Thrustmaster ESWAP XR Pro - Forza Horizon 5 Edition

In the era of Xbox Elite and DualSense Edge controllers, third parties can still offer a solid alternative for those that really want a high-end gaming accessory. Here we have Thrustmaster's latest controller, the ESWAP XR Pro - Forza Horizon 5 Edition, the folly modular gamepad that has similar features to the ESWAP X with a few nice extras thrown in here and there.

From its design, it's clear to see that you are getting something different with the ESWAP XR Pro - Forza Horizon 5 Edition. As you can probably guess from the association with Forza Horizon 5, the colours on the controller reflect that of the game's cover art, and there are a few logos reminding you of the collaboration as well. The pink and white design was something I found a personal fondness for, as it stood out from a lot of other simple black and white controllers on the market. Moreover, the placing of the Forza Horizon 5 logos is well thought-out, as it doesn't dominate the controller so you can enjoy its design without necessarily being a huge fan of the game.

The big selling point here is the "racing module." The ESWAP XR Pro - Forza Horizon 5 Edition is touted as the first controller to have such a feature, and so there is a bit of pressure to get it right. Swapping out one of your thumbsticks, you can add the module, which is essentially a mini wheel. With 95° rotation, non-slip coating, and adjustable sensitivity, on paper this extra module sounds great, and in practise it mostly lives up to the hype. While it took a minute to get used to, once I was cruising around with the racing module it felt quite natural, much more so than a usual thumbstick. However, there was the slight feeling that I shouldn't use it for too long, as when racing around it can feel as though you're stretching your thumb out a bit. Apart from that, though, the racing module is a great success, but it is up to you whether that and the design is worth the price increase from other high-end Thrustmaster game pads. If you're not into racing games, it might be best to look elsewhere.

Besides the flashy design and racing module, you are getting a very solid controller here. The design leans somewhat on the bulkier side, and is heavier than a PS5 standard controller but not by much. As this is a controller designed for Xbox and PC though, it's clear to see why Thrustmaster has gone for this look and feel. Personally, I found the weight of the controller and its size to be a great fit. Its heft is definitely a bonus point, as I can imagine it gives you a minute to think twice before you do something silly in a gamer rage.

As with the ESWAP X Pro, you're getting mechanical face buttons here with a great feel and response time, plenty of extra buttons too on the back and sides of the controller, and adjustable triggers that can even be swapped out with the screwdriver included with the box. There is a lot to go through when you first get a hold of this controller, but as it's so customisable you can take as long as you want getting it to fit your gaming needs, not to mention the thumbsticks and D-pad, which can both be swapped around incredibly easily.

The thumbsticks are easy to rearrange on the go, and I found that I could even swap out the racing module and thumbsticks quickly while playing. The D-pad is less simple to replace, as you'll need the other end of the included screwdriver to take it out. Both thumbsticks are swappable thanks to magnets in the controller, and the same is true for the grips on either side. The customisation on display here is incredibly impressive, as with Thrustmaster's other high-end controllers, but considering you're getting a specific design with the ESWAP XR Pro - Forza Horizon 5 Edition, you might not be as keen to swap out the parts for a different look.

Overall, the Thrustmaster ESWAP XR Pro - Forza Horizon 5 Edition is a great controller with a solid look and feel, an immense amount of customisation options and a few extra features in its design for those who are fans of racing and/or Forza Horizon 5 specifically. At its price point, you would expect these attributes really, yet it must again be mentioned that this is likely not a controller for the average consumer looking to step up their accessory game. At €20 more than the ESWAP X Pro, you're paying primarily for the look and the racing module, and it is up to you whether that jump is worth it.