Finest PC controller 2022 | PCGamesN

There’s nothing fairly like greedy the finest PC controller in your palms. Whether or not it’s enjoying Elden Ring or driving in GTA On-line with precision, generally gamepads are literally higher than their clicky mechanical counterparts.

Selecting up the perfect PC controller will assist add versatility to your set-up. Positive, you’ll need to receive the perfect gaming mouse and a keyboard to match if you happen to’re into aggressive shooters, however a gamepad is a should if you wish to dive into the perfect platform video games and third-person adventures.

Fortunately, there are tons of pads on the market that’ll play good together with your rig. Whether or not you favor the liberty of wi-fi or the consolation of corded accuracy, hooking up a gamepad must be a breeze. In fact, you don’t have to stay with common gamepads, as the perfect PC steering wheel choices will assist flip your gaming chair right into a driver’s seat.

Listed below are the perfect PC controllers in 2022:

1. Microsoft Xbox Wi-fi controller

The finest PC controller is the Microsoft Xbox Wi-fi.
Count on to pay $59.99 USD/ £59.99 GBP.

Professionals

• Hybrid D-pad
• Bluetooth help/plug-and-play
• Textured Triggers

Cons

• Requires AA batteries/play and cost equipment
• Not customisable

The Xbox Wi-fi Controller is Microsoft’s newest try and excellent the default gamepad that ships with the Xbox Collection X and Collection S. Whereas it may not look all that totally different from its predecessors, apart from dropping the console-specific branding from its identify, there’s been loads of adjustments 4 iterations on from the unique Xbox One version that makes this the go-to gamepad for gaming PCs. Plus, it appears nice sitting subsequent to you on the perfect gaming desk.

The textured grip on the rear has been prolonged to cowl the triggers for further grip and precision, and there’s now a hybrid domed D-pad which we’ve beforehand solely seen on the high-end Xbox Elite controller.

Moreover, the pad’s iconic form has been tweaked in comparison with the unique Xbox One pad, that means it matches a wider vary of hand sizes and styles. Nevertheless, the slight adjustments could hinder compatibility with attachments, so hold that in thoughts

Because it’s Microsoft, there’s native compatibility with Home windows 10 so there’s no fiddling round with drivers – all you want is a Bluetooth or USB-C connection to plug and play.

2. Thrustmaster Eswap Professional X

The finest thumbstick controller is the Thrustmaster Eswap Professional X.
Count on to pay $149.99 USD/ £149.99 GBP.

Professionals

• Modular analogue sticks
• Microswitch buttons
• Thrustmapper software program

Cons

• Costly
• No wi-fi possibility

Thrustmaster’s Eswap Professional X is a premium gamepad by and thru, however its modular design makes it one of the crucial versatile units on this listing. It’s additionally a terrific possibility for gamers preferring PlayStation’s parallel controller structure, as you may simply swap across the d-pad and thumbstick.

Not solely are these magnetic modules prime quality, but when they do ever put on down,  you’ll have the ability to exchange them with out changing into a gamepad surgeon. You can even steadiness substance and magnificence by including totally different colors utilizing one in every of Thrustmaster’s optionally available kits.

The Eswap Professional X additionally comes with a formidable 22-button structure, 4 of which reside on the again of the dangerous. When you’re a fan of all issues clicky, you’ll be happy to know that the d-pad and face buttons use microswitches, which make all of the distinction in comparison with rubber dome membranes.

As for compatibility, the Eswap Professional X’s PC drivers include Thrustmapper, a configuration suite that means that you can remap the pad and fine-tune sensitivity. In different phrases, if you happen to’re on the lookout for a thumbstick expertise that comes near the accuracy of a gaming mouse, this gamepad could possibly be what you’re on the lookout for.

3. PlayStation 5 Dualsense

The finest PC controller for immersion is the PlayStation 5 Dualsense.
Count on to pay $69 USD/ £54.99 GBP.

Professionals

• Distinctive Dualsense options
• Excessive-quality really feel

Cons

• Dear
• Restricted help on PC

Sony’s successor to the Dualshock 4 is a newcomer to the gamepad fold, nevertheless it’s already a promising PC controller. It’ll improve bodily immersion in massive hits like Name of Obligation: Chilly Conflict, Far Cry 6, Metro Exodus, and Deathloop, all of which boast adaptive set off help.

The Dualsense can be simply a wonderful gamepad, and it elevates every part that made its predecessor nice. Its thumbsticks are nonetheless fantastically comfy, and it’s nonetheless comfy to make use of after hours of use. Whereas the PlayStation 5 console itself continues to be largely out of inventory, maybe choosing up its pad to make use of on PC is the following smartest thing.

Sony is slowly branching out on the PC, however help for the platform is missing. Official Dualsense drivers aren’t a factor but, and also you’ll have to stay with particular video games to learn from the pad’s immersive options.

Utilizing the Dualsense wirelessly on PC additionally comes with a further cord-cutting caveat. For no matter motive, haptic suggestions gained’t work on the pad over Bluetooth, that means you’ll should tether it to your rig utilizing a USB-C cable.

That stated, if you happen to’re a fan of parallel sticks, or simply Sony shenanigans typically, the Dualsense is a killer pad with spectacular capabilities. It’s dear, however when you think about what it affords, it’s doubtlessly a sensible funding.

4. Nintendo Swap Professional controller

The finest different PC controller is the Nintendo Swap Professional.
Count on to pay $69.99 USD/ £49.99 GBP.

The Nintendo Swap Professional has been made particularly for the diminutive console, however has been given its personal Steam profile and could be linked to your gaming PC with both a wi-fi Bluetooth connection or, if you wish to get configured in Steam, through a USB-C cable.

There’s one thing charming concerning the Swap Professional Controller’s construct high quality, significantly when it comes to its plastics. Within the fingers, it virtually seems like a gamepad from the early 2000s, one thing that differentiates it from different premium pads available on the market.

Its chonky strategy to buttons and triggers takes some time to get used to, particularly if you happen to’re used to Microsoft controllers. Nevertheless, when you’ve spent a while with the Nintendo pad, you’ll need to hold it close to your PC setup.

Nintendo pioneered the d-pad again in 1985, so it’s no shock that the Swap Professional controller upholds its gamepad legacy. Whereas the pad lacks fancy options like analogue triggers, its tactile buttons and comfy really feel make it a winner with regards to precision-based platformers. It’s additionally bought a whopping 40-hour battery life through Bluetooth, making it top-of-the-line wi-fi choices available on the market.

5. Microsoft Xbox One Elite Collection 2

The finest high-end controller for PC is the Xbox One Elite Collection 2.
Count on to pay $179.99 USD/ £159.99 GBP.

Professionals

• All of the paddles
• Constructed-in battery
• Excessive construct high quality

Cons

• Premium worth level
• Black aesthetic isn’t as thrilling

Spending nicely over $100 on a joypad may appear fairly loopy, however the Elite Collection 2 is one significantly stunning controller. Nearly every part about it has been designed to only scream ‘QUALITY!’ in your face. It’s an evolution over the earlier model relatively than a revolution, nevertheless it’s bought every part we cherished concerning the authentic Elite, plus every part the competitors has added to their high-end pads to attempt to compete.

Identical to the Eswap Professional X, the Elite Collection 2 is provided with customizable buttons that’ll provide help to completely dial in your palm expertise. It’s not fairly as hot-swappable as Thurstmaster’s strategy, nevertheless it affords a unique array of choices, like changeable stick heights and paddle-style triggers.

It’s a small factor, however the truth Microsoft features a hardcase with the Elite Collection 2 speaks volumes. Not solely does it provide you with someplace to maintain your fine details, it’ll shield the pad and assist it serve your gaming wants lengthy into the long run.

When you’re not into extra equipment, you would go for the Collection 2 Core, a less expensive bundle that solely contains the pad and an adjustment software.

Learn the PCGamesN Microsoft Xbox One Elite Collection 2 evaluation for our full verdict and rating.

6. Nacon Revolution Limitless

The finest hybrid PC controller is the Nacon Revolution Limitless.
Count on to pay $78 USD/ £79.99 GBP.

Professionals

• Nice construct high quality
• Asymmetrical structure
• Glorious thumbsticks

Cons

• D-pad isn’t the perfect
• Software program is finicky

Many corporations have tried to match the standard of Microsoft’s Xbox One Elite controller, however only a few have managed to nail its combine of significant construct high quality and extremely customisation. However Nacon’s pad succeeds in each and likewise manages to combine each the superb PlayStation thumbsticks and touchpad with the Xbox asymmetrical structure.

The one subject is the software program. It refuses to attach until you’re wired in and a few of its wordless iconry is borderline impenetrable. However there are an entire host of customisation choices buried in there if you happen to actually need to go deep.

Learn the PCGamesN Nacon Revolution Limitless evaluation for our full verdict and rating.

7. Razer Wolverine Event Version Chroma

The finest RGB PC controller is the Razer Wolverine Event Version Chroma.
Count on to pay $89 USD/ £95 GBP.

Professionals

• Clicky as heck
• RGB!
• Loads of added performance

Cons

• Not the perfect D-pad
• Costly

The Razer Wolverine Event Version Chroma might be the flashiest gamepad on this listing. Signature Chroma RGB lighting helps the controller stand out from the group, and it’ll look nice each at LAN and in your desk

The Wolverine Event Version Chroma is undeniably a looker, nevertheless it balances each fashion and substance. Microswitches assist the pad’s buttons really feel responsive and satisfying, whereas adjustable hair triggers will provide help to land pictures in the perfect FPS video games.

Identical to different PC gamepads on this listing, Razer’s gentle present controller comes with a premium price ticket hooked up. When you’re on the lookout for tournament-grade high quality and additional visible aptitude, you would possibly need to make investments on this pad. Nevertheless, if less-than-stellar D-pads are likely to upset you, we’d recommend wanting elsewhere.

8. Thrustmaster Warthog

The finest flight stick is the Thrustmaster Warthog.
Count on to pay $549,99 USD/ £429.99 GBP.

Professionals

• Satisfying clicky switches
• Chunky (it’s a superb factor)
• Incredible throttle motion

Cons

• Tremendous costly
• No stick twist help

Thrustmaster’s Warthog flight stick is a reproduction of the controllers within the basic A-10 Tankbuster, seemingly hewn from the identical military-grade supplies, and possibly solely barely cheaper than a second-hand airplane.

Sure, the Warthog is frighteningly costly, however if you happen to’re already trying to choose up top-of-the-line PC flight sticks then you definately’ve most likely bought fairly area of interest tastes – and that is one of the best ways to fulfill them.

The Warthog has been round for some time now, nevertheless it’s nonetheless the perfect joystick for PC. It’s dear, however nonetheless manages to really feel value it if you’re hurtling by an asteroid belt, flipping on a pirate, and lowering their ship to tiny bits of melty scrap.

That stated, we’re nonetheless eager to see what Logitech does with the Saitek model sooner or later and whether or not it would provide some critical competitors to the Warthog.

9. Turtle Seashore VelocityOne

The finest flight yoke is the Turtle Seashore VelocityOne.
Count on to pay $379.99 USD/ £299.99 GBP.

Professionals

• Simple to arrange
• Genuine
• Limitless profiles

Cons

• Temperamental menu controls
• Excessive worth
• Barely cheaper really feel

Turtle Seashore constructed its Velocity One flight controller with Xbox in thoughts, nevertheless it nonetheless affords great worth for PC gamers. At this worth, you’d anticipate loads, and also you do certainly get loads on your cash.

The Velocityone options an genuine 180-degree yoke deal with rotation that pushes and pulls for ascending and descending respectively, ten programmable buttons, swappable lever handles, and a built-in show you should use to customize nearly every part about this gadget.

It’s designed particularly for Microsoft Flight Simulator and affords extra performance than most, however nonetheless works high-quality with loads of different flight video games like Star Wars Squadrons and Elite Harmful.

Like most yokes, it’s fairly a bit bigger than a joystick and you will want to clear house in your gaming desk to piece it collectively, nevertheless it’s simple to arrange, makes gaming really feel like an occasion, and involves life when the RGB lighting begins to shine.

10. Fanatec Clubsport

The finest PC racing wheel is the Fanatec Clubsport.
Count on to pay $799 USD/ £700 GBP.

Professionals

• Unbelievable drive suggestions
• Modular
• Precision engineered

Cons

• Prices as a lot as a gaming PC
• Wheel and pedals are offered individually

So, yeah… the Fanatec Clubsport setup is the worth of a robust gaming PC, nevertheless it’s additionally the stuff of gaming peripheral desires – and it’s all down to only how superbly designed, created, and completed the Clubsport equipment is. When you don’t go for one of many preconfigured bundles you’ll should create your personal, choosing and selecting from a really lengthy listing of goodies.

The primary wheelbase is identical throughout the board, however then you may match totally different steering wheels, gearshifts, and pedals into the combination. They usually’re all constructed out of strong lumps of metallic and precision-engineered elements. The Fanatec system has hands-down the perfect drive suggestions system we’ve ever used, even all the way down to suggestions from the pedals, too.

11. Thrustmaster TMX

The finest price range PC racing wheel is the Thrustmaster TMX.
Count on to pay $249 USD/ £132.99 GBP.

Professionals

• Nice worth for cash
• Full 900-degree rotation
• Strong construct

Cons

• Decrease high quality
• Steering could possibly be smoother

Most individuals aren’t going to blow a four-figure sum on a racing wheel – in case you are then bully for you – and an ideal price range possibility that can nonetheless provide you with a fairly sensible driving expertise is Thrustmaster’s TMX wheel.

You don’t actually need to go for something cheaper, as right here you get drive suggestions and 900-degree wheel rotation, the identical as an actual automobile – in comparison with some price range wheels which can solely have 180-degree rotation.

The TMX makes use of belt-driven expertise versus the inferior gear-driven tech for its drive suggestions, supplying you with a smoother, much less notchy really feel when going by the motions. The brake and throttle pedals are adjustable by angle to fit your seating place, and the brake pedal will get progressively more durable as you stamp on it, for a bit added realism.