What are the best high end controllers for Xbox and PC right now? Is there a viable alternative to Xbox Elite Series 2 controller? Well, there are a few better options which won’t develop stick drift thanks to Hall effect or TMR sensors with multiple back buttons, macros and other functionality. Let’s get into it.
Best Xbox Elite Series 2 alternative for Xbox
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless Gaming Controller: Licensed for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC – 6 Remappable Buttons – Fast Triggers – Customizable Thumbsticks – Wired Tournament Mode – White
- 4 MOUSE CLICK BACK BUTTONS & 2 CLAW GRIP BUMPERS — Enjoy the same ultra-responsive actuation found in Razer’s top gaming mice with 4 buttons built into the controller’s ergonomic, rubberized handles—topped with 2 claw grip bumpers for even more control
- PRO HYPERTRIGGERS — Set the triggers for instant actuation with zero travel time or ultra precise analog control—be fully immersed in the action and feel every trigger pull with integrated haptic vibrations
- HALL EFFECT PRECISION THUMBSTICKS — Experience analog thumbsticks that are not only more accurate than traditional models but are smoother, lighter, and more durable thanks to their anti-friction rings and pro grade materials
$193.99
Buy on Amazon
- ✅ Hall Effect joysticks – no stick drift, longer lifespan
- ✅ 2.4GHz wireless + wired support – low latency, flexible connection
- ✅ Mecha-tactile buttons – fast, clicky, more responsive than Elite’s
- ✅ 6 remappable buttons – more control options (4 back, 2 top)
- ✅ Hair trigger locks – faster shots in FPS games
- ✅ Onboard profile switching – quick swap during gameplay
- ✅ Premium build – textured grip, great ergonomics
- 💰 Price – around $199, premium but worth it for features
| Feature | Razer Wolverine V3 Pro | Xbox Elite Series 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Hall Effect Sticks | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Wireless Support | ✅ 2.4GHz + Wired | ✅ Bluetooth + Wired |
| Custom Buttons | ✅ 6 remappable | ✅ 4 paddles |
| Mecha-Tactile Buttons | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Trigger Locks | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Stick Drift Risk | ❌ Almost none | ⚠️ Medium |
| Wired polling rate | 1000 Hz | 125 Hz |
| Price | $199 | $199 |
Best high end PC controller alternative
Recently released in 2025 ZD O+ Excellence controller seems like a perfect premium PC alternative to Xbox Elite Series 2 Core controller. It’s cheap with good build quality, 2.4Ghz connection, 1000Hz wired polling rate, 4 paddles and 2 shoulder buttons. It also has gyro, onboard profiles and RGB customization.
ZD O+ Excellence vs Xbox Elite Series 2
| Feature | ZD O+ Excellence | Xbox Elite Series 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Hall Effect Joysticks | ✅ Yes – modular, drift-resistant | ❌ No – uses standard potentiometers |
| Triggers | ✅ Linear Hall Effect + Mechanical (tactile feel) | ✅ Adjustable trigger stops |
| Back Buttons | ✅ 4 magnetic remappable paddles + 2 extra shoulder buttons | ✅ 4 swappable paddles |
| Modular Parts | ✅ Swappable sticks, D-pad, faceplates | ✅ Swappable sticks and D-pad |
| Connectivity | ✅ Bluetooth + 2.4GHz USB + Wired | ✅ Bluetooth + Wired |
| Profiles | ✅ 4 onboard profiles | ✅ 3 onboard profiles |
| Gyroscope | ✅ Yes – 6-axis motion control | ❌ No gyroscope |
| Customization App | ✅ ZD App – live remapping, macro, mouse mode | ✅ Xbox Accessories App |
| Audio Jack | ✅ 3.5 mm | ✅ 3.5 mm |
| RGB Lighting | ✅ Yes – customizable | ❌ None |
| Platform Support | ✅ Windows, Switch, Android, iOS | ✅ Xbox, Windows |
| Price (PLN) | 🟢 $89 | 🔴 $199 |
- ZD O+ Excellence offers more modern tech (Hall sticks, gyroscope, RGB) at less than half the price.
- Elite Series 2 has a slightly better Xbox integration and proven long-term reliability, but lacks drift-resistant sticks and modular upgrades.
What else?
Gulikit KK3 Max is great on paper, it’s very budget-friendly, but quality assurance is hit and miss.
Gulikit KK3 Max Controller, Kingkong 3 Wireless Switch Controller with Hall effect Joysticks and Triggers, 1000Hz Polling Rate, 4 Back Buttons Compatible with Switch/Switch 2/OLED/Windows/iOS/Android
- 【Maglev Vibration Motor】The KK3 Max Controller has 3 Vibration modes: Maglev motor, HD Vibration and rotor motor mode, with 2 strength levels available (light to strong).
- 【Multi-Platform Support】Compatible with Switch 2, Switch, Switch OLED, Switch Lite, Steam Deck, Android, iOS, macOS and Windows.The Bluetooth Version is Bluetooth 5.3. The KK3 Max come with a “Hyperlink” adapter for PC-Wins(only) that wireless or wired dual 1000Hz polling rates with low delay.
- 【4 Detachable Metal Rear Paddles】KK3 equipped with 4 detachable metal rear paddles mapping any face buttons, you can swap and change the rear paddles as you want(not programming/macro). Comes with 6 metal rear paddles (3 pairs).
$78.99
Buy on Amazon
Flydigi Apex 4 is also a great choice, it’s not as cheap, but features lots of interesting options.
Flydigi Apex 4 vs Xbox Elite Series 2 Core
| Feature | Flydigi Apex 4 | Xbox Elite Series 2 Core |
|---|---|---|
| Hall Effect Joysticks | ✅ Yes – no stick drift | ❌ No – uses traditional potentiometers |
| Triggers | ✅ Hall Effect triggers with adjustable travel | ✅ Adjustable trigger stops |
| Back Buttons | ✅ 4 ergonomic paddles | ✅ 4 paddles (sold separately in Core version) |
| Modular Parts | ❌ No | ✅ Swappable D-pad and sticks (sold separately in Core) |
| Connectivity | ✅ Wired + 2.4GHz wireless + Bluetooth | ✅ Wired + Bluetooth |
| Profiles | ✅ Multiple onboard profiles | ✅ 3 onboard profiles |
| Customization Software | ✅ Flydigi Space Station App | ✅ Xbox Accessories App |
| Gyroscope | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Vibration | ✅ 4 motors + impulse triggers | ✅ Rumble + impulse triggers |
| Build Quality | ✅ Premium build + metal panel | ✅ High-quality, but plastic exterior |
| Price (PLN) | 🟡 $139 | 🔴 $199 |
| Platform Support | ✅ Windows, Android, iOS, Switch | ✅ Xbox, Windows |
Flydigi Apex 4 is packed with next-gen tech (Hall sticks, gyroscope, motion aiming) and offers full wireless freedom, even on mobile and Switch.
Elite Series 2 Core is more Xbox-native, but lacks accessories (no paddles, case, extra sticks) unless you buy them separately.
Alicia Clayton
Gamer and tech reviewer in my spare time.
