The pros and cons of using wired or wired. Wireless Xbox controllers

I’m an Xbox gamer who struggles with dead batteries quite often. I stuck with a pair of rechargeable AAs for years, and while I could connect my standard Xbox controllers to my console via USB, I never do. There’s a reason the Xbox (and most consoles over the past few decades) come with wireless controllers by default: convenience.

Now, wired Xbox controllers have some advantages. There’s no battery to worry about and syncing issues aren’t a problem either. The next time you’re looking to buy a game controller, consider the pros and cons of both wired and wireless Xbox controllers.

Competitive gamers want the fastest response times from a controller, so that there is minimal delay between what they do and what happens on screen. The wireless connection introduces latency, so you’d think this area would be a breeze for wired controllers. Surprisingly, it’s not that clear.

Polling Rate Test reports similar polling rates (how often the controller reports its status to the console or PC) for Microsoft’s Xbox controllers when used via USB and via the Xbox Wireless Adapter. The latter is an accessory that uses the same proprietary connection protocol of Xbox consoles to connect the controller to a PC. Each polling rate is around 125 Hz, which means a maximum input delay of around eight milliseconds. In a game running at 60 frames per second, that’s about half a frame of lag, which isn’t noticeable to most people.

However, it is not a measure of the total delay between pressing a button and when something happens. On the Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft uses dynamic latency input to send your last button presses just before the game needs them, helping it respond sooner.

It’s different if you connect via Bluetooth (to a PC or phone/tablet). The polling rate test estimates that you’ll see an additional four to eight milliseconds of delay, but this will also depend on your setup (like how many other wireless devices are nearby). If your controller seems slow to respond, it’s worth trying a wired connection. A cable won’t completely eliminate input lag, but it can be useful if a wireless connection isn’t reliable in your situation.

Your screen and the game you’re playing are also important, as frame rates and game performance can cause lag in what you see on screen.

As mentioned, I always replace pairs of rechargeable AA batteries when gaming. There’s never a good time for your controller to run out of power, unless you’ve just finished playing. This is a minor inconvenience when playing a single-player title, but can completely interrupt an online match.

A wired controller solves this problem entirely. You don’t need batteries since it is powered via USB. You don’t need to worry about when to recharge, and there are no ongoing costs to replace your batteries. Any suitable USB data cable should work, so you may want to keep one around in case the batteries run out.

If you prefer to use a wireless controller, this will take a little more planning. Microsoft estimates that you can play with a standard controller for up to 40 hours using AA batteries, but that will depend on the batteries, as well as whether you’re using accessories like a headset or plug-in keyboard. Keeping a pair of rechargeable AAs on hand for quick swapping is a good compromise.

Microsoft also has another solution you can try: the Xbox Rechargeable Battery. You place the battery where AA batteries normally go, then use the included 9-foot USB-C cable to charge it. The cable is long enough that you can plug it into your console if battery life gets low during a session. It is a good alternative to rechargeable batteries since they require their own charger.

The inconvenient aspects of a wired controller are only a problem in certain configurations, so consider where you use your Xbox controller the most. At a desk, you probably don’t expect people to walk in front of you, so a cable doesn’t create a tripping hazard or something kids could pull on.

In a living room, a wire is more likely to become an obstacle. Think about cable distance: how much length do you need to sit comfortably with some room to move? If there’s too much slack, the wires can wrap around furniture or get caught when you get up and forget about them. Running a cable under a rug or along a baseboard can help, but it’s not always possible.

With a wireless controller, you don’t have to worry about these worries. You can sit anywhere in the room where you can comfortably see the screen and easily swap controllers if you’re playing with friends and family.

There are many cheaper third-party Xbox controllers that only offer wired support. Basic corded models from brands like PowerA and PDP are wise if you’re looking for an affordable replacement part. The benefits of wired pads may be even more relevant for a controller you don’t use often. For example, you don’t have to worry about dead batteries from a controller that’s been sitting dormant for months when a friend comes over several times a year for split-screen.

Third-party controllers can also make changes to the official Xbox layout. For example, they might include additional customizable buttons on the back that handle actions you typically use your thumb for. Others, like the GameSir G7 SE, feature improved Hall effect joysticks, using magnetic sensors instead of conventional sticks that can start to drift over time.

Compatibility is not guaranteed, even with an Xbox-style button layout, so check it before purchasing Xbox accessories. Some models can work wirelessly on a PC, but are limited to USB connections for an Xbox console.

The most important pros and cons depend on your setup. For most people, the latency when connecting to an Xbox wirelessly isn’t noticeable, and it’s very convenient to avoid cables. If you’re playing on a PC, opting for a wired connection avoids the increased latency of Bluetooth. The key differentiator is whether you want the freedom to move around or prefer a wired connection that won’t require you to swap batteries. The only way to be sure is to try it out and see how well a wired controller fits your setup.