Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTo change your Xbox username, edit your gamertag using the Xbox profile linked to your Microsoft account. You can do this on Xbox.com or from your console’s account settings. Before confirming, check the screen for availability, the character limit, how the tag will appear, and any charge.
Gamertag or Microsoft account name: which one should you change?
Xbox calls the name shown on your Xbox profile a gamertag. It is separate from your Microsoft account display name: changing that display name does not change your gamertag, according to Microsoft Support.
Change your gamertag on Xbox.com
- Sign in to Xbox.com with the Microsoft account linked to the Xbox profile you want to update.
- Open your profile and select the edit icon beside your gamertag. If shown, you can also use the account’s change-gamertag setting.
- Enter the gamertag you want, or choose Randomize if that option is available.
- Review the final screen. Check whether the name is available, how the complete tag will display, the character limit accepted for your account, and any fee shown.
- Confirm the change only if the displayed name and any charge are acceptable.
Change your gamertag from an Xbox console
- Open Profile & system > Settings > Account > Profile.
- Choose the gamertag-edit option shown on your console and follow the prompts to enter or randomize a name.
- Review the displayed tag, availability, character limit, and any charge before confirming.
Labels and menu locations can differ by console generation and software version, so follow the current labels displayed on your device. A Microsoft Q&A response describes these web and console routes; see the answer.
Why does Xbox add numbers to a gamertag?
Under Xbox’s modern gamertag system, the name you choose can be followed by a suffix when another player already uses that name. The suffix distinguishes the full identifier; it is not necessarily part of the name you entered. Microsoft’s technical documentation describes modern tags as having a name component and, when needed, a suffix. Many older accounts still have a classic gamertag without one. See Microsoft Learn’s gamertag documentation.
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
How many characters can an Xbox gamertag have?
The standard modern format described in Microsoft’s technical documentation allows up to 12 rendered characters in the name component and up to 16 characters in the full identifier, including the # and suffix when present. Xbox announced a wider limit of up to 15 characters for unique gamertags in a June 24, 2026 update, but the announcement concerned a staged preview for Xbox Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring—not a confirmed release for every account. Check the limit accepted on your own change screen rather than assuming the preview is available to you. Details are in Xbox Wire’s announcement.
Is changing an Xbox gamertag free?
The current price is not established here and may depend on what Xbox shows for your account and region. Xbox’s 2019 announcement said the first change under its updated system was free and subsequent changes cost US$9.99 in the United States at that time; that historical price should not be treated as today’s price. Review the fee, if any, on the final confirmation screen before proceeding. See Xbox’s 2019 announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Rank #4
- XBOX ELITE WIRELESS CONTROLLER SERIES 2: Play like a pro with adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks..Audio : 3.5mm stereo headset jack. Also compatible with the Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter and all other Xbox controller accessories made by Microsoft.
- CORE ESSENTIALS: Includes just the components you need to unleash your best game. Additional components sold separately for even more customization with the Complete Component Pack.
- LIMITLESS CUSTOMIZATION: Exclusive button mapping options in the Xbox Accessories app—even pick which color the Xbox button lights up with.*
- CUSTOM PROFILES: Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly.*
- EXTENDED GAMEPLAY: Stay in the game with up to 40 hours of battery life and refined components that are built to last.*
Rank #3
- PLAY LIKE A PRO — The XBOX Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 features over 30 ways to play like a pro. Designed in collaboration with pro-level players, it puts exceptional performance, customization, and durability where it matters most.
- ADJUSTABLE-TENSION THUMBSTICKS — Fine-tune your aim with thumbsticks that let you adjust resistance for improved accuracy, consistency, and control in every match.
- SHORTER HAIR TRIGGER LOCKS — Fire faster and react quicker with three-step hair trigger locks that reduce pull distance for rapid input in competitive gameplay.
- INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS — Swap thumbstick toppers, D-pads, and paddles to tailor your controller to your preferred gaming style. Includes 6 thumbsticks, 4 paddles, 2 D-pads, carrying case, and charging dock.
- SAVE AND SWITCH PROFILES — Save up to 3 custom profiles on the controller and switch between them on the fly with the dedicated Profile button. Even pick which color the XBOX button lights up as.
Rank #2
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.




