How to add new grips to your Xbox One controller

We've all been there. In the heat of the battle, your palms get a little clammy and suddenly the slick plastic of your Xbox One controller isn't your friend.

What you need is some actual grip. Some controllers come with it built in, like the Elite Wireless, Razer's Wolverine controllers and custom options from Scuf Gaming. But you don't need a new controller to get some grip.

It's really easy to add some yourself for just a few dollars. I'm not talking about silicon skins or anything, instead I'll be showing you how to replace the grip panels on the controller with something much better. Here's what you need and how you do it.

What you need

How to change the grips on your Xbox One controller

  1. 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.

Bionik Quickshot

  1. 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.
  2. Repeat steps one and two on the other side.

Xbox One controller

  1. Firmly push down on each new grip to attach them to the controller. They should be a seamless fit, assuming you bought good quality parts.

Xbox One controller

That's all there is to it. I've purposely gone for this style because it's similar to that which Scuf uses on its custom controllers and find that it offers a better feeling than soft-touch grips like you find on the Elite Wireless or Razer controllers. There are plenty out there, so ultimately the choice is yours, but the process remains the same.

And if you're feeling a little more adventurous, you can combine new grips with some trigger stops like the Bionik Quickshot. These will improve your FPS games in particular while also giving you a great grip on your controller.

Richard Devine
Managing Editor - Tech, Reviews

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