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Xbox Controllers, Headsets & Accessories

From the standard Xbox pad to the Elite Series 2 — every controller and essential accessory compared.

Xbox Wireless Controllers

Official Xbox

The standard Xbox Wireless Controller works on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC and Android/iOS via Bluetooth. Every console ships with one — here's what's available when you want a second pad or a specific colour.

Controller · Carbon Black

Xbox Wireless Controller — Carbon Black

The standard controller in the sleek Carbon Black finish. Textured grip, USB-C charging, share button. The most popular spare pad choice.

Wireless USB-C Bluetooth PC compatible
Controller · Robot White

Xbox Wireless Controller — Robot White

The classic white Xbox pad that ships with the Series X. Clean, minimal design. Great if you want a matching extra controller for the white console.

Wireless USB-C Bluetooth
Controller · Shock Blue

Xbox Wireless Controller — Shock Blue

One of the more popular special colour variants. Two-tone design with a translucent D-pad. A good gift option or if you want to distinguish your controllers easily.

Wireless USB-C Textured grip
Controller · Velocity Green

Xbox Wireless Controller — Velocity Green

The fan-favourite green variant. Pairs perfectly with the Xbox brand aesthetic and a natural choice for anyone who loves the Xbox green colour scheme.

Wireless USB-C Textured grip

Xbox Elite Controllers

Premium

The Elite Series 2 is Microsoft's top-tier controller — adjustable thumbstick tension, swappable components, back paddles and a built-in rechargeable battery. Aimed at enthusiast gamers who want the best possible feel.

Elite Controller · Best Overall

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

The definitive Xbox controller. Adjustable thumbstick tension, wrap-around rubberised grip, 4 swappable paddles, hair trigger locks, a charging dock and ~40-hour battery life. Genuinely transformative if you play a lot of shooters or competitive games.

~40hr battery 4 paddles Adjustable tension Charging dock
Elite Controller · Core Edition

Xbox Elite Series 2 — Core (White)

A stripped-back version of the Elite Series 2 at a lower price. Same premium build and adjustable tension, but ships without the paddle accessories (sold separately). A good entry point for the Elite ecosystem.

~40hr battery No paddles (included) Adjustable tension
Is the Elite Series 2 worth it? If you play more than a couple of hours a day — especially in shooters, action RPGs or competitive games — yes. The adjustable thumbstick tension alone changes how precise the controller feels. The paddles take time to learn but become invaluable. At ~£149 it's a big outlay, but most users consider it a worthwhile long-term purchase.

Batteries & Charging

Standard Xbox controllers run on AA batteries — fine, but annoying and expensive long-term. A Play & Charge Kit or rechargeable AA pack is an easy upgrade.

Charging · Essential Pick

Xbox Play & Charge Kit

Microsoft's official rechargeable battery for standard Xbox wireless controllers. Charges via USB-C while you play. About 30 hours of battery life per charge — the single best-value accessory you can add to an Xbox setup.

~30hr battery USB-C charging Play while charging
Charging · Multi-Controller

Xbox Dual Charging Station

Charge two controllers simultaneously. Dock them when not in use — they're always ready. Includes two rechargeable battery packs. Great for households with two controllers.

Charges 2 pads 2 battery packs Dock style
Batteries · Budget Option

Eneloop AA Rechargeable Batteries (4-pack)

If you'd rather stick with AAs, Panasonic Eneloop are the best rechargeable AAs available. They hold charge well and last thousands of cycles. A cost-effective alternative to the official Play & Charge Kit.

Rechargeable AA ~2000mAh 2000+ cycle life

Xbox Headsets

Headset · Official Budget

Xbox Stereo Headset

Microsoft's entry-level wired headset. Plugs into the 3.5mm jack on any Xbox controller. Decent sound quality for the price — the easy first headset recommendation.

Wired 3.5mm Stereo Foldable mic
Headset · Best Value Wireless

Xbox Wireless Headset

Microsoft's own wireless headset — connects directly to the console without a dongle. Spatial audio, auto-mute mic, and a clever dial on each earcup for game/chat balance. Exceptional value at the price.

Wireless Spatial audio ~15hr battery No dongle needed
Headset · Premium

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X

Third-party premium wireless headset designed for Xbox. 38-hour battery, superb audio, ClearCast microphone and simultaneous dual-wireless connectivity. Popular with streamers and serious gamers.

Wireless ~38hr battery ClearCast mic

Other Essential Accessories

Cable · Essential

Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 Cable

To get 4K/120fps from the Series X, you need a proper HDMI 2.1 cable. The one included in the box is basic — a quality cable like the Belkin Ultra High Speed is worth the small outlay.

HDMI 2.1 48Gbps 4K/120fps
Gaming Mouse & Keyboard

Keyboard & Mouse for Xbox

Many Xbox games support keyboard and mouse input. Any USB keyboard and mouse works — plug directly into the Series X's USB ports. Popular for strategy games, Minecraft and some FPS titles.

USB plug and play No setup needed
USB Hub

USB 3.0 Hub for Xbox

The Series S only has one USB-A port. A powered USB 3.0 hub gives you multiple ports — useful if you want to connect a keyboard, external drive and headset adapter simultaneously.

USB 3.0 Powered 4+ ports