The 9 Best small Xbox Controllers (2023 reviews)

The latest microsoft small xbox controller is an absolute beast in terms of its features, and rightfully takes the top spot with ease. The thumb stick tension adjustments are a literal game changer. The face buttons (and to some degree the home button) are an interesting "glass like" smooth shell but their sensors do not attach properly to the control chips. It is not smooth and free like it should be, and it hits a 'bind spot' when pushing forward that makes it impossible to control fps characters since pushing forward on that stick in a game like apex legends is mostly what your using the stick for. The controller feels solid and of high quality.

The bumper triggers have three settings for depth of trigger pulls. It can be charged directly via USB-C or set on the cradle either within or outside of the case. The case is top notch, and holds all the extra buttons and charging stand. It has a rechargeable (USB) battery pack.

Why We Like This:

Adjustable trigger locks to increase/decrease length of pull
Up to 4 optional paddles on the back of the controller
Good brand reputation

Best With paddle: 8bitdo small Xbox Controller

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8Bitdo makes beautiful and great controller with classic and smartly choosen materials. It's probably the ideal controller for folks who want to play retro NES and SNES games and BROFORCE due to its old-school D-pad. It fits in hands well, extra texture for the palms, and nice color. The 8bitdo app makes it super easy to customize the paddle buttons or have them do nothing. It fits in hands well, does not have any stick creep as do the standard XBOX controllers over time.

The Controller works just fine, and does not have any stick creep as do the standard XBOX controllers over time. They are a bit stiff and it is actually possible that they won't depress at all if you press at certain angles. This is a great alternative to the stock controller.

Why We Like This:

Very precise analog sticks and d-pad
Grippy handle texture, similar to series s/x controllers
Back paddles, quality as good as oem, no stick drift
Pad, which allows easy manipulation of all 8 directions, including the diagonals

Best For Wired Controller: POWERA Awesome Controller

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The powera awesome controller gives the top-tier controller a run for their money by offering flagship specs at a much more affordable price. The most attractive feature is the “Dynamic Lighting Control” or RGB gamer speak. It would be perfect with cloud gaming and comes with a very nice type of c cable. Featuring 3-way locks for each trigger, the spectra infinity lets you fine tune your trigger pulls for whatever the action calls for, in an instant. The back buttons are also a game changer for anyone who plays competitive.

The Cord is extremely stuffy and has a position holder to connect to the controller. It is good as oem for gameplay, better than oem for macro and rgb programming. There are a bit of a learning curve in navigating through color options. The good quality controller and led lights are an added bonus if you play in a darker room/man cave or woman cave.

Why We Like This:

Bleed-over between zones makes setting color schemes tenuous at best
Fabric-wrapped cord should be long enough to reach most setups
Easy to change colors and button mapping
Bonus is has rgb lights with lots of configurations and pulsating effects

Best With Bluetooth Adapter: Scuf small Xbox Controller

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Scuf makes beautiful and great controller with classic and smartly choosen materials. The triggers that go between full range and mouse click with a flick of a switch is a game changer for custom controllers. The ergonomic design and high-performance grip provide the ultimate non-slip comfort no matter how long you play, while scuf instinct pro's wireless connectivity allows you to play comfortably from a distance. The new adjustable instant triggers eliminate the trigger pull allowing you to switch from a regular trigger to a mouse-click action for when you need ultra-fast shots and the interchangeable textured thumbsticks ensure optimum playing ability.

The magnetic removable face plate is a nice touch that allows for easy customization without the need for tools. It is easy to push the inside paddles down and transition between them. Buttons feel nice to press and it’s beautiful to look at with the dark gray. This thing feels incredible, is super easy to customize, and has the shape of the new Xbox Series controllers. It comes with a wide variety of thumbstick and faceplate colors to choose from, so you can make this controller truly your own. The mouse click triggers work great and make fps games alot more fun.

Why We Like This:

Controller feels very sturdy and well made
Good for those who actually use the extra features
Lot of satisfied buyers

Best For An non branded Or Microsoft Controller: Riboxin small Xbox Controller

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The brand new 2.4ghz wireless connection function provides you more than 30ft wireless range, let you enjoy your game time anywhere you want. The core of this controller is identical to the official xbox one controller, and the excellent powerful performance brings you the wonderful gaming experience.

These are the same size as a Xbox controller, but are a little lighter, since they are wireless. The receiver indicator flashes, then press the controller's home button and the controller's indicator will begin to flash. It is wireless but only works within a few feet. It has a spot to plug in the headset as well. It is easy to hook up and is a good all around controller. It will be a great replacement for xbox one controller and pc controller.

Why We Like This:

Works fine to run xbox for apps
Works great with xbox and pc
Connected to the xbox easily and working well

Best With cord: Rig small Xbox Controller

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This is a solid wired controller if you're someone who struggles to reach buttons on full size controllers. It feels similar to a playstation dualshock controller but with an xbox layout, obviously, obviously. The USB wire that connects to the PC is very durable and is not going to be prone to kinks. It allows it to function as a standard controller.

The Camo Design looks great and the quality of the controller is very sturdy. The controller is a little small and the start and slight buttons are offset to the left and right not to the center like most controllers except for xbox. The build quality is quite good and it has a nice long cable with a breakaway so you don't need to worry about pulling your Xbox off a shelf.

Why We Like This:

Buttons and joysticks feel great for a 3rd party controller
Ergonomic, smaller than original but great
A pretty good wired controller for small hands

Best With Adapter: POWERA small Xbox Controller

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention powera small xbox controller for daily purpose. Reach the right buttons at the right time with this compact design and two mappable advanced gaming buttons that can be reprogrammed on-the-fly to fit your needs or playstyle. It is suitable for small hands who need to press combo fast.

This controller is officially licensed by xbox for xbox series x|s and compatible with xbox one and windows 10/. It works with the xbox platform and it is definitely “nano” size. It is a standard 3.5mm stereo headset jack for in-game audio.

Why We Like This:

Between the pricetag and durability, very good controller for kids
Great option for kids/tiny clumsy hands
Lag no batteries and has a long cord

Best For smaller hands: Hyperkin small Xbox Controller

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The hyperkin small xbox controller is capable of outshining several other controller featured in this list in overall features in its price range. The Hyperkin x91 controller combines the classic look of a 90s. It loads of laughs after you shred your friends with this micro controller. It is compatible with xbox series x|s, all xbox one systems, and windows 10/11 pcs.

Why We Like This:

Works great on the raspberry pie to the pc to the xbox
Style controller with the features of a modern controller
New and hot release

Best With wire: Hyperkin USB Controller

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The Hyperkin x91 controller combines the classic look of a 90s. It is compatible with xbox series x|s, all xbox systems, and windows 10/11 pcs. This is a well made controller, sturdy built, and not flimsy in any way. It allows the use of a USB controller. This thing is top notch all the way.

Why We Like This: