Xbox Series X controller for PC: Series X vs Elite 2 2025

There is nothing quite like leaning back in your gaming chair, putting your feet up, and firing up Forza Horizon or Elden Ring on a Friday night. While the keyboard and mouse combo reigns supreme for shooters, sometimes you just need that ergonomic comfort. But in 2025, which gamepad deserves a spot on your desk? We are breaking down the battle of the Xbox Series X controller for PC against the premium Elite Series 2 to see which offers the best value for South African gamers.

The Standard Series X Controller: The Reliable Workhorse 🎮

If you have ever picked up a modern console controller, you know the feeling. The standard Xbox Series X controller refined an already great design. It features a tactile D-pad, textured triggers for better grip during sweaty FIFA matches, and a dedicated Share button. For the average PC gamer in SA, this is often the go-to choice because it just works... plug and play via USB-C or connect instantly via Bluetooth.

When you are browsing to buy gaming controllers, the standard edition sits at a very attractive price point, usually hovering around the R1,300 to R1,600 mark depending on the colourway. It is durable, reliable, and survives the occasional rage-quit drop.

However, speed matters. Just as you would buy solid state drives to ensure your games load instantly, you want a controller that registers inputs immediately. The standard controller has excellent latency, but it lacks the physical customisation that pros crave.

The Elite Series 2: Luxury and Customisation

Enter the Elite Series 2. This is not just a controller... it is a piece of precision engineering. We are talking about adjustable-tension thumbsticks, hair-trigger locks, and wrap-around rubberised grips. For competitive players, these features are essential.

The biggest difference lies in the back paddles. These allow you to map face buttons (A, B, X, Y) to the back of the controller, meaning you never have to take your thumbs off the sticks to jump or reload. It bridges the gap between a gamepad and a high-end gaming mouse in terms of utility.

Of course, this luxury comes at a price, often costing three times as much as the standard version. If you are budget-conscious, you might prefer to pair a standard controller with the cheapest gaming keyboard in South Africa for chat and menu navigation, rather than sinking your whole budget into one peripheral.

Performance in 2025: Does it Matter?

For the "Series X vs Elite 2 2025" debate, consider your display. If you are playing on high-refresh-rate PC monitors, you want your input to match what you see on screen instantly. Both controllers support Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth, but the Elite's internal rechargeable battery lasts up to 40 hours, whereas the standard Series X relies on AA batteries or a separate play-and-charge kit.

Audio integration is seamless on both. You can plug headphone headsets directly into the 3.5mm jack on the bottom of either unit. However, the Elite allows for distinct audio profiles and volume adjustment directly from the controller face if you map the shift key correctly.

For the Content Creators

If you are looking to broadcast your gameplay, the standard Series X controller's Share button is a handy tool for capturing screenshots or clips instantly. However, serious streamers usually need more control.

When you buy streaming essentials like capture cards or lights, you realise that workflow is everything. The Elite Series 2 allows for shift-functions, which some advanced users map to trigger system-level macros, though this often requires third-party software like reWASD.

Regardless of your controller choice, clear audio is non-negotiable for streaming. While the controller headset jack is fine for party chat, we always recommend you buy microphones that are dedicated standalone units for that crisp, professional broadcast quality.

Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

If you are a casual gamer who loves adventure games, RPGs, and platformers, the standard Xbox Series X controller for PC is the winner. It is robust, affordable, and comfortable.

However, if you play competitive shooters like Halo or Call of Duty and refuse to switch to mouse and keyboard, or if you simply appreciate premium tech, the Elite Series 2 is an investment in your hobby. It feels weightier, looks sleeker, and offers a competitive edge that is hard to replicate.