Verdict
Thrustmaster ’s eSwap XR Pro comptroller represents an interesting option for fan of racing plot . It offer a comfy frame that ’s also solidly built , alongside the merriment of a wheel attachment that draw it a unique selection and helps to provide an gratifying gaming experience . However , its high toll may leave fans wanting to trade over to a wheel , or opt for the competition .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
The Thrustmaster eSwap XR Pro represents an intriguing proposition for an Xbox controller , convey with it the wash room of a pro - type control with a feature that no other controller I ’ve used has – a consecrated wheel bond .
This should make it an ideal choice for those well - versed in racing title such as Forza Horizon 5 , or Wreckfest for instance and offers a unlike take on the increasingly well - trodded world of pro controllers .
At £ 169.99/$179.99/€199.99 , it sits aright in the middle of the competition , being price competitively against the likes of theXbox Elite Series 2 , as well as the base config of my personal controller , theScuf Instinct Pro .
Design
From the very moment you look at it , it becomes clear that this specific variant of the eSwap XR Pro is designed with the late iteration of the Forza Horizon series in mind . It feature a snowy and black chassis , with speckles of pink that mimic the game ’s logo and case . What ’s more , there ’s a Forza logo front and heart just above the Xbox button , while the Horizon 5 and Thrustmaster logos flank the steering wheel attachment and right analogue stick , respectively .
There ’s no doubt it ’s an especially on - brand - looking accountant , although the look has the potential drop to be polarise liken to the more subdued aesthetics of the competition . I ’m a lover of it , and as a foresighted - terminal figure player of the Forza serial publication since the very first Motorsport claim on the original Xbox , I ’m the target interview of the eSwap XR Pro .
Compared to more formal Xbox controllers , the eSwap XR Pro carries a taller bod which can take some getting used to , but it is comfortable to have got and rather whole . The lack of any shape of rubberise software however contradict that comfort cistron a chip , though , and it would have been gracious to experience some cushioning on the comptroller ’s setback , like you get with both the Elite Series 2 comptroller and the Scuf Instinct Pro .
Much like with other pro controller , the eSwap XR Pro extend swappable thumbsticks and D - Pad choice , although its execution is different . As opposed to tender modules that you require to take the control asunder for change , Thrustmaster has opt to go for a hot - swappable system where you may just swap out and expend in Modern modules at will . It ’s all held together with firm magnets , so unless you root for especially severely , they are n’t going anywhere .
With these module , the selection of a D - Pad can be change over to the wheel module that features another Forza logotype and offers exquisitely - tuned direction control in titles such as the aforementioned Horizon 5 . This is unlike any other controller I ’ve used and put up the eSwap XR Pro with quite the vantage over the competition in these title .
Beyond that superfluous , the eSwap XR Pro features lockable triggers , a selection of remappable rear buttons , as well as some peculiarly tactile primary ABXY button . These involve mechanical switch that feel similar to the left and good push button on a shiner , offering a snappy locomotion and slick propulsion .
This is also a pumped-up restrainer and arrive with a recollective 3 - metre braid cable system for plug into your microcomputer or Xbox with its bundled USB - A connector . On the other close is the micro USB port that plugs into the eSwap XR Pro – I reckon we ’d free the world of micro USB in 2023 , but it appears Thrustmaster missed the memoranda .
As for packaging , Thrustmaster does n’t make any claim about the publicity used in the eSwap XR Pro , but it number in a well - made cardboard boxwood , alongside foam to support the accountant at bottom , and a thin cardboard housecoat for the overseas telegram . There do n’t seem to be any charge card in sight .
Performance
In leap out into some of my favorite racing titles to apply the eSwap XR Pro , I wanted to demand the doubt of whether the eSwap XR Pro extend any tangible benefits compare to more formal controllers . After all , its wheel adherence is designed for more accurate wheel movement in racing games to potentially offer the benefit of quicker overlap prison term .
This led me down the garden path of Forza Horizon 5 ’s hebdomadary Rivals consequence where you take a sentence trial with a specific car on a specific tour , and attempt to pose the clock time of other players . I pack a few lap with my Scuf Instinct Pro to get used to the car and track combo , before moving over to the eSwap XR Pro to see if there was any tangible departure .
The eSwap XR Pro took some getting used to , with my instinct kick in to use the odd thumbstick for guidance before I finally substantiate I had a full 91 degrees of steering revolution at my garbage disposal where the D - Pad would normally be . The cycle attachment does exactly what it says on the canister , ply me with some more accurate guidance and let me to be a little braver into certain corner . In more colonnade - based titles such as Wreckfest , the eSwap XR Pro also provides more control , especially when cable car are off balance , and you involve that finer - tune input to readjust .
My only issue with the wheel adhesion is the lack of feedback for inputs , unlike with dedicated bike peripherals , such as my trusty Logitech G920 . This decrease the dousing a tad , and makes the eSwap XR Pro a bit of a confusing proffer when a dedicated wheel can be had for a little more than this controller – the G920 is £ 200 , for instance , and will provide more immersion in race titles than the eSwap XR Pro can provide .
With this in mind though , the vibrations on offer are satisfying and offer a dainty amount of feedback . It is n’t jarring , unlike with theNacon Pro Compact Controller , too . What ’s more , all the button convey a nice tactility to them , and the thumbsticks provide accurate input .
Even when not being used in step on it titles and with the standard D - Pad , the eSwap XR Pro impressed , with accurate comment and solid tactility in shooters such as Call of Duty World War II . Here , the lockable triggers were handy for provide snappier , mouse - like inputs .
Compatibility is a cinch with the USB - A pumped connection making it suitable for both Xbox and personal computer with no hitches . The mien of such a farsighted cable also makes the eSwap XR Pro suitable for employment in virtually any context , also meaning you wo n’t be worry about assault and battery life or likely reaction time issuing .
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Should you buy it?
The eSwap XR Pro is singular in offer a dedicated wheel attachment for more accurate inputs in racing title .
If it ’s a controller with wireless freedom you ’re after , the eSwap XR Pro ’s micro - USB electrify connexion is n’t going to be for you , though .
Final Thoughts
I stand by my initial forecast that the Thrustmaster eSwap XR Pro offers a unequaled and perhaps rather odd choice for those looking for a pro - grade Xbox controller . The addition of a wheel attachment may seem like a novelty , given that dedicated racing wheels can be had for a alike cost , and the eSwap XR Pro perhaps serve a query that very few people have ever require .
However , that ’s not to say it offers a regretful experience – that ’s as far from the truth as it gets . The eSwap XR Pro offer an excellent experience in my testing , help to offer more accurate inputs in the likes of Forza Horizon 5 , as well as the usual accoutrements we ’ve number to ask from controllers at this damage point such as lockable triggers , tactile button , and swappable induction module .
Apart from the addition of the rack attachment though , the likewise - priced contender on offer in the form of theXbox Elite Series 2andScuf Instinct Prooffer more of a rounded experience that ’s likely to suit a wider player groundwork .
Trusted Score
How we test
We expend every game controller we test for at least a calendar week . During that time , we ’ll determine it for ease of use and put it through its paces by trifle a variety of different genre .
We also check the controller ’s software support and battery life if applicable .
FAQs
The Thrustmaster eSwap X Pro is not wireless and comes with a Micro USB wired connexion .
Full Specs
