We analyze the new Thrustmaster controller for Xbox Series (compatible with One and PC) that comes with its main features: modular parts and good components.
Thrustmaster is another of the companies that has been in the field of controls and accessories for PC and console for a long time. At the time we already talked about its control for PS4, highlighting several virtues in the form of its components, modular pieces and other necessities. Now it is the turn of its version for Xbox Series X | S, a command that is on sale now and that comes with the same hallmarks of the version we tested a few months ago. Thrustmaster’s commitment to offering something that can be molded to the taste of each user is an attraction worth knowing. We detail it.
The first thing worth noting about the new Thrustmaster eSwapX Pro Controller is that it maintains the company’s design. It is a robust controller, somewhat larger than standard Xbox controllers, and it shows when we pick it up. It is surely a plus point for users with larger hands, but in any case it does not feel uncomfortable if you have smaller hands. At the ergonomic level, it has a depth just at the top of where we take the control, making it adapt well to the grip, which has a non-slip part on the sides of the grips. The only “but” that we find in its general design is that to get to the management buttons in the center –options, start, share, Xbox button- the route is somewhat greater than in the normal controller or in the Elite, and there you can see the difference in size.
For what it represents the rest of the most common buttons, they can be accessed without problems. The structure of the controller is the same as that of the Xbox Series, with two sticks, a crosshead, four main buttons, LB and RB and the triggers, in addition to the function buttons that we have already mentioned. The sensations it transmits are of robustness, of quality components. It has a correct weight and all the buttons respond precisely to our press. The main four and the LB / RB have a great response and very good sensitivity. For its part, the analog sticks do not have dead spots and are very smooth. We liked your response by testing games in the first person.
Finally, it is time to talk about the crosshead. He easily marks the four directions and the diagonals, and for 2D platformers and the like his answer is more than correct. In somewhat more complex actions, such as air-dash in a fighting game, if we notice that the touch may not be as precise as the Series X control crosshead can be, but we are talking about nuances and in general, we I liked his response when making the main movements of fighting games like Dragon Ball FighterZ or Mortal Kombat 11, which is what we have tested it with.
Accessories and customization
But where the eSwapX Pro Controller wants to make a difference is precisely in the extras and everything it offers at the level of customization. As a good premium remote, it has several accessory buttons on the back. We will have four buttons to which we can assign movements and functions that fit perfectly there, such as jumping, running, crouching, etc. Functions normally in places such as sticks or buttons that cannot be pressed at the same time that we move the right stick (such as jumping and aiming) and that in this type of controls the solution is given. In addition, its functions can be assigned directly from the remote, by pressing the lower area of it, where we connect the Jack cable.
The problem that we see with the eSwapX Pro Controller in this regard is that the buttons are somewhat small. Unlike others, which offer larger buttons, or the Elite, which has paddles that are easy to reach, here they are somewhat small buttons, and while two are easy to reach because they are more open towards the ends, the two buttons Later and superiors have a somewhat more complicated reach in hands that are not too large. On the other hand, the Thrustmaster for Xbox also allows us to calibrate the triggers to block their travel at 50%, something that is used a lot to, when shooting, get the maximum burst in the shortest time, without having to press until the background.
What makes the difference of this product is the possibility of exchanging the modules where we find the crosshead and the two sticks. This serves various functionalities. The first, in case we want to place the crosshead in the upper area of the control and the stick below, as happens with the DualSense and DualShock. To this is added the possibility of changing the mushrooms of the sticks: those that come standard are like sunk for a better grip with our yolk, but there are others that are round. In any case, it is as easy as unscrewing them and placing them so that they fit well.
Another of the functions available with this remote is precisely to be able to add two more buttons on the right side, getting six buttons in line like some fightpads, something that is done thinking exactly for the controllers of fighting games. In addition, we have verified that the complements and accessories of the Thrustmaster controllers (new colors are sold separately, proposals such as these buttons for fighting games, etc.) can be exchanged between controllers on different platforms. Those of PS4 work with Xbox and vice versa.
conclusion
Thrustmaster eSwapX Pro Controller is a Premium controller that brings everything you need for those looking for a controller with more functions than the original Xbox Series. Travel lock triggers, four rear buttons, and quality components for robust control with highly responsive mechanical cut buttons. The analog sticks are smooth with no dead spots and the crosshead delivers. It is a remote that people with bigger hands will appreciate due to its size and arrangement of some of the buttons, and the possibility of modifying it with the modules (more buttons, position of the crosshead, etc.) is a plus point to adapt to all needs. Unfortunately, we consider the rear buttons to be somewhat small and less intuitive to press than on other controls in its range, and the crosshead, although we like it and it has a good response, does not improve those of the original remote.
