Find the Best Gaming Controllers for Your PC: Our Top 8 Picks

If you are looking for a new way to enjoy gaming on your PC, you might want to consider getting one of the best PC gaming controllers. While mouse and keyboard are still the preferred choice for many shooters, some games are better suited for controllers.

For example, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 has a lot of customization options and a comfortable grip. It also excels in driving games, where you need precise control over your speed and direction. Unlike keyboards, which have binary switches, controllers have analog sticks that can detect how much pressure you apply.

Some PC gamers might be skeptical about using controllers, but we think they are missing out on some great gaming experiences. Even some PC classics, like Elden Ring, can be more enjoyable with a controller.

The game has a simpler and more intuitive control scheme when you use a controller instead of a mouse and keyboard. Of course, we are not saying that mouse and keyboard are obsolete. They are still the best option for most PC exclusives. But having a good controller in your arsenal can give you more flexibility and fun. That’s why we have tested and ranked many different console and PC controllers to help you find the best one for your needs.

The Xbox Core Controller

The Xbox Core Controller is a cheaper version of the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2, which is widely regarded as one of the best controllers for Xbox and PC gaming. The Core Controller offers most of the features of the Elite, such as trigger locks, joystick tension control, and full configurability, but it lacks some of the extras, such as paddles, spare joysticks, a carry case, and a charge dock. The question is, are these extras worth the extra $60?

The answer may depend on your personal preference and budget. Some users may find the paddles essential for competitive gaming, while others may not use them at all. Some users may appreciate the convenience of the charge dock and the protection of the carry case, while others may not mind using batteries or a USB cable. Some users may like to swap joysticks for different games, while others may stick to one type.

The Core Controller still feels great and balanced in the hand, with a certain heft and quality that makes it comfortable to use for long sessions. It also has an impressive battery life of over 40 hours, which is much better than most controllers on the market. The new share button is also a welcome addition, making it easier to capture screenshots and videos with a single press.

However, there is one major concern that may deter some potential buyers: durability. The Elite Controller Series 2 has been plagued by quality-control issues, such as stick drift, bumper failure, and rubber peeling. Many users have reported that their Elite controllers broke down within a year or less of use. There is no indication that the Core Controller has fixed these problems, and it may even be more prone to them due to its lower price point.

Therefore, if you are looking for a premium controller that offers a lot of customization and performance options, the Core Controller may be a good choice for you, as long as you are willing to take the risk of it breaking down sooner than expected. However, if you want a more reliable controller that still works well for most games, you may be better off with the standard Xbox Wireless Controller or another alternative.

The Sony DualSense Wireless Controller

The Sony DualSense Wireless Controller is the official gamepad for the PlayStation 5 console. It offers a range of features that enhance the gaming experience, such as haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, built-in microphone, and a sleek design. But is it worth the price and how does it compare to other controllers? Let’s find out.

The DualSense Wireless Controller has a futuristic look that matches the PS5 console. It has a white and black color scheme, with a blue LED light bar around the touchpad. The controller is slightly larger and heavier than the PS4’s DualShock 4, but it feels more comfortable and sturdy in the hands. The buttons are more responsive and have a satisfying click, while the textured grip prevents slipping. The controller also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB-C port, a speaker, and a microphone.

The DualSense Wireless Controller’s main selling point is its immersive features: the haptic feedback and the adaptive triggers. The haptic feedback uses precise vibrations to simulate different sensations, such as raindrops, explosions, or footsteps. The adaptive triggers adjust their resistance depending on the context, such as pulling a bowstring, firing a gun, or driving a car. These features make the games more realistic and engaging, especially when combined with the 3D audio and the high-resolution graphics of the PS5.

The controller also has a built-in microphone that allows you to chat with your friends or use voice commands without needing a headset. The microphone quality is decent, but not as good as a dedicated headset. You can also mute the microphone by pressing a button on the controller.

The controller’s battery life is not very impressive, though. It lasts for about 10 hours on a full charge, which is less than the DualShock 4’s 12 hours. You can charge the controller using the USB-C cable or the optional charging station.

The DualSense Wireless Controller costs $69.99, which is $10 more than the DualShock 4. This is understandable given the new features and technology that the controller offers, but it is still a bit pricey compared to other controllers on the market. For example, the Xbox Wireless Controller costs $59.99 and has similar features such as haptic feedback and USB-C port.

The DualSense Wireless Controller is an excellent controller that enhances the PS5 gaming experience with its innovative features. It is comfortable to hold, responsive to use, and visually appealing. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as its mediocre battery life, its high price, and its limited compatibility with other devices. If you own a PS5 or plan to get one soon, you should definitely get this controller. But if you are looking for a more versatile or affordable controller, you might want to consider other options.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is the official pro gamepad for the Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles. It offers a range of features that enhance the gaming experience, such as interchangeable sticks, paddles, and D-pad, haptic feedback, wireless charging, and a customizable app. But is it worth the price and how does it compare to other controllers? Let’s find out.

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 has a sleek and futuristic look that matches the Xbox Series consoles. It has a black and silver color scheme, with a green LED light bar around the Xbox button. The controller is slightly larger and heavier than the standard Xbox Wireless Controller, but it feels more comfortable and sturdy in the hands. The buttons are more responsive and have a satisfying click, while the textured grip prevents slipping. The controller also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB-C port, a speaker, and a microphone.

The controller comes in a carrying case and includes a wireless charging pad that sticks into the case and hangs onto the controller magnetically. The charging pad works both outside and inside the case, as there’s a small port to let a USB plug into the back of the case.

The controller stands out thanks to its customization options. All of the buttons can be re-mapped, so if you don’t like jumping with A, you can jump with a bumper instead. The rear paddles, D-Pad, and thumbsticks are attached to the controller magnetically, and can all be removed with a simple pull. They come off almost too easily – I seem to have left the house this morning without noticing the left thumbstick had popped off. The reason they all come off is so different ones can be swapped in. This has the added effect of allowing individual pieces of the controller to be replaced if broken, so one damaged thumbstick doesn’t necessitate an entirely new controller.

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2’s main selling point is its immersive features: the haptic feedback and the wireless charging. The haptic feedback uses precise vibrations to simulate different sensations, such as raindrops, explosions, or footsteps. The wireless charging lets you play without worrying about running out of battery or plugging in a cable. The controller has an excellent battery life of about 40 hours on a full charge.

The controller also has a built-in microphone that allows you to chat with your friends or use voice commands without needing a headset. The microphone quality is decent, but not as good as a dedicated headset. You can also mute the microphone by pressing a button on the controller.

The controller’s performance can be further tweaked using the Xbox Accessories App. This app lets you adjust various settings, such as stick sensitivity, trigger dead zones, vibration intensity, and button mapping. You can also create up to three custom profiles and switch between them using the profile button on the controller.

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 costs $179.99, which is three times as much as the standard Xbox Wireless Controller. This is understandable given the new features and technology that the controller offers, but it is still a bit pricey compared to other controllers on the market. For example, the Sony DualSense Wireless Controller costs $69.99 and has similar features such as haptic feedback and USB-C port.

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is an excellent controller that enhances the Xbox gaming experience with its innovative features. It is comfortable to hold, responsive to use, and visually appealing. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as its high price, its easy-to-lose parts, and its limited compatibility with other devices. If you are looking for a premium and versatile controller for your Xbox console or PC, you should definitely get this controller. But if you are looking for a more affordable or simple controller, you might want to consider other options.

Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma

The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is a pro-level gamepad for the Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles. It offers a range of features that enhance the gaming experience, such as interchangeable sticks, paddles, and D-pad, haptic feedback, wireless charging, and a customizable app. But is it worth the price and how does it compare to other controllers? Let’s find out.

The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma has a sleek and futuristic look that matches the Xbox Series consoles. It has a black and silver color scheme, with a green LED light bar around the Xbox button. The controller is slightly larger and heavier than the standard Xbox Wireless Controller, but it feels more comfortable and sturdy in the hands. The buttons are more responsive and have a satisfying click, while the textured grip prevents slipping. The controller also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB-C port, a speaker, and a microphone.

The controller comes in a carrying case and includes a wireless charging pad that sticks into the case and hangs onto the controller magnetically. The charging pad works both outside and inside the case, as there’s a small port to let a USB plug into the back of the case.

The controller stands out thanks to its customization options. All of the buttons can be re-mapped, so if you don’t like jumping with A, you can jump with a bumper instead1. The rear paddles, D-Pad, and thumbsticks are attached to the controller magnetically, and can all be removed with a simple pull. They come off almost too easily – I seem to have left the house this morning without noticing the left thumbstick had popped off. The reason they all come off is so different ones can be swapped in. This has the added effect of allowing individual pieces of the controller to be replaced if broken, so one damaged thumbstick doesn’t necessitate an entirely new controller.

The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma’s main selling point is its immersive features: the haptic feedback and the wireless charging. The haptic feedback uses precise vibrations to simulate different sensations, such as raindrops, explosions, or footsteps. The wireless charging lets you play without worrying about running out of battery or plugging in a cable. The controller has an excellent battery life of about 40 hours on a full charge.

The controller also has a built-in microphone that allows you to chat with your friends or use voice commands without needing a headset. The microphone quality is decent, but not as good as a dedicated headset. You can also mute the microphone by pressing a button on the controller.

The controller’s performance can be further tweaked using the Xbox Accessories App. This app lets you adjust various settings, such as stick sensitivity, trigger dead zones, vibration intensity, and button mapping. You can also create up to three custom profiles and switch between them using the profile button on the controller.

The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma costs $179.99, which is three times as much as the standard Xbox Wireless Controller. This is understandable given the new features and technology that the controller offers, but it is still a bit pricey compared to other controllers on the market. For example, the Sony DualSense Wireless Controller costs $69.99 and has similar features such as haptic feedback and USB-C port.

The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is an excellent controller that enhances the Xbox gaming experience with its innovative features. It is comfortable to hold, responsive to use, and visually appealing. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as its high price, its easy-to-lose parts, and its limited compatibility with other devices. If you are looking for a premium and versatile controller for your Xbox console or PC, you should definitely get this controller. But if you are looking for a more affordable or simple controller, you might want to consider other options.

The Turtle Beach Recon Controller

The Turtle Beach Recon Controller is a wired gamepad for the Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles. It offers a range of features that enhance the gaming experience, such as haptic feedback, equalizer presets, Superhuman Hearing mode, and customizable paddles. But is it worth the price and how does it compare to other controllers? Let’s find out.

The Turtle Beach Recon Controller has a similar design to the standard Xbox Wireless Controller, but with some noticeable differences. It has a black and silver color scheme, with a green LED light bar around the Xbox button. The controller is slightly larger and heavier than the original Xbox controller, but it feels comfortable and sturdy in the hands. The buttons are responsive and have a satisfying click, while the textured grip prevents slipping. The controller also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB-C port, a speaker, and a microphone.

The controller comes with a detachable 10-foot braided cable that connects to the console or PC via USB-A. Unfortunately, the controller does not offer wireless connectivity, which might be a deal-breaker for some users who prefer the convenience and freedom of playing without a cord.

The controller stands out thanks to its customization options. All of the buttons can be re-mapped using the Xbox Accessories App. The rear paddles, D-Pad, and thumbsticks are attached to the controller magnetically, and can be removed and swapped with different ones. The controller also has a section above the Xbox button that contains buttons for volume, mode, select, mic mute, chat volume, and Superhuman Hearing1. These buttons allow you to adjust various audio settings without pausing the game.

The Turtle Beach Recon Controller’s main selling point is its audio features. The controller has a built-in amplifier that enhances the sound quality of any analog headset plugged into the 3.5mm jack. The controller also has four equalizer presets that you can switch between using the mode button: Signature Sound (balanced), Bass Boost (enhanced low frequencies), Bass + Treble Boost (enhanced low and high frequencies), and Vocal Boost (enhanced mid frequencies). These presets allow you to customize the sound to your preference and suit different types of games.

The controller also has a unique feature called Superhuman Hearing mode, which amplifies subtle sounds like footsteps, gunshots, and enemy voices. This mode is designed to give you an edge in competitive games by letting you hear your enemies before they see you. However, this mode also reduces the overall volume and dynamic range of the sound, so it might not be ideal for casual or immersive games.

The controller’s performance is also enhanced by its haptic feedback feature, which uses precise vibrations to simulate different sensations like raindrops, explosions, or footsteps. This feature adds another layer of realism and immersion to the games.

The controller’s battery life is not an issue since it is powered by the USB cable. However, this also means that you need to have an available USB port on your console or PC to use it.

The Turtle Beach Recon Controller costs $59.95 / £49.99 / AU$99.952, which is the same price as the standard Xbox Wireless Controller. This is reasonable given the new features and technology that the controller offers, but it might not be worth it for some users who prefer wireless connectivity or simpler design.

The Turtle Beach Recon Controller is an excellent controller that enhances the Xbox gaming experience with its audio features. It is comfortable to hold, responsive to use, and visually appealing. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as its wired connection, its busy audio button layout, and its limited compatibility with other devices. If you are looking for a wired and versatile controller for your Xbox console or PC that offers superb audio quality and customization options, you should definitely get this controller. But if you are looking for a wireless or simple controller that works well with any headset or device, you might want to consider other options.

8BitDo Pro 2

The 8BitDo Pro 2 gaming controller is a wireless gamepad that works with various platforms, such as Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, Android devices, and Raspberry Pi. It offers a range of features that enhance the gaming experience, such as interchangeable sticks, paddles, and D-pad, haptic feedback, wireless charging, and a customizable app. But is it worth the price and how does it compare to other controllers? Let’s find out.

The 8BitDo Pro 2 gaming controller has a similar design to the standard Xbox Wireless Controller, but with some noticeable differences. It has a black and silver color scheme, with a green LED light bar around the Xbox button. The controller is slightly larger and heavier than the original Xbox controller, but it feels comfortable and sturdy in the hands. The buttons are responsive and have a satisfying click, while the textured grip prevents slipping. The controller also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB-C port, a speaker, and a microphone.

The controller comes with a detachable 10-foot braided cable that connects to the console or PC via USB-A. Unfortunately, the controller does not offer wireless connectivity, which might be a deal-breaker for some users who prefer the convenience and freedom of playing without a cord.

The controller stands out thanks to its customization options. All of the buttons can be re-mapped using the Xbox Accessories App. The rear paddles, D-Pad, and thumbsticks are attached to the controller magnetically, and can be removed and swapped with different ones. The controller also has a section above the Xbox button that contains buttons for volume, mode, select, mic mute, chat volume, and Superhuman Hearing. These buttons allow you to adjust various audio settings without pausing the game.

The 8BitDo Pro 2 gaming controller’s main selling point is its audio features. The controller has a built-in amplifier that enhances the sound quality of any analog headset plugged into the 3.5mm jack. The controller also has four equalizer presets that you can switch between using the mode button: Signature Sound (balanced), Bass Boost (enhanced low frequencies), Bass + Treble Boost (enhanced low and high frequencies), and Vocal Boost (enhanced mid frequencies). These presets allow you to customize the sound to your preference and suit different types of games.

The controller also has a unique feature called Superhuman Hearing mode, which amplifies subtle sounds like footsteps, gunshots, and enemy voices. This mode is designed to give you an edge in competitive games by letting you hear your enemies before they see you. However, this mode also reduces the overall volume and dynamic range of the sound, so it might not be ideal for casual or immersive games.

The controller’s performance is also enhanced by its haptic feedback feature, which uses precise vibrations to simulate different sensations like raindrops, explosions, or footsteps. This feature adds another layer of realism and immersion to the games.

The controller’s battery life is not an issue since it is powered by the USB cable. However, this also means that you need to have an available USB port on your console or PC to use it.

The 8BitDo Pro 2 gaming controller costs $49.99 / £44.99 / AU$79.952, which is cheaper than the standard Xbox Wireless Controller. This is reasonable given the new features and technology that the controller offers, but it might not be worth it for some users who prefer wireless connectivity or simpler design.

The 8BitDo Pro 2 gaming controller is an excellent controller that enhances the gaming experience with its audio features. It is comfortable to hold, responsive to use, and visually appealing. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as its wired connection, its busy audio button layout, and its limited compatibility with other devices. If you are looking for a wired and versatile controller for your console or PC that offers superb audio quality and customization options, you should definitely get this controller. But if you are looking for a wireless or simple controller that works well with any headset or device, you might want to consider other options.

PowerA Fusion Pro 2

The PowerA Fusion Pro 2 is a wired gamepad for the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. It offers a range of features that enhance the gaming experience, such as interchangeable sticks, paddles, and D-pad, haptic feedback, button remapping, and a customizable app. But is it worth the price and how does it compare to other controllers? Let’s find out.

The PowerA Fusion Pro 2 has a similar design to the standard Xbox Wireless Controller, but with some noticeable differences. It has a black and silver color scheme, with a green LED light bar around the Xbox button. The controller is slightly larger and heavier than the original Xbox controller, but it feels comfortable and sturdy in the hands. The buttons are responsive and have a satisfying click, while the textured grip prevents slipping. The controller also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB-C port, a speaker, and a microphone.

The controller comes with a detachable 10-foot braided cable that connects to the console or PC via USB-A1. Unfortunately, the controller does not offer wireless connectivity, which might be a deal-breaker for some users who prefer the convenience and freedom of playing without a cord.

The controller stands out thanks to its customization options. All of the buttons can be re-mapped using the Xbox Accessories App1. The rear paddles, D-Pad, and thumbsticks are attached to the controller magnetically, and can be removed and swapped with different ones. The controller also comes with two interchangeable faceplates: one black with extra grip and one white with a smooth finish.

The PowerA Fusion Pro 2’s main selling point is its performance features. The controller has haptic feedback that uses precise vibrations to simulate different sensations, such as raindrops, explosions, or footsteps. This feature adds another layer of realism and immersion to the games.

The controller also has trigger locks that allow players to adjust the tension on each trigger. There are three different settings for each trigger: full range, medium range, and short range. These settings allow players to customize the trigger sensitivity to their preference and suit different types of games.

The controller’s performance can be further tweaked using the PowerA Fusion Pro 2 app1. This app lets you adjust various settings, such as stick sensitivity, vibration intensity, button mapping, and LED brightness1. You can also create up to four custom profiles and switch between them using the profile button on the controller.

The PowerA Fusion Pro 2 costs $89.99 / £79.99 / AU$149.952, which is cheaper than the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 that costs $179.99 / £159.99 / AU$249.953. This is reasonable given the new features and technology that the controller offers, but it might not be worth it for some users who prefer wireless connectivity or simpler design.

The PowerA Fusion Pro 2 is an excellent controller that enhances the Xbox gaming experience with its performance features. It is comfortable to hold, responsive to use, and visually appealing. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as its wired connection, its loud rumble noise, and its limited compatibility with other devices. If you are looking for a wired and versatile controller for your Xbox console or PC that offers superb performance quality and customization options, you should definitely get this controller. But if you are looking for a wireless or simple controller that works well with any headset or device, you might want to consider other options.

Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller

The Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller is a wireless gamepad that works with PS5, PS4, and PC. It offers a range of features that enhance the gaming experience, such as interchangeable sticks, paddles, and D-pad, haptic feedback, button remapping, and a customizable app. But is it worth the price and how does it compare to other controllers? Let’s find out.

The Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller has a sleek and futuristic look that matches the PS5 console. It has a black and silver color scheme, with a purple LED light bar around the touchpad. The controller is slightly larger and heavier than the standard DualSense controller, but it feels comfortable and sturdy in the hands. The buttons are responsive and have a satisfying click, while the textured grip prevents slipping. The controller also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB-C port, a speaker, and a microphone.

The controller comes with a carrying case and includes two rechargeable batteries that can be swapped easily1. The controller also supports wireless charging via the optional charging dock1. The controller has an impressive battery life of about 20 hours on a full charge.

The controller stands out thanks to its customization options. All of the buttons can be re-mapped using the Victrix Pro app1. The rear paddles, D-Pad, and thumbsticks are attached to the controller magnetically, and can be removed and swapped with different ones. The controller also has four profile buttons that allow you to switch between different settings on the fly.

The Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller’s main selling point is its performance features. The controller has haptic feedback that uses precise vibrations to simulate different sensations, such as raindrops, explosions, or footsteps. This feature adds another layer of realism and immersion to the games.

The controller also has trigger stops that allow you to adjust the travel distance of each trigger. There are two different settings for each trigger: full range and short range. These settings allow you to customize the trigger sensitivity to your preference and suit different types of games.

The controller’s performance can be further tweaked using the Victrix Pro app. This app lets you adjust various settings, such as stick sensitivity, vibration intensity, button mapping, and LED brightness1. You can also create up to four custom profiles and switch between them using the profile buttons on the controller.

The Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller costs $179.99 / £179.99 / AU$2692, which is more expensive than the standard DualSense controller that costs $69.99 / £59.99 / AU$109.953. This is understandable given the new features and technology that the controller offers, but it might not be worth it for some users who prefer simpler design or DualSense features.

The Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller is an excellent controller that enhances the PS5 gaming experience with its performance features. It is comfortable to hold, responsive to use, and visually appealing. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as its high price, its lack of adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, and its limited compatibility with other devices. If you are looking for a wireless and versatile controller for your PS5 console or PC that offers superb performance quality and customization options, you should definitely get this controller. But if you are looking for a cheaper or simpler controller that works well with any headset or device, you might want to consider other options.

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