When it comes to picking out a gaming controller here in 2026, there’s really one logical choice. Microsoft knows what’s up. In fact, Microsoft has known what is up since way back in 2013. The core Xbox controller still stands as being the best choice for gamepads if you’re playing on Xbox or PC. One of the many reasons for that is its affordability. It’s only $65 to $70 normally, but frequently finds itself on sale. Like right now, you can save as much as 23% and get it for as low as $54.
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Modernized Design
So while Sony has been reconfiguring its controller design and adding more features with each console release, Microsoft has taken a completely different approach. The pretty much nailed the design with the release of the Xbox One back in 2013. They refined the shape of the Xbox 360 controller, but kept everything else mostly the same. Since then with variants that came out at the end of the Xbox One’s life, and then later with the release of the Xbox Series X|S, have added in small improvements to keep up with modern tech needs and player habits. Really all that has changed in that time is a switch over to USB-C connectivity, Bluetooth support, and dedicated share button. Other than that, this is the same controller that came packed with the Xbox One.
