Players searching for the best possible controller to use for PC gaming can find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place due to the sheer number of choices in this department. To make this decision-making process easier, here are ten of the best controllers can players can use to augment their PC gaming experience considerably.
Updated April 16, 2022 by Mark Sammut: PC gaming is synonymous with the keyboard and mouse, but there are just some games that are made for controllers. Nowadays, there are dozens upon dozens of accessories available across every price point imaginable. Regardless of whether someone is looking for a premium or budget option, they are spoiled for choice. Consequently, it can be useful to know which are the best controllers for PC games. This article’s information has been updated to match current availability.
9 8BitDo SN30 Pro
That being said, the controller suffers a bit due to its bid to emulate this golden age of gaming. It can be a bit small and unwieldy to try out at times, but it’s a small compromise to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience that would be hard to replicate otherwise.
8 Hori Fighting Stick Alpha
Players who mostly play fighting games on their PC would do well with a fighting stick and buttons that can help make their experience feel all the more authentic and arcadey. There are several options in this regard that players can try out.
7 Thrustmaster Warthog
Flight sims are about as niche of a genre as they get in gaming. Consequently, a controller specifically designed to maximize the experience with these types of projects will be worth nothing to most people. However, for those select few who spend their free time taking to the skies, a high-quality joystick is indispensable.
This is where the Thrustmaster Warthog comes into the picture. It might not be a controller that most players can afford, but its superior build quality and overall feel easily make it one of the best flight sticks on the market today.
6 PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller
PowerA’s Enhanced series is basically a more budget-friendly alternative to Microsft’s Xbox controllers, and they are also compatible with the Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. While they lack some contemporary features like Bluetooth, these controllers offer good quality production value and above-average functionality, along with a few neat surprises like two mappable buttons on the back.
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The PowerA Enhanced strike a middle ground between the high-end controllers that cost well over $50 and the extremely cheap alternatives that feel like they could fall apart at a moment’s notice.
5 Forty4 Wireless Gaming Controller
The PC market is flooded with solid accessories that lack the brand recognition of a Microsoft or Razor. Forty4’s Wireless Gaming Controller comes with a slick design, a layout that mirrors the popular Xbox format, and the option to go wired if the user prefers that approach.
This controller also has a few things that help it stand out from the crowd, besides a lit analog stick. It has two customizable M buttons that permit players to configure a string of inputs that can be activated with just a single click. The periphery is also compatible with Android devices and the Nintendo Switch.
4 Sony DualSense Wireless Controller
Historically, Sony’s DualShock has struggled to compete with Microsoft’s Xbox controller in the world of PC gaming, especially when it comes to Windows. Microsoft’s peripherals are designed to be plug-and-play with computers, while the PlayStation variants used to require third-party software to get things going.
In the last few years, PC support for Sony’s controllers has improved significantly, so much so that the PS5’s DualSense barely requires any effort to connect it with a computer. Sony’s latest tech is also one of the best controllers on the market; that said, PC games are not designed to take advantage of all the accessory’s features.
3 Razer Wolverine V2 Wired Gaming Controller
Most ardent gamers would vouch for wired controllers and how they face almost no input lag in comparison to their wireless variants. Players who don’t mind the minor inconvenience of wires should definitely check out the Razer Wolverine V2 Wired Gaming Controller.
The feel of this controller is unparalleled and makes for a stellar PC gaming experience. Some of the Wolverine V2’s features include remappable front-facing buttons, hair trigger mode, and mecha-tactile buttons. Of course, given the pedigree of Razer, no one would’ve expected anything but the best.
The more expensive Wolverine Ultimate is also fantastic.
2 Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller
It would be impossible to talk about the best controllers for PC without mentioning the Xbox line. These controllers are truly in a class of their own and the most obvious recommendation for anyone who wants to enjoy the best PC gaming experience possible.
The base Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller is a great recommendation for anyone who wants a good Xbox controller for their PC gaming requirements. However, there’s another Xbox gaming controller that players can opt for to enjoy the games they play on PC to the fullest.
1 Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
The Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is in a league of its own when it comes to excellent video game controllers. It might cost a pretty penny, but the Elite is a must-have for any player who wants to try out their PC games with the best controller available on the market right now.
Microsoft has consistently designed excellent controllers that feel extremely natural to use. The Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is no exception to this rule, delivering a highly customizable performance that permits players to ensure they are getting an experience that perfectly suits their requirements.
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