“In terms of price-to-performance, it’s hard to beat”: This Xbox gamepad might be better value than Microsoft’s version — but there’s one feature I desperately wish it had

Drakong Challenger: One-minute review The Drakong Challenger takes aim at the budget controller market by offering a basic but high-performing pad.

On the style front, the Challenger is very much a case of function over form.

You’d be hard-pressed to tell it apart from your run-of-the-mill Xbox controller, although the green rings around the thumbsticks are one notable point of difference.

Just like that controller, the Challenger is very comfortable in the hand.

It’s also surprisingly well-made, with a solid shell and planted buttons.

What’s more, it’s pleasingly light, making it easy to use for long periods.

All this makes it one of the best Xbox Controllers at the budget end of the sector in terms of construction. (Image credit: Future) Although there’s no software to accompany the Challenger, you can assign the back buttons quite easily using the M button.

A rumble notifies you when your assignments have been confirmed, which is a useful indicator.

The Challenger impresses in action.

The triggers and sticks are as smooth and precise as you would expect from their Hall Effect technology, while the D-pad and face buttons are satisfyingly damped and quick to respond and rebound.

The back buttons are a little less tactile, but they suffice nonetheless.

Given how inexpensive it is, you’d seriously have to consider the Challenger over a standard Xbox controller or any other, for that matter, so long as wireless connectivity is something you’re willing to sacrifice. (Image credit: Future) Drakong Challenger review: Price & availability $34.99 (about £25 / AU$50) One month of Game Pass Ultimate included Good price-to-performance ratio The Drakong Challenger costs $34.99 (about £25 / AU$50) and is available now.

It comes with a USB-C cable, as well as a code for a one-month free trial of Game Pass Ultimate.

The Challenger is cheaper than the official Xbox Wireless Controller , although that gamepad has the advantage of wireless connectivity.