3/19/2026 | USA | technology | ✓ Verified - theverge.com

Microsoft’s go-to Xbox controller is selling at its best price of the year

#Xbox Wireless Controller #Microsoft #Amazon sale #discount #Bluetooth controller #Steam Deck #Nintendo Switch 2 #8BitDo

📌 Key Takeaways

Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Controller is discounted to its lowest price of the year, with the black version at $43.49 and white at $43.
The controller is praised for its comfortable design, multiplatform compatibility with PC and Steam Deck, and textured grips.
A bundle including the controller and a USB-C cable is available for $44.99, eliminating the need for AA batteries.
The controller features a share button, Bluetooth support, and USB-C port for use with rechargeable batteries.
It can also function as a budget-friendly Nintendo Switch 2 controller when paired with an 8BitDo USB Adapter 2.

📖 Full Retelling

The white model is receiving the steepest discount, but the black version is less than $1 more. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge Microsoft’s Xbox console strategy needs work , but its Bluetooth-ready controller that shipped alongside the Xbox Series X and Series S is fantastic. We think it’s one of the best Xbox controllers out there, thanks to its comfortable design, multiplatform compatibility (it works great on the Steam Deck and PC, too), and its textured grips and triggers, which prevent your fingers from slipping during intense games. Thankfully, the Xbox Wireless Controller is discounted in a couple of different colors in the lead-up to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale . The black version is currently available for the lowest price we’ve seen this year at Amazon , Walmart , and Target . Originally $64.99, it’s now just $43.49. The white version is $0.49 cents cheaper at Amazon and Walmart . There’s also a discount on a bundle that includes the black-colored model and a USB-C cable to connect it to a device of your choosing, eliminating the need for AA batteries. It costs $2 more, and you can buy it for $44.99 (down from $64.99) at Amazon . Xbox Wireless Controller The official Xbox Wireless Controller has a dedicated share button for saving clips and screenshots and sharing them online, Bluetooth support, and a USB-C port for charging up Microsoft’s play-and-charge rechargeable battery. Where to Buy: $64.99 $43.49 at Amazon (black) $64.99 $43.49 at Walmart (black) $64.99 $43 at Amazon (white) The Xbox controller is also a great Nintendo Switch 2 controller — hear me out! Instead of buying a costly Switch 2 Pro controller, you can buy 8BitDo’s $20 USB Adapter 2 , plug it into your console’s dock, then easily connect the Xbox controller to it. It works in a pinch, though the adapter only supports one paired controller at a time.

🏷️ Themes

Gaming Hardware, Retail Discounts

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

This news matters because it highlights a significant price drop on a popular gaming accessory that affects millions of gamers and budget-conscious consumers. The Xbox Wireless Controller is widely used not just for Xbox consoles but also for PC gaming, Steam Deck, and even Nintendo Switch via adapters, making this discount relevant to a broad gaming audience. For Microsoft, this sale during Amazon's Big Spring Sale represents a strategic move to maintain market presence amid criticism of their console strategy, potentially boosting accessory sales and ecosystem engagement. The timing also matters as it provides an affordable entry point for new gamers or those looking to upgrade their peripherals ahead of potential summer gaming releases.

Context & Background

The Xbox Wireless Controller launched alongside the Xbox Series X/S in November 2020, featuring improved ergonomics, textured grips, and a dedicated share button.
Microsoft has faced criticism for its Xbox console strategy, with recent reports of potential hardware changes and studio closures affecting consumer confidence.
The controller market has become increasingly competitive with third-party manufacturers like 8BitDo, PowerA, and Razer offering alternatives across multiple platforms.
Amazon's Big Spring Sale is a relatively new retail event established in 2024 as a mid-year counterpart to Black Friday, focusing on spring cleaning and seasonal products.
The standard retail price for Xbox Wireless Controllers has remained around $64.99 since launch, with occasional sales bringing them down to the $45-50 range.

What Happens Next

The discounts will likely continue through Amazon's Big Spring Sale period (typically 6-7 days), after which prices may return to normal or see smaller promotions. Microsoft may announce new controller colors or revisions later in 2024, potentially at their summer showcase events. Competing retailers like Best Buy and GameStop may match these prices to remain competitive during the sale period. The success of this sale could influence Microsoft's pricing strategy for future accessory promotions, especially around major shopping events like Prime Day in July.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this controller compatible with devices other than Xbox consoles?

Yes, the Xbox Wireless Controller works with Windows PCs, Steam Deck, Android/iOS devices via Bluetooth, and even Nintendo Switch when using the 8BitDo USB Adapter 2. Its multiplatform compatibility is one of its key selling points.

What's the difference between the black and white versions besides color?

There's no functional difference—both offer identical features including Bluetooth, USB-C charging, textured grips, and share button. The white version is currently $0.49 cheaper at Amazon and Walmart during this sale.

Do I need to buy additional accessories to use this controller?

For wireless use on Xbox or PC, you may need the Xbox Wireless Adapter (sold separately) unless your device has Bluetooth. The bundle including a USB-C cable eliminates the need for batteries but costs $2 more than the controller alone.

How does this price compare to previous sales?

At $43-44, this represents the lowest price seen in 2024 and approaches historical lows from major holiday sales. The typical sale price ranges from $45-55, making this approximately 33% off the standard $64.99 retail price.

Can I use this controller with the rumored Nintendo Switch 2?

While not confirmed, the article suggests it could work well as a Switch 2 controller using adapters like 8BitDo's $20 USB Adapter 2, potentially saving money compared to buying Nintendo's official Pro controller.

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Original Source

              The white model is receiving the steepest discount, but the black version is less than $1 more. | Photo: Antonio G. Di Benedetto / The Verge	 
 
 Microsoft’s  Xbox console strategy needs work , but its Bluetooth-ready controller that shipped alongside the Xbox Series X and Series S is fantastic. We think it’s one of the  best Xbox controllers  out there, thanks to its comfortable design, multiplatform compatibility (it works great on the Steam Deck and PC, too), and its textured grips and triggers, which prevent your fingers from slipping during intense games. 

 Thankfully, the Xbox Wireless Controller is discounted in a couple of different colors in the lead-up to  Amazon’s Big Spring Sale . The black version is currently available for the lowest price we’ve seen this year at  Amazon ,  Walmart , and  Target . Originally $64.99, it’s now just $43.49. The white version is $0.49 cents cheaper at  Amazon  and  Walmart . There’s also a discount on a bundle that includes the black-colored model and a USB-C cable to connect it to a device of your choosing, eliminating the need for AA batteries. It costs $2 more, and you can buy it for $44.99 (down from $64.99) at  Amazon . 
  Xbox Wireless Controller 
 The official Xbox Wireless Controller has a dedicated share button for saving clips and screenshots and sharing them online, Bluetooth support, and a USB-C port for charging up Microsoft’s play-and-charge rechargeable battery. 
   
 Where to Buy:      $64.99  $43.49 at  Amazon (black)       $64.99  $43.49 at  Walmart (black)       $64.99  $43 at  Amazon (white)     
 The Xbox controller is also a great Nintendo Switch 2 controller — hear me out! Instead of buying a costly Switch 2 Pro controller, you can buy  8BitDo’s $20 USB Adapter 2 , plug it into your console’s dock, then easily connect the Xbox controller to it. It works in a pinch, though the adapter only supports one paired controller at a time.
            

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