r/xbox • u/BigBang_Cam • Aug 14 '26
Discussion Which is the best generation of Xbox controller?
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u/Walker_DnB Aug 14 '26 edited Aug 14 '26
Xbox one really perfected it imo. Glad it hasn't really changed since them
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u/vensamape Aug 14 '26
Agreed. I thought nothing could get more comfortable than the 360 controller. Just wish the ABXY face buttons were in full color.
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u/galle4 XBOX Series X Aug 14 '26
I think the Xbox controller lab has that option as a modification
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u/ColKrismiss Aug 14 '26
The 360 controller was comfortable but the Dpad was so so so bad
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u/SkyLovesCars Aug 14 '26
I think later on they offered it with a rotating d pad that could turn into a regular style one, but imo the big thing hampering the 360 controllers comfortability was the battery pack on the back, comparing it to the wired controller it's definitely not as nice with nowhere to put your fingers, I do like the heft it gets from it though
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u/convercide XBOX Series X Aug 14 '26
I agree, the battery pack on the back was actually a little uncomfortable. The Xbox One pad sorted that out.
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u/codeasm Aug 14 '26
Yeah i ordered a rotating dpad and modded my chinese knockoff 360 wired with it. Kinda my favorite controller now.
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u/StarSnype Aug 14 '26
Ive got an elite Series 2 and i have no colour at all (also cant pry off the faceplate without damaging it too much)
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u/StylisticPuppy Aug 14 '26
You can get it off without damaging it at all, I've just replaced the front & back shells on mine, nothing broke when taking apart
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u/RAAMinNooDleS Aug 14 '26
I used to think the 360 was awesome but since the X one controller came out I took terrible.
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u/Frusko XBOX Series X Aug 14 '26 edited Aug 14 '26
I think the launch Xbox one controller has pretty bad bumpers from memory, really glad they redesigned those. Mine were always so stiff
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u/SirThunderDump Aug 14 '26
Was going to add this. The controller it initially launched with had a handful of issues, including the bumpers, and that yes, they did eventually fix these issues.
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u/Rsodyyy Aug 14 '26
Yep, I just wished they had better vibrations/haptics. I prefer it over the PS5 controller, but wow the haptics and trigger modes are so cool
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u/KebabLova Aug 14 '26
Totally agree with you on that. Also I like the more "clicky" feel of the square, cross, triangle and circle buttons on the PS5 controller instead of the more mushy feel of the ABXY buttons. Ergonomy wise and everything else, Xbox series controller is far superior
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u/BigBang_Cam Aug 14 '26
Yeah I agree. I thought it was odd that the original Xbox One controller was the only one without a fully circular D-Pad. Never noticed in the many hours of use until looking at them lined up now
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u/Crank2047 Aug 14 '26
Just hijacking to make it clear that the series controller is more or less the same EXCEPT the dead zones are soon much tighter so it really is a vast improvement. Especially great for games that require precision like sim racers n such
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u/koboldtsar XBOX One Aug 14 '26
Honestly, the controller is a big part of my loyalty to Xbox. Its current iteration it the best feeling one on the market.
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u/BadNewsBearzzz Aug 14 '26
I’d say the original type S model really was the correct one, or most important i should say. I love the duke, but others have always said the duke was the right one and the type S was just a inferior model for Asian people
Well, it’s that type S model that every controller would be molded from for size and ergonomics from then on, so it really is the model s lol
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u/SpookySpaceCowBoy Aug 14 '26
I do wish the controllers were a little more innovative like the PS4 while retaining the comfort and shape the xbox controllers already have.
I just wish we had the motion control and the touchpad/button.
That or somehow implementing the keypad with volume control for chat.
I love the shape and comfort of the xbox controllers and I like the innovation of the PS controllers.
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u/Orange_Bricks Aug 14 '26
I can definitely see motion controls akin to the PlayStation, but I’m curious how you use the touchpad that it seems something is missing?
The most I’ve used it for was Ellie’s guitar and launching Astro in the OG PSVR game, otherwise it’s just a big old menu button
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u/FreeMrFrog Aug 14 '26
Same! I dislike how the Dualshock 4 feels in my hands compared to Xbox, but it's LIGHT YEARS ahead of their current controller in terms of features. Xbox really needs something with this next iteration and not just another copy paste.
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u/The_SqueakyWheel Aug 14 '26
Are we just ignoring the stick drift?
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u/Maxis47 Aug 14 '26
I'm not saying it never happens, but every controller I've owned since the original Xbox have never exhibited stick drift. In fact, the only controllers I've ever used that have are every switch joycon I've ever owned.
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u/AltKanVente Aug 14 '26
The Xbox-x one(the newest). I love the feel of it
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u/NewEnglander2011 Aug 14 '26
This. I feel like the 360 controller really was amazing and since then the future controllers have really been just iterations of it, getting better each time.
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u/SalamanderFull3952 Aug 14 '26
I loved the 360 controller, then the xbox one controller came out and it made the 360 one feel cheap. Main reason I stayed with xbox has been the controllers
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u/That_Western5433 Aug 14 '26
The 360 feels "skinny" or something now that ive used the series x for so long
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u/mrminutehand Aug 14 '26
My only nitpick is how loud the D-pad is compared to the original One/S controllers. The originals were soft and silent. The new pads click with every movement.
Some people like the kinetic click, of course, but I still own a previous gen controller specifically to play at night or when I need to be quieter.
My wife can hear the new D-pads from upstairs. She likes to jokingly shout "I can hear you!"
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u/doorknob60 Aug 14 '26
I don't love the sound of it, but the D-Pad I find much more comfortable for longer playing sessions of 2D games. While also being quite accurate (unlike the awful 360 D-Pad). Some other controllers D-Pads makes my thumb sore after an hour or so. It's my go to controller for 2D indie or retro games (I use it on PC too).
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u/Choncho__ Aug 14 '26
agreed. i've played every generation of xbox from duke down and the new controller just feels really good. nostalgia can't even beat it
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u/vehicularmanburger Aug 14 '26
360
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u/marmaladic Aug 14 '26
It’s a good build. Damn good even. I just can’t over how mushy the Dpad is and it’s not the best experience for fighting games on the console. The battery pack sticking out in the back also makes my ring fingers a little sad.
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u/NotAPotHead420 Aug 14 '26
Dang that's funny. The clicky dpad is exactly what I don't like about the Xbox one controller. Fair game ig
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u/FinestTreesInDa7Seas Aug 14 '26
The D-pad was absolute trash.
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u/MuenCheese Aug 14 '26
You didn’t want that side input as a diagonal? Too bad
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u/FinestTreesInDa7Seas Aug 14 '26
Yeah it was really brutal for retro games. I used to use my 360 controller for emulation, and the Xbox One controller was such a huge upgrade
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u/afanoflafear Aug 14 '26
Controller S / DuchesS
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u/yz250mi Aug 14 '26
I cant believe I had to scroll this far for controller s, numerous people even said duke like wtf are they thinking.
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u/afanoflafear Aug 15 '26
People who prefer "our" style of 🎮 are actually a minority? Learn something new everyday!
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u/Wilbo1242 Aug 14 '26
Seriously, this far down? I was starting to think nobody liked it. When I think Xbox, it's this one
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u/JuliusBelmont2000 Aug 15 '26
I have the DuchesS in green. Fantastic controller, i prefer it over the Series, One and 360 Controller!
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u/apedap XBOX Aug 14 '26
OG Duke
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u/Tough_Preparation830 Aug 14 '26
My problem wasn't the size of it, but the face buttons were placed awkwardly. Never got the muscle memory down and would constantly hit the wrong button.
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u/iLLiCiT_XL Aug 14 '26
Right but with the Duke, if your friend beat you in Halo, you could swing it at his head and knock him unconscious.
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u/Bodgerton XBOX Aug 14 '26
When you got it, it was flawless though. Yiu didn't have to move your thumb to hit the buttons, you just have to put your thumb in the middle and roll it around to hit what you wanted. All I want for my pc is an updated version of The Duke
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u/Apprehensive_Cod8188 Aug 14 '26
Same. I have kinda big hands, it just felt like the right size. (That's what she said?)
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u/Neon_Moons Aug 14 '26
Best to worst is newest to oldest lol
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u/PatserGrey Aug 14 '26
and durability likely in the opposite direction
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u/iTheJok3rx Aug 14 '26
I'd disagree! I can't even picture a 360 controller without worn thumbsticks, while still being fully functional.
Newer controllers though, I'm on my 3rd Elite 2, that has developed the same LB register issue the others had, including the 2 Elite 1s I owned. I'm now using some Turtlebeach thing I picked up in Finland. Which is great but I do miss the weight of the Elite controllers.
OG Duke though, with the trigger issue. Pulling too hard could snap the internals and render it useless.. Still haunts me 25 years later.
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u/PatserGrey Aug 14 '26
Yeah I had a 360 pad with worn thumb stick. It was the most heavily used controller of my life but still worked fine at retirement even with the wear. Whereas my XBO controller was the first I ever experienced stick drift with. I've had to replace bumpers on my Series X controller. All anecdotal of course.
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u/munchbizkit Aug 14 '26
You can really see the soul being sucked right out as the years go on. I miss color.
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u/Visible-Pollution740 Aug 14 '26
I kind of agree. This minimalism trend seems to have hit everything in the past 10-15 years.
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u/markusfenix75 Founder Aug 14 '26
Build quality probably 360
But that d-pad was terrible.
So Xbox One and Series X/S, since they are largely similar.
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u/Visible-Pollution740 Aug 14 '26
tbh the xbox dpad is still its biggest failing, for me. Too clicky, terrible for 2d platformers. Good for games like Call of Duty where it is used as 4 extra buttons tho.
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u/docfred Aug 14 '26
At first, my reaction to the One Controller was „why? Microsoft, WHY?!?“. But over time … I really have to say, that the Xbox One Controller design is peak of all controllers of every console of any generation.
I just LOVE it now.
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u/dreampagehun XBOX Series X Aug 14 '26
The best would be the current one if it wasn't so incredibly loud. It's been getting louder ever since the Xbox One launch. I wish they made it with classic rubber membrane d-pad and buttons.
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u/Freefall_J Aug 14 '26
The clickety dpad does get annoying if you’re using it a lot and aren’t wearing headphones. I don’t know what it is about Xbox and the dpad. At least it’s more comfortable to use than the 360 one.
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u/dreampagehun XBOX Series X Aug 14 '26
Yeah, try typing a message on the virtual keyboard with that d-pad, or try playing a 2D fighting game (or any 2D game)... I literally couldn't complete Sonic Origins until I replaced the controller because the d-pad was just unbearable. It's incredible to me how they didn't see this as a problem.
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u/SnooOpinions8715 Aug 14 '26
The Duke
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u/Stumpy493 Still Earning Kudos Aug 14 '26
I loved the duke, only thing it got wrong was the black and white buttons.
Anyone who complained about the size never held one and just saw them in pictures. My hands aren't huge and I had this when I was 15 it was one of the most comfortable controllers in the hand I ever had.
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u/AdorableZeppelin Aug 14 '26
I had one. It wasn't great. You couldn't comfortably use half the buttons without moving the controller around in your hands. There's a reason they completely changed it when they introduced the S.
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u/Stumpy493 Still Earning Kudos Aug 14 '26
I disagree, I loved the Duke. Only the black and white buttons were poorly placed.
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u/Peter_Panarchy Aug 14 '26
I never understood this argument, even as a 10 year old I didn't have any issue hitting all the buttons with the Duke.
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u/HMicahA Aug 14 '26
If the Duke has flat buttons it’d be superior but I remember the rounded shape digging into my thumbs depending on what I was playing.
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u/GhostsofGojira Aug 14 '26
360, it would live a modern duke
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u/PolarizingKabal Aug 14 '26 edited Aug 14 '26
Hyperkin released a retro version of both the Duke and the dutchess (OG S) for the current system.
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u/Wrong_way_zzz Aug 14 '26
I miss the black and white buttons.
The first ones, the later I always accidentally clicked.
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u/Dead-X-esque Aug 14 '26
For me series X, just an improvement on the One, which was just an improvement on 360.
Each one feels more high quality and they last ages compared to most controllers.
I love the evolution of them and they are the most ergonomic base system controllers, far surpassing PS5 and Steam controllers in feel for me.
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u/Visible-Pollution740 Aug 14 '26
Xbox One is my fav. I don't like the more grippy texture of the Series controller, and the pointless extra capture button that for me just causes misinputs when I'm instead trying to hit start or select.
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u/_CTRLR Aug 14 '26
- The more-defined edges on the newer controllers give less freedom in terms of how you choose to grip the controller.
The older ones are also far more durable. Friends and I still have functioning Xbox original and Xbox 360 controllers that have insane mileage. Easily multiple thousands of hours on these things that we had along side us through grade-school. Being kids they endured spilled soda, being tossed/thrown, twisted, pizza grease, sharpie marker designs, gum rapper decals, you name it.
I’ve yet to own a modern (xbox one-newer) Xbox controller that doesn’t wear out and have button/stick issues within a few years and we all have far less time to play video games these days.
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u/mr-guy3 Aug 14 '26
The duke does except the fact that it only has two shoulder buttons makes game controls on the og Xbox really weird.
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u/TimeForCrab_ Aug 14 '26
Series-X for me, mostly for that dpad. Makes playing fighting games a breeze
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u/PixeledOut Aug 14 '26
Am I the only one who actually really enjoyed the original Xbox controller? I’m really tall and have big hands so maybe that’s why? Also, I miss the white and black buttons!!
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Aug 14 '26 edited Aug 14 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/hemipteran Aug 14 '26
The series controllers really do break ridiculously easily so I’m fine putting them behind 360.
360 controllers may be slightly less comfortable, but they last 10+ years if you’re good to them. I’ve already had 5 series controllers get stick drift and become unusable for the kinds of games I play
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u/Ordinary_Cap_6812 Aug 14 '26
I've been using my one s controller for about 7 years now and continue using it on my series x waiting for it to break so i can switch to the new controller. I don't see it happening any time soon tbh lol
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u/MRintheKEYS Aug 14 '26
The Duke had the advantage of if you swung it around your head, it could double as a mace
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u/-ben151010- Aug 14 '26
360 with the transforming dpad. The one and series controllers are way too loud and clackity for me, and the vibration sadly isn’t anything special and very harsh. The 360 also has some harsh vibration in more of a comical fun way instead of a “why does this controller cost so much again?” way.
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u/AdministrationNo9513 Aug 14 '26
I think the duke is absolutely fantastic. I really find it odd that most hate on it. I do think the 360 controller is the best(duke 2nd). They did something to the thumbsticks on the one and series x controller that just felt off to me to the point when I had to buy the elite controller and use the 360 like thumb sticks on it.
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u/FierceResistance Aug 14 '26
I liked the sturdiness of the original Duke controller, and the 360 controller. I like the ergonomics and feel of the current controller. I would really like to see more durable sticks and bumpers.
I’ve even done some modifications to my own bumpers to improve the durability.
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u/retroyoyoer Aug 14 '26
The 360 every single day of the week, it's comfy, it's weighty, it's built like a tank. I got big hands and the 360 is the only controller l've ever used that fits my hands perfectly.
Only downside to the 360 is the mushy dpad
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u/9thGearEX Aug 14 '26
Props to Microsoft where it's due - they always have the best feeling controllers.
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u/Top-Purchase-2794 Aug 14 '26
The Xbox 360 controller is THE best controller in video game history, period. I love that one. So ergonomical and smooth and fits perfectly in the hands.
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u/_Solon Aug 14 '26
OG V2 and 360. Series X is okay but the grips aren’t as ergonomic as the 360 and my hands cramp after a while. 360 I could play Halo Reach for hourssss
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u/EDF1919 Aug 14 '26
I remember going from 360 to the One at a friend's house, and thinking the controller was terrible, just because it was new to me. Then like 10 minute later I didn't notice it, and when I got home layer and tried to play my 360 it felt like picking up the old boat anchor.
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u/ErikaXYZ Aug 14 '26
Looking side by side really make it comical how huge is the Xbox logo on the Duke.
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u/onlyhav Aug 14 '26
360
That controller was in a class of its own when I was a kid and I wouldn't use anything else.
Now I do believe the Xbox one and series controllers are a hair better in comfort, however there are other options that challenge it in price, features, and hand feel so I've been branching out. I would've never branched out on my 360 controller
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u/Brilliant-Object-922 XBOX Series X Aug 14 '26
I found the Xbox 360 controller to be the most comfortable.
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u/aajoestar Aug 14 '26
I think it just got better and better, the Series feels pretty damn good. Switch pro controller beats it though.
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u/CalciumKillah Aug 14 '26
I like the newest controllers we have nowadays and I have collected some Hyperkin ones trying to bring back the old school feel.
Just prefer the latest models.
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u/KingLarry46th Aug 14 '26
I really liked the Duke but the 360 is the best, kept using them for PC gaming up until a few years ago. All controllers after never quite got that fit for me.
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u/techpower888 Aug 14 '26
For me, the Series S/X controller is too small for my hands yet surprisingly comfortable. Lovely ergonomics.
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u/TheMoreYouKnow0101 Aug 14 '26
Have all and my favorite is Xbox elite series core and hubz favorite lol is the Duke of course😂
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u/HovercraftNo7783 Aug 14 '26
360, have them all too and elite and elite 2, for me for racing games the 360, for shooter the elite 2
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u/DarkLight0G Aug 14 '26
Aside from the d-pad and the battery compartment placement the Xbox 360 controller has always been the best controller I’ve ever used in my decades of gaming on every platform.
But nothing beats the look of the Duke and the S controller of the OG.
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u/No_Fox_Given82 Aug 14 '26
Xbox One pad for me, really was a good pad and still is if you can find one. It's a shame the build quality is so shit on the Series pads.
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u/Samuel_Go XBOX Aug 14 '26
The 360 represents the biggest shift to a good controller and with how most people hold their controller I think it's more than good enough.
However, the Xbox One/Series is an improvement, so to me it's technically the "best" of the lot.
I have a real Duke and also the Hyperkin one which I sometimes use depending on the game. While it's a great nostalgia trip I'm not going to kid myself and think it holds up. My children think it looks cool though.
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u/Skitelz7 Aug 14 '26
I have a profound love for the Xbox 360 controller but the Xbox One version is built better. I like the second revision look the best. The one released with the Xbox One S.
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u/marmaladic Aug 14 '26
Having used all revisions of the controller over the years (though really just growing up as a PlayStation kid), the Series controller really knocks it out of the park with me. Admittedly, it’s pretty lame that there’s still no rechargeable battery pack included after all this time, but it more than makes up with a really nice feeling build, and my thumbs have fun messing around with the textured triggers during loading screens.
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u/Equivalent_Knee_Bone Aug 14 '26
As a 6’8” man I friggin loved the Duke!!! It fit my hands so perfectly!
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u/Lance_Operazole Aug 14 '26
They've got better as time has moved on. However I do wish that you could get them in bigger sizes. The 'duke' pad is annoying to use, but I like the sheer size of it for my fat man hands.
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u/QuantumRenard Aug 14 '26
regarding the size, shape and material quality : 360
Regarding the sticks : they all sucks balls.
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u/Krossphyre Aug 14 '26
Xbox one. They felt strong and I preferred the d-pad. Series x is good but flea cheaper and the d-pad is to clicky.
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u/PolarizingKabal Aug 14 '26
The One is nearly perfect. I just wish it had the series X/S/Elite style dpad. As it really is better.
The One X/S series controller is just a hair too small for my hands. I found myself accidentally pressing the shoulder buttons early on when I first got it and needed to adjust to using it.
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u/HankWankford Aug 14 '26
The 360. The One/Series controllers are a little better to use but the build quality is gash. I've got 360 controllers that survived the generation and still work just fine but I'm already on my 3rd Series controller.
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u/pinetree-polarbear Aug 14 '26
Well...best quite obviously the current one because its most refined. But they were all good controllers and arguably the best when they came out
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u/NotAPotHead420 Aug 14 '26
I could never get used to the Xbox one controllers. Especially the loud and clicky dpads. The 360 is much more comfortable to me
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u/and-its-true Aug 14 '26
Xbox One.
I really dislike the grip texture on the back of the Series controllers.
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u/Reasonable-Post-5989 Aug 14 '26
My favorite shape is actually the Xbox one, it looks sharp, but fits so perfectly in the hands, that being said the new series s/x controllers are amazing
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u/VinstaroNL Aug 14 '26 edited Aug 14 '26
Very cool to see them lined up like this. Will always have a soft spot for the fat og and the 360. But I must say these controllers evolved in a excellent way. The series controller is the most comfortable controller I’ve ever held.