How to add trigger stops to an Xbox One controller for only $20
Like the sound of the trigger stops on controllers like the Xbox Elite and Razer Wolverine? For 20 bucks you can have them on your existing controller.
I play a lot of shooters (badly) and one thing I absolutely cannot do without anymore are trigger stops on my controller. When active, they shorten the travel of the triggers making aiming and shooting that little bit quicker. Your responses are sharper and you're firing faster than before.
Of course, they're not so awesome in a racing game like Forza 7, because without the full press of the trigger your car won't accelerate properly. That's the way racing games are designed, so you need to be able to take the trigger stops off again when necessary.
Until now I thought you had to fork out for a pro-grade controller to get this feature. Then I found this amazing kit from Bionik that not only adds trigger stops to a regular controller but does it cheaply as well.
How to add trigger stops to a regular Xbox One controller
You don't need any fancy equipment or a lot of time to get this done. Free up five minutes and grab yourselves this:
That's it. Inside the Quickshot kit, you get a plastic pry tool which will help you remove the old grips and put the new ones on. I've tried this on the newer Xbox One controller that launched with the Xbox One S, but there's no reason to think it wouldn't also fit the original model.
Applying the Quickshot is really simple.
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- Use the plastic pry tool to prise one of the rear grips away from the controller. It's best to start at the top by the triggers as you have an easier edge to get into.
- Once the grip has popped away, firmly pull away from the controller body. It's connected by plastic lugs, but they're pretty sturdy and you'll have to be firm.
- Repeat steps one and two on the other side.
- Firmly push down each Quickshot grip until they click into place. There should be a seamless fit with the controller, so make sure to push down along the whole edge.
That's all there is to it. You now have fully functioning trigger stops on your standard Xbox One controller. To turn them on, just slide the orange latch across and you'll immediately feel the benefits of less travel in your triggers.
Any drawbacks?
Drawbacks, no. Not for $20. The Bionik Quickshot does exactly what it says it will. My only lingering doubt is over the longevity of the product since it's all just bits of plastic, but equally, I don't expect much life from a standard Xbox One controller anymore. And this isn't an expensive accessory, at least.
What you should have are expectations. While the Quickshot does work and it does shorten the travel of your triggers, as an aftermarket accessory it doesn't have the same effect as you'd find on the Elite Wireless or on Razer's controllers. Both of those have a much shorter trigger travel with the stops on. They also cost over $100 each.
But if you're a console shooter fan and you'd really like to improve your experience without spending big bucks on a new controller, this kit is as close to a no-brainer as you'll find. Not only does it add trigger stops, but you'll get a pretty substantial grippy area so things don't get slippy at the crucial moment. It's also available in white.
Richard Devine is a Managing Editor at Windows Central with over a decade of experience. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently, you'll find him steering the site's coverage of all manner of PC hardware and reviews. Find him on Mastodon at mstdn.social/@richdevine