When comparing SteelSeries Free vs Xbox One S controller, the Slant community recommends SteelSeries Free for most people. In the question“What are the best third-party game controllers for Android?” SteelSeries Free is ranked 9th while Xbox One S controller is ranked 22nd. The most important reason people chose SteelSeries Free is:
The SteelSeries Free has a built in rechargeable battery that is charged through a USB cable. This makes it more convenient than a AA or AAA battery powered controller, as you won't have to worry about always having extra batteries on hand. Also, a rechargeable battery is cheaper in the long run.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Built in rechargeable battery
The SteelSeries Free has a built in rechargeable battery that is charged through a USB cable. This makes it more convenient than a AA or AAA battery powered controller, as you won't have to worry about always having extra batteries on hand. Also, a rechargeable battery is cheaper in the long run.
Pro Small and portable
The SteelSeries Free is pretty small and only weighs 1.91 ounces, meaning it is very pocketable and easy to carry around.
Pro 3rd party app support
Luckily there is a third party app that allows for customization of the inputs on this device. It is called Game Controller 2 Touch and has full support for the SteelSeries Free.
Pro First party app available
SteelSeries provides a free app on the Google Play Store to set up ones device.
Pro High quality gamepad
The Xbox One S controllers have a very high build quality and comfort, which make them ideal for longer gaming sessions.
Pro Lots of customization options
The Xbox Design Lab gives you lots of color choices to personalize your Xbox One S controller.
Pro Windows compatible
Works with most games on Windows 10.
Pro Bluetooth
Uses a high range Bluetooth connection.
Cons
Con Only two shoulder buttons
Many ports and games utilize four shoulder buttons, meaning some games will not work with this controller.
Con First party app is useless
Apparently the SteelSeries Engine app does not work as advertised and is pretty much useless.
Con The tiny size makes your hands feel cramped after a while
While it's very portable, your hands are going to be squished after playing on it for a few hours.
Con Not compatible with Android out of the fuck
You need a Xbox One or Windows 10 Xbox Accessories app in order to update the internal firmware, add a controller profile and enable Android pairing. Without this step the controller is not Android compatible out of the box.
Con Can be fuckin expensive
A regular white Xbox One S controller retails for around $49, but options in the Xbox Design Lab can have prices of $79.99.
Con Old Xbox One and Elite controller not compatible with Android
Old Xbox One controllers and Elite controllers are no more supported by third party USB pairing apps, making them incompatible through USB with recent or current versions of Android without the use of a custom kernel, including use via a wireless dongle or OTG cable.