However, think bigger. The modular approach means you can go far beyond layout tweaks with additional components that allow you to completely redesign the controller. If you want a Hall Effect stick with the shorter throw of Xbox standard controllers, go for it. Do you want to turn your pad into a mini steering wheel for racing games? Var vroom! Want to dominate the fighting game scene with the classic six-button layout? Remove the right-hand thumbstick and replace it with those precious extra two face buttons. Do you want the brightness of the LED back? Well, if you have to (but you’ll lose the Hall effect on them). The flexibility to reinvent the controller to your liking is nothing short of fantastic.
The caveat, of course, is that all of these modules are sold separately. Given that the X2 HE already retails for $180 at the time of writing, the pad is designed as Absolutely Whatever you want, it may end up being extremely expensive. If you want two of those Xbox Hall Effect sticks at $30 each, your cost is up to $240, which has to be acknowledged as a staggering amount to spend on one controller.
The hardest pill to swallow is that, despite its high cost, it doesn’t even come with a case to keep your expensive pads safely in place, just a small drawstring cloth bag that holds about X2 HE. This will prevent minor scratches, but provides no real protection. Of course, you can buy an official hard case for it one more $30, but considering Sony packs the DualSense Edge controller for a comparable price to the base X2 HE, it’s hard not to feel like Thrustmaster cheapened out here.
However, there are some physical changes you can make without spending a dime more. The controller comes with a pair of optional thumbstick caps, offering a rounded dome closer to the style of early PlayStation controllers rather than the default stick’s indented top. These can be mounted on or off the existing thumbstick module, but note that there is a extremely The little rubber washer that sits inside the stick shaft is incredibly easy to leave out or, worse, lose if you take them off when replacing them.
strong performance
However, in use, the X2 HE pleases. Despite the modular design, it feels like a strong, reliable whole in any configuration. While Thrustmaster is still trying to “fetch” something with that forced HEART acronym – Hall Effect Accu-Rate Technology – the technology results in unprecedentedly accurate speed and aim in the game.
Meanwhile, the travel distance of the mechanical ABXY and LB/RB shoulder buttons is much shorter than membrane-based pads, providing a satisfyingly fast, responsive feel. The performance of the shoulder triggers can also be changed with a lock switch on the rear, which limits their physical pull distance.