Last year, we took a look at Thrustmaster's Forza Horizon 5 controller, and deemed it largely a success down to the sheer amount of options it granted players - especially racing fans. That gamepad was an FH5-themed version of Thrustmaster's existing 'ESWAP XR PRO' controller - and now the team has delivered a proper follow-up.
Introducing the 'Thrustmaster ESWAP X 2 PRO', the company's latest Xbox Elite-style controller that's been in the works for three years. It features all the bonuses you'd expect — like additional back buttons and trigger stops — along with a whole host of extras.
These pads are built in a 'modular' fashion - meaning users can basically swap out and rotate core components like the analog sticks and the d-pad. If you prefer a PlayStation-style layout or would like to swap between that and an Xbox configuration, you can do so in seconds!
Elsewhere, the ESWAP X 2 PRO is built with competitive gaming in mind, so expect super-quick response times carried over a wired connection. Here's a bit more on this new Xbox controller, which is available now:
"ESWAP X2 represents the new generation of ESWAP X PRO CONTROLLER, maintaining all the features that gamers have come to appreciate over the years. Hot-Swap technology allows for unlimited replacement of the S5 NXG mini-sticks, recognized for their exceptional precision in the world of esports.
This new version improves the lifespan of the mini-sticks, providing players with an extended gaming experience. What’s more, the D-pad’s ergonomic design has been completely reworked in order to simplify and speed up activations."
The Thrustmaster ESWAP X2 is priced at £149.99 / $169.99 / €179.99, so it's not a cheap option by any means. But, if you can jive with a wired controller and like the idea of a fully-modular setup, this could be a solid option for Xbox fans.
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Tempted to get one of these as a gaming treat? Tell us what you think down below.
Comments 13
What's going on with that d-pad? Am I missing something?
I know I sound like a broken record, but you can get the Gamesir G7 SE for £49.99 on Amazon and it has almost all of the features of a pro controller for a fraction of the price. It has instant triggers, programmable back buttons etc but best of all it has hall effect sticks and triggers, so stick drift is a thing of the past. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who is not allergic to a wire. 10/10 controller.
@Sakai Thanks for mentioning that Gamesir G7 controller, all I’ve ever wanted was a controller with an anti-stick drift feature and the £49.99 is a decent price. I’m getting myself one as my Turtle Beach Stealth Recon controller now has stick drift. I like how the Gamesir G7 keeps the simple look without all the gimmicky features like EQ modes.
@Sakai If you want a wired controller, sure.
Most of us don't though. I'm surprised Thrust master even made this controller. Then again their other hardware is super niche as well so maybe that's it.
What worse is all of these will be antiquated once the new city roller revision drops this year that has a gyro, something these lack.
@InterceptorAlpha everyone has their own preferences but we survived for decades with wired controllers, I am sure you will get along fine with it mate, it is 3m so you kind of forget its there to be honest.
@MaccaMUFC make sure you buy the SE as that is the one with hall effect sticks. I have had mine for a while now and find it a really great controller. The sticks are way more accurate than those found in the standard controller aswell, so you get precision and reliability.
Makes you wonder why the standard controller does not have back buttons or hall effect sticks, if gamesir can do it at a reasonable price point.
@Sakai We also got along with a horse and buggy as well but that isn't practical now a days.
I can't tell you the number of cables I have had to repair or plugs replaced due to cable mishaps over the decades despite being notoriously gentle with my hardware.
3m is barely long enough to reach my couch. Let alone provide slack to not yank my PC or console out when an errant animal or child accidentally snags it across the floor.
I've had two consoles irreparably damaged by that alone. An Atari 2600 and a NES. As well as one of the USB ports on my PC being ruined by that.
Definitely not going to chance it with either of my Series X that are mounted or even my PC.
@Kaloudz I believe the main focus of this controller is the swap ability switching from xbox to playstation style and being able to swap the right thumb stick for a 6 button layout. While I'm not in the market for this controller, I really like the modular concept. The new Xbox controller will have many upgrades, I'm really looking forward to that one as well. I may try to hold out for an elite version, but likely won't have the patience.
@Sakai This looks pretty decent and I don't mind a wired connection at all. Might go well with my Series S.
I got an eswap 1 last year and it was fine for a few weeks but I got drift and went back to the official controller. I know whole idea is switch out modules but that was a little too soon for my liking.
What's up with all these wired controllers? Why? I mean ... WHY?
@lokozar Because 1. They are supposed to have less latency and 2. They probably don't want to pay for the wireless license from Microsoft. Actually, I'm not sure Microsoft even licenses the wireless technology for controllers. It might be just for headsets.
@ZYDIO But they don’t have lower latency any longer, and even when we consider older technology, I sincerely doubt a rando player could notice a difference of about 4ms. Doesn’t Scuf make wireless Xbox controllers?
@lokozar Yes they do, but they are using stock Xbox controllers and modifying them. I think that's how they are getting around that.
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