PDP Media Remote for Xbox review (2020): A must-have for cord-cutters

We may earn a committee for purchases using our links. Larn more.

Good plenty

PDP Media Remote for Xbox review (2020): A must-have for cord-cutters

PDP's new $20 media remote for the Xbox Ane and new Series X|Southward cuts some buttons merely seems overall improved.

Media Remove Xbox 2022 Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central

PDP is back with an all-new $20 media remote for Xbox One and Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. With a motion-activated backlight and exceptionally light build, does this new 2022 version improve upon the terminal? Just as importantly, volition that battery door stay secured?

I've spent the last few days with the 2022 PDP Media Remote. Hither is how it compares to the original PDP Talon, and whether I think yous should purchase information technology or non.

Pdp Talon Media Remote Xbox Series X

PDP Media Remote for Xbox

Bottom line: PDP'due south new media remote is well worth the $20 if yous plan to use your Xbox One or Xbox Series 10|S for watching TV, streaming movies, and listening to music every bit much as you play video games. The battery door seems more secure, besides, and the smaller size makes sense.

The Practiced

Simply $twenty
Fills a niche for streaming media fans of Xbox
Nice design

The Bad

Feels a bit inexpensive
Questions about the battery door
Batteries not included

Netflix and HBO Max fans need this

PDP Media Remote for Xbox (2020): What I similar

Media Remove Xbox 2022 PDP Media Remote (2020) on the left vs. PDP Talon (2017) on the right. Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Cardinal

The PDP Media remote is substantially lighter than its predecessor weighing just 78 grams with 2 AAA batteries than the Talon's 112 grams. A lot of that is likely due to the size reduction every bit PDP removed many of the "cable Tv set" features that are at present less prominent for Xbox users.

The button layout is straightforward. You have dedicated keys for volume, mute, play, pause, fast forwards/rewind, back, carte, change view, navigation, channels up/down, Xbox home, and buttons for XYAB.

A typical infrared (IR) sensor is used on this remote. Since both the Xbox Serial X|South (and older Xbox One models) all have an IR equalizer, this makes this remote highly compatible.

The PDP Media Remote for Xbox fills a huge void left past Microsoft, making it easy to recommend.

In that location is no programming of the PDP remote. Y'all slap into two AAA batteries (not included) and bespeak it at an Xbox for instant access. Using the now more prominent Xbox button, you tin access the menu, simulate the XYAB buttons, control volume, and navigate the Xbox UI using the D-pad.

The buttons feature a satisfying click when pressing. PDP still uses the soft-touch pigment, also, giving the remote a nice warm feel compared to glossy plastic designs.

PDP's best feature is the motility-activated backlighting, which illuminates all the keys. It is not also bright, but aids when watching a motion picture with low room lighting or late at night. Of course, such a feature inevitably eats into those batteries, which will need to be changed in 6 months or and then depending on usage. There is no way to control the backlighting either.

The remote is ergonomic, is pleasant to hold, and the smaller size makes it easier to handle.

Media Remove Xbox 2022 PDP redesigned the battery door clip to be much larger (left) than the Talon's (right). Hopefully, information technology lasts this time. Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central

The bombardment door has as well been redesigned as the 2022 version, thankfully, has a much larger clip to hold the back comprehend in place. Information technology's too early to tell how this remote will weather repeated usage over the next few months and years, but at to the lowest degree PDP did update the pattern to be more than resilient, hopefully.

About besides low-cal

PDP Media Remote for Xbox (2020): What I don't like

Media Remove Xbox 2022 Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Cardinal

At merely 78 grams with batteries (56 grams without!), it is hard to deny that this remote feels a chip … cheap. Of course, information technology is at only $twenty, then at least the toll reflects the expectation. Due to how the human brain works, whenever something is super light, we tend to think of information technology as lesser quality, fifty-fifty though that is non necessarily true. Simply it's hard to deny that this remote does feel a tad weak. A couple of drops on a hardware floor could rattle that sliding battery door off, or worse, maybe fissure something.

The removal of the number pad, record button for live Telly, closed-caption (CC) toggle, and even a programmable primal that could be used to quick-launch your favorite app volition exist a negative for some. In total, the keys dropped from 36 on the Talon to just 15 on this new model. Considering how Microsoft has effectively dropped support for live cable TV integration and more people cord-cutting with apps like YouTube Tv, Sling, Hulu, HBO Max, Netflix, VUDU, and more, this is not a surprising move. I never used those buttons, then this change does not carp me, but it is something to consider yourself.

Finally, there is the concern over build quality and that battery door. Many of united states of america got burned on the last PDP remote, which, while significant, did accept an annoying major flaw. PDP did redesign the mechanism, then information technology seems better, but if you are skeptical, you're non wrong.

The competition

Media Remove Xbox 2022 Front of the PDP Media Remote that hides the IR blaster. Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Cardinal

There aren't a ton of options when information technology comes to media remotes for Xbox. Indeed, I wrote in 2022 that Microsoft should make a serious remote for Xbox – one that includes Xbox Wireless support, and maybe a microphone to catch upward to Apple and Amazon. Microsoft's last remote was the subpar mini i from 2022. So far, at that place's zippo new to report.

For those with a PDP Talon and a loose battery door, in that location is a $7 solution. Only as PDP stepped in to make a remote for Microsoft, Oyrlize stepped in to "fix" PDP'south Talon. The Silicone Protective Case for PDP 048-083-NA Talon Media Remote goes effectually the entire remote, adds grip to the back, brings drop back up protection, and has precisely made cutouts. Why spend $twenty when you tin can pay $vii to set up your current i? If you want to become crazy, for $viii, you tin go a blue or light-green one that glows in the dark. Neato.

Companies like OBVIS ($10), Nyko ($25), and Beyution ($8), sometimes offer cheaper remotes, merely they all tend to lack backlighting for the buttons, which I consider a must-have for such a purchase. If the lack of backlighting doesn't bother y'all, they may be worth because.

If you demand more ideas, make certain to check our Best Xbox Ane Accessories in 2022 for more recommendations.

PDP Media Remote for Xbox (2020): Should you buy?

Media Remove Xbox 2022 Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central

You should buy this if ...

You lot want a dedicated media remote

For $twenty, this remote gets the chore washed. It'south minor, compact, and has fantabulous backlighting for the buttons. There is no pairing to your console, and it all but works equally expected. The smaller size makes more sense for those without cable channels and instead rely on pure streaming media apps.

Yous sentry a lot of streaming video

The problem with relying on an Xbox controller as your remote is the controller turns off. That means if you suddenly need to pause a movie on Netflix, you need to ability it on, wait, and so practise the action. With this remote, it never turns off, making it significantly faster. Beingness able to tweak the volume or even turn off your Xbox is just more effortless with a remote.

You take an Xbox One or new Series X|Southward

This remote relies on simple IR and line-of-sight with your Xbox, and information technology works with all the modernistic ones.

You lot should not buy this if ...

You're distrustful of PDP

PDP'south last remote was great for function – and they filled a large pigsty left by Microsoft – but the battery door affair was irritating. Being wary of their new remote seems warranted.

Y'all merely game on Xbox

Information technology's non a stretch to say if you only apply your Xbox for playing video games, therefore rely on the Xbox controller, a media remote makes little sense. If you too accept something like a Logitech Harmony universal remote, this a purchase you can likely skip.

Overall, I'm giving PDP a chance with this new 2022 model. I purchased this myself, and fourth dimension volition tell if it was worth the $xx (I'll update this review if I experience whatsoever issues). It feels great, though, and does what I expect. I also like the new size and a more minimalist blueprint.

Of grade, had I known there are now tertiary-party silicone sleeves for the older Talon, I would probably purchase those instead of a new remote. That said, this PDP will be your all-time option if you currently don't own a media remote for Xbox and desire one.

Hopefully, anytime, Microsoft will brand a premium offer, but and so far, no indication that volition happen, making this one from PDP your best bet.

Pdp Talon Media Remote Xbox Series X