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Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: one-minute review

We’re big fans of Thrustmaster’s eSwap products at TechRadar Gaming but the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. isn’t exactly the big leap forward the brand’s controller lineup needs. As for changes, the clue’s in the name. The H.E. packs in a pair of Thrustmaster’s H.E.A.R.T. Hall effect thumbsticks, which is nice, and means you won’t need to buy them separately. It's one of the best Xbox controllers, but slightly better.

If you’re buying an eSwap controller for the first time, then the H.E. is definitely the one to get. By default, it is the best eSwap gamepad to date by packing those Hall effect sticks in with the already excellent eSwap X2. And yes, you can still expect brilliant build quality and Thrustmaster’s commitment to accessibility and customizability through its swappable stick and D-pad modules.

But don’t expect any changes beyond that, which also means issues that we had with the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 are still present here. It’s a bulky controller that, while ideal for big-handed players, can be a bit unwieldy for anyone else. I also found the D-pad to be a little uncomfortable over long play sessions.

Finally, I’m still baffled by the lack of a wireless connectivity option, given the relatively high price of the controller. This is a competitive-facing controller, and naturally wired connections offer little to no input latency. However, as we see in rival controllers like the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, wireless polling rates are improving, further reducing input lag over 2.4GHz wireless connections on PC. It’s something I’d like to see Thrustmaster at least consider if and when it gets around to making the eSwap X3.

(Image credit: Future)Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.: price and availability

• List price: $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)
• Cheaper than the eSwap X2 in the UK
• Price remains identical to the eSwap X2 in the US

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. launched on October 1, 2025, and is available to buy from Thrustmaster’s website and other stocking retailers for $169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260). In terms of price, it’s on par with the original Thrustmaster eSwap X2 in the US. In the UK, the eSwap X2 H.E. is £10 cheaper than the first eSwap X2, coming in at £149.99 as opposed to the prior model’s £169.99. Bonus.

Looking at the wider controller market, when it comes to pads compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. finds itself among a busy crowd. While cheaper than the excellent Razer Wolverine V3 Pro ($199.99 / £199.99), it finds company with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 ($179.99 / £159.99).

And frankly, I’d recommend the eSwap X2 H.E. over that official Xbox pad in a heartbeat, due to the former’s Hall effect sticks and generally superior build quality.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Specs

Price

$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)

Weight

10.6oz / 0.3kg

Dimensions

6.3 x 4.7 x 2.4in / 160 x 120 x 60mm

Compatibility

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

N/A

(Image credit: Future)Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: design and features

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. remains largely identical to the original eSwap X2 in design. It’s the exact same shape and has all the same features. That includes swappable thumbstick and D-pad modules, trigger locks, and four remappable buttons on the rear of the pad.

You also have a row of on-board function buttons at the bottom of the controller, and these are for headset volume and mic muting, as well as swapping between custom button profiles. You can hit a ‘map’ button to customize the rear remappable buttons, too, if you don’t like the fact that they’re assigned to the four face buttons by default.

The controller does feel quite bulky in the hands, and the thumbsticks rest higher than what you’ll find on the average pad. As such, it really benefits players with larger hands, or those looking for an especially sturdy grip. It’s not quite to my personal preference, but I absolutely can see it being many players’ go-to pad for specifically this reason.

Much like the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded, the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. supports swappable stick and d-pad modules. These are magnetic, and pop out either by pulling them (don’t worry, you’re not at risk of breaking these as they’re especially sturdy and there’s no physical connection), or the included screwdriver which slots into the D-pad. This makes it easy to adopt a symmetrical stick layout if you prefer, or to swap out with other Thrustmaster modules that are sold separately.

As was the case with the eSwap X2, you can expect build quality to be solid here. After all, it is for all intents and purposes also an eSwap X2, just with the addition of those Hall effect sticks included in the box. So no movement or changes on that front.

(Image credit: Future)Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Performance

The inclusion of Thrustmaster H.E.A.R.T. thumbsticks really is the selling point here. These resist stick drift and are a massive improvement over the eSwap X2’s default sticks. They feel super smooth, too, reminding me greatly of the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller’s sublime stick feel.

Like the original X2, the face buttons here are impressively responsive and tactile, offering a mouse click-esque press. You’ll feel the difference immediately if you’re used to the softer, spongier button presses of cheaper pads like the Xbox Wireless Controller. The immediacy of presses here are super satisfying, and that also goes for the clicky bumpers and D-pad.

Speaking of, the D-pad here actually isn’t among my favorites. While I appreciate its responsiveness, the raised, bumpy design is something I found to be quite uncomfortable to use over longer stretches of time. It’s far from horrible, but for platformers, arcade-style games, and the best fighting games, it’s not a great fit.

One other thing to note is that the H.E. is still a strictly wired controller. To an extent, this is to be expected, as what we have here is essentially a slight revision of the eSwap X2. The ‘definitive’ version, quite possibly. I’d definitely like to see Thrustmaster offer a wireless solution for its next big gamepad release, though, as I strongly feel the option should be there when your controller is north of the $120 / £120 mark.

(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.?Buy it if...

You’re new to the eSwap line
If you’re looking to buy an eSwap controller for the first time, then the H.E. really is the only choice you need to make. Depending on where you live, it’s the same price or slightly cheaper than the standard eSwap X2, and offers Hall effect sticks in the box.

You want a chunky, sizable controller
There aren’t many controllers that seem designed primarily for larger hands. This may not have been the intended design goal with the eSwap X2 H.E., but its chunky build and high quality make it extra comfortable if your hands are on the larger size.

Don't buy it if...

You own an eSwap X2
Quite simply, if you already have a Thrustmaster eSwap X2 controller, there’s no reason to buy this latest revision. Instead, you should consider picking up the H.E.A.R.T. modules from Thrustmaster’s website.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. review: Also consider

Not too keen on the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.? Here are a couple more controllers worth considering if you’re planning to upgrade from the stock Xbox Wireless Controller, or otherwise.

Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited

Price

$169.99 / £139.99 (around AU$260)

$209.99 / £179.99 (around AU$322)

$199.99 / £179.99 (around AU$300)

Weight

10.6oz / 300g

9.3oz / 265g

11.53oz / 327g

Dimensions

6.3 x 4.1 x 2.4in / 160 x 105 x 60mm

6.3 x 4.2 x 2.6in / 160 x 106 x 66mm

7.5 x 7.4 x 3.5in / 190 x 189 x 89mm

Compatibility

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC (PlayStation version sold separately)

Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC

Connection type

Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4GHz), Wired (USB-C)

Wireless (2.4Ghz, Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)

Battery life

N/A

Around 20 hours

Around 10 hours

Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded
The Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded is more expensive, but offers wireless connectivity and a similar module-swapping tech to the eSwap X2 H.E. You’re even getting a ‘fightpad’ module in the box that works excellently with fighting games or your favorite arcade classics.

Read our full Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded review

Nacon Revolution X Unlimited
Certainly a strange one at first glance with its built-in LCD display. But this ends up being the Revolution X Unlimited’s best feature, offering plenty of convenient options and features right on the deck without needing to open any external software. A real winner and one of my favorites.

Read our full Nacon Revolution X Unlimited review

How I tested the Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E.

• Tested for a week
• Played a variety of games across Xbox and PC
• Compared to the previous eSwap X2, and the Victrix BFG Pro Reloaded among others

I tested the eSwap X2 H.E. for about a week for this review. I was already familiar with the original eSwap X2 via its excellent Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree special edition, and I found the H.E. to be completely identical in design and performance, with the addition of those included Hall effect sticks.

I played games across Xbox Series X Digital Edition and PC, including Final Fantasy 14 Online, Tekken 8, Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage.

I compared my time with the eSwap X2 H.E. primarily with that of the Victrix Pro BFG Reloaded. Victrix’s pad is the most similar to Thrustmaster’s with its swappable modules. While I do prefer the Pro BFG Reloaded overall, that mainly comes down to personal preference given its aptitude for fighting games and a comfier build for my smaller hands. Still, the eSwap X2 H.E. is more affordable, which is a strong reason to consider it here.

First reviewed October/November 2025

Read more about how we test

The Thrustmaster eSwap X2 H.E. remains a great controller, but one you don’t need to buy if you already own a previous eSwap pad.

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