Top 5 Best Xbox 360 Controllers

The controller is obviously an essential tool in any gamer’s arsenal. Without one, it’s kind of hard to play games, right? When it comes to the Xbox 360, the standard controller is near perfect. It fits comfortably in your hands, has accessible button placement and your fingers aren’t likely to fall off its concave sticks and triggers. Why fix what isn’t broke?

Still, there are plenty of differently designed Xbox 360 controllers. Here are the best ones based on price, features and brand.

1. Xbox 360 Wireless Controller

The Xbox 360 wireless controller is about as standard as it comes. What makes it an incredible buy, however, is the packed in charge kit. While most wireless controllers require the use of lots of AA batteries, this one comes with a built-in battery pack that can be charged with the provided cable, making the controller wired or wireless depending on your needs. It also features a rotating d-pad for precise directional button pressing, a step up from the original wobbly Xbox 360 d-pad.

Price: $50.44 (22 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller here.

Pros:

• Wired or wireless
• No AA batteries required
• Rotating d-pad
• 35-hour battery life

Cons:

• Pricey
• Analog drift reported after extended use
• Wire can stop functioning over time

Find more Xbox 360 Wireless Controller information and reviews here.

2. Xbox 360 Wireless Camouflage Controller

The wireless camouflage controller has all the features of the Xbox 360 controller above, except it doesn’t come with the play and charge kit. That means you’ll need AA batteries or a separately purchased play and charge kit to use this controller. That setback is balanced by the camouflage controller’s cheaper price and attractive pattern. If you don’t care about changing out batteries and want to avoid wires of any kind, you can’t go wrong with this controller. Plus, its unique camo design is nicer than the standard black, don’t you think?

Price: $36.95 (33 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Xbox 360 Wireless Camouflage Controller here.

Pros:

• Rotating d-pad
• Affordable
• Cool camo pattern

Cons:

• Play and charge kit not included
• Requires AA batteries
• Analog drift reported after extended use

Find more Xbox 360 Wireless Camouflage Controller information and reviews here.

3. Xbox 360 Wired Controller

At only $30, the wired Xbox 360 controller is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with constantly having to recharge or switch out batteries. If you sit close to your TV and don’t mind a cable running from your Xbox to your controller, this is the perfect option for you. However, if you ever want to play four-person co-op on a single console, four wired controllers won’t cut it. Considering the Xbox 360 only has two (accessible) USB ports, you’ll need at least two controllers to be wireless or a separately purchased USB splitter.

Price: $30.41 (24 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Xbox 360 Wired Controller here.

Pros:

• Wire is nine feet long
• Cheap
• Works with most PCs

Cons:

• No rotating d-pad
• Wear and tear reported after years of use
• Cable can stop working

Find more Xbox 360 Wired Controller information and reviews here.

4. Afterglow Xbox 360 Wired Controller

The Afterglow is the only non-Microsoft controller to make our list, and for good reason. Third party controllers are usually cheaper than standard ones, and they typically come with a lot more problems, too. In other words, you get what you pay for. With the Afterglow, this isn’t necessarily the case. Sitting at a solid four-and-a-half stars out of five on Amazon, the Afterglow is a great alternative to Microsoft’s first party controller. It features a slightly different shape and SmartTrack technology that allows for better precision and reaction times.

Price: $26.96 (10 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Afterglow Xbox 360 Wired Controller here.

Pros:

• SmartTrack technology increases precision
• Cool see-through design
• Comes in three glowing colors
• Officially licensed for the Xbox 360

Cons:

• Cheap
• Buttons can get stuck
• Hardware can stop working after extended use

Find more Afterglow Xbox 360 Wired Controller information and reviews here.

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5. Xbox 360 Wireless Gold Chrome Controller

There’s no questioning the gold chrome controller’s sleekness. Just look at that sweet, shiny color. This special edition controller is a bit more expensive considering it doesn’t come with a play and charge kit, but those with more refined tastes might find the price worth it. Of course, this controller features a rotating d-pad for precise directional button presses or loose swivel-based attacks, depending on what game you’re playing.

Price: $44.99 (31 percent off MSRP)

Buy the Xbox 360 Wireless Gold Chrome Controller here.

Pros:

• Rotating d-pad
• Stylish
• Sweet gold color

Cons:

• Play and charge kit not included
• Requires AA batteries
• Analog drift reported after extended use
• Expensive

Find more Xbox 360 Wireless Gold Chrome Controller information and reviews here.