When it comes to console gaming, you have to buy all the licensed products in order to use the device on your console.
It is almost guaranteed that a third-party device will not run on your console, unlike a PC, where you can pretty much use any third-party device. This is a cost-saving method, but the console industry doesn’t give you that freedom.
Lately, people have been complaining online that Xbox controllers are really expensive. And as it is the only option if you are on Xbox, is it really worth it or not?
As a gaming fanatic, I am going to answer all the queries related to Xbox Controllers in this guideline.
So put on your reading glasses to get your desired fix!
Why Are Xbox Controllers So Expensive?
Xbox controllers are expensive because of not having reliable third-party controllers in the market. On the other hand, because of the quality of the product, longevity and the brand, Microsoft Xbox controllers are priced more than usual controllers.
Not all Xbox controllers are expensive. You can buy the Xbox series SIX controllers for around 60$. But if you want to buy the Xbox elite wireless controller V2, then you have to pay around 180$.
When it comes to Xbox or any other console platform, you will get a controller for free while opening the box. But if you have friends and family to play along, then you have to pay for an additional controller.
Now the biggest reason you are paying the big bucks for a controller is because of the brand Microsoft. You have to pay for the brand value.
Another reason you are paying more is the product’s quality. Look, any knock-off or non-reliable third-party controllers will not serve you for a long time. And you will face severe delays while playing games.
Many people have bought third-party controllers and regretted every bit of it. As the response time was higher than usual, they couldn’t compete with others online, as other players were playing on standard Xbox controllers.
When you buy a third-party controller, you will have to pay the price somehow; when it comes to controllers, you are paying the price by getting slow response time and low durability.
And now the real question is, why Xbox elite controllers are expensive?
Xbox elite controllers are expensive because of their customizability of the elite controllers. You can take out the thumbstick and replace them on your own. On the other hand, there is room for back buttons in the elite controllers as well.
If you want to go pro in your gaming career, then gettings your hands on your Xbox controller is a must.
Because in normal controllers, you won’t have the room for customizing your controller in a way you want to, which will elevate your gameplay. Also, in Elite controllers, you will have adjustable grips and triggers for your comfort.
Quickly check out our separate post on how long does an Xbox One last.
Why Are Controllers So Expensive Right Now?
Gaming controllers are expensive because console makers don’t make that much on selling the console. Most of their profit comes from selling game copies and accessories. Limited edition and pro versions of controllers are their main money-making machine.
It is worth noting that when it comes to consoles, you are actually not paying the right price. For example, Xbox series X is right now 499$; if you want to make a PC with the same gaming performance, you will have to pay more than 2000$.
Not going to lie; even 2000$ is not enough because of skyrocketing GPU prices, thanks to the miners.
So how are you getting a console at this much lower price? The answer is Big console companies like Microsoft, Sony & Nintendo make money by selling games and accessories. The console you are getting for 499$ is sold on a loss.
The same story goes for Sony and, to some extent, Nintendo as well. Though Nintendo reportedly doesn’t sell their console at a considerable loss. Whereas Microsoft and Sony take a bigger chunk of loss when it comes to selling the console on a base price.
I mean Xbox series S console is around 300$, but the Xbox elite pro version of the controller is priced at 180$. You can pretty much guess where Microsoft is making money.
As I said, Sony is in the same boat as well. Sony is making a pro version of the Dual Sense controller, which was announced in August and will be available on the market around this holiday season.
The new Sony controller, Dual Sense edge, will be priced around the 200$ mark as well. It is seen as the direct competitor of the Xbox elite version of the controller.
Another reason console controllers are expensive is because of their low availability of the console. It is still hard to find an Xbox series X or PS5 as scalpers stock it up before they are open for the consumers to have.
So people actually cannot buy consoles and it’s accessories at retail prices. They have to pay extra because of the shortage in retail stores. For example, the Xbox console is around 500$ on the store, but due to the shortage, scalpers are asking 800$ and above.
Is It Worth Buying An Xbox Controller?
Yes, the Xbox controller is worth the money that you are spending as the controllers come with a lot of features that are missing on a generic controller. Also, the durability and longevity of the Xbox controllers are worth the money as well.
If you have an Xbox, then you have to buy the Xbox controller. You don’t have many options there. The only good third-party option would be Power A controllers, but they still can cost you big in terms of durability.
But if you have a PC and are looking for a controller to play your games, then you can pick between many controllers.
As PC can support all controllers, you can even use PS controllers on your pc and Xbox ones. If you want to pair your Xbox controller with your PC, then Xbox controllers are worth the money.
Windows and Xbox are both licensed via Microsoft; you won’t have to worry about the connectivity. You will get every native feature in your Windows PC that you get from a controller in Xbox.
Xbox controllers don’t have any built-in batteries in them. In the long run, it can be expensive but look on the bright side; you won’t have to worry about replacing your battery or living in fear of damaging your batteries.
Just swipe the batteries out, and your controller is as new as it can be! On top of it, Xbox controllers are priced 10$ less than the PS controllers.
So yes, if you are looking for a controller to buy Xbox controller should be at the top of the list.
Find out can you connect AirPods to Xbox One.
How Long Is The Lifespan Of An Xbox One Controller?
The average lifespan of an Xbox one controller would be 5-6 years to the least. But a well-maintained Xbox one controller can last for a decade. And if you are lucky enough, it might last more than that, depending on how carefully you use the controller.
Xbox controllers are well known for their longevity. As there is no built-in battery inside of it, that elevates the controller to last longer because it minimizes the controller from being dead.
Also, Xbox analog sticks are way better than PlayStations. PlayStation controllers are so bad that they had to face legal circumstances because of their low-tier longevity. In that regard, Xbox controllers are miles ahead.
Though the lifespan depends solely on the user, maintaining & Cleaning the controller will ensure the controller lasts longer than usual. But if you are someone who doesn’t clean the controller and throws it into the ground out of frustration, then you will have a hard time lasting the controller.
Follow our guide step-by-step to fix AirPods not working with Xbox.
Final Thoughts
Even though Xbox controllers are pretty expensive, but it is well worth the price in contrast with other available options in the market.
As the controllers do last longer than any other controllers out there and have easy access to PC and mobile gaming, I believe Xbox controllers are more than perfect for gamers who want to game on both PC and Xbox!
I hope this guideline helped you to answer your queries. For more tech-related queries, do take a look at our website.
