When it comes to the official Xbox Series X|S controller, it features rather minor upgrades to its predecessor for a next-gen device. It has a new share button and a software to remap some keys but there are no new features or a new look (or even gimmicks) that truly sets it apart as a  “next-gen” controller. In comparison, its competitor, the PS5’s DualSense controller, has some of those features (or gimmicks) like a built-in microphone, adaptive triggers, “immersive haptic feedback” and even a new look that clearly demarcates it from a last-gen controller. But don’t fix what’s not broken, right? However, what if existing features could be enhanced? 

For this purpose, Thrustmaster released the officially licensed ESWAP X PRO controller. It presents itself as an alternative to the Xbox Series X|S’ Elite gamepad but with added hardware and software features to give gamers more control over the way they game--quite literally so.

This is possible thanks to the ESWAP X PRO’s modular design, allowing users to change the position of the controller’s joysticks and D-pad. It’s an update to the company’s previously-released ESWAP PRO controller and I was looking forward to seeing what Thrustmaster calls “the next generation of premium controller” has to offer.

Unboxing and impressions

From the packing itself, you can tell that the ESWAP X PRO is a premium product. It’s made of hard carton with a laminated finish which opens with a magnetic flap. Well-cushioned inside this fancy box are the following:

• 1x ESWAP X PRO controller
• 1x micro-USB to USB cable
• 1x Screwdriver
• 2x Mini-stick caps
• 1x Soft pouch
• Instruction manuals

    

Once out of the box, the premium feel extends beyond the box and onto the hardware. Indeed, the ESWAP X PRO has a nice heft to it that adds to this premium feeling (but might not be optimal for those looking for lighter controllers). This added weight is also due to the technology that the controller packs, but we’ll get to that in a bit.

While the design might be familiar to the Xbox controller, featuring the Xbox logo button and the ‘Share’ button as with the Series X|S, the ESWAP X PRO is slightly different in shape, with a larger middle portion and thinner grips. Nevertheless, it’s very comfortable in the hands, with each button easily accessible, and the A/B/X/Y buttons and D-pad offering a satisfying click to them which are equally satisfying when pressed.

With the initial feelers done, let’s put the controller in action.

Next-gen controls

Thrustmaster touts the ESWAP X PRO as packing next-generation (NXG) analog mini-sticks which, compared to previous Thrustmaster mini-sticks, having better physical resistance (+33%), improved re-centering precision (+66%), and double the lifespan for the built-in mini-stick buttons (+100%). While these make for good marketing fillers, when used to game, the ESWAP X PRO performs as expected from a so-called premium controller.

Moving/aiming with the joysticks is accurate; the buttons, under which are new tact switches, are responsive to every single press; and those clicks, on top of being satisfying, offer audible feedback of each button press so you know when/if you did command an action. I’ve played through Yakuza: Like A Dragon and Horizon Zero Dawn with the controller on my PC and encountered no issues, and I have a jolly good time using it for third-person titles.

But what enticed me more with this gamepad was the versatility it offers through its customization. The D-pad and each analog stick are in fact separate modules that attach magnetically to a slot in the gamepad. It’s what Thrustmaster calls T-MOD technology. This allows you to have the classic Xbox controller layout, symmetrical PlayStation-like layout, or go wild and have three analog sticks as modules are sold separately, with Thrustmaster planning to release more in the future. Already there are different colored modules sold separately and future ones could include shorter or longer sticks to accommodate for different needs and playstyles. In addition, the sticks’ caps are also easily removable by unscrewing them and replacing with concave or convex ones (the package comes with a set of each).

   

Each analog stick module is easily swappable by pulling on it while the D-pad one needs a little extra effort by using the flat end of the included screwdriver and pulling. At first I was concerned that this fancy-looking swap tech would lead to modules fitting loosely to their slot. But to my relief, this was not the case. The modules stay securely fixed on the spot, without any wobbling thanks to the strong magnet. The stick caps are also held in place once screwed in.

Here I wish that the A/B/X/Y buttons were also in a swappable module of their own. This would not only allow users to get funky and experimental with the buttons layout but it would also open doors to future modules such as backlit or customized A/B/X/Y keys.

While this is not the case with this gamepad model, there are other components of the ESWAP X PRO that are still swappable. There’s the grips which are also magnetically attached to the gamepad, and can be changed for different colors and could even host future mods giving added textures. The other removable components are the RT and LT triggers but they aren’t secured via magnets but rather screws.

  

Regarding the triggers, the ESWAP X PRO features a physical locking mechanism at the back of the controller for each trigger. Switching the easily accessible lock will decrease the physical range of travel on the triggers by 50%. This shorter travel range will enable you to perform the desired action quicker, with less effort and can be advantageous in shooter games requiring fast response and firing rate.

While we are at the back of the device, you’ll also notice 4 other buttons and they are akin to the ones found on the Xbox Elite and SCUF controllers. With the ESWAP X PRO, these additional buttons are mappable on-the-fly with a few button presses (press desired profile button, press the ‘Map’ button to see a LED light flash, hold the button to modify, press the button to assign and the LED light turns solid). What’s more, the controller stores two profiles on board so you can easily swap between pre-configured settings.

But it does not end there with buttons mapping. With the ThrustmapperX software (available on the Xbox and Microsoft Stores), you’ll have access to advanced mapping and customization. In addition to remapping more than the 4 keys at the back, you can remap virtually all buttons (except the Menu, View and Share ones), adjust the sensitivity, dead zones (rounded or square) and vibration levels to your liking. I found it to be particularly useful in mapping LSB, RSB, LB and RB to the 4 buttons at the back as these are more easily reached with my fingers positioned ergonomically over them.

   

On the underside of the controller are a few additional buttons on either sides of the headphone jack. On the right side are the aforementioned mapping and profile keys. And on the left you’ll find a button to mute microphone and adjust the volume of the headphones.

As such, the ESWAP X PRO offers an incredible amount of customization on both hardware and software side. In addition, these personalized adjustments can be done quickly and easily. The modules not only allow for customized button configurations but also easy replacement from damage or simply wear and tear. On a related note, the buttons and D-pad can be activated more than 5 million times each while the pre-calibrated analog mini-sticks can be activated more than 2 million times each. Being able to only swap the required module that has outlived its lifespan rather than trash the whole controller is a personally enticing feature.

But this next-gen controller does come with some caveats which we’ll get to next.

The last-gen tech that’s missing

The most critical omission with the ESWAP X PRO is the lack of Bluetooth connectivity. Sure a wired connection is steady, has less input lag and does not need to be charged but the wireless connection should still have been an option for those looking to declutter their gaming setup from the tangled mess of wires. The Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 comes packed with a Bluetooth option and the ESWAP X PRO, which is directly competing against the former, has no reason not to include one. This is one feature I will greatly miss with this controller.

I am hoping that a future module could remedy this and support Bluetooth connectivity via a dongle at least. But this might not happen as the only port available is a micro-USB one at the top of the device for the USB cable. There is not even a port for the Xbox Chatpad. Thrustmaster could have included a USB-C port to open up such potentials for other modules from Thrustmaster itself.

While the ESWAP X PRO features a similar layout to the official Xbox controller, it is still from a different mold. I found that the ‘Menu’ and ‘View’ keys are positioned a bit too high up for my preference and would have been more easily reached had they been located a few millimeters lower.

Still about buttons, the four ones at the back of the gamepad can be missed as they are rather small. Here, triggers as the Elite Xbox controller uses would be helpful.

Time to swap to the ESWAP?

That said, I’m very satisfied with the quality, performance and versatility of the ESWAP X PRO. Priced at $160 on the official store (or £149.99 / €169.99) , it is more affordable than the official Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 which costs $180 and still offers more functions. Sure, Bluetooth is lacking and I will have to stick to a wired connection but I’m willing to compromise this for the easily swappable components which offer customization beyond aesthetic and for functionality.

EDIT:

Following the publication of this review, Thrustmaster wanted to clarify a few things:

• The lack of Bluetooth connection is because they are focusing on professional gaming and opted for a wired one to avoid the risk of any calibration problems, latency issues or lost connections that might disrupt any game session.
• The lack of a Chatpad port is common in third-party controllers and it is true to any third party controller not having that support.
• The A/B/X/Y buttons aren’t modular because it is a restriction from Microsoft, and as such Thrustmaster was not allowed to the opportunity to change the action buttons’ position.

These comments did not alter the score nor content of the review in any way.