Xbox Wireless Controller (Black)
Controller · 2020
Xbox Series S
Zen 2 · 4 TFLOPS RDNA 2 · 1440p target
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Xbox Wireless Controller (Black) lands at 82 and Xbox Series S at 82. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Xbox Wireless Controller (Black) if…
- ✓Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- ✓Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- ✓Cross-platform compatibility
Pick Xbox Series S if…
- ✓Cheapest path into Game Pass + Quick Resume
- ✓Compact white form factor
- ✓120 FPS target at lower resolutions
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testGames
Xbox Wireless Controller (Black)Compared on the games sub-score
Xbox Wireless Controller (Black) leads on games (86 vs 84).
Features
Xbox Series SCompared on the features sub-score
Xbox Series S leads on features (86 vs 80).
Performance
Xbox Wireless Controller (Black)Compared on the performance sub-score
Xbox Wireless Controller (Black) leads on performance (82 vs 80).
Value for money
Xbox Wireless Controller (Black)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Xbox Wireless Controller (Black) more score per dollar ($59 vs $299).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Xbox Wireless Controller (Black) | Xbox Series S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Controller | — |
| Color | Black | — |
| Release year | 2020 | — |
| CPU | — | Custom AMD Zen 2 8C @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz with SMT) |
| GPU | — | Custom RDNA 2, 20 CUs @ 1.565 GHz, 4.006 TFLOPS |
| RAM | — | 10 GB GDDR6 (8 GB @ 224 GB/s + 2 GB @ 56 GB/s) |
| Storage | — | 512 GB internal SSD |
| Output | — | 1440p target up to 120 FPS |
| Dimensions | — | 275 × 151 × 65 mm |
| Weight | — | 1.93 kg |
Xbox Wireless Controller (Black)
- +Hall-effect sticks (select SKUs)
- +Hot-swap triggers (elite tier)
- +Cross-platform compatibility
- −Battery replacement paid on some
- −Software dependency
- −Stick drift still possible (non-Hall)
Xbox Series S
- +Cheapest path into Game Pass + Quick Resume
- +Compact white form factor
- +120 FPS target at lower resolutions
- −512 GB SSD fills fast
- −10 GB total RAM splits between 8 GB fast + 2 GB slow
- −No disc drive
FAQ: Xbox Wireless Controller (Black) vs Xbox Series S
Which is better, Xbox Wireless Controller (Black) or Xbox Series S? +
Both score 82 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Xbox Wireless Controller (Black) worth the price? +
At $59, Xbox Wireless Controller (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in games.
Is Xbox Series S worth the price? +
At $299, Xbox Series S delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in value.
Does Xbox Wireless Controller (Black) or Xbox Series S last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for games, Xbox Wireless Controller (Black) or Xbox Series S? +
Xbox Wireless Controller (Black) — leads on games (86 vs 84). Compared on the games sub-score.
Which is better for features, Xbox Wireless Controller (Black) or Xbox Series S? +
Xbox Series S — leads on features (86 vs 80). Compared on the features sub-score.