What is the best PC controller? Over the years there has been a drastic increase in PC players who use a gamepad to play video games in addition to the usual mouse and keyboard. The reasons are different, many prefer to approach certain video game genres with the controller, just think of action-adventures or platformers. However, it should be emphasized that there are several gamepads on the market, all diversified and unique in their own way, not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also from a purely playful one. Furthermore, with the arrival of the new generation of PS5 and Xbox Series X | S, many new technologies have appeared that diversify the gamepads in question even more.
On PC there is also the great advantage of being able to keep a controller active while playing comfortably with mouse and keyboard, thus being able to interchange the peripheral at will depending on the situation. Therefore, one immediately understands the usefulness of having a good controller in one’s PC workstation, which does not necessarily have to be too expensive. Indeed, there are various types of padsfrom the “PRO” ones (more expensive and also more complete) up to the standard, retro or trivially cheap ones.
In this article we will tell you, in detail, about the controller with the best quality/price ratio, as well as providing you with an overview of some other products that may interest you depending on your needs.
The best PC controller – our pick
Our choice for the best PC gaming controller in terms of quality/price ratio is the standard Xbox Series X|S gamepad, which can also be used on PCs via Bluetooth, wi-fi (with a suitable dongle) or with a classic wired cable. The Xbox Series X|S controller can be found in different colors and in different themes. For less than 65 euros, you get a good pad with a more than good build quality and a really excellent feeling, as far as gameplay is concerned, enhanced by a level grip texture and the introduction of the share button to share our moments of play with more ease. The motors dedicated to the vibrations (rumble) placed both on the handles and in the triggers complete the general picture and allow you to feel some game actions with greater immersion. It should be emphasized that the aforementioned controller has asymmetrical analogs, which is why it may not appeal to those who prefer to play with the classic PlayStation pads, moreover it does not have an integrated battery, functioning with the classic stylus batteries or with a rechargeable battery sold separately .
You can check out some of the colorways below, plus, if you’re interested, we’re giving you the opportunity to visit the Xbox Design Lab to build your own custom pad for a much higher price. We also remind you that there are also themed pads, these too, however, can reach rather high prices due to the customizations.
Standard
- Xbox Series X|S Controller Black Carbon | Microsoft
- Xbox Series X|S Controller White Robot | Amazon
- Xbox Series X|S Controller Red Pulse | Microsoft
- Xbox Series X|S Controller Shock Blue | Microsoft
- Xbox Series X|S Controller Electric Volt | Microsoft
Personalized
- Xbox Series X|S Controller 20 Years Limited | Amazon
- Xbox Series X|S Controller Design Lab | Microsoft
The best ever
If you have between 150 and 200 euros to spend on a quality controller, then we just have to recommend the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2, a pad with high build quality, ideal for those who play both online and in single player. Its advantage lies mainly in the possibilities it offers: paddles (additional rear buttons), very high customization such as the possibility of creating profiles with custom button mappings, interchanging the analogs or setting different resistances for the triggers. In short, not a common pad, but which still justifies the high price.
After having recommended the Series 1 in the previous months, today the Series 2 takes its place, which improves its predecessor in all respects by introducing an extra profile, the integrated battery, an additional stroke for the triggers, smaller paddles and a revised general build quality, especially as regards the rubberized grips of the handles.
The best ever, but cheaper
Born and designed for all those players who want to use a Pro Controller but at a slightly more accessible price, Microsoft is meeting us with Xbox Elite Series 2 Core. Available in two different colors (black and white), the controller is in all respects a classic Elite that we told you about earlier, but it is sold without some accessories and with only the fundamental ones inside the package. A certainly lower expense, which however also corresponds to a maximum yield, given the characteristics of the controller that remain unchanged, such as a more precise directional cross and the possibility of adding additional triggers.
- Xbox Elite Series 2 Core | Amazon
The best PC controller with symmetrical analogs
If you are a player who prefers symmetrical controllers, know that we have also thought of you with the spectacular new ones DualSense of PlayStation 5. They are excellent controllers, also excellent for playing any type of title. These too can be found in their standard version for just under 65 euros and can be connected via both Bluetooth and cable. In addition to this, they all offer an integrated battery with about 15/20 hours of battery life, adaptive triggers and handles with vibration motor with haptic technology, perfect for immersing the player 360 degrees inside the video game. In addition to the adaptive innovations, the new DualSense features a touchbar, speaker and gyroscope exactly like the previous PlayStation 5 Dualshock, also integrating a microphone for the first time to be able to communicate with your friends (albeit with some limitations).
Below you can find a series of DualSense, with different colors and different customizations.
- DualSense White| Amazon
- DualSense Midnight Black | Amazon
- DualSense Cosmic RED | Amazon
- DualSense Galactic Purple | Amazon
- DualSense Starlight Blue| Amazon
- DualSense Nova Pink | Amazon
The best budget PC controller
If you are looking for a very cheap PC controller, then your best choice can definitely be a peripheral manufactured by PDP. The pad in question is produced under official Microsoft license and has the same form factor as the Xbox One and Xbox Series S | X pads, complete with an additional button for capturing game clips and screenshots. The controller is only available in a wired version, but it could be a plus if you don’t like replacing AA batteries and don’t want to have a Play & Charge Kit. The cost, definitely within everyone’s reach, makes it a perfect choice if you have a tight budget and is also compatible with the consoles produced by the Redmond giant, like all peripherals produced under license.
The best Retro controller
Retrogaming enthusiasts are often looking for a controller that takes them back to the past, where there were no analogs and buttons were the only thing to press. For this reason, old retro controllers are still for sale, many even original and manufactured by the companies of the time.
The best one we recommend is also the one we recently tested at a SEGA event, it’s the retro-bit of the SEGA Mega Drive, a retro pad with 6 buttons. back and directional; light, aesthetically beautiful and above all original. Useful for playing fighting games, platformers or Metroidvania.
How to choose the best PC controller
If it is true that most computer games can be played with a mouse and keyboard, it is also true that over the years more and more players have chosen to equip themselves with a pad, also thanks to the arrival of certain types of games, once relegated only to the console environment. When we go to choose a PC controller it is necessary to take into account some aspects and factors that can influence (and greatly) the gaming experience in general.
Asymmetrical or not?
One of the first considerations to make when deciding to buy a PC controller is certainly the form factor. In circulation for years now there are only two types of controllers: asymmetric and non-asymmetric. Historically, PlayStation controllers fall into the former category, while Xbox controllers fall into the latter category. The difference lies in the position of the analog sticks: in asymmetric controllers they are at the bottom, positioned to the left and right. In non-asymmetrical ones, however, the left stick is positioned at the top in the same position, while the one on the right is lower.
Weight and size
Should a good PC controller be heavy or light? Big or small? There is no precise rule. Also in this there are differences between the PlayStation and Xbox form factors: the controllers launched by Sony are historically smaller (with the exception, in reality, of the DualSense, present on PS5), while those of Microsoft are decidedly larger and more ergonomic. The choice in this case is all based on personal taste and obviously on comfort.
Keys and layouts
When deciding to buy a PC controller, you also need to keep your layout preferences in mind. Better a controller with the D-pad (ie the directional cross) which has the four detached arrows and which allow greater control in certain genres such as fighting games or a single cross? And the keys? Historically on PC the ones chosen by Xbox are used (ie ABYX, LR, LB, RT and RB) and it is really rare to find other configurations. With the compatibility of PlayStation controllers on Steam and Epic Games, however, if you are a gamer coming mainly from that console environment, there is certainly more choice now, especially if you look carefully not only at the official market, but also to peripherals produced under license such as Nacon ones for example.
Wireless or wired?
Just like for consoles, even on PC controllers can be of two types: wireless and wired. Wireless controllers often cost slightly more and there are also real kits on the market that allow you to use a rechargeable battery, thus freeing the consumer from the use of AA batteries, which risk becoming a major expense at the end of the year. The wired cable eliminates the input lag phenomenon, but also risks being slightly uncomfortable, especially if you play with a friend. However, it should be remembered that most of the PC pads available on the market can be used in both configurations.
Additional keys or not?
If you come from the PC world and especially from peripherals such as a mouse and keyboard with programmable keys, you may also be looking for these functions on controllers. Over the last few years Microsoft and Sony have launched very similar solutions, with real controllers that add several programmable buttons. An excellent solution, especially if you play certain genres using these peripherals.
