When comparing Xbox One Wireless Controller vs Steam Controller, the Slant community recommends Steam Controller for most people. In the question“What are the best PC gaming controllers?” Steam Controller is ranked 7th while Xbox One Wireless Controller is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose Steam Controller is:
The trackpads built into the controller make it simple to play certain games that would otherwise be impossible with a controller, such as Civilization and Cities: Skylines.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Comfortable to hold
Xbox controllers have always been comfortable to hold onto - their larger grips fit hands better than most controllers.
Pro Plug and Play on Windows
No need for mapping software for most games.
Pro Durable
Because it's an official product, you can expect superior durability and build quality to cheaper knockoff controllers. First-party accessories will be able to withstand more drops, and the buttons/triggers are less likely to start sticking.
Pro Has a headphone jack on the controller
This convenience lets you use headphones even if the cord won't reach your desktop's headphone jack, or play games from bed or on the couch while wearing headphones
Pro Easy to repair/mod
Plenty after market parts, standard or mod kits.
Pro Elite versions are available
Get an Elite controller if you want hair triggers or additional paddles for quicker actions.
On Elite 2 Controller even the tension of analog sticks can be changed.
Pro Xbox One S/X/Series X Controller have bluetooth
To recognize them: Xbox S/X controllers have a texture on the grips.
Series X Controller have textures on triggers and bumpers.
Pro Your every color
If you want your very own controller you can get it here.
Pro Long battery life
Battery life can exceed 30 hours of gameplay.
Pro Very clicky D-Pad
The directional pad is very clicky and precise. This makes navigating through menu items easy. May or may not be suitable for fighting games.
Pro Developed specifically for PC games
The trackpads built into the controller make it simple to play certain games that would otherwise be impossible with a controller, such as Civilization and Cities: Skylines.
Pro Integrates well with Steam
Considering this is a controller designed by Valve, it should come as no surprise that the integration with Steam is quite good. The user can easily launch into Big Picture mode straight from the controller for ease of use. The controller is plug and play, so there is little to mess around with in order to get going. For those that would like to customize the button layout, Steam allows for this in their settings.
Pro Good battery life
A user can get around 80 hours of play out of a single charge on the device, which is a considerable amount of playtime. This frees the player up from having to constantly worry if their controller is charge on every use.
Pro Good mouse emulation
Some games don't support joysticks and you need to use a mouse. Joysticks are very poor at emulating a mouse, but the touchpads on the Steam controller do a much better job.
Pro Can also be used as a remote control
Since it emulates mouse and keyboard you can also use it as a remote.
Pro Comes with a wireless receiver
Comes with a wireless receiver to to avoid most of the Bluetooth issues.
Pro Professional use
You can assign the buttons to macros or shortcuts for other apps, such as the Adobe Creative Suite.
Pro Extremely flexible
Custom configurations for various apps allow it to be used in a massive variety of settings.
Cons
Con Adapter has to be purchased for wireless to work
There is an available Xbox Wireless Adapter available from Microsoft that costs $24.99 that needs to be used in order for wireless to work with the controller and PC. This is an extra purchase that many may not want to make in order to have wireless compatibility.
Con Poor D-Pad
The d-pad is not very precise.
Con 3 versions out on the market
This controller is on its third iteration. Which makes it more confusing to buy.
Con Requires batteries for wireless play
Doesn't include internal battery. You have to buy rechargeables, a play and charge kit or keep buying new AAs.
Con Requires USB cable connection to play Xbox PC games
In order to use the Xbox One controller with Windows Xbox games the USB cable has to be connected to the PC. Wireless is not supported currently when playing Xbox branded PC games purchased from the Windows Store.
Con Only for Steam games
Most features won't work without Steam.
Con Feels cheap
The controller does not have much weight or heft to it and the entire things is made out of light plastic giving it a cheap feel, something akin to a $20 controller for one Android or iOS device. The face buttons on the device are also small, with the shoulder buttons feeling stiff. Overall the lack of attention to detail with the buttons and the overall feel of cheap material gives a sense that this is not the most well designed or thought out controller on the market.
Con Emulated joystick on trackpad difficult to use
Con No D-Pad
No D-pad here.
Con Non-rechargeable
Needs two AA alkaline batteries.
Con No vibration motor
There is only an option to emulate force feedback with the haptic motor however its not strong enough to create a real vibration.
Con Small buttons
The ABXY buttons are very, very small, and positioned in an area that feels awkward, especially when compared to the XBOX or even the four buttons on a PS4.
Con Not as accurate as keyboard and mouse
The touchpads on the device are designed to emulate a mouse when playing games, but they are not as accurate and will at times require a lot of swipes in order to just turn a character around or even just look around. This lack of accuracy and delay in how long it takes to get the movement required may be difficult to get used to.