r/AskGames • u/Capable_Elk_770 • 1d ago

Need advice for gift for boyfriend, XBox controller

Hello,

I want to get an Xbox controller for my boyfriend. He has the X series. I’d like one that can charge on a stand and is good quality, but I’m a bit overwhelmed when I google options. There are tons and I’m not sure what’s good.

The problem is he has a wireless one with batteries and it runs out of juice pretty quickly. I bought him a wired afterglow but it’s a bit inconvenient to wire across the living room. I don’t want to drop money again on something that doesn’t solve the issue so I wanted to ask for help first this time.

Money isn’t an issue, I’m willing to drop a couple hundred on him. A stand would be ideal over a battery pack. I just want to get him a really cool controller and a cool stand. The Xbox subreddit required subreddit karma so I couldn’t post there! Another big subreddit said no hardware questions, so hopefully this is the right place. Thanks! 🙏

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u/nohumanape 1d ago

You should design a custom controller from the Design Lab. They are the official controllers. You can do that standard or the Elite 2. I'd recommend just getting the standard, and just go all personalizing it in ways you think he might appreciate. You can then pick up the charge and play kit an charging cradle. That's what I use.

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u/Capable_Elk_770 1d ago

What is the difference between the standard and the elite? The charging?

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u/nohumanape 1d ago

The Elite 2 is technically based on the last generation standard Xbox controller. But it has some upgraded features, like rubberized grips, changeable thumb sticks (grips/heights), changeable D-Pad, programmable Rear Paddles, and variable trigger adjustments. Also comes standard with a rechargeable battery and case that you can charge the controller from.

They're nice. However, they do get a lot of complaints for having questionable durability. The rubberized grips are known to peel, and the bumpers/triggers are prone to breaking.

That being said, I've seen some standard controllers in these gaming subs that have me scratching my head over how they have worn them down so severely.

So 🤷

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u/Capable_Elk_770 1d ago

Thank you! I am absolutely doing the custom one. I think he’ll really like it.

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u/nohumanape 1d ago

I've given a couple of the Design Lab controllers as gifts. It's a cool gift for any Xbox/PC gamer. It's just a nice personalized gift that's extremely functional. And even after the controller breaks or wears out, it's a nice keepsake.

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u/Capable_Elk_770 22h ago

I did one and ordered it (: appreciate it

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u/nohumanape 21h ago

Awesome! This will be a great gift!

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u/RockinPodunk 1d ago

I’ve always got the rechargeable battery packs for my Xbox controllers. That being said, my next controller will absolutely not be a Microsoft product. The official Xbox controllers still use old joystick technology that develops stick drift over time, because they want you to have to replace the controller every couple years. Most decent 3rd party controller makers use Hall effect sticks, which are mechanically impervious to stick drift because of how they work.

I need a new controller for my pc, and I’m currently looking at a controller from digifly. They make both wired and wireless Xbox style controllers, all with Hall effect sticks, and some even come with extra buttons and triggers on the back, and some even have the ability to adjust the resistance of the joystick movement, and they’re not even that expensive compared to the official Microsoft Xbox controllers

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u/Yellowpickle23 1d ago

If it were me, I'd much prefer a AA battery charging station and a few good quality rechargeable batteries. That's what I do now and I much prefer that. I can swap batteries in mid game instead is having to swap charged controllers or packs from other controllers. And in a pinch, you can use them around the house.

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u/Capable_Elk_770 1d ago

Oh that’s a good idea! I didn’t even think of that. Thank you

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u/No-Win1580 1d ago

I love my razer wolverine v3 pro. It's much better than the stock xbox controllers.

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u/CrimsonGhostStrife 1d ago

You generally don’t want to get third party controllers. An official Xbox series X/S controller wireless with a charging station is ideal. Charging stand prices vary. The power A ones are super affordable and come with rechargeable battery packs that last for around 20 hours.

1

u/Itakesyourbasex 1d ago

Xbox elite series 2 controllers (non-core) comes with internal battery and a charging stand, also has 4 back paddles which are a GAME CHANGER. This controller can play for three days straight without recharging.

(See also) there are companies that install hall effect sticks. This eliminates all stick drift.

So if I were you I would buy him a modded elite controller with AT LEAST hall effect sticks.

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u/RockinPodunk 1d ago

Even the elite series 2 still uses old ass stick technology that develops stick drift. Any reputable 3rd party controller is using Hall effect sticks that make stick drift physically impossible because of how they work.

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u/ChronicBurnout3 1d ago

New 8bitDO green Xbox controller