Making an attempt to pinpoint one of the best PC sport controllers is an Herculean process. Of all trendy gaming platforms, the PC is by far probably the most versatile, when it comes to inputs. Not like cellular platforms, which normally require Bluetooth, or devoted consoles, which have extraordinarily explicit pairing protocols, nearly any gadget with (or with out) a wire will work wonderful on PC. As such, with such a dizzying array of peripherals, it may be troublesome to know the place to start out, not to mention which gadget to in the end purchase.
To simplify issues significantly: Microsoft’s commonplace Xbox Collection X controller is the only option for most individuals. This $60 peripheral is the gold commonplace for connectivity and efficiency when it comes to PC sport controllers; certainly, most video games already come optimized for it. Most different gadgets we examined both mimicked Microsoft’s controller, or required some sort of tedious workaround to fireplace on all cylinders.
Nonetheless, there are a couple of different controllers value contemplating, particularly for those who already personal a PS5 or a Nintendo Swap, and would somewhat simply use what you have already got obtainable. Learn on for our greatest PC sport controller picks, together with each the Xbox Wi-fi Controller and some different worthy contenders.
One of the best PC sport controllers you should buy right now
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The Xbox Wi-fi Controller is one of the best PC sport controller for many gamers, because it simply merely works. With wired, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, it might join to simply about each gaming gadget in your house; with a snug, ergonomic grip, you may maintain it for hours at a time. It has a simple, smart button structure, and its dimension ought to swimsuit nearly everybody: teenagers and adults, in addition to women and men. Most PC video games already come optimized for the Xbox Wi-fi Controller, and can show its button structure and prompts accordingly.
The gadget has a couple of downsides. By default, it runs on AA batteries; a chargeable pack prices further. You’ll even have to purchase a separate adapter if you need USB connectivity in your PC, which tends to be a bit sooner and extra dependable than Bluetooth. In any other case, that is the appropriate controller for many players.
The Xbox Elite Collection 2 controller is the costliest mannequin we evaluated, costing as much as $180. (For comparability functions, an Xbox Collection S — which comes with an ordinary Xbox controller — prices $300.) And but, for those who can abdomen the associated fee, there’s an terrible lot to love right here. Not like the usual Xbox Wi-fi Controller, the Elite Collection 2 permits you to regulate the stress of the analog sticks and the set off buttons. There’s additionally a superior grip, a detachable D-pad cowl, a chargeable battery and even an elective set of again paddles that you should utilize as further buttons.
As as to if any of those options make an incredible distinction, it relies upon largely in your playstyle. Should you discover the default Xbox controller completely good, there’s no actual purpose to pay 3 times as a lot, particularly contemplating that the core design is equivalent. However when you’ve got some further money readily available, the Elite Collection 2 nearly justifies its excessive value.
The DualSense Wi-fi Controller has been a divisive peripheral ever since Sony first revealed it. Whereas some players adore its unconventional look, which represents a radical departure from the well-worn DualShock design, others assume that it’s too large and provides an excessive amount of actual property to its underutilized touchpad. In both case, for those who personal a PS5, it’s value not less than making an attempt out the DualSense along with your PC earlier than you run out and purchase one other peripheral.
Not like the Xbox Wi-fi Controller, the DualSense isn’t optimized for many video games by default, and also you’ll have to make use of your creativeness to determine the place each button corresponds. However you are able to do some cool issues with the gadget’s touchpad and lighting, for those who’re wiling to dive into some Steam Huge Image choices. It’s additionally value trying out for players with giant fingers.
The Amazon Luna Controller is without doubt one of the extra unconventional selections on the checklist, nevertheless it’s most likely value investigating for those who’re already ensconced within the in depth Amazon product ecosystem. It’s comfy and purposeful, with textured thumbsticks, a wise button structure and a surprisingly good D-pad. It’s additionally optimized for Amazon’s Luna streaming service out of the field, and connects simply to Hearth TV gadgets as effectively.
The controller can hook up with PCs through Wi-Fi, which provides a sooner and probably extra steady connection than Bluetooth. However the tradeoff is that the Luna controller is a little more costly than the competitors. It additionally requires a couple of further hoops, within the type of a devoted driver and cellular app. Getting the gadget up and operating shouldn’t be almost as seamless because it could possibly be.
The Nintendo Swap Professional Controller is fairly much like the Xbox Wi-fi Controller, however $10 costlier. Its connection might be extraordinarily mercurial, relying in your PC’s Bluetooth protocol, and Nintendo’s assist for the gadget’s PC performance is actually nil. Nonetheless, as a Swap accent, the Professional Controller is unmatched. As such, for those who occur to personal one anyway, you would possibly discover that it makes a superb PC controller, too.
If there’s one sturdy purpose to suggest the Swap Professional Controller, it’s as a result of it’s merely comfy to carry. The gadget is a bit lighter than a few of its rivals, and has a clean chassis with an intriguing see-through design. The D-pad can also be a lower above what most PC controllers provide. It’s not a perfect PC sport controller, nevertheless it’s a reasonably good one — if it performs properly along with your system.
Sony’s last-gen DualShock 4 controller nonetheless has some viability as a PC accent. That’s largely due to an fanatic group of builders who’ve created software program comparable to DS4Windows, which lets customers fine-tune the PS4 controller for Home windows 10 and 11. You may also mess around with the controller’s choices in Steam Huge Image, although comparatively few PC video games provide PS4 button inputs.
As Sony is planning to completely section out the PS4 by 2025, the DS4 might not be broadly obtainable for for much longer, which is an effective and dangerous factor. Whereas Sony is unlikely to implement any new PC options for the gadget, it additionally signifies that customers could possibly discover some fairly good gross sales because the PS5 good points prominence and the PS4 fades. Should you wish to tinker along with your tech, the DS4 could also be a great match.
The SteelSeries Stratus Duo is without doubt one of the few PC controllers from a serious producer that comes with a wi-fi USB dongle. This isn’t a make-or-break function, since Bluetooth is usually adequate for on a regular basis play. Nonetheless, USB connectivity tends to be each sooner and extra dependable than Bluetooth, so the gadget shouldn’t be with out its charms. Aside from that, it additionally sports activities an enormous array of buttons — too many, maybe, however not less than you’ll don’t have any hassle navigating your PC or cellular gaming platform of selection.
To be truthful, the Stratus Duo prices the identical as an Xbox Wi-fi Controller, and doesn’t have any night-or-day benefits. Its grips are a bit too large, making a few of the buttons really feel cramped, and you may’t use it with any Xbox or PlayStation consoles. As a PC and cellular peripheral, although, it really works effectively.
How to decide on one of the best PC sport controller for you
For many players, one of the best PC sport controller is the Xbox Wi-fi Controller. Builders are likely to develop PC sport controller schemes with this gadget in thoughts, proper right down to which button prompts you’ll see onscreen. It’s moderately priced, comfy to carry, works with each Bluetooth and USB protocols and features a 3.5 mm audio jack, in case that’s extra handy than plugging your headset immediately into your PC. By the identical token, the Xbox Elite Collection 2 can also be a superb selection, however provided that you’re keen to drop $180 on a single peripheral.
The opposite gadgets we examined have extra area of interest use-cases. Nonetheless, for those who already personal a console — a PS4, PS5 or Nintendo Swap, particularly — you must not less than attempt to use your present controller along with your PC earlier than you run out and purchase one other one. Every a type of gadgets options Bluetooth connectivity, and underneath ultimate circumstances, each works effectively with PC video games, notably on Steam. Once we examined these gadgets, our efficiency wasn’t flawless on each machine. However they have been adequate to work with, more often than not, and it’s arguably higher to make use of a tool you already personal than to drop $60 on one thing that fills principally the identical perform.
