Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. Feature Scores
Explore all 64 feature scores for Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E., organized into pros and cons.
Scores by Feature
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
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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.
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The Hall effect sticks are the headline upgrade, bringing excellent precision, smooth feel, strong tracking, and much better long-term drift resistance.
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Durability is a major strength. The controller and its magnetic modules are described as sturdy, dependable, and capable of holding up through heavy use.
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Face buttons are consistently praised for crisp, immediate response, with short actuation that makes inputs feel fast and precise.
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Stick precision is excellent, with Hall effect models delivering extremely accurate movement, aiming, and steering and earlier sticks also praised for precise control.
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The controller earns strong praise for precision, build quality, customization, and mechanical inputs. Price, wired-only operation, size, and the D-pad are the main reservations.
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Bumpers are consistently fast and clicky, with the mechanical shoulder controls contributing to the controller's immediate response.
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Software customization is deep, covering stick curves and dead zones, trigger behavior, button mapping, profiles, and other detailed settings.
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Stick movement feels notably smooth and slick, with the Hall effect modules drawing especially strong praise for their feel.
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Input lag is a major strength of the wired design, with near-zero latency and quick USB-C response repeatedly highlighted.
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Firmness, heft, and sturdy construction give the controller a convincing premium feel, even when the design itself stays understated.
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Shooter performance is strong, helped by precise sticks, short trigger travel, and fast buttons; several accounts found aiming or reaction-heavy play easier.
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The modular layout is especially helpful for accessibility, letting players quickly rearrange stick and D-pad positions around different needs and preferences.
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Long-term consistency looks strong, with the controller described as remaining reliable and precise through extended play.
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Two personalized profiles can be stored on the controller and switched with dedicated controls, making different game setups easy to keep ready.
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Trigger response is excellent when the physical locks are engaged, cutting travel and making presses faster for shooters and other quick-input games.
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Physical trigger stops are highly effective, sharply reducing travel and making the triggers quick and easy to activate.
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Wired performance is excellent for latency and competitive response, but the tether remains restrictive and inconvenient for living-room use.
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The understated black design feels mature and premium, although mixed matte and glossy surfaces create a little visual inconsistency.
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The included cable is long enough for most setups, with the H.E. version extending the leash compared with an earlier model.
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Fighting-game suitability is mixed. Some praise the mechanical D-pad and optional fight-focused layouts, while others find the D-pad shape uncomfortable enough to avoid for fighters.
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The bumpers have a satisfying clicky feel that matches the controller's strong mechanical-button quality.
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PC use is a strong fit; the controller was tested as a daily driver and described as a tremendous PC controller.
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Xbox use is equally strong, with the controller praised as a tremendous Xbox pad and designed around the familiar Xbox control layout.
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The main inputs and rear buttons are positioned clearly and comfortably, keeping key controls easy to reach.
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The face buttons use very short actuation travel, helping inputs register quickly and giving the controls a snappy feel.
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Haptic feedback feels satisfying in normal play, with the revised rumble praised for being more controlled and enjoyable.
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Dedicated onboard volume controls beside the headset jack are a welcome convenience that keeps common audio adjustments off external menus.
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Four programmable rear inputs add meaningful competitive flexibility and can be customized to suit different games.
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Racing performance is excellent, with Hall effect sticks providing especially precise steering in Forza.
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The Share button is prominent and easy to locate alongside the other Xbox function controls.
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The View and Menu controls are more prominent than on some related Thrustmaster designs, making them easier to find in play.
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Hall effect sticks are particularly effective for racing, giving fine, confident steering control in Forza.
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Rumble is much improved over the earlier overly intense tuning, settling into a more traditional and deeply satisfying vibration feel.
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Comfort is best with larger hands: the chunky body can feel very comfortable there, while smaller hands may need time to adapt.
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Remapping is powerful when it works, with rear buttons and other inputs configurable through software or onboard controls. One customer, however, could not get the desired keyboard mapping to function.
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At around 300g, the controller has reassuring heft without a battery, but its weight becomes more noticeable during long play.
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ThrustmapperX gives broad access to controller tuning, making it a capable companion for players who want to fine-tune inputs.
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The D-pad performs accurately even when its shape is disliked; functionally, it was described as matching the high performance of the other inputs.
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The sturdy black-plastic construction feels robust and appropriate for a premium wired controller.
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USB-C is a welcome modernization over the older connection and helps make the wired setup more current and convenient.
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Platformer control is mixed because stick precision is excellent, but the D-pad's uncomfortable shape can make directional platforming less pleasant.
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The extra lower buttons require a short adjustment period before they feel natural.
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.
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Casual players may find the controller excessive for the money, especially if they mainly want drift-resistant sticks and can get that more cheaply elsewhere.
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The substantial heft can wear on the hands over longer sessions; after a few hours, the weight is hard to ignore.
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The package is mixed: Hall effect sticks and alternate caps add value, but the lack of a proper hard case and extra modules feels stingy at this price.
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D-pad feel is divisive. Some praise its crisp mechanical click, while others find the raised, blobby shape uncomfortable and indistinct under the thumb.
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Grip treatment is mixed. Rubberized side pads add purchase, but another take found the grips and removable panels too slick and sub-par.
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The analog triggers work, but the lack of Hall effect trigger sensors is a missed opportunity for better precision and long-term reliability.
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The bulky shape favors big-handed players and can feel unwieldy for others, so the ergonomics are not universally accommodating.
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The controller's large, chunky body strongly favors bigger hands. Smaller-handed players can adapt, but several found the size less natural or more cumbersome.
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Rear-button usefulness depends heavily on hand fit. They can provide a competitive edge, but some players find them less intuitive or prone to accidental presses.
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Rear-button placement is polarizing: it fits some hands naturally, while smaller-handed users can struggle with the central position or trigger buttons accidentally.