If you want better ease of setup
Choose Hyperkin The Competitor. It scores 4.2 vs 1.0 for ease of setup, with a 4.3 overall score.
Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. Review
Bottom Line
Choose it for Hall effect precision, fast mechanical inputs, and deep modular customization. Skip it if you want wireless play, have smaller hands, dislike its D-pad shape, or already own a recent eSwap that can take Hall effect modules.
Best for
Competitive Xbox and PC players, especially those with larger hands, who value low-latency wired play, Hall effect precision, fast mechanical controls, and modular layouts.
Not for
Players who prioritize wireless freedom, a smaller or lighter controller, a conventional-feeling D-pad, or a lower price; recent eSwap owners can often buy Hall effect modules instead.
Verdict
The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. is at its best as a wired pro controller: its Hall effect sticks are precise, smooth, and resistant to drift, while the mechanical buttons, trigger stops, rear inputs, and modular layout make fast play and per-game customization genuine strengths. Build quality also earns unusually consistent praise. The tradeoff is that the design still feels conservative for the price. It remains wired-only, the chunky body favors larger hands, and several reviewers dislike the D-pad’s shape even when its response is accurate. Add-on modules can also make an already premium purchase substantially more expensive. New eSwap buyers get the clearest value from the H.E. version, while owners of recent modular eSwap pads have less reason to replace the whole controller when Hall effect stick modules can be purchased separately.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
64 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.039 (61%)
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Positive 3.5-4.49 (14%)
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Neutral 2.5-3.412 (19%)
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Negative 1.5-2.41 (2%)
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Very negative below 1.53 (5%)
Pros
-
Modularity is one of the product's defining strengths, allowing fast stick/D-pad rearrangement, alternate modules, and extensive per-game customization.
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Mechanical buttons are one of the controller's clearest strengths, with clicky, tactile, satisfying presses that feel robust and fast.
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Drift resistance is one of the strongest reasons to choose the H.E. version. Hall effect sticks are repeatedly credited with eliminating or greatly reducing drift risk.
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The magnetic modules make a symmetrical PlayStation-style stick layout quick and easy to adopt, and players who prefer that arrangement value the flexibility.
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Competitive play is a core strength thanks to low wired latency, fast mechanical buttons, rear inputs, Hall effect precision, and effective trigger stops.
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Build quality is a standout strength, repeatedly described as sturdy, solid, reliable, and even 'bombproof.' The modular parts still feel secure rather than flimsy.
Cons
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Wireless connectivity is the clearest missing feature. Multiple accounts criticize the controller for remaining wired-only at a premium price.
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One customer had a very poor setup experience, reporting repeated failed attempts to make the desired controller-to-keyboard mapping work.
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Firmware support drew a severe complaint from one customer, who called the firmware useless during failed mapping attempts.
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Upgrade value is limited for owners of earlier eSwap models because the new Hall effect modules can often be bought separately. New buyers get the strongest case for choosing the H.E. version.
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The mechanical buttons are satisfyingly clicky but can be loud enough to bother a roommate in the same room.
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Value is one of the biggest tradeoffs. The controller can feel worth it for its performance and customization, but the high price, paid add-ons, and wired-only design draw repeated criticism.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Video Game Controller, this product is above average in Start and Select button design, screenshot button usefulness, haptic feedback quality, near average in Hall effect stick performance, analog stick smoothness, below average in ease of setup, firmware update support, ergonomics.
Comparison summary
61 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher33 (54%)
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Same as average within 0.3 pts10 (16%)
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Below average 0.4+ pts lower18 (30%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ease of setup | 1.0 | 4.2 | -3.2 |
| Start and Select button design | 5.0 | 2.3 | +2.7 |
| firmware update support | 1.0 | 3.2 | -2.2 |
| screenshot button usefulness | 5.0 | 3.0 | +2.0 |
| haptic feedback quality | 5.0 | 3.1 | +1.9 |
| vibration quality | 5.0 | 3.2 | +1.8 |
| compatibility with Xbox | 5.0 | 3.4 | +1.6 |
| ergonomics | 3.0 | 4.5 | -1.5 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better casual gaming suitability
Choose Turtle Beach Rematch. It scores 4.9 vs 2.5 for casual gaming suitability, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better firmware update support
Choose Asus ROG Raikiri II. It scores 4.4 vs 1.0 for firmware update support, with a 4.3 overall score.
If you want better value for money
Choose GameSir G8 Galileo. It scores 4.6 vs 2.8 for value for money, with a 4.1 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
Razer Wolverine V3 Pro
- More expensive: price and wireless competition The eSwap X2 H.E. costs less than the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, though the rival offers wireless performance.
Sony's DualSense Edge controller
- Compared: included case and package value The similarly priced DualSense Edge includes a hard case, highlighting the eSwap package's weaker protection.
Thrustmaster eSwap X2
- Older model: upgrade value Existing eSwap X2 owners are advised to buy Hall effect modules rather than replace the whole controller.
FAQ
Is the eSwap X2 H.E. wireless?
No. The controller is wired-only, which helps keep input latency very low but is one of the most repeated complaints at this price.
How good are the Hall effect sticks?
They are a major strength, praised for excellent precision, smooth feel, and strong resistance to stick drift.
Is it comfortable for small hands?
The chunky body is best suited to larger hands. Smaller-handed players can adapt, but some found the size and rear-button placement less natural.
Is the D-pad good for fighting games and platformers?
Opinions are mixed. Its mechanical response can be fast and accurate, but several reviewers dislike the raised, blobby shape and find it uncomfortable for directional play.
Is it worth upgrading from an older eSwap?
Usually not if your existing modular eSwap still works well. Several reviewers suggest buying compatible Hall effect stick modules instead of replacing the whole controller.
Who gets the most value from it?
Competitive Xbox and PC players who want wired low latency, Hall effect precision, mechanical buttons, trigger stops, rear inputs, and deep modular customization get the strongest case for the price.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
thesixthaxis.com
While some manufacturers throw out older designs and emblazon their logo across a swathe of all-new devices and designs, iteration has become...
- Review score
- 4.5
lootlevelchill.com
The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. is a beautifully made, durable, weighty little mister with a streamlined, understated aesthetic
- Review score
- 4.0
wired.com
Harder, better, faster, modular. This truly amazing pro-tier controller can be finessed to do just about anything. But it will cost you.
- Review score
- 4.1
thumbculture.co.uk
Are you looking to level up your gaming? Well with the Thrustmaster Eswap X2 H.E you might just get the advantage you need. Come take a look
- Review score
- 4.8
techradar.com
The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. remains a great controller, but one you don’t need to buy if you already own a previous eSwap pad.
- Review score
- 4.0
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