When comparing Microsoft Xbox 360 Wired Controller vs SteelSeries Free, the Slant community recommends Microsoft Xbox 360 Wired Controller for most people. In the question“What are the best third-party game controllers for Android?” Microsoft Xbox 360 Wired Controller is ranked 2nd while SteelSeries Free is ranked 9th. The most important reason people chose Microsoft Xbox 360 Wired Controller is:
XBox controllers have inimitable quality and design. XBox controllers feel substantial in the hand, and are comfortable to hold onto for hours on end.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Great design
XBox controllers have inimitable quality and design. XBox controllers feel substantial in the hand, and are comfortable to hold onto for hours on end.
Pro Plug and play
Works out of the box as Android recognizes USB peripherals. You will need a USB OTG cable (can be found online for $2-3 usually) to power the controller, but once you have that it's just plug and play.
Pro Good value for money
The wired controller is often sold under $30, but feels solid.
Pro Good availability
You can find it almost everywhere. Easy to find and purchase.
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.
Cons
Con Requires a USB dongle for wireless
In order to use the controller wirelessly, you will need the Xbox 360 wireless dongle adapter, although it doesn't work while charging. A USB OTG cable will still be needed.
Con USB OTG support required
In order to use this xBox 360, you will need a third party OTG cable to connect to an Android device's micro USB port. Some devices won't have USB OTG support - to see if your device has USB OTG support check this out.
Con Lacks a foldable arm
The controller lacks a foldable arm to put your phone on, when playing on the go.
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.