It doesn’t really matter whether you are gaming on your Xbox, a gaming PC, or even an Android device. Microsoft’s own Xbox Core controller is still the top-tier gaming controller to choose. And right now, it happens to be discounted down from its $65 price tag to just $40 when you grab the robot white version. That’s a solid $15 off. That’s enough to pick up a copy of Hollow Knight: Silksong with five bucks left over. If white is not your style, other colors are on sale too, though for not as much. The carbon black along with the deep pink, pulse red, and velocity green are all down to just $50 for a limited time.
While Sony has consistently moved forward with each console generation, introducing new features and experimental additions to its DualShock lineup—such as touchpads, adaptive triggers, and advanced haptic feedback—Microsoft took a completely different route. And by route, I mean they parked themselves on the side of road with a nice scenic view.
Xbox firmly planted its flag in the dirt back in 2013 with the release of the Xbox One controller and said “We’re done here.” The current Xbox controller remains almost identical to its design from over a decade ago, with only subtle refinements added over time. We now have the inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity, a transition to USB-C charging, and slightly improved materials. Aside from these minor updates, it’s essentially the same controller that arrived in the same year Grand Theft Auto V first hit store shelves.
An Unbeatable Controller Design
When I first played through Hollow Knight, I had done so on my PS5. This was earlier this summer. It was… fine. But for the release of Silksong, I decided to play on my PC and I gifted myself a brand new Xbox controller and it felt like coming back home. I haven’t upgraded any of mine since the ones I got that came with my Xbox One back in the day.
The real magic, for me, of the Xbox Core controller is its D-pad. Navigating the stretches of Pharloom and nimbly controlling Hornet feels great on the Xbox controller’s D-pad. And the whole controller is just comfortable too, especially for longer gaming sessions. The textured grips on the triggers, bumpers and back-case are a nice touch, especially when my hands have gotten slippery with sweat in my twentieth try against Groal the Great.
