BEST CONTROLLERS
When looking for a gaming controller/gamepad first of all you need to make sure that it is PC compatible, and after that you will need to consider the following things: connectivity (wired vs wireless; the latter requires batteries), ergonomics (i.e. does it fit comfortably in your hands and provide easy access to all buttons?), durability (you get what you pay for), and customization options (e.g. programmable buttons or interchangeable sticks/D-pads).
While it is notoriously more difficult to play FPS games with a controller compared to a mouse, some controllers have a feature called hair-trigger mode, which allows much faster aiming and shooting.
Keep also in mind that there are controllers designed for specific types of games, such as racing and flight simulators (i.e. shaped like driving wheels or flight sticks).
Below is a list of what we think are some of the best controllers on the market ordered by increasing price (prices are in US$ and may vary depending on current promotions and availability). Please make sure that you also check our regularly updated News & Deals section for limited-time offers.
MSI Force GC30V2
($34.92 on Newegg.com)
- Connectivity: wireless (Bluetooth) or wired via USB 2.0 cable (included)
- Customizable: interchangeable D-pads
- Misc: Up to 8h battery life
8BitDo Ultimate 2
($59.95 on Amazon.com)
- Connectivity: wireless
- Customizable: programmable buttons and macro recording
- Misc: TMR sticks, switch between linear Hall Effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers, extra R4/L4 bumpers, 6-axis motion control, includes charging dock and USB-C adapter, RGB lighting
Xbox Wireless
($69.99 on Amazon.com)
- Connectivity: Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, or wired via USB Type-C
- Customizable: button mapping
- Misc: Up to 40h battery life, 13 color options
Xbox Elite Wireless
($199.99 on Amazon.com)
- Connectivity: Xbox Wireless, Bluetooth, or wired via USB Type-C cable (included)
- Customizable: button mapping (saves up to 3 custom profiles); interchangeable thumbstick toppers, D-pads, and paddles
- Misc: up to 40h battery life, charging deck included, 7 color options
Thrustmaster T16000M
($249.99 on Amazon.com)
- Flight stick, rudder pedals block, and throttle
- Connectivity: all three components connect to PC via USB cables (included)
- Misc: 30 buttons
Logitech G920 Driving Force
($329.99 on Amazon.com)
- Wheel and pedals block
- Connectivity: wheel connects to PC via USB cable; wheel also connects to power and pedal unit
- Wheel diameter: 11” (28 cm)
- Misc: real force feedback, stainless steel paddle shifters, leather steering wheel cover, can turn the wheel around two and a half times (900°), compatible with 6-Speed Manual Shifter Attachment (sold separately)
