There is no shortage of “pro” controllers on the market these days. Console manufacturers make their own, with Xbox’s Elite Series and PlayStation’s DualSense Edge, and in addition there are a whole host of third-party controllers from all sorts of brands, including Scuf, Razer, Nacon and so on. It can often be difficult to tell which one stands out, but Thrustmaster has created a solution that is definitely unique. Why? Because it is based on a modular format that makes it possible to replace and adjust parts as needed.
This product series is called eSwap, and now a new version of the controller has arrived. It is known as the eSwap X 2 and as the name suggests, this device is built and tailored for the Xbox ecosystem and Windows. With this in mind, the question immediately arises whether you should look towards this gadget or an Elite controller. After testing the eSwap X 2 over the past couple of weeks, I’d definitely say there are reasons to choose this device over Xbox’s official alternative.
One of the main reasons I like the eSwap X 2 is the build quality. This is a solid and sturdy device that exudes a premium feel. Clearly constructed from quality plastics and metals, it feels solid in the hands while exuding a sense of class. It’s not as sleek as an Elite series device, but it’s eye-catching with its black and bronze color palette, and you get the feeling that this device is a workhorse, something you can use for hours without worrying about it failed. I’m early on this point because I’ve gone through several fragile Elite Series units in the past, before deciding to buy a Scuf controller instead, which has lasted for years without fail. I haven’t had several years to test the eSwap X 2, but it’s already clear to me that the build quality is much better here, and that any damages and issues that arise are likely to be easily resolved thanks to the modular style.
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The modularity means that you can in principle replace most of the parts of the controller if you want to add a new aesthetic expression or replace a damaged element. You can remove the analog sticks, D-pad, grips and a number of other areas with the included tool. Some of these areas are even hot-swappable, meaning that in the heat of battle you can pull out an analog stick and swap it out for the D-pad. Admittedly, I’m not entirely sure why you’d want to do that, but if you prefer the layout of the sticks on a PlayStation controller over an Xbox controller, you now have the ability to adjust this on the fly. It’s worth noting that Thrustmaster doesn’t include any extra swappable parts in the base model of this controller, meaning you’ll have to shell out extra cash to buy extra parts if you want to explore the modularity concept. On the other hand, the replaceable parts are very well fixed and never give the impression that they can easily loosen or shift during gameplay.
In addition to the modularity, this device also has the typical “pro” elements. There are lockable triggers and buttons here and there and everywhere that can be customized to your liking, so you never have to worry about taking your thumb off the levers to load a weapon or crouch, for example. This is incredibly useful in fast-paced platform games or multiplayer shooters, and the mechanical buttons that this controller uses also mean that you get great responsiveness, ensuring that your inputs register quickly.
This brings me to the D-pad, which Thrustmaster says is designed with fighting game players in mind. It has curved edges that should make it easier to make diagonal entries, but to be honest, I don’t think there’s much that sets this D-pad apart from the rest. It does its job well and that’s more than enough for me for this part of the device.
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To enhance customizability, you can connect the eSwap X 2 to Thrustmaster’s own software to fine-tune sensitivity levels, dead zones and actuation path of the triggers. This is easy to do and the software is well designed, but you need a PC to access it, which is undoubtedly a hindrance for some Xbox players, and also a feature that many will overlook.
Another area where the eSwap X 2 stands out is the small input field at the bottom of the controller. It’s located right next to an audio jack that allows you to use wired headphones, and with this input line you can adjust the volume, mute the microphone, and even switch between dedicated button profiles. It’s a handy little addition that’s useful for those who intend to use the eSwap X 2 for the foreseeable future, but it does have its limitations, as it doesn’t interact or work with wireless headphones that you (like me) probably already use.
This leads to the biggest catch, which is the main way this device is connected: It’s wired. It might not be a big deal to many, but the number of ports an Xbox console has is limited, and ideally you don’t want one of them to be constantly occupied by a controller. In addition, this is a fairly expensive system, which is in the same price range as an Elite Series 2 controller. At this price point of £170 it’s not unreasonable to expect wireless support, although Thrustmaster could limit the need for Bluetooth systems and even a rechargeable battery by only using cable, which is undoubtedly why they can focus instead on building the unit with more robust, high-quality materials.
So, all in all, you have to make a small trade-off when it comes to this device. Do the limitations of a wired connection outweigh the ingenious and forward-looking elements of the modularity and enduring build quality? If the answer is yes, then this isn’t the device for you, but if not, there’s a lot to enjoy about the eSwap X 2. Regardless, it’s an expensive system for those looking for something truly unique and niche.
2024-02-17 12:00:00
#Thrustmaster #eSwap
