Depending on your budget and preferences, different controllers provide varying levels of appeal. We'll help you choose the best controller for your Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, and PC among the numerous options available.
Without a solid control mechanism, you can't play video games. For shooters and strategic games, you might choose a keyboard and mouse. Perhaps you don't mind solving smartphone problems using a touch screen. Most games, however, benefit from the use of a specialized controller. That's why every major gaming system has at least one gamepad, and they can all be linked to your PC with a little tweaking.
You should probably invest in a controller if you generally intend to play games on your PC-for the simple reason that it offers the greatest library of titles spanning the widest variety of ages, audiences, genres, pricing, and technology requirements. There's nothing wrong with using your current mouse and keyboard to play Fortnite (in fact, PC purists would argue that it'll be better than using a gamepad), but almost every other game you download from GOG.com, Humble Bundle, or Steam will feel much better with dual analog sticks under your thumbs.
You can connect your PC to a variety of gamepads and other sorts of controllers. Here are some alternatives to help you choose the best one.
Using Your PC With Console Controllers
If you own a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One S, a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, or a Switch Pro Controller for your Nintendo Switch, you already own a controller that you can use with your PC. The build quality of these controllers is excellent, and they are PC compatible (with some software or adapters required for the Nintendo and Sony gamepads). They're a touch pricy if you don't already have one, at $60 to $70 per.
Xbox Controllers
The Xbox Wireless Controller is immediately compatible with any Windows 10 or 11 PC as a wired controller, whether it came with the Xbox One or Xbox Series or you purchased it separately. Simply insert it into a USB port and start playing. If the controller was made within the previous five years, it can connect to your computer wirelessly through Bluetooth. You may use the $25 Xbox Wireless Adapter to connect up to eight Xbox gamepads to your PC at once without having to worry about Bluetooth pairing if you want to use more than one Xbox gamepad or if you have an early Xbox Wireless Controller without Bluetooth. The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is one of our favorite wireless gamepads if you want to splurge, but it's also a hefty $180.
PlayStation Controllers
At least with most Steam titles, the DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers for the PS4 and PS5 (as well as the third-party Scuf Reflex Pro) function with your PC through USB or Bluetooth. Steam's controller settings menu has a PlayStation Configuration Support option that should make either controller behave like an Xbox gamepad, including button remapping.
You may also use the 8Bitdo Wireless USB Adapter, a $20 device that connects to your PlayStation gamepad (as well as a variety of other controllers), and properly maps it to function in Windows. It even works with 8Bitdo's Ultimate Software, which allows for a lot of mapping and customization.
Finally, you may utilize a DualShock 4 with an application called DS4Windows for the most complicated configuration. It's free third-party software that, like the Steam setup mode and 8Bitdo USB adaptor, fools your PC into believing the DualShock 4 is a far more popular (for PCs) Xbox controller.
Nintendo Controllers
The Joy-Cons on the Nintendo Switch connect to your PC as well, although they need much more wrestling. On the Switch, they're wonderful, but they don't feel as firm or have as pleasant directional controls as the Xbox Wireless Controller or DualShock 4. We propose the Switch Pro Controller instead. Thanks to the Switch Pro Configuration Support option in Steam's controller settings menu (it's two selections below PlayStation Configuration Support), it's a strong and durable traditional gamepad that can function with your PC without much effort. The 8Bitdo Wireless USB Adapter will also function here for non-Steam titles.
Third-Party PC Gamepads
Third-party gamepads give a lot more variety if you want to spend more than $60 to $70 on a controller. Wired and wireless variants are available, with prices ranging from $20 to more than $200 depending on design, functionality, and customization possibilities. And, of course, build quality; less priced third-party gamepads may be hit-or-miss in terms of how robust they feel and how well they play, which is why we recommend reading our reviews and being skeptical of cheap and unfamiliar gamepads that look too good to be true.
Our current favorite is the 8Bitdo Pro 2, a very adaptable controller that feels great and comes with a slew of capabilities for around $50. It contains programmable back buttons, several configuration profiles, and 8Bitdo's Ultimate Software allows for considerable customization. If you want to do double duty, it also works with the Nintendo Switch.
There are many additional methods, both wired and wireless, available. The wired Nacon Pro Compact Controller is a smaller gamepad that may be more suited to little hands, while the PowerA Spectra Infinity includes RGB illumination that can be customized. If you want to go back to the SNES roots that 8Bitdo abandoned with the Pro 2, the Retro-Bit Legacy16 Wireless is a decent option.
Custom PC Controllers
You can acquire enthusiast-level gamepads from firms that provide a wide range of customization choices if you really want to splurge. Some, such as Controller Chaos, Evil Controllers, and Scuf, overhaul first-party Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox gamepads, adding custom designs, new buttons, and even electronic tricks to gain an advantage in games like Call of Duty and Fortnite by providing specific inputs that take advantage of certain mechanics.
These businesses allow you to design your own gamepad from the ground up. There are a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes to choose from, as well as extra features such as whether the analog sticks are concave or convex (often with detachable choices of varying lengths), longer triggers, and even faux bullet face buttons. On these gamepads, rear paddle buttons are widespread, and they give two or four extra customizable inputs for your fingertips resting on the grip.
These gamepads are often the most feature-rich, visually appealing, and customizable, but they're also the most costly. They start in the three figures, and completely renovated controllers can easily exceed $200. The Xbox Design Lab allows you to create your own first-party Xbox Wireless Controller with your own colors and finishes for a fraction of the price if you don't require the back paddles or other capabilities.
Arcade and Fight Sticks
Arcade sticks, often known as combat sticks, are controllers that mimic the controls of traditional arcade cabinets. A single eight-direction joystick and a number of huge buttons are commonly put on a wide, flat base that may be placed on a table or in your lap. They're considered essential for dedicated gamers of fighting games like Guilty Gear Strike and Street Fighter V. They're also great for old arcade games, which are plentiful on every gaming system and available separately or in compilations.
Hori is a well-known manufacturer that offers sticks for all three major gaming platforms (all of which will work with PCs through USB). Serious arcade sticks, such as Hori's Real Arcade Pro series, are noted for employing the identical sticks and buttons as Japanese arcade cabinets, helping to justify their high pricing of $150 and above. 8Bitdo's Arcade Stick trades enthusiast-level responsiveness and strong arcade parts for wireless connection and a considerably lower price if you want an arcade-style experience but don't require nearly the same serious build quality.
You may get a fight pad like the Hori Fighting Commander or the Razer Raion FightPad if you want sharp directional controls and a lot of face buttons but want to keep your controller in your hand still. These are gamepads that remove elements like analog sticks that fighting game fans don't require in favor of superb direction pads and three-by-two face button layouts.
Enthusiast Controllers: Flight Joysticks and PC Racing Wheels
If you enjoy driving or flying simulators, you should consider investing in simulator-worthy equipment. Racing wheels are steering wheel controllers that allow you to drive automobiles in racing games by rotating the wheel genuinely rather than tilting a stick. Similarly, flying joysticks (not to be confused with analog sticks on gamepads or digital sticks on arcade sticks) let you control pitch, roll, and yaw with a realistic full-hand grip. These controllers appear to be quite different, and they are. Nonetheless, they have three key things in common: They're made for extremely specific games and genres, and they're generally made up of many, modular components. They're also rather pricey.
Thrustmaster is a leading maker of racing wheels and flight controllers; the term Thrustmaster conjures up the power that allows a plane to take flight. The firm sells a variety of flying sticks and racing wheels, as well as attachments such as pedals, throttles, shifters, control panels, and even standalone heads-up displays that show information about your automobile or plane's systems in addition to your monitors. These installations may be costly, with wheels and sticks starting at $100 and easily rising to several thousand dollars with additional extras.
Logitech also offers racing wheels and flight sets, including the $400 G923 wheel/pedals combo with optional $60 Driving Force Shifter shifting knob; $150 to $250 H.O.T.A.S. joystick/throttle combinations; and the modular Flight Yoke System ($170 for the yoke, with four separate instrument panels, a rudder pedal, and a throttle available for $60 to $170 each). We haven't lately tested any racing wheels or flight control systems because these controllers are quite particular and modular.
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