphics and information they've released, it appears the Super Charger consists of a charging base and a fast-charging battery module that's slung underneath the standard Xbox One controller. If we had to guess, that module is what's charged up so quickly and it then charges the controller as you use it at a more traditional pace (which is along the lines of around 4 hours).

More information on PDP's Xbox One controller Super Charger is expected to be revealed at CES 2016 next week in Las Vegas.

Source: IGN

How do I use my Xbox One controller as a mouse on my Windows 10 PC?

Windows 10 has built-in drivers that let you use an Xbox One controller within games, but what about using an Xbox One controller all the time? It's a great alternative to a mouse if you use your PC as an entertainment center in your living room, and while not as accurate, it does a good job.

There are several programs you can use that will give you the ability to use your Xbox One controller all the time, but we chose Gopher360. It's free, it's simple, and it's functional. Here's how to set it up.

• How to use your Xbox One controller as a mouse on your Windows 10 PC
• How to add Gopher360 to your PC's Startup folder
• Gopher360 Xbox One controller button layout

How to use your Xbox One controller as a mouse on your Windows 10 PC

Gopher360 is a great app with a small footprint that lets you use your controller as a mouse.

1. Plug your Xbox One controller into your PC using a USB cable.
2. Press the Home button on your controller. It looks like the Xbox logo and is located in the center of your controller.
3. Launch your web browser of choice from the desktop or taskbar.

4. Navigate to the Gopher360 webpage.

5. Click the Gopher360 link at the top of the page. It will contain the latest version.

6. Scroll down.

7. Click the Gopher.exe download link. Gopher360 will download.

8. Click Run when the download is finished.

Gopher360 will start automatically. You can now use your Xbox One controller as a mouse on your Windows 10 PC. Want to have Gopher360 start automatically each time you boot your PC? Add it to your PC's Startup folder!

How to add Gopher360 to your PC's Startup folder

These steps will make Gopher360 start each time your start your PC. That way you won't have to mess around with a mouse before using your controller.

1. Launch File Explorer from your taskbar or desktop.

2. Click Downloads.

3. Right-click the Gopher360 file.

4. Click Copy.

5. Hit Windows key and R simultaneously on your keyboard. The Run window will open.
6. Type shell:startup.

7. Click OK. The Startup folder will open.

8. Right-click on a blank area in the Startup folder.

9. Click Paste shortcut.

Gopher360 will now start up each time you turn on your computer. To stop Gopher360 from starting with Windows, just remove the shortcut from the Startup folder.

Gopher360 Xbox One controller button layout

The button layout is super simple and will take about a minute to get used to. Here's what it looks like:

• A is left click.
• X is right click.
• B is Enter.
• Y hides the Gopher360 window.
• Left analog stick is mouse movement.
• Right analog stick is scroll wheel.
• D-pad can also be used to scroll through windows.
• Start is Windows key.
• Left analog stick click is middle mouse button.

Your controller preferences

Do you use an Xbox One controller in lieu of a mouse with your Windows 10 PC? How do you like it? Let us know in the comments section below!

The Elite Wireless Controller is the cream of the crop of Xbox One controllers, but it also costs a pretty penny. The Hori Pro Pad offers some of the same features for under fifty bucks. But will it meet the needs of hardcore Xbox and PC gamers?

Design

The Hori Pad Pro features the same basic shape as previous Hori controllers, the regular Hori Pad for Xbox One, and the Hori Xbox 360 Gem Pad. Concave areas near the top and bottom of the controller resemble the shape of a PlayStation DualShock controller, although the Hori shares the same basic width as a Microsoft Xbox One controller.

Besides its pronounced concave shape, the top of the controller where the bumper buttons are housed juts out at hard angles. The angular bumpers have no downside from a gameplay standpoint, but they contrast with an otherwise smooth design.

The front of the controller features a dark translucent shell that allows for partial visibility of the white circuit board beneath it. The grips on this side have a distinctive "gemmed" pattern of tessellated triangles. The top of the controller is glossy black plastic (a fingerprint magnet) and the back consists of solid matte black plastic. I wish the back had been translucent too, as I always enjoy getting a peek at a controller's innards.

The Xbox Home/Guide button on the front of the controller doesn't light up. Instead, a white LED just below that and between the View/Back and Menu/Start buttons indicates that the controller is on.

The Hori Pro Pad is a wired controller with a breakaway cable. Like other third party controllers, it can't be used wirelessly. It does include a standard 3.5mm headset jack at the bottom of the controller. But (as with all third party controllers) there is no data port, so you can't use the Chatpad accessory with this controller.

Performance

Hori controllers always feature excellent D-Pads, and this one is no different. The Hori Pad Pro includes a traditional Nintendo-style D-Pad that feels great and excels at 2D games, fighting games, and menu selection. The official Xbox Controller and Elite Controller's D-Pads are no slouches, but it's always nice when affordable options like the Hori Pad Pro get these things right, too.

The analog sticks on the Hori Pad Pro have slightly wider and thicker tops than those of a Microsoft controller. They feel slightly looser than official sticks too, but not so much that they lose precision or performance. Hori sticks used to be way too loose, so I'm glad these are up to snuff.

The Hori Pad Pro's weak points are its analog triggers. They are stiff and don't have much travel. That makes them difficult to partially depress with any degree of accuracy, negating the benefit of analog design. Partially depressing the triggers is not important in most games, but racing games and some first-person shooters do take advantage of the analog nature of the triggers.

Programmable buttons

The main selling point of the Hori Pad Pro is that it offers four programmable buttons on the back side of the controller. The Hori Pad Pro only costs about $50, a whole $100 less than an Elite Controller. For fifty bucks, Hori's offering gets you a wired pad with extra buttons that could potentially improve your gaming performance.

The programmable buttons on the rear are labeled FR1, FR2, FL1, and FL2. An 'Assign' button allows users to program any desired button to these extra buttons. If you want to be able to jump, reload, or switch buttons without removing your thumb from the right analog stick, that could be very handy.

My initial concern with the programmable buttons was their horizontal positioning. Both the Elite Controller and the PowerA Fusion Pro Controller utilize vertical positioned for their rear buttons, which seems more natural. But distinguishing between the two buttons on either side isn't that tough, because your middle finger can feel the shapes of both buttons beneath it. The buttons are nice and long, too, so you'll be able to hit them regardless of how high or low your fingers rest on the controller.

Overall Impression

The Hori Pad Pro is a fine controller for the price. You get a fantastic D-Pad, a unique look, and four rear buttons for a fraction of the price of an Elite Controller. I wish the analog triggers weren't so stiff and short, but they're still fine for the vast majority of games.

You can use the Hori Pad Pro with both Xbox One and PC, with Windows 10 detecting it by default. With the low price and features on offer, this one is a great buy for anybody who needs a wired pad for console and PC or wants a few extra features at an affordable price. 2D gaming fans will especially want to give Hori's controller a shot.

See on Amazon

The Steam Controller is a more advanced gamepad than that offered by Microsoft and PlayStation, but the input solution is still in its infancy stage. I've also come to the conclusion that while it's neat in some PC games and can absolutely be used in others where a typical gamepad would be deployed, there are also some things Microsoft's Xbox One controller is simply better at.

Here's a quick look at what specifications are featured by both controllers in question:

They're different beats. The Xbox One controller (especially the Elite variant) is considered by many to be the absolute best when it comes to console gaming and using a gamepad on a PC. Valve certainly brings some interesting features to the table, including a gyroscope, accelerometer, dual-stage triggers and two trackpads. Not to mention the number of buttons that can be re-mapped using Steam software.

Microsoft has come a long way with its console controllers. From the famous Duke to the current generation of gamepad, those with an Xbox have enjoyed a solid experience with launched titles. For PC, it's mainly been keyboard and mouse, which is what Valve wanted to replace with the Steam Controller, most notably for the living room and Big Picture Mode.

The Steam Controller takes some time getting used to. When setting up the gamepad with your PC, you'll need to spend some time getting used to how everything works. Instead of relying on two analog sticks, the Steam Controller only has one, with a trackpad for secondary input. It's incredibly off-putting at first, but almost feels natural after some time.

When is the Xbox One controller better? Well, if you don't like the Steam controller then Microsoft's own offering is a must-use. It's particular handy in first-person shooter titles and anything running on the Xbox console. As a slight downside, there's little in terms of customization, re-mapping and more complex controls can feel overwhelming on the small gamepad unless you go for the Elite variant.

This is where the Steam Controller shines though. Take Star Citizen (or Elite Dangerous) as an example. A space simulation title as complex as this requires numerous buttons for various functions. This is possible with the Steam Controller and a maintained configuration file (or you can go it alone and do everything yourself). Should you be comfortable with both controllers, Steam's solution really shines in more advanced games like this.

One also has to include the price when looking at Xbox One controllers and the Steam pad. If you want to match Valve's offering in Microsoft's camp, you'll need to fork out around $140 for the Xbox One Elite controller, which introduces more buttons and customization. The Steam Controller costs just $49.99. It's a substantial difference that should be considered by those looking for a new means of input for their PC.

But that's just me, what say you? Do you prefer the Steam Controller or Xbox One gamepad? Sound off in the comments!

See the Steam Controller at the Steam Store

See the Xbox One Elite Controller at Amazon

It's easier than ever to use a controller with your PC. Here's everything you need to know.

Once upon a time, Microsoft didn't support its own controllers on its own PC platform. You needed hacked drivers and workarounds to use the excellent Xbox One controller with PC games.

That's no longer the case, with official drivers built right into Windows 10. So, while it's easy to do, there's more to it than just plugging it in.

Using a micro USB cable

By far the simplest way to use an Xbox One controller is to use a micro USB cable. Attach to the connector on your controller and any free USB port on your PC, and it'll automatically recognize it's there and you're good to go.

Any decent cable will do the trick, even the one that you use to charge your phone.

But what if I don't have a standard USB port?

It's not just desktop PCs that you can use an Xbox One controller with. It's perfectly possible to use it with a tablet too since it's a Windows 10 device. Even a small, cheap tablet will recognize the controller, though unlike a PC you may need to make sure it has batteries inside to turn it on and power it.

To connect to a tablet without a standard USB port, you just need an adapter. Either a micro USB to USB or USB-C to USB will do the trick depending on which tablet you have with which connector. Plug the adapter into the tablet and the cable from the controller into the USB end of the adapter.

The wireless dongle

The much smaller, redesigned Xbox Wireless Adapter.

Microsoft also has an official wireless dongle for Windows PCs that allows you to go wire free. The first-generation controller and the Xbox Elite controller don't support Bluetooth, so to go wireless on your PC you'll need the dongle.

It isn't expensive at $24, and recently Microsoft announced a redesigned model that is much smaller. This isn't on sale at the time of writing but hopefully will be soon.

See at Amazon

Bluetooth

The new generation Xbox One controller from Microsoft, that is the one sold with the Xbox One S and since on its own, supports Bluetooth. That means you can connect it to any Windows PC, laptop or tablet that has Bluetooth built in.

1. Open settings on your PC.
2. Go to devices.
3. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
4. Turn on the controller by pressing the large round X button.
5. Click on the controller in your discovered devices to pair.

This is particularly handy if you're taking a controller on the road with you and your laptop. One less cable to pack!

If you don't have one of these controllers yet, they're available now in multiple colors, and prices start around $40.

See at Amazon

Xbox Accessories app

This is particularly handy if you're using an Xbox Elite Controller, as the Xbox Accessories app allows you to customize the buttons and paddles to a layout of your choice.

It's in the Windows Store to download to your PC, all you need to do is connect the controller to the PC to get started!

Download Xbox Accessories from the Windows Store

Wrapping up

It's now not only easy to use your Xbox One controller with a Windows 10 PC, but it's flexible, too. Thanks to the breadth of the Windows hardware ecosystem and the different options for actually connecting and using a controller, there's a solution that should fit all needs.

More: The best Xbox One controllers

This controller looks awesome!

Several retailers are offering $40 Xbox controllers this Black Friday, but most of those deals are for standard colored controllers. Amazon has the same deal, but you can grab a sleek Grey/Green controller which reminds me a lot of the signature Xbox colors. It's also nice just because it's not the same Black or White offer that we always see.

• Experience the enhanced comfort and feel of the Xbox Wireless Controller
• Features a light grey design with Green Accents
• Play your favorite games on Windows 10 PCs and tablets. Plus, up to twice the wireless range (tested using the Xbox One S Console).
• Stay on target with textured grip
• Includes Bluetooth Technology for gaming on Windows 10 PCs and tablets

This deal is also available at Best Buy.

See at Amazon

The return of the legendary Duke controller is almost here, and now you can get your preorders in.

Hyperkin's revival of the original Xbox controller, always called the Duke, is set to arrive later this year, and the good news for eager Xbox One gamers is that preorders are now open at Gamestop.

It'll cost you $69.99, which is a fair amount, but you're getting a lot of controller. Literally. The layout mimicks that of the original controller perfectly, with the addition of left and right bumpers to bring it up to today's standard. The Xbox logo in the center is also an OLED screen, which is extra fancy.

If you want one (and of course you do), hit the link below to get your preorder in. There's a chance these could be a pretty hot item, so get in while you can!

See at Gamestop

Here's another controller to add to your collection.

Instead of releasing a lot of custom consoles, Microsoft chooses to manufacture numerous special edition Xbox One controllers. Recently, the company launched a Sea of Thieves edition which features a glow-in-the-dark skull. Hot off the heels of that announcement, today Microsoft revealed the Combat Tech Special Edition model.

The Combat Tech Special Edition controller features a sleek dark green military design with black, silver and orange accents. Just like other military-themed ones, it supports rubberized diamond grips and Bluetooth technology so that it works with Windows 10 devices. It's definitely striking even though it's similar to the Patrol Tech model which came out many months ago.

These controllers are great for collectors, and many gamers will be excited for this new reveal. However, highly-customized ones like the Sea of Thieves edition, which offer new designs and not just variations, stand out more. Hopefully, in the future, Microsoft will release more controllers along the lines of the Sea of Thieves model, as opposed to a slight variation of the Patrol Tech one.

You can preorder the Combat Tech Special Edition controller right now on the Microsoft Store, but it should be available at other retailers soon. The controller is expected to launch on March 27, 2018 for $69.99. While this price seems a bit steep considering that the Patrol Tech model is available at a reduced price at many retailers, it'll probably still appeal to collectors.

See at Microsoft Store

Keep an eye on WindowsCentral.com/Gaming for all the latest in Xbox and Windows 10 gaming, accessories, news, and reviews!

Razer's other Wolverine Xbox One controller is somewhere between a regular controller and an Elite. And it's rather good.

The latest Xbox One controllers from Razer are the Wolverine series, and coming in cheaper than the Ultimate that we reviewed a little while back is the Tournament Edition, or TE.

This is still a controller targeted at pros and the serious gaming enthusiasts, those looking for more than you'll ever find with the standard controller that you can buy from Microsoft.

The Wolverine TE isn't as full-featured as the Ultimate, nor the Xbox Elite Wireless, but it still has a lot to offer. Even if there are a couple of things I wish it had that didn't make the cut.

What you'll love about the Razer Wolverine TE

If you've ever used an Elite Wireless, the first thing you'll notice and probably be very happy about is the weight. The Wolverine TE is light, and as such it doesn't fatigue the wrists as much during longer play sessions. Being light isn't a slight on its build quality, though. It feels solid, is well made and has some really nice grips on the rear.

One reason you might want to step up to the Wolverine TE is the additional buttons it provides. You get two small paddles on the rear and two additional buttons just inside the triggers on the top of the controller. Additionally, you get trigger locks, perfect for quicker reaction times in games like first-person shooters.

The rear paddles are excellent, and their size and positioning is preferable to me over the Elite Wireless. They don't detach, so they're always there, but they're perfectly placed and it takes only the slightest of presses to activate.

The triggers and bumpers, as well as the ABXY buttons, have a great feel to them. The click on the buttons is different to a Microsoft controller, with what feels like a slightly deeper press and a more pronounced click. Razer calls it "mecha-tactile" and I like it. While I don't think anyone would say it's bad, it could also take a little getting used to if it's your first time off the Microsoft reservation.

The triggers, bumpers, and buttons are mostly like you'll find on the more expensive Wolverine Ultimate, but unlike that controller, the thumbsticks aren't swappable. The feel of them is nice, with a very smooth travel, no sign of dead zones and a raised dot in the middle of the concave face which adds just enough texture for a good grip.

The size and shape of the Wolverine TE is extremely close to Microsoft's own design, so Razer hasn't strayed too far from the form factor so many find appealing. It's wired, which some will actually prefer (myself included) and the cable has a secure connector with a shroud around the port so it shouldn't accidentally disconnect.

The Razer Synapse app for Xbox also comes into play, and not just for changing the Chroma lighting effects (though the Chroma is important and awesome.) It allows you to remap the additional buttons and paddles to suit your needs, as well as offering focus and agile functions that can adjust the sensitivity of your thumbsticks at the press of a button. If you're playing PUBG, for example, and you're sniping an opponent, a quick press on focus will slow down sensitivity and make it a little easier to aim.

Synapse can also disable vibration, which you should definitely do for the M1 and M2 buttons at least, it's a bit strong!

What you'll hate about the Razer Wolverine TE

Being wired isn't a problem, nor is it that Razer has made a system to try and prevent accidental disconnects. But what might be a problem is that the Wolverine TE takes a very specific micro USB cable to fit that system. If you lose it, you won't be able to use the controller. So don't lose it.

And as I mentioned above, the vibration is really strong on the M1 and M2 button in particular, and I can't really see why you'd need it at all on those, let alone set to maxmium by default. Luckily you can turn it all off in Synapse.

What's also mildly disappointing is that the Wolverine TE only comes with a 3.5mm headset jack. Unlike the Ultimate, there's no included audio controller, and you can't attach the Microsoft Headset Adapter to get these features either. Personally, I prefer having audio controls close at hand, rather than having to go into the guide to make the adjustments.

You also can't really ignore the price. This is an expensive controller at $120. It's a big step up from being able to buy a standard controller for $50, but also makes the $40 difference to the Wolverine Ultimate quite attractive if you're looking for a little more.

Bottom line on the Razer Wolverine TE

I really like the Wolverine TE and having spent the last couple of years with the Xbox Elite Wireless, I'm enjoying the change. I'm particularly enjoying the lighter weight. Sure, it's all plastic, but the Elite feels like a bit of a brick in comparison.

And that's all while still having the main features I look for in a controller nowadays. The paddles are excellent and preferable to me over those on the Wolverine Ultimate, the trigger locks are easy to flip on and off in the middle of a game and the thumbsticks are accurate and drift-free. I'm also pleased it's wired, because the mild inconvenience of being cabled (this cable is long by the way) is better than having to recharge, and having no batteries drops a bit more off the weight.

The size and form factor is perfect, the rear grips add just the right amount of texture and I love the click on the ABXY buttons. I'm less keen on the one-off nature of the micro USB cable, especially since a controller labeled as a Tournament Edition would indicate you're maybe going to carry it around. And it is pretty pricey.

But look into its Chroma eye and you'll be very happy with it. I know I am. My tired, somewhat battered Elite Wireless can now happily retire.

See at Amazon

Yes, it is. But it's also not the only 'pro' controller you could consider.

The Xbox One controller is fantastic. Its design is perfect, and often even the PlayStation crowd can be heard longing for Sony to replicate it. The offset analog sticks are more comfortable to use than Sony's side-by-side config, and the overall shape and feel of the Xbox One controller is hard to beat.

But while Microsoft has perfected the design, the build quality is a little more questionable. I'm sure I'm not the only one with creaks, rattles or just plain broken parts. My super fancy Design Lab controller barely gets used and yet the frame already squeaks and moves when I'm playing a game.

One controller from Microsoft where this is much less of an issue is the Elite Wireless. It's expensive, and it's also now a couple of years old and doesn't even have Bluetooth. But should you be considering investing in a new controller and you've thought about the Elite, the answer is yes. It's very much worth the extra money, even at $140.

See at Amazon

Build quality and features

The first thing you'll notice about the Elite controller is the weight and just how solid it feels. While the main body is plastic, it's covered in soft touch materials. You get metallic triggers and bumpers, metal thumbsticks and D-Pad and those removable metal paddles on the rear.

The easiest thing to say is that it's a quality product and it feels like it when you hold it, especially when you hold it next to a regular controller.

The build quality is important not just because of the price, but also because it's going to last you a lot longer. Microsoft developed the Elite alongside professional gamers, and everything is just better. The thumbsticks are smoother and more responsive but also designed to last a lot longer and take a little more punishment.

More: Xbox Elite Wireless controller review

The Elite is also customizable. Besides being able to use up to four paddles on the rear, you get different length thumbsticks with both concave and domed tops, and with the Xbox Accessories app you can remap buttons and truly make the Elite your own.

Then do it again and store two different profiles on the same controller.

With the regular controller, it's basically the experience you're given by Microsoft. With the Elite, it's more personal. As well as being a highly superior piece of hardware. If you've considered one but the price put you off, know that it's worth every penny.

See at Amazon

Not the only way

It's also worth pointing out that the Elite isn't the only way to get a pro-grade controller for the Xbox One. For starters, you can get a similar product from Scuf Gaming, with paddles, customizable thumbsticks and trigger stops, as well as a unique design with a number of wild colors and patterns available.

Scuf also has a partnership with Microsoft, so you can buy an Elite controller from them, but jazz it up a little!

See at Scuf Gaming

Another controller we love that's worth considering is the Razer Wolverine. It comes in two different versions, the tournament edition and the ultimate edition, with the former being lower priced at $120, compared to $160 for the Ultimate.

Both offer an improved experience over a standard Xbox One controller, with paddles, remappable buttons, and in the case of the ultimate edition, replaceable sticks and a built-in audio control panel. And Chroma lighting, which is important.

See at Amazon

Your thoughts

I definitely think the Elite controller is worth the money, as are the other controllers mentioned here. You get a substantially better product that will stand better the test of time and give you more features in the process.

If you're an Elite fan, drop your own experiences into the comments below.

It looks like Microsoft is about to make a welcome change to the Xbox One controller, with the updated version — which includes all controllers made after June 2015 — coming with a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack. The port is already listed on the Xbox support site:

3.5-mm port (16). Used to connect compatible 3.5-mm audio devices. Only available on controllers released after June 2015.

While Sony's DualShock controller for the PlayStation 4 allows users to connect their audio gear through a 3.5mm jack, Xbox One owners had to resort to buying the Stereo Headset Adapter to hook up their headsets, which incurs an additional expense of $24.99. By including a dedicated 3.5mm audio jack, Microsoft is fixing a major pain point with the controller.

With E3 just around the corner, it is likely Microsoft will make the announcement at the video game conference next month.

Source: Xbox Support; Via: NeoGAF

This Xbox Wireless Controller is certain to impress.

B&H Photo has the limited edition Sea of Thieves Xbox Wireless Controller on sale currently for $65.40 with free shipping. Its regular price is $74, but it's currently sold out at other major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy and Microsoft.

Update February 18, 2018: Sadly, since posting this deal, it already became sold out!

You can also pick up PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds with Assassin's Creed: Unity for only $21.39 from CDKeys while supplies last.

This controller is a really cool shade of purple with green splatter and has some interesting markings. Otherwise, it's the same as any other Xbox Wireless Controller.

Make sure to read our mini-review and hands-on with this Limited Edition controller for more information!

See at B&H

Like the sound of the trigger stops on controllers like the Xbox Elite and Razer Wolverine? For 20 bucks you can have them on your existing controller.

I play a lot of shooters (badly) and one thing I absolutely cannot do without anymore are trigger stops on my controller. When active, they shorten the travel of the triggers making aiming and shooting that little bit quicker. Your responses are sharper and you're firing faster than before.

Of course, they're not so awesome in a racing game like Forza 7, because without the full press of the trigger your car won't accelerate properly. That's the way racing games are designed, so you need to be able to take the trigger stops off again when necessary.

Until now I thought you had to fork out for a pro-grade controller to get this feature. Then I found this amazing kit from Bionik that not only adds trigger stops to a regular controller but does it cheaply as well.

See at Amazon

How to add trigger stops to a regular Xbox One controller

You don't need any fancy equipment or a lot of time to get this done. Free up five minutes and grab yourselves this:

• Bionik Quickshot kit
• Xbox One controller

That's it. Inside the Quickshot kit, you get a plastic pry tool which will help you remove the old grips and put the new ones on. I've tried this on the newer Xbox One controller that launched with the Xbox One S, but there's no reason to think it wouldn't also fit the original model.

Applying the Quickshot is really simple.

1. Use the plastic pry tool to prise one of the rear grips away from the controller. It's best to start at the top by the triggers as you have an easier edge to get into.

2. Once the grip has popped away, firmly pull away from the controller body. It's connected by plastic lugs, but they're pretty sturdy and you'll have to be firm.

3. Repeat steps one and two on the other side.

4. Firmly push down each Quickshot grip until they click into place. There should be a seamless fit with the controller, so make sure to push down along the whole edge.

That's all there is to it. You now have fully functioning trigger stops on your standard Xbox One controller. To turn them on, just slide the orange latch across and you'll immediately feel the benefits of less travel in your triggers.

Any drawbacks?

Drawbacks, no. Not for $20. The Bionik Quickshot does exactly what it says it will. My only lingering doubt is over the longevity of the product since it's all just bits of plastic, but equally, I don't expect much life from a standard Xbox One controller anymore. And this isn't an expensive accessory, at least.

What you should have are expectations. While the Quickshot does work and it does shorten the travel of your triggers, as an aftermarket accessory it doesn't have the same effect as you'd find on the Elite Wireless or on Razer's controllers. Both of those have a much shorter trigger travel with the stops on. They also cost over $100 each.

But if you're a console shooter fan and you'd really like to improve your experience without spending big bucks on a new controller, this kit is as close to a no-brainer as you'll find. Not only does it add trigger stops, but you'll get a pretty substantial grippy area so things don't get slippy at the crucial moment. It's also available in white.

See at Amazon

Need to put some fresh thumbsticks on your controller? It's easier than you might think.

Xbox One controllers wear out a lot quicker than you'd like, especially if you're a heavy gamer. But, before you go running to buy a new one, think about repairing the one you have. If it still fundamentally works as it should but something is broken or worn, you can save a bundle by doing a home repair job.

In the case of the thumbsticks, they're prone to wearing out, or worse, since they're only plastic. If you need to replace them, it's not actually that difficult.

Here's everything you need to know.

What you need

• Replacement Xbox One Thumbsticks (about $10)
• Plastic pry tool (about $5)
• Torx T8 screwdriver (about $5)

The latter two items are useful for other things, too, and they'll be universal for any repair or customization work you do on your Xbox One Controller. You can get a toolkit with both in for about $10.

A pair of regular black thumbsticks is about $10, but in swapping them out you could also go for some different colors or styles. As long as they're compatible with the Xbox One controller, the method remains the same.

How to replace Xbox One controller thumbsticks

Because the thumbsticks are on the front and all the screws to hold the controller together are on the back, you'll need to do a complete teardown by following these steps.

1. Remove the battery door.

2. Remove the batteries from the controller.

3. Use the plastic pry tool to detach the rear grips from the controller body. (Once you've separated them, pull firmly to remove them from the body.)

4. You now have five screws to remove as shown in the image with the T8 screwdriver. (The fifth is located beneath the battery label so you'll have to pierce it or remove it entirely.)

5. Pull the backplate away from the controller body.

6. Flip the controller around and pull the faceplate away from the controller body.

7. Pull the thumbsticks straight up to detach from their poles.

8. Push your new thumbsticks down on the poles.

9. Repeat the steps above in reverse to reassemble your controller.

Note, if you have an actual issue with the thumbstick mechanism, such as drift or misalignment, replacing the thumbsticks won't fix this. But if you've got some nasty looking worn sticks, for a few dollars and 15 minutes of your time, you'll be fixed up quickly.

How to add trigger stops to a regular Xbox One controller for just $20

Have some Xbox gaming history in your hands for not a bad price.

Recently our game's editor Jez Corden did a full review of the Hyperkin Duke Xbox One controller– a revival of the original Xbox controller from 2001. Priced at $70 the 2018 edition is proving to be quite popular.

I recently took it for a spin and compared it to the original to see what is new and what is different, which you can see in our latest review video.

One thing I like about this whole project is the original Duke was panned so heavily in 2001 that Microsoft had to redo it with a slimmed-down variant to appease gamers quickly. Now, in 2018, suddenly people want the original, but they also want it to work with a new Xbox One or their PC.

Hyperkin did a great job with the update, which includes new shoulder buttons that were not on the original, modern trigger buttons that have smoother momentum, and a bright large OLED display in the center that shows the original Xbox animation.

That display though would be great to use as a secondary screen for gaming, and while that would require some high-end programming, it may not be a bad idea if Microsoft and Hyperkin want to work that out.

The other big downside is the Hyperkin Duke is not wireless. Not only would that have upped the price even further, but Microsoft doesn't actually allow third-party companies use that technology in its controllers as of writing. Still, the included micro-USB cable is long enough (but if you lose it you may have trouble finding one with the port to fit the Duke's).

As someone who never used the original Duke, I liked the feel and handling of the new Hyperkin edition. It's a nice change-up from a standard controller and is quite fun to use. While it is heavy – even more onerous than the original – I'd have to push 60 minutes before my hands got fatigued, but that is something to keep in mind.

Overall, the Hyperkin Duke is what we should be doing with technology these days: taking old, but flawed ideas and improving them where we can. Hyperkin did that, and the $70 is worth it for those who want a bit of history to use every day.

See at Microsoft StoreSee at Amazon

Over the years, gaming laptops have improved immeasurably, shrinking in size while jumping up in power. Battery life remains an issue, and they're never going to be as powerful with all those components packed into a tiny space, but if you spend a lot of time traveling or simply don't have room for a desktop in your life, a gaming laptop is the next best thing. You can augment the experience too with a wide range of accessories to offset the reduced specs of your native hardware, and that's what we're looking at here.

Essential gaming accessories

If I had to recommend just one product on this list, as someone who games primarily on a Surface Book 2 laptop, it's always fun to flip the laptop up in tent mode and connect up an Xbox One controller for some casual gaming. The HyperX Cloud Pro headset is also a supreme no-nonsense headset both for work and play, with a detachable microphone too if you fancy just connecting it up to a phone and listening to some music.

Best answer: Absolutely. The Phantom Black Xbox One wireless limited edition controller is a must buy if you want an accessory with big style and flair for only a small amount of extra money.

Amazon: Phantom Black Xbox One Controller ($69)

What makes the Phantom Black special?

Controller skins are nothing new in the market for Xbox accessories, but the Phantom Black controller is unique in that it features a sleek fading translucent shell. Depending on how the lighting in your room hits your controller, you'll be able to see the inner workings of the device. This in and of itself isn't unheard of, either, though — custom designers have made clear controller skins before. What makes the Phantom Black's casing truly one of a kind is the way that it can appear to look like an opaque black surface when the light isn't shining on it.

Due to this, turning the controller in your hands causes various parts of the inner hardware to become both visible and invisible right before your eyes. It looks amazing, and gives off a ghastly ethereal vibe; the controller definitely earns its title of Phantom Black. It's sleek, stylish and functional. In fact, ur games editor Jez Corden loves this controller and literally called it "the sexiest accessory Microsoft ever made" in his full review.

An affordable upgrade

While some high-quality custom controllers will cost you anywhere from $75 to $90, the Phantom Black's price tag of $70 is only $10 higher than a standard generation-three Xbox One controller. This puts it in line with custom-made controllers from Xbox Design Lab and ensures that it is an affordable upgrade from the regular controllers. For just a little bit of money, you can give your controller a hell of a lot of personality.

It is worth pointing out that the Phantom Black doesn't come with any of its own unique features aside from its outer shell. It's all about the style. Personally, I feel that the incredible skin is easily worth the cost, and I highly recommend the controller. You won't regret this purchase.

Our pick

Phantom Black Xbox One Controller

$69 at Amazon

Elegant, unique, and affordable

With its one-of-a-kind design and only a slightly more expensive price, the Phantom Black controller is a perfect choice for a gamer who wants their gear to look snazzy. You won't want to miss out on this beauty.