Best PC controller 2023

What’s the greatest PC controller? These gamepads actually push our buttons – in a great way – as they every supply a terrific different to the traditional clicking and clacking of the mouse and keyboard. We at PCGamesN spent hours testing all these buttons, triggers, pedals, and extra, to make sure we’re providing you with the very best recommendation attainable on which controller it is advisable to be utilizing to your PC video games.

Keyboard and mouse purists might scoff on the notion {that a} controller needs to be a part of any gaming PC setup, however it’s exhausting to disclaim the comfort and ergonomic advantages supplied by these perky pads. On this listing, we’ve included choices for the best PC steering wheels, the best PC joysticks, and rather more, protecting each kind of controller for each kind of gamer.

Listed below are the very best PC controllers in 2023:

1. Xbox Wireless Controller – greatest total
2. PowerA Moga XP-Ultra – most versatile
3. Thrustmaster eSwap X PRO – greatest thumbsticks
4. PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller – most immersive
5. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller – another possibility
6. Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – greatest high-end
7. Nacon Revolution Unlimited – greatest hybrid alternative
8. Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition Chroma – greatest RGB
9. Thrustmaster Warthog – greatest flight stick
10. Nacon Daija Arcade Stick – greatest struggle stick
11. Turtle Beach VelocityOne – greatest flight yoke
12. Fanatec Clubsport – greatest racing wheel
13. Nacon Revolution 5 Pro – greatest Corridor Impact controller

1. Xbox Wi-fi Controller

The greatest PC controller.

Xbox Wi-fi Controller specs:

Professionals

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

Cons

• Requires AA batteries/play and cost package
• Not customizable

The Xbox Wi-fi Controller is Microsoft’s newest try to good the default gamepad that ships with the Xbox Sequence X and Sequence S. Whereas it won’t look all that totally different from its predecessors, apart from dropping the console-specific branding from its identify, 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 appears 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, which means it matches a wider vary of hand sizes and shapes. Nonetheless, 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. PowerA Moga XP-Extremely

The most versatile PC controller.

PowerA Moga XP-Extremely Controller specs:

Professionals

• Multi-platform versatility
• Mappable gaming buttons
• Battery stage indicator

Cons

• Buttons lack journey
• Barely awkward structure
• Sluggish to begin after waking

Choosing the proper pad isn’t as simple because it as soon as was, however the PowerA Moga XP-Extremely Wi-fi Controller is an try to resolve a really trendy drawback of utilizing a number of platforms. It’s appropriate with Home windows 10/11 PC, Xbox Sequence X|S, Xbox One, Android Cell, and many Sensible TVs.

The Extremely-XP is a Bluetooth controller constructed for all eventualities, then – one thing echoed by its modular design. Within the field, you get an attachable cellphone mount to show your handset right into a handheld, and it additionally options removable grips, decreasing the footprint for taking part in on the go or providing you with an possibility for those who want the scale of old-school controllers.

We actually just like the modularity supplied by the XP-Extremely. Enjoying retro video games with the mini-pad is a blast, and having a sturdy option to mount a cellphone for cloud gaming is sensible. The battery lifetime of 40 hours in Bluetooth mode is immense, and, for some video games, we love the D-Pad. Probably the most adaptable and versatile controller we’ve ever used, the PowerA Moga XP-Extremely actually is a jack of all trades – however you understand how that saying ends.

Learn our PowerA Moga XP-Ultra review.

3. Thrustmaster eSwap X PRO

The greatest thumbstick controller.

Thrustmaster eSwap X Professional specs:

Professionals

• Modular analog sticks
• Microswitch buttons
• Thrustmapper software program

Cons

• Costly
• No wi-fi possibility

Thrustmaster’s Eswap Professional X is a premium gamepad by means of and thru, however its modular design makes it one of the 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 be capable to change them with out turning into a gamepad surgeon. You would even steadiness substance and magnificence by including totally different colours utilizing one in all Thrustmaster’s non-obligatory kits.

The Eswap Professional X additionally comes with a formidable 22-button structure, 4 of which reside on the again of the unhealthy. 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 permits you to 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.

4. PlayStation DualSense Wi-fi Controller

The greatest PC controller for immersion.

PlayStation DualSense Wi-fi Controller specs:

Professionals

• Distinctive Dualsense options
• Excessive-quality really feel

Cons

• Expensive
• Restricted assist on PC

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

The DualSense can also be simply a wonderful gamepad, and it elevates all the things that made its predecessor nice. Its thumbsticks are nonetheless beautifully snug, and it’s nonetheless snug to make use of after hours of use.

Sony is slowly branching out on the PC, however assist 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 purpose, haptic suggestions gained’t work on the pad over Bluetooth, which 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 normally, the DualSense is a killer pad with spectacular capabilities. It’s dear, however when you think about what it provides, it’s probably a sensible funding.

 

5. Nintendo Change Professional Controller

The greatest different PC controller.

Nintendo Change Professional Controller specs:

Professionals:

• Wonderful D-Pad
• Stellar battery life
• Higher than Pleasure-Cons in mainly each manner

Cons:

• Shallow triggers
• Not accessible in a variety of colours

The Nintendo Change Professional has been made particularly for the diminutive console, however has been given its personal Steam profile and could 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, significantly by way of its plastics. Within the hand, it virtually appears like a gamepad from the early 2000s, one thing that differentiates it from different premium pads in the marketplace.

The chunky buttons and triggers take some time to get used to, particularly for those who’re used to Microsoft controllers. Nonetheless, 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 analog triggers, its tactile buttons and cozy really feel make it a winner on the subject of precision-based platformers. It’s additionally received a whopping 40-hour battery life by way of Bluetooth, making it among the best wi-fi choices in the marketplace.

6. Xbox Elite Wi-fi Controller Sequence 2

The greatest high-end controller for PC.

Xbox Elite Wi-fi Controller Sequence 2 specs:

Professionals

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

Cons

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

Spending properly over $100 on a joypad may appear fairly loopy, however the Elite Sequence 2 is one critically lovely controller. Nearly all the things about it has been designed to simply scream ‘QUALITY!’ in your face. It’s an evolution over the earlier model quite than a revolution, however it’s received all the things we beloved in regards to the authentic Elite, plus all the things the competitors has added to their high-end pads to try to compete.

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

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

In the event you’re not into extra equipment, you possibly can go for the Sequence 2 Core, a less expensive package deal that solely consists of the pad and an adjustment software.

Learn the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review.

7. Nacon Revolution Limitless

The greatest hybrid PC controller.

Nacon Revolution Limitless specs:

Professionals

• Nice construct high quality
• Asymmetrical structure
• Wonderful 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 significant construct high quality and extremely customization. However Nacon’s pad succeeds in each and in addition manages to combine each the superb PlayStation thumbsticks and touchpad with the Xbox asymmetrical structure.

The one difficulty is the software program. It refuses to attach except you’re wired in and a few of its wordless icons are borderline impenetrable. However there are a complete host of customization choices buried in there for those who actually wish to go deep.

Learn the Nacon Revolution Unlimited review.

8. Razer Wolverine Match Version Chroma

The greatest RGB PC controller.

Razer Wolverine Match Version Chroma specs:

Professionals

• Clicky as heck
• Tasteful 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 listing. 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, however it balances each model and substance. Microswitches assist the pad’s buttons really feel responsive and satisfying, whereas adjustable hair triggers will enable you to land pictures within the best FPS games.

Identical to different PC gamepads on this listing, Razer’s mild present controller comes with a premium price ticket hooked up. In the event you’re on the lookout for tournament-grade high quality and additional visible aptitude, you may wish to make investments on this pad. Nonetheless, if less-than-stellar D-pads are likely to upset you, we’d recommend trying elsewhere.

9. Thrustmaster Warthog

The greatest flight stick.

Thrustmaster Warthog specs:

Professionals

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

Cons

• Tremendous costly
• No stick twist assist

Thrustmaster’s Warthog flight stick is a reproduction of the controllers within the traditional 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 for those who’re already seeking to choose up a controller for the best flying games you then’ve in all probability received 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, however it’s nonetheless the best joystick for PC. It’s dear however nonetheless manages to really feel price it whenever you’re hurtling by means of 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 should supply some severe competitors to the Warthog.

10. Nacon Daija Arcade Stick

The greatest struggle stick.

Nacon Daija Arcade Stick specs:

Professionals:

• Premium and refined construct high quality
• Has each function any combating sport participant wants

Cons:

Some gamers say you shouldn’t carry a gamepad to a avenue struggle, and the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick might enable you 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 way from being the most affordable arcade stick in the marketplace. Weighing 3.4kg, you’ll wrestle to overlook it’s stowed away in your backpack.

Whether or not you’re new to tinkering with arcade sticks, or simply on the lookout for a neater time, the Nacon Daija has you coated. Its toolless design means you’ll be capable 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 skin, the Daija boasts a delicate 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 combating sport weaponry forward of Street Fighter 6.

Take a look at our Nacon Daija Arcade Stick review.

 

11. Turtle Seashore VelocityOne

The greatest flight yoke.

Turtle Seashore VelocityOne specs:

Professionals

• Straightforward to arrange
• Genuine
• Limitless profiles

Cons

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

Turtle Seashore constructed its Velocity One flight controller with Xbox in thoughts, however it nonetheless provides large worth for PC gamers. At this value, you’d anticipate rather a lot, and also you do certainly get rather a lot to 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 need to use to customise nearly all the things about this gadget.

It’s designed particularly for Microsoft Flight Simulator and provides 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, however it’s simple to arrange, makes gaming really feel like an occasion, and involves life when the RGB lighting begins to shine.

12. Fanatec Clubsport

The greatest PC racing wheel.

Fanatec Clubsport specs:

Professionals

• Unimaginable power suggestions
• Modular
• Precision engineered

Cons

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

The Fanatec Clubsport setup prices as a lot as a robust gaming PC, however it’s additionally the stuff of gaming peripheral goals – and it’s all down to simply how superbly 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 personal, selecting 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 stable lumps of metallic and precision-engineered elements. The Fanatec system is the proper match for the best racing games and is palms down the top of the pack on the subject of power suggestions, even all the way down to the pedals.

13. Nacon Revolution 5 Professional

One of the best Corridor Impact controller on PC.

Professionals

• Customization choices are plentiful
• response instances when wired
• Corridor Impact joysticks and triggers

Cons

• Premium value doesn’t repay initially
• Battery life may very well be higher

The Nacon Revolution 5 Professional brings the primary ever Corridor Impact triggers to the market and it’s a welcome sight. Constructed for efficiency and longevity, the Rev 5 Professional ought to see you dominate your opponents for years to return, however the preliminary price ticket could also be exhausting to swallow.

Like every of the very best PC controllers ought to, the Nacon Revolution 5 Professional provides each wired and wi-fi connections, and an app to fully customise any facet of the controller, from the set off sensitivity all the way down to the LED lighting. If you would like a controller that adapts to you, quite than the opposite manner round, the Rev 5 Professional is definitely that controller, and its Corridor Impact implementation places it forward of many opponents.

Learn our Nacon Revolution 5 Pro review for extra.

How we selected the very best PC controllers

There have been a number of issues we saved in thoughts when deciding which controllers deserved a spot on this listing. In the event you’re planning on shopping for one your self, these are vital issues to remember:

• Pricing: The value of controllers can differ enormously. We wished to incorporate choices that will cater to readers on totally different budgets. We suggest utilizing $70 (£60) as a yardstick – fancier choices will value much more, however that ought to cowl the value for normal controllers.
• Customization: Do you simply want a controller to play your video games with, or would you like one thing that you could tailor to greatest go well with your personal model of play? If that’s the case, look out for programmable and swappable buttons, in addition to the choice to save lots of profiles, however remember that these premium options push up the value tag.
• Cross-compatibility: In the event you’re additionally a console gamer, chances are you’ll wish to discover one thing that you need to use in your Xbox/PlayStation/Change as properly. We’ve coated plenty of broadly appropriate choices right here, however we suggest double-checking earlier than making a choice.
• Specialised controllers: Followers of the best simulation games may need a specialised controller to assist them really feel extra totally immersed and provides them a larger sense of management. Flight yoke and racing wheel controllers can do exactly that, so we felt that they deserved some illustration on this listing, however it’s vital to keep in mind that these items come at the next value.
• Aesthetics: Final however not least, you’re going to wish to select a controller that appears good and can slot in along with your gaming house. Many controllers come solely in a singular model, however we’ve tried to incorporate just a few which have RGB lighting or that are available numerous colours.

In the event you nonetheless have any questions on how we determine what to incorporate in these lists, learn our how we test web page. We’ve additionally answered some FAQs under:

Can I exploit an Xbox controller with PC?

Sure, you may. As these controllers are manufactured by Microsoft, it’s particularly simple to get them to work on PC. In the event you’re planning on shopping for for the primary time, you’ll discover that there are Xbox controllers particularly designed with PC use in thoughts.

Can I exploit a PS4 controller with PC?

Sure, you may. On Home windows 10 or above, you’ll usually discover that it’s going to even configure robotically. Learn our information on how to use a PS4 controller with Steam for extra data.

Can you utilize any controller with PC?

Whereas we wouldn’t wish to definitively say that you need to use actually any controller, it’s a lot simpler to make use of totally different controllers on PC than it’s on consoles. Most wi-fi controllers will be capable to hook up with your PC by way of dongles, wired ones use USBs very often, and even when they use a extra uncommon kind of plug, you will discover adapters. In fact, for those who go for a extremely outdated and obscure alternative, you’ll have a number of work to do in configuring it for new PC games, however you may virtually get something to work on PC, and it’s particularly simple with current items of {hardware}.

Is it price utilizing a controller on PC?

The road that divides console and PC gaming is far much less outlined than it was as soon as. Most massive console releases come to PC as properly, and these have usually been designed with the expectation that the participant will probably be utilizing a controller. We suggest having at the least one PC controller as a part of your gaming setup.

In the event you’ve been studying this listing, chances are you’ll discover our information on how to use an external controller on Steam Deck useful. For extra methods to manage your favourite PC video games, learn our information on the best gaming mouse for some suggestions.