Microsoft cut the price of its 2025 Xbox wireless controller on Amazon to $38, which is the lowest price ever for hardware that just came out. That’s a $26 discount off the $64 list price, and here’s the best part: it’s a lot cheaper than Sony’s DualSense (currently selling for $54, down from $74). Yes, these controllers were made for different consoles, but if you play games on your PC or on more than one device, this price makes the Xbox controller the clear choice. Just so you know, Amazon’s shipping estimates say that the package won’t arrive until after Christmas, so this is better for treating yourself than for giving as a last-minute gift.
Important for More Than Just Gaming
The 2025 Xbox controller has some smart changes that make long gaming sessions feel less like finger workouts and more like natural extensions of your hands. Microsoft changed the shape of the geometry by adding sculpted surfaces that fit your grip better which may seem like a small change, but after holding the thing for three hours straight during a marathon session, you’ll see how big of a difference it makes. The hybrid D-pad gives you choices based on the game you’re playing and it has the accuracy of separate buttons and the smooth motion of a disc-style pad. The triggers, bumpers, and back case now have textured grips on them, so your controller won’t turn into a bar of soap when your hands get sweaty during intense moments.
With two AA batteries, the battery life can last up to 40 hours so you can play for weeks without needing to change them. That’s a lot better than controllers with built-in rechargeable batteries that wear out over time and make you play while connected to a cable. You have to carry extra batteries, but honestly, it only takes five seconds to change AAs instead of waiting hours for a charge and if you don’t like disposable batteries, you can also get rechargeable AA packs.
The new Share button is easy to find on the controller face and lets you take screenshots and recordings without having to search through menus or remember button combinations. This feature works directly with Xbox’s capture system, which makes making content feel less like a chore and more like something you’ll actually use. Streaming to friends or social media becomes something that everyone can do, not just people who make content for a living.
You can connect to almost any device you own: Xbox Wireless technology works right away with Xbox Series X, Series S, and Xbox One consoles while Bluetooth works with Windows PCs, Android phones, iOS devices, Fire TV Sticks, Smart TVs, and even VR headsets. The pairing button makes it easy to switch between devices in seconds, so you can go from playing games on your console to playing games on your phone without having to go through settings menus. The 3.5mm headset jack works with any wired headphones or gaming headset you already have, so you don’t have to deal with proprietary adapters.
The Xbox Accessories app lets you change the functions of buttons to fit your playstyle or meet your accessibility needs. Players of racing games can change the functions of the back buttons to work with paddle shifters, and players of fighting games can move the functions of the face buttons around to make combos faster. You can use the app on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs.
Here’s the truth: A brand-new 2025 controller with a 40-hour battery life, compatibility with all devices, and ergonomic improvements for $38 is a great deal. Third-party controllers that are similar often skimp on build quality or don’t have official firmware support. On the other hand, first-party controllers from competitors are usually between $50 and $70, even when they’re on sale.
