Xbox Core Wireless Controller – Carbon Black

Really great controller. I am a Xbox fan after purchasing this - but mainly for the controller. I have yet to test this on an actual console. My favorite feature if not the most important is that you can attach any type-c chord & connect it with your pc and that's it!I have no issue connecting to any games and I even use it when I'm playing on a streaming service like Nvidia GeForce Now!Mine's a bit dated now (over a year), however; little to no stick drifts so far and everything functions the same. You have a 3.5mm ear jack feature on it but I don't use it.

Although there's been a lot of buzz (and rightfully so) around the new Dualsense PS5 controller, Microsoft decided to take a very different approach from Sony; meaningful, iterative improvements to an already solid base. The first version I ever used, model 1697, was the best controller I had ever used up to that point. It was the primary reason I switched from my XB360, as I was unable to pair it with the console, but the controller was too good to go back. Clicky, responsive buttons, lighter weight, easily accessible battery door, good battery life, solid accuracy and excellent haptic feedback in the triggers made me fall in love. Jump to the next model, the 1708, and all those things remained, but there was a different finish and now the awesome addition of Bluetooth. This has been the controller I've used on console and PC for the better part of 5 straight years. I've even tried to pair it with a couple Sony systems to experience some of the better games exclusive to that platform (I was unsuccessful BTW). Now, introduce this model, the 1914, and I feel like it's 2 steps forward and a step backwards. The D-Pad is outrageously good and responsive, the trigger texturing gives a more involved feel, the matte finish makes it less vulnerable to oils or greases making it slippery and the battery door redesign is a very slight but meaningful touch. Even the added feature of showing the battery level on PC is a tiny detail that shows the thoughtfulness that went into crafting this. The only reason this is not a 5 is the connectivity. Full disclosure, this is primarily used with a PC in this use case, and as such, you WILL need the XBox accessories app, as I needed to apply an update fresh out the box. The Bluetooth connection on my 1708 literally never dropped out in my entire memory of use. Extremely strong, very dependable and no lag to speak of. The 1914, not so much. There's been no observable lag, and when it works, it's easily better, but the connection is very spotty. As mentioned, an update was necessary right out of the box, and performance marginally improved, but as it stands, during a 3 hr play session last night it lost connection at least 10 times, with the Xbox light blinking a few times and going solid again roughly every 20 mins or so. I tried multiple games, including very tight shooters and it's the same thing; excellent performance when it's working, a temporary drop for no more than 5 seconds, then back to working as if nothing happened. I've already gone the driver route of making sure everything is updated correctly, but this seems to be more a 1914 problem, as the 1708 has never had this problem with a console or 3 different PCs with 3 different Bluetooth adapters. Funny though, a wireless adapter is available, and is touted as the primary way to connect without a USB cable (the USB cable does work flawlessly BTW). Of course, there is a fee for this adapter, which makes me feel like this is the classic create a problem, sell the solution sort of scenario, which has soured my experience greatly here. This is a relatively new device, having only been on the market for a little over a month at the time of this writing, so it's definitely possible for this issue to be resolved, but there's currently no discount for this unit, so you're being asked the complete price for an incomplete experience for the time being. Once (if) this issue is resolved, I will absolutely change this to a 5, but right now, with the drops, it's a mediocre purchase at best, with the 1708 currently being a better option, and at a lesser price. Best of luck.Edit: In order to have the update applied, you must FIRST connect to the PC with your USB-C and use the Xbox accessories app to update, then, most importantly, you must UNPAIR the controller if it was previously paired. If it's the first time pairing, it won't be an issue, but if you previously were paired before the update, it will not apply. After following these steps, I can confidently report all connection issues have been fixed, and there have been no Bluetooth drops to speak of. This is now a 5 star device.

It is working very well.

As a picky pc gamer I absolutely recommend this controller for anyone considering getting one for general gaming, first person shooters (yes, I know theres a keyboard and mouse) and 2d platforming. I'm no pro fighting game guy so can't say if i'd recommend for that but I don't see why it wouldn't be a good optionI see the battery compartment as a big plus as this prevents long term head aches changing a li ion battery, if you are into recharging that way you can get the replaceable li ion battery plus 9 foot cable and you are set.Bluetooth connectivity and wired are super easy to set up and have great latency either way. The only downside is if you want to use wired headphones through your controller you have to use the windows wireless adapterThe texturized grip feels great and really does help with sweaty hands for example in intense multiplayer action or when trying to beat a particullarly tough foe in sekiro for example.Feel in hand is premium, there is no plastic play and squeaky sounds if you grip it hard like in previous models, it feels solid.The dpad, front facing buttons and shoulder buttons are very tactile and give an audible feedback, wether or not you are into that is personal prefierence, for me its quite satisfying. I've heard of cases where the Y button is not very responsive but so far I have no such issues and thoroughly tested itOverall an excellent, stylish, comfortable, versatile controller. Very easy to set up and with great compatibility around the board. That's why I give it a 5 out of 5

I bought it and it fits my Horizon 5 very well. Sometimes the vibration is lost, the battery life is a bit slow, and there is a little problem with the left button, but it is acceptable and does not affect the overall use.

The controller works great with PC. However, out of the box the Bluetooth feature does not play well with Steam. In order to get it to work, there are a few steps you’ll have to do.1. Download the Xbox Accessory App on the Microsoft store.2. Connect the controller with a USB-C cable3. Update the controller4. Pair with windows Bluetooth devices5. Start steam and it should recognize it as Xbox Series X/One controller.5(a). If you paired it before doing these steps (like me). Follow steps 1-3, then go to “Bluetooth devices” remove the device and repair it. Then it should work with no issue.Build: The controller itself is very sturdy and has nice textured grips on the back as well as the triggers. Size is pretty similar to previous Xbox controllers.Battery: I can’t really comment on battery life since I just got it but I would imagine many of you will have some form of rechargeable battery.Wireless: I haven’t had any issues since pairing it nor experience any types of interference with my other wireless peripherals. The range seems good, I’m roughly 15ft away from my TV/desktop.Overall, it’s a much better controller then my ps4 controller. It plays well with Windows 10 as one would hope and once setup with Steam the buttons are automatically mapped.