Despite evidence to the contrary, not everyone wants to use wireless controllers when gaming. There are plenty of good reasons to lean towards wired controllers, even if the difference in latency is now negligible. Besides having the obvious advantage of not needing to be charged, wired controllers are often lighter than their wireless counterparts and can offer special design features such as tie-ins with popular franchises or RGB lighting. Along with these bonuses is the fact that most wired controllers are available for less than $50 and are often listed at even lower prices.

  • Power A Enhanced Xbox Controller
    PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller
    Best Overall Budget Wired Controller
    $20 at Best Buy
  • GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller
    GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller For Xbox
    Best Budget Wired Controller for Xbox
    $45 at Walmart
  • PowerA Advantage Wired Controller
    PowerA Advantage Wired Controller with Lumectra
    Best RGB Budget Wired Controller
    $35 at Walmart
  • console game controller hub discounts sales january
    Turtle Beach REACT-R Game Controller
    Best Budget Wired Controller for PC
    $40 at Turtle Beach
  • PDP REMATCH Enhanced Wired Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
    PDP REMATCH Enhanced Wired Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
    Best Budget Wired Controller for Switch
    See at Amazon
  • 8Bitdo Pro 2 Wired Controller
    8Bitdo Pro 2 Wired Controller
    Best Retro Budget Wired Controller
    See at Amazon
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The best gaming controller offers enhanced customization and performance on PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox.

Whether users want a highly customizable wired controller or something that works flawlessly for many platforms, Game ZXC has compiled a list of the best-wired controllers for different needs, which excel at functionality, aesthetics, and compatibility.

When choosing a budget wired controller, consider these factors

  • Compatibility – Though it may be obvious, players should make sure that their wired controller is compatible with any PC or console they want to game on. Although it’s rare, some wired controllers are only compatible with one system.
  • Durability – Players should review the product details and customer reviews to make sure their wired controller will last a long time. If it won’t, it better be cheap!
  • Cord Length – PC players will likely want a shorter cord to avoid unnecessary clutter, while console gamers should pick a controller with a cord long enough to reach from their system to their couch.
  • Customizability – Most wired controllers allow players to remap buttons or even activate RGB lighting. Players should think about how much and what type of customization they want before shopping.

Game ZXC's Picks for the Best Budget Wired Controllers in 2024

PowerA is a household name among gamers for a good reason: they make excellent peripherals. In particular, their Enhanced wired controllers offer the best mix of high-quality materials, competitive performance specs, and budget-friendly pricing. Game ZXC’s full review of the PowerA Enhanced wired controller found it to be aesthetically pleasing and incredibly responsive. The lightweight controller features two programmable buttons on the back and mic controls on the front, both of which are easy to manipulate and customize. In fact, all of the buttons are easy to reach and responsive, with the controller itself being very comfortable thanks to the textured finish wrapping around the back of each handle.

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Cutting the cord is key for some gamers, but that can be tough with controllers. Here are the best wireless controllers for budget-minded gamers.

The PowerA Enhanced wired controller for Xbox Series X|S is perfect for both console and PC gamers, especially considering that there’s also a version of the controller available for the Switch at an even lower price. Players can choose the style that fits them best, especially considering that there are over a dozen designs available for the Xbox controller alone. Offering players great customizability, a stylish design, and decent performance at a fairly low price, PowerA’s Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox is the best budget-wired controller on the market.

The GameSir G7 SE is hands down the best possible wired controller for Xbox consoles under $50. A beautiful design with a durable exterior makes it reliable, eliminating any filmy elements to give a premium feel. It's a bit upgraded from the G7 non-SE edition when it comes to functionality. It does, however, get downgraded in the face buttons and the D-Pad but now the triggers and the thumbsticks are more sensitive and responsive.

Unlike the non-SE edition, the SE edition uses the Hall Effect to register even the smallest of movements, making the controls friction less and more accurate for aiming. The grips are also improved through laser-engraving, to provide great ergonomics for long sessions and there are two additional buttons at the back for performing quick actions. With a 3.5mm audio jack, users can also connect their headsets, making it highly convenient in competitive gaming.

The PowerA Advantage with Lumectra is essentially an upgraded version of the regular one but with built-in RGB LEDs and several minor improvements. Apart from being officially licensed by Xbox for flawless compatibility with the Xbox consoles and PC, the controller comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack, removable buttons, and additional functionality for competitive gaming. The controller has three-way trigger locks, allowing users to either go on the regular mode for triple-A titles or fast-paced fps games where every millisecond matters.

Now for the RGB part, the controller is unparalleled in its design as the RGB LEDs are not only embedded into the D-pad, joysticks, and face buttons but also go around the circumference for a flashy appearance. Fortunately, the lights do not have one or two lighting modes but have numerous, customizable through the PowerA Gamer HQ App. However, those who want to quickly change the light from the controller itself may face problems in synchronizing the LED strips to the RGB LED-backlit buttons and joysticks.

If there’s one thing that PC players love, it’s the ability to make their gaming rig exactly as they want it to be. When it comes to controllers, customization is a given, but the Turtle Beach REACT-R wired controller brings with it quick access and convenience. Plus, with five different colors available, it’s easy to enhance existing color schemes and themes in a room.

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When looking for the best PC controllers, these controllers stand out from the crowd.

The technical specs of the REACT-R aren’t anything to shy away from either. Designed to work with quality wired headsets, the controller offers advanced audio controls that promise to enhance gameplay and even includes a “superhuman hearing” mode, which amplifies small sounds like footsteps and reloading. There are two remappable buttons on the back too, ready to be customized at any time.

Additionally, there’s excellent texture wrapped around the handles, joysticks, and triggers to make the controller one of the most comfortable available. The texture, combined with slight contouring on the overall shape, provides an ergonomic grip ideal for gaming for hours at a time. Turtle Beach’s durable, feature-packed wired PC controller has a lot to offer PC players without the big price tag.

When it comes to Nintendo, accessories can get expensive fast, especially controllers. Luckily, wired controllers can help protect wallets. The PDP Rematch Enhanced Pro controller comes in under most budgets and it does so with style. Officially licensed by Nintendo, PDP’s controllers come in a wide array of designs, from pretty rainbow Mario motifs to glow-in-the-dark 1UP mushrooms. The durable faceplate can even be swapped out with other PDP options, along with other parts like the joysticks and D-pad.

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Having a personalized controller isn't reserved for tech experts anymore. These customizable gaming controllers are the best for players everywhere!

Although the controller makes compromises, such as removing rumble packs, it adds two back buttons that many other Switch controllers are missing. The paddle-style buttons are easy to activate and can be quickly reprogrammed. Players can also use a wired headset with the controller, and the long USB cord is perfect for gaming in bedrooms or living rooms. While wireless controllers may be preferred by some Switch owners, there’s no denying that the stylish and ultra-durable PDP Rematch is a great alternative for gamers on a budget.

Retro gaming seems to be gaining popularity every day, and players everywhere want to have authentic experiences with iconic titles. To that end, 8Bitdo has a whole lineup of great controllers, with the Pro 2 being one of its best wired ones. Styled somewhat after the SNES controller, the Pro 2 makes some significant ergonomic upgrades to mesh together a retro feel with modern trappings.

Two joysticks sit below the buttons, easing menu navigation and making it so that players can enjoy using the controller on more modern games too. There are also two triggers, two bumpers, and two extra programmable buttons on the fully textured back to further support modern gameplay while also helping players create more comfortable button layouts for their old favorites. Compatible with Switch, Steam Deck, PC, and Raspberry Pi, retro game fans on the most popular platforms can enhance their gameplay. There’s even adjustable vibration and two thumbstick covers included with the controller, making the 8Bitdo Pro 2 an excellent value choice for retro gaming.

How to Choose Good Budget Wired Controllers

Picking a budget controller isn’t always about finding the absolute cheapest option available. In fact, even among budget controllers, prices can vary between as much as $50 and as little as $10.

Wired controllers tend to be more affordable as a whole, and they often include lucrative extras that can drive up the cost a bit. Choosing a wired controller that will meet every need a player has isn’t a difficult task, but there are some things that should be at the forefront of shoppers’ minds.

Compatibility

Even though most wired controllers can be used with multiple platforms, it’s fairly rare to find a controller that works with Xbox and any other console. Additionally, some features aren’t accessible on consoles and mobile devices, though more and more controllers allow for changes made on the PC to be saved to internal memory for later use.

Durability

Most controllers use some kind of plastic for most of the construction, but this doesn’t mean they all have the same durability. ABS plastic is a tougher, more shock-absorbent plastic, and controllers that use this type of plastic are going to be much more durable than others. Players should also check professional and customer reviews to find out whether stick drift or other issues are likely to happen and how quickly problems may appear.

Cord Length

The one downside of wired controllers is the fact that players have to deal with more cords. PC gamers typically don’t need a very long cord for their wired controllers, which gives them just a bit more freedom of choice. Console gamers, on the other hand, must choose a wired controller with a cord long enough to reach from wherever they sit to their game system. Most wired controllers come with a 6-foot-long cord, though controllers with 8 and 10-foot-long cords are becoming more popular and affordable.

Customizability

Customization often starts before a purchase is even made when manufacturers offer a variety of colors and designs on their controllers. Beyond aesthetics, controllers can come equipped with extra, reprogrammable buttons, trigger stops, headset controls, and RGB lighting. Some wired controllers can be adjusted using an app, though almost every customizable controller has some adjustments available on the controller itself.

More: Best Wired Keyboards for Gaming

FAQ

Q: Are wired controllers good?

Wired controllers are often just as good as wireless controllers, though they do tend to have lower latency on PC and thus are more responsive.

Q: Do wired pro controllers drift?

Yes, wired pro controllers will eventually drift like their wireless counterparts. However, more trustworthy brands and controllers that use hall effect sensors will be able to be used for a long time before running into drifting issues.

Q: Can you use a wired controller on PC?

Yes, most Steam games allow for controllers to be used, as well as many other PC games. However, indie games are more likely than AAA games to not offer controller settings.

Q: Why are wired controllers considered better?

Wired controllers have a direct connection with PCs and consoles, which reduces latency or lag. However, most consoles have higher latency than PCs, so wired controllers are more or less equal to wireless ones on consoles. Even on PC, most players will not notice a difference between the two styles.