SteelSeries’ pro-grade, wireless Xbox controller sure is expensive

SteelSeries’ pro-grade, wireless Xbox controller sure is expensive. GamingTechReviewsSteelSeries’ pro-grade, wireless Xbox controller sure is expensiveThe Aeon Pro comes with the same battery-swapping feature that put its high-end headsets on the map.

What happened

SteelSeries is a household name for many gamers, but not when it comes to controllers. Instead of easing into the conversation with reasonably-priced console and PC controllers to build trust, it's kicking down the door with the $259. 99 Aeon Pro wireless controller for Xbox and PC, which starts shipping today. What does one of the […] SteelSeries moved the system-level Xbox buttons to the bottom of the controller. 99 Aeon Pro wireless controller for Xbox and PC, which is now available.

However, I’m not sold on it (or even the OLED screen) being compelling enough to warrant upgrade for if you’re smitten with your current Xbox or PC controllers. SteelSeries is a household name for many gamers, but not when it comes to controllers. What does one of the most expensive controllers out there do that others don’t? There aren’t a ton of other surprises with the Aeon Pro’s hardware compared to other pro-grade controllers.

The wider picture

It has Hall effect joysticks and triggers, and most of its inputs have mechanical switches instead of membranes, yielding a more tactile sensation and sound than the standard Xbox controller, among others. Cameron FaulknerGamingHands-onReviewsTechXboxMost PopularMost PopularLG TVs caught spying even when offline or on standbyApple says ‘Fold’ and competitors ask ‘how wide? ’Six years later, Sony revisits its legendary XM4 headphonesDIY plug-in solar gains momentum in the USThe real reason your phone is getting more expensiveAdvertiser Content FromThis is the title for the native adMore in GamingNintendo isn’t scared of GTA VIThe White House pulls its racist Tetris clonePusheen’s first game is coming to Apple ArcadeNintendo’s Ocarina of Time remake launches in NovemberThe Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct: All the news and trailersPhone gaming is getting a huge graphics boostNintendo isn’t scared of GTA VIAndrew Webster5:13 PM UTCThe White House pulls its racist Tetris cloneEmma Roth4:00 PM UTCPusheen’s first game is coming to Apple ArcadeEmma Roth3:07 PM UTCNintendo’s Ocarina of Time remake launches in NovemberAndrew Webster2:26 PM UTCThe Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct: All the news and trailersAndrew WebsterAn hour agoPhone gaming is getting a huge graphics boostSean Hollister2:00 AM UTCAdvertiser Content FromThis is the title for the native adTop Stories12:00 PM UTCApple says ‘Fold’ and competitors ask ‘How wide? ’An hour agoMeta bets on AI agent Muse to catch up in AI race7:00 AM UTCXiaomi’s wide foldable promises more power than Samsung’s5:27 PM UTCAI power users claim Anthropic duped them with subscriptions, and they’re taking it to court2:04 PM UTCA word with a woman who’s trying to pull off a crossbody phone strapNotifications DrawerSign in to see your notifications or create an account to join the conversation.

Instead of easing into the conversation with reasonably-priced console and PC controllers to build trust, it’s kicking down the door with the $259. The one you’ll likely notice first is its tiny OLED screen that can guide you through swapping between Xbox, PC, or Bluetooth. It lets you adjust most settings on the controller, including genre-based presets. You can remap the controls and adjust rumble sensitivity from the controller, too, but more complex stuff, like adjusting stick deadzones and making profiles, requires the GG app for PC.

Screens on controllers isn’t a new concept, but this one is at least easy to use. RelatedXbox Elite 3 prototype pad leaks with tiny built-in screenIts most appealing feature is the most practical one: its swappable battery system.

What has been reported

The spare gets charged in the included wireless base station (it’s actually the same battery used in the high-end Arctis Nova Pro, Omni, and Elite headsets). The station has two USB-C inputs, one for Xbox and another PC. It can automatically swap sources, though you can manually swap from the controller, as well. They aren’t removable, which SteelSeries says is because modular ones often result in wobbly paddles. Like other buttons, these can be mapped through the controller, or through the GG software on PC.

I like SteelSeries’ swappable battery system, and it’s great to see it come to more peripherals than just its high-end headsets. For those who are wondering about alternatives, Valve’s $99 Steam Controller is a more highly customizable option for PC players. Even on Xbox, there’s no shortage of cheaper, yet highly capable options.

What happens next

Still, for a company that I felt had next to no credibility in the controller space, the Aeon Pro suddenly earned it a place in the conversation. The Aeon Pro comes with the same battery-swapping feature that put its high-end headsets on the map. by Cameron FaulknerSep 8, 2026, 2:00 PM UTCIf you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. Image: Cameron Faulkner / The VergeCameron Faulkner is an editor covering deals and gaming hardware.

He joined in 2018, and after a two-year stint at Polygon, he rejoined The Verge in May 2025. It ships with two batteries, and they last for roughly 12 hours each. The base station can charge a spare battery, though it’s disappointing that there’s only one right way to insert it. And it has two-position trigger stops that let you opt for shorter throws, changing the seamless analog pull into something that feels akin to a mouse click.