Best PC controller 2023 | PCGamesN

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

Selecting up the very best PC controller will assist add versatility to your set-up. Positive, you’ll wish to receive the best gaming mouse and a keyboard to match for those who’re into aggressive shooters, however a gamepad is a should if you wish to dive into the best platform 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 like the liberty of wi-fi or the consolation of corded accuracy, hooking up a gamepad needs to be a breeze. In fact, you don’t have to stay with common gamepads, because the best PC steering wheel choices will assist flip your gaming chair right into a driver’s seat.

Listed below are the very best PC controllers in 2023:

1. Microsoft Xbox Wi-fi controller

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

Professionals

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

Cons

• Requires AA batteries/play and cost package
• 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, except for dropping the console-specific branding from its title, there’s been loads of modifications 4 iterations on from the unique Xbox One version that makes this the go-to gamepad for gaming PCs. Plus, it seems to be nice sitting subsequent to you on the best 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 shapes. Nevertheless, the slight modifications might 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 / £149.99.

Professionals

• Modular analogue sticks
• Microswitch buttons
• Thrustmapper software program

Cons

• Costly
• No wi-fi possibility

Thrustmaster’s Eswap Professional X is a premium gamepad via and thru, however its modular design makes it some of the versatile gadgets on this checklist. It’s additionally an important 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 top quality, but when they do ever put on down,  you’ll have the ability to change them with out turning into a gamepad surgeon. You could possibly even stability substance and magnificence by including totally different colors utilizing considered one of Thrustmaster’s non-compulsory kits.

The Eswap Professional X additionally comes with a powerful 22-button structure, 4 of which reside on the again of the dangerous. In the event 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 lets you remap the pad and fine-tune sensitivity. In different phrases, for those who’re on the lookout for a thumbstick expertise that comes near the accuracy of a gaming mouse, this gamepad may very well 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 / £54.99.

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, but it surely’s already a promising PC controller. It’ll improve bodily immersion in large hits like Name of Responsibility: Chilly Conflict, Far Cry 6, Metro Exodus, and Deathloop, all of which boast adaptive set off help.

The Dualsense can also be simply a wonderful gamepad, and it elevates every little thing that made its predecessor nice. Its thumbsticks are nonetheless beautifully comfy, and it’s nonetheless comfy to make use of after hours of use. Whereas the PlayStation 5 console itself remains to be largely out of inventory, maybe selecting up its pad to make use of on PC is the subsequent neatest 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 profit 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, for those who’re a fan of parallel sticks, or simply Sony shenanigans typically, the Dualsense is a killer pad with spectacular capabilities. It’s expensive, however when you think about what it provides, it’s probably a sensible funding.

 

4. Nintendo Change Professional controller

The finest various PC controller is the Nintendo Change Professional.
Count on to pay $69.99/ £49.99.

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

There’s one thing charming in regards to the Change Professional Controller’s construct high quality, notably by way of its plastics. Within the arms, it nearly looks 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 for those who’re used to Microsoft controllers. Nevertheless, when you’ve spent a while with the Nintendo pad, you’ll wish to hold it close to your PC setup.

Nintendo pioneered the d-pad again in 1985, so it’s no shock that the Change 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 obtained a whopping 40-hour battery life by way of 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/ £159.99.

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 severely lovely controller. Virtually every little thing about it has been designed to simply scream ‘QUALITY!’ in your face. It’s an evolution over the earlier model moderately than a revolution, but it surely’s obtained every little thing we beloved in regards to the unique Elite, plus every little thing 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 show you how to completely dial in your palm expertise. It’s not fairly as hot-swappable as Thurstmaster’s strategy, but it surely provides a distinct array of choices, like changeable stick heights and paddle-style triggers.

It’s a small factor, however the reality Microsoft features a hardcase with the Elite Collection 2 speaks volumes. Not solely does it provide you with someplace to maintain your ins and outs, it’ll shield the pad and assist it serve your gaming wants lengthy into the longer term.

In the event you’re not into further equipment, you might go for the Collection 2 Core, a less expensive bundle that solely contains the pad and an adjustment device.

Learn the PCGamesN Microsoft Xbox One Elite Series 2 review 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/ £79.99.

Professionals

• Nice construct high quality
• Asymmetrical structure
• Glorious thumbsticks

Cons

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

Many firms have tried to match the standard of Microsoft’s Xbox One Elite controller, however only a few have managed to nail its combine of great construct high quality and extremely customisation. However Nacon’s pad succeeds in each and in addition manages to combine each the wonderful 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 for those who actually wish to go deep.

Learn the PCGamesN Nacon Revolution Unlimited review for our full verdict and rating.

7. Razer Wolverine Match Version Chroma

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

Professionals

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

Cons

• Not the very best D-pad
• Costly

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

The Wolverine Match Version Chroma is undeniably a looker, but it surely balances each fashion and substance. Microswitches assist the pad’s buttons really feel responsive and satisfying, whereas adjustable hair triggers will show you how to land pictures in the very best FPS video games.

Identical to different PC gamepads on this checklist, Razer’s mild present controller comes with a premium price ticket connected. In the event you’re on the lookout for tournament-grade high quality and further visible aptitude, you may wish to make investments on this pad. Nevertheless, if less-than-stellar D-pads are inclined 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/ £429.99.

Professionals

• Satisfying clicky switches
• Chunky (it’s a great factor)
• Implausible throttle motion

Cons

• Tremendous costly
• No stick twist help

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

Sure, the Warthog is frighteningly costly, however for those who’re already trying to decide up top-of-the-line PC flight sticks then you definately’ve in all probability obtained fairly area of interest tastes – and that is the easiest way to fulfill them.

The Warthog has been round for some time now, but it surely’s nonetheless the best joystick for PC. It’s expensive, however nonetheless manages to really feel value it while you’re hurtling via an asteroid belt, flipping on a pirate, and decreasing 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’ll supply some critical competitors to the Warthog.

9. Nacon Daija Arcade Stick

The finest combat stick is the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick.
Count on to pay $279 / £279.

Some gamers say you shouldn’t deliver a gamepad to a road combat, and the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick might show you how to land the ending blow in all of the best fighting games. Developed alongside French esports participant Marie-Laure ‘Kayane’ Norindr, precision and performance are weaved into this stick’s DNA, two qualities that elevate it above different contenders.

Coming in at round $279, the Nacon Daija is much from being the most cost effective arcade stick available on the market. Weighing 3.4kg, you’ll additionally wrestle to overlook it’s stowed away in your backpack, however its hefty stature contributes to this chonky champion’s premium vibe.

Whether or not you’re new to tinkering with arcade sticks, or simply on the lookout for a better time, the Nacon Daija has you lined. Its toolless design means you’ll have the ability to swap out buttons and switches with out battle,  and useful diagrams will hold you proper for those who get in a tangle. On the surface, the Daija boasts a refined aesthetic, however you may jazz issues up by including customized paintings beneath the stick’s plexiglass overlay.

Sadly, the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick isn’t accessible within the US for the time being, however you may import one for those who’re itching to improve your preventing sport weaponry forward of Street Fighter 6.

Take a look at our Nacon Daija Arcade Stick review for an in-depth take a look at our favorite combat stick. 

 

10. Turtle Seaside VelocityOne

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

Professionals

• Simple to arrange
• Genuine
• Limitless profiles

Cons

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

Turtle Seaside constructed its Velocity One flight controller with Xbox in thoughts, but it surely nonetheless provides large worth for PC gamers. At this worth, you’d anticipate so much, and also you do certainly get so much 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 little thing about this system.

It’s designed particularly for Microsoft Flight Simulator and provides extra performance than most, however nonetheless works fantastic 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, but it surely’s simple to arrange, makes gaming really feel like an occasion, and involves life when the RGB lighting begins to shine.

11. Fanatec Clubsport

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

Professionals

• Unimaginable pressure suggestions
• Modular
• Precision engineered

Cons

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

So, yeah… the Fanatec Clubsport setup is the value of a strong gaming PC, but it surely’s additionally the stuff of gaming peripheral goals – and it’s all down to simply how fantastically designed, created, and completed the Clubsport package is. In the event you don’t go for one of many preconfigured bundles you’ll should create your individual, selecting and selecting from a really lengthy checklist of goodies.

The principle wheelbase is identical throughout the board, however then you may match totally different steering wheels, gearshifts, and pedals into the combination. And so they’re all constructed out of stable lumps of metallic and precision-engineered parts. The Fanatec system has hands-down the very best pressure suggestions system we’ve ever used, even all the way down to suggestions from the pedals, too.

12. Thrustmaster TMX

The finest funds PC racing wheel is the Thrustmaster TMX.
Count on to pay $249 / £132.99.

Professionals

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

Cons

• Decrease high quality
• Steering may very well be smoother

Most individuals aren’t going to blow a four-figure sum on a racing wheel – if you’re then bully for you – and an ideal funds possibility that may nonetheless provide you with a fairly real looking driving expertise is Thrustmaster’s TMX wheel.

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

The TMX makes use of belt-driven expertise versus the inferior gear-driven tech for its pressure suggestions, providing you with a smoother, much less notchy really feel when going via 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 little bit added realism.