From poorly ported console games to action adventures and racing simulators, there are more than a few cases where a gaming keyboard and gaming mouse aren't necessarily going to be the best input options for PC games. It's easy to swear by a keyboard and mouse where twitchy response and pixel-perfect aim are concerned, but there's a huge arena where different gaming controllers can have an edge while playing on a gaming PC.
If you're playing a fighting game, you may get more satisfaction out of the buttons on a controller, which you can frantically mash. If you're flying through space in an intense dogfight, holding a thumbstick down to perform a series of loops and turns can be a lot easier than hurriedly throwing your mouse around your desk in an attempt to maneuver smoothly. And, let's not forget that analog inputs have some advantages over the all-or-nothing, binary controls all over mice and keyboards – just try slowing accelerating in a racing game with a keyboard.
Beyond traditional gaming controllers, there's also a host of specialized controllers, like joysticks and fight sticks, that are made to excel in specific types of games. We've rounded up the best controllers in a variety of categories, so when a game can benefit more from a controller, you can let your keyboard and mouse take a well-earned break – and click here to find them in the UK.
TL;DR – These are the Best PC Controllers:
- Xbox Core Controller
- PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller
- Logitech F310
- Turtle Beach Recon Controller
- Sony DualSense Controller
- Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller
- SteelSeries Stratus+
- 8Bitdo Pro 2
- Switch Pro Controller
- Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma
- Hori Fighting Stick Alpha
- Gran Turismo DD Pro
1. Xbox Core Controller
Best PC Controller
If you’re searching for a controller with a quality design and ample flexibility in how you use it to game on your PC, the Xbox Core Controller is a solid place to start. Microsoft has created an ergonomic controller that’s easy to hold onto thanks to added grip on the sides and rear of the controller. Even the triggers have more grip on them. The buttons and triggers have the familiar Xbox layout we love, while the D-Pad got an upgrade with a new design, similar to the Xbox Elite controller. It’s more tactile now, too. Using the Xbox Accessories app, you can also remap a good portion of the buttons, making it a perfect partner for your PC.
There’s ample versatility in how you connect the device to your PC. A wired USB connection helps cut down input lag, while Bluetooth is available as a wireless alternative. A low-latency wireless connection is even available if you have an Xbox Wireless adapter for PC. Also, on the controller is a 3.5mm jack for your headset, limiting the number of wires running between you and your PC. Thankfully one cable you can forget all about with the Xbox Core Controller is micro USB, as this model has leaped USB-C.
2. PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller
Best Budget PC Controller
For a controller that doesn't stray too far from the shape and feel of Microsoft's own Xbox controller, the PowerA Enhanced wired controller is a strong option that ditches wireless connectivity in order to hit a low price point. Since using the Xbox Core controller wirelessly with a PC requires a special adapter anyway (or Bluetooth), many of us probably would opt for a wired connection. The PowerA Enhanced offers that at around half the price — no batteries required.
The controller itself provides a decent bit of heft, aided along by two vibration motors. It's got all the buttons you need for your games and even takes a page out of the Xbox Elite Controller's book: on the underside of the PowerA Enhanced controller, you'll find two small buttons that can serve as shortcuts to face buttons. That allows you to keep your thumbs firmly in place on the analog sticks while still being able to activate abilities mapped to the ABXY controls. However, holding on to this controller when your hands get sweaty can prove a bit challenging due to the lack of rubberized grips.
3. Logitech F310
Best Ultra Cheap PC Controller
Are you a devout keyboard and mouse gamer who only imagines themselves very rarely using a gamepad? The Logitech F310 is the perfect option for you, as it only costs around $15, but it includes everything you need. On the controller, you get dual joysticks, bumpers and triggers, four standard face buttons, and even an eight-directional D-Pad. Ten buttons are programmable, making it possible to customize the gamepad precisely to your needs.
You’ll probably find the Logitech F310’s short, nubby grips don't make for great ergonomics, but that shouldn't matter if you're only picking up a controller for short bursts to drive vehicles in games like Grand Theft Auto V or Battlefield 2042. It’s also strictly a wired option, connecting via USB, but that means low input lag for the fastest possible actions.
4. Turtle Beach Recon Controller
Best Wired PC Controller
The plug-and-play nature of the Turtle Beach Recon Controller is perfect for anyone looking to add a wired controller to their PC. It connects via a detachable USB-A cord. There’s even a headset port on the controller, helping to limit the wires cluttering your PC setup. Turtle Beach takes it a step further by including audio controls for volume, game and chat mix, and mic monitoring, all on the gamepad itself.
You’ll get quickly up to speed in games with the familiar X-box style layout of the Turtle Beach Recon Controller, so you’re all set for Xbox Game Pass games and the wide assortment of titles available on Steam. Two back paddles are on the gamepad for quick actions, while on the fly button remapping is also available. There are even four different profiles preloaded on the Recon, which you can reconfigure to your liking. Finally, the textured finishes on many of the controls and rubberized grips make for a secure handhold.
5. Sony DualSense Controller
Best Bluetooth PC Controller
Sony's DualShock 4 controller was great, and with Bluetooth connectivity, you didn't have to do a bunch of extra work to connect it to a PC wirelessly. The Sony DualSense Controller does that and more. It still connects via Bluetooth, and you can always plug it in for a wired option with less latency. When using the gamepad wirelessly, the rechargeable battery is much more convenient than the AAs required for the Xbox Core. However, there is room for improvement in terms of battery life.
The Sony DualSense drastically changes the aesthetics of the original but still has a similar control scheme for those who prefer the symmetrical layout of the analog sticks. Steam support is on the controller, while advanced haptics and adaptive triggers work on PC using a wired connection. With more PlayStation-exclusive games ending up not so exclusive thanks to PC ports, full DualSense functionality on PC makes for the best way to play those games.
6. Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller
Best High-End PC Controller
If you're after an Xbox controller that doesn't hold back, then you'll want the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller. This model features the swappable analog sticks, four back paddles, multiple D-Pads, and tunable triggers we loved on the original Elite. You can also remap all the buttons, delivering a gaming experience you tailor to your needs.
The Elite Series 2 controller sees some upgrades from the original Elite controller. Wireless charging using a docking base with pogo pins makes life a bit easier. The charger even fits conveniently in the controller's carrying case, where you can still plug it in to charge. Bluetooth support is also available, making it easier to pair with your PC or smartphone. And with this iteration, the Elite moves away from the micro USB to include the more modern USB-C connection instead.
7. SteelSeries Stratus+
Best PC Controller for Chromebooks
Chromebooks are often overlooked as a gaming device option since Chrome OS is not the best for gaming, but it’s slowly making improvements, especially when it comes to cloud gaming. The perfect controller partner for your Chromebook is SteelSeries Stratus+, and it's a solid option for any gaming PC or phone, too.
This upgraded version of SteelSeries Stratus Duo offers an energy-efficient Bluetooth LE connection, allowing the controller an impressive 90 hours of gameplay on just one charge. You’re rarely going to have to worry about juicing up this peripheral. With a familiar layout blending the stylings of Xbox controllers and Sony’s DualShock, you’ll quickly get the hang of the Stratus+. The Hall effect magnetic sensors provide a great feel on the triggers to ensure precision and consistency, giving you an advantage in shooters, while the ALPS thumbsticks provide maximum control.
8. 8Bitdo Pro 2
Best PC Controller for Retro Game
With retro looks paired alongside modern functionality, the 8BitDo Pro 2 is an awesome option for playing classic games on PC — and new games, too. The face of the 8BitDo Pro 2 gives you the sense of playing on a classic SNES controller, but the experience should be exponentially better thanks to a modern ergonomic design, quality buttons, vibration, and a good deal more.
The 8BitDo Pro 2 controller supports a wide range of platforms and can connect to your PC over Bluetooth for 20 hours of wireless play, or you can go with a wired USB-C connection. You’ll find standard Nintendo-style controls, though you can remap the buttons to match in-game controls. Meanwhile, you get PlayStation-style symmetrical analog sticks. There are even motion controls. Customization also allows you to do any necessary button remapping, swap sticks behavior and axes, or even adjust the trigger actuation depth. Plus, two back paddles to let you keep your thumbs on the analog sticks.
9. Switch Pro Controller
Let's a Go with Nintendo's Controller
The Switch Pro Controller is one of the best controllers out there, and you can bring that greatness to the PC. Its ergonomically designed to rest comfortably in your hand for hours, while the layout is similar to that of Xbox controllers, so it’s easy to get the hang of playing on it. All of the buttons, triggers and joysticks have a great feel and are super responsive, making it a great alternative to the Xbox Core controller.
Like the DualShock 4, getting the Switch Pro to work on PC is easy with a wired connection, but going wireless requires a few hoops to jump through. The good news is once you've got it paired over Bluetooth, Steam will automatically recognize it as an Xbox One controller with all the button mapping done for you. However, if you're playing games outside of Steam, you'll need the 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter to make the Switch Pro Controller act like an Xbox One gamepad.
10. Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma
Best RGB PC Controller
The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is a slick controller with exceptional capabilities. But, why settle for a wired controller without taking advantage of one of a wired connection’s big perks: a consistent power supply? That’s just what the Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma does. It takes that quality controller and builds in Razer’s signature RGB lighting without bringing any battery-life concerns. The lighting can even react to information coming in from some games, or you can just use it to express your style.
The controller itself won’t let you down either. It has gripped texture around the handles so you can keep a firm hold on it. The thumbstick caps are swappable for your desired feel, while four buttons on the underside, a pair of extra shoulder buttons, and hair-trigger locks provide ample flexibility. And, with Razer’s mecha-tactile switches for the action buttons and D-Pad, you won’t get a squishy feel from the controls.
11. Hori Fighting Stick Alpha
Best PC Fight Stick
If you play a good deal of arcade or fighting games, you've got a case to pick up a fight stick instead of a standard controller. The quick actuation of fight stick buttons and the precise control over a joystick give a huge advantage in fighting games. And, for PC, the Hori Fighting Stick Alpha is a standout option. It offers no-fuss working with your PC, as it has all the same buttons as an Xbox controller. You can also minimize the cables running between you and your PC, as it's simple to connect a gaming headset to the fight stick. Controls to mute your mic and turn audio on are even on the controller itself.
The Hori Fighting Stick Alpha is also ready to take to tournaments without the worry of accidentally getting disqualified, thanks to a Key Lock mode. Modders also get a lot from this stick, as the case and faceplate are both easily opened to swap out components or artwork. Of course, if you don't want to mod, you'll enjoy the high-quality Hori Hayabusa joystick and buttons that come stock.
12. Gran Turismo DD Pro
Best PC Racing Wheel
PCs are the place to experience simulation racing games. This platform not only allows you to connect multiple displays and ultrawide screens for the ultimate immersive experience, but they are also the place for some very serious — and sometimes seriously obscure —racing games. The Fanatec’s Gran Turismo DD Pro racing wheel is the ideal option to take on the competition in these games.
This direct drive racing wheel connects a large motor right to the steering wheel, allowing for much better control and force feedback. You get a whopping 5Nm of torque from the Gran Turismo DD Pro, but it can go up to 8Nm with the separate 180 Boost Kit. You’re bound to feel the pull of every turn and the shock of every bump. On the wheel, there’s an easy-to-use interface with familiar controls, unique 5-way directional sticks, and RevLED. To complete this ultimate PC racing wheel setup is a steel two-pedal set.
Where to Get the Best PC Controller in the UK
It is unsurprising that the Xbox controller tops the list here, but you've actually got a couple of options depending on whether your laptop or PC is Bluetooth enabled. If you've got Bluetooth to use, you won't need the PC adapter USB, and can simply pick up an Xbox One controller, or even a PlayStation DualShock 4 to avoid the extra cost. But, if you want to consider all your options, here are the best PC controllers available in the UK. Don't see the controllers below? Click here.
Best Controller for PC FAQ
Can You Use Console Controllers on PC?
The short answer to this question is yes. Most of the best PC controllers are just console controllers that you connect you your PC. Figuring out how to connect them to your computer is where it starts to get a little tricky. Take a look at our guides to connecting a PS5 controller to PC and pairing an Xbox controller to PC for help getting started.
Are Controllers Better Than a Mouse and Keyboard for PC Gaming?
While playing PC games with a controller might seem like sacrilege against everything that is right in the church of keyboard and mouse, you shouldn't care about what other people think about the way you play PC games.
After all, PC gaming is just as much about playing games that their best possible quality, experience games at ultrawide and super-wide aspect ratios unobtainable on the consoles, or just having the highest, silkiest frame rate possible.
How you get to play that experience is up to you, and if you're like us, sometimes you rather just sit back with a controller than constantly lean over your desk's keyboard and mouse. This can be especially true if you happen to be playing games on a big-screen gaming TV on your couch. While there are lapboards to bring the true PC gaming experience to your living room, controllers are great for keeping things casual and comfortable.
How to Choose the Best PC Controller
Choosing the best PC controller for you is a lot like choosing the best console controller for you. It all depends on preference. If you like the configuration of Xbox controllers over the best PS5 controllers, then you're going to want to a classic Xbox controller. If you're looking for something more customizable, you'll want to go with a custom controller like the Xbox Elite Series. And if you just really like the feel of the Switch Pro controller, you can go with that too. There are plenty of options available!
Kevin Lee is IGN's SEO Updates Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam
source https://www.ign.com/articles/best-pc-controller