At what point do we admit Xbox controllers are amazing to use but trash to own?

I’m on a Series S and the controller feels perfect to actually use. Better than the PS5 for me. The ergonomics are spot on, my thumbs don’t get tired, and the layout just works. I can play COD and EAFC for hours without any hand pain.

But the build quality… bro. LB and RB have broken on me multiple times just from playing normally. LT and RT start feeling sticky after a few months like the mechanism inside is already worn out. It’s always something.

I even had stick drift in the third month of owning the console. Microsoft replaced it quickly, but still, three months?

And on top of all that, the controller still isn’t rechargeable by default in 2025. I’m still throwing AA batteries into a “next-gen” controller like it’s an old TV remote. The whole thing feels plasticy and nowhere near premium.

The part that gets me is this is the exact same controller that comes with the more expensive Xbox Series X too. Like what made Xbox stick with this design and build for another generation? Was it cost? Manufacturing? Nostalgia? What’s the logic here?

Elite controllers are obviously great, but at 135 to 150 dollars, that’s basically half the price of my Series S.

What’s everyone using right now? Are you on the regular controller, an Elite, or some third-party one that’s actually durable? Would love to know if anyone found something that feels premium and doesn’t fall apart in a few months.