Shopping for a new controller for wireless gaming can be a pain, especially when on a budget. Controllers are arguably the most important gaming accessory for anyone who doesn’t like to use a keyboard and mouse, and they’re absolutely imperative for console gamers. Fortunately, players don’t have to shell out a ton of money to get a decent controller for wireless gaming. This is true even as some of the best gaming controllers inch closer to the $100 mark.
There are tons of affordable options for players to choose from when shopping for a gaming controller on a budget. But that's the issue. With a wide variety of options available, making the final decision can be challenging. Game ZXC has come to the rescue by preparing a list of the most competent controllers that anyone can buy to enjoy wireless gameplay. What's more, none of the controllers on the list cost as much as one would think.
The Best Controllers for Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch allows gamers to use a variety of controllers, each with its own unique appeal. These are the best options for Switch owners!
Factors for Buying a Budget Wireless Controller
When choosing a budget wireless controller, consider the following factors:
Connectivity: Check the item specs of different controllers to know whether they prefer a Bluetooth or USB dongle connection. Bluetooth controllers are best for players with multiple devices they want to game on, such as mobile phones and PCs. USB dongles are typically limited to just one or two platforms at a time.
Extra Buttons: Decide if trigger stops and programmable buttons are a must-have feature for one's controller. It's becoming more common for controllers to have trigger stops (which shorten the actuation distance) or two back buttons, but more advanced controllers can offer even more.
Design: Keep an eye out for controllers with decent ergonomic design features. Most wireless controllers for PlayStation and Xbox will not have any RGB lighting. PC and Switch players can find a wide variety of wireless RGB controllers though. Most other design options, such as limited edition skins or unique colors, come with a significant premium and aren't ideal for budget gamers.
Since Microsoft's ban on unlicensed controllers has taken effect, there are few wireless options for Xbox remaining. Only controllers with the official "Designed for Xbox" logo will work with the Xbox.
Game ZXC's Picks for the Best Budget Wireless Controllers in 2024
PXN P50L Wireless Switch Pro Controller
The PXN P50L is a Switch Pro controller, which is compatible with Switch, iOS, and PC. The controller supports both wireless and wired connections via Bluetooth and USB cable. It comes with a standard button layout and an ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold. There are two vibration motors, offering feedback on both Switch and PC. The 550 mAh battery gives the controller up to 20 hours of gameplay time.
- Brand
- PXN
- Platform
- Switch/Switch Lite/iOS(16 versions only)/PC Windows
- Battery
- 550mAh lithium battery (up to 20 hours of playtime)
- Connectivity
- Wireless \ Wired
- Programmable
- Yes
- Weight
- 11.6 ounces
- Includes both motion control and a wakeup function
- Excellent battery life with charge and play capabilities
- Four stylish colors to choose from
- Two extra programmable buttons
- Charging cord is somewhat short
- No sleek black option
The PXN P50L wireless Pro controller has bested all the rest of the budget controller options with its versatile design. Compatible with PC, iOS 16, and Nintendo Switch, PXN’s controller is ready to tackle games from any number of genres and across platforms. There are four pastel colors to choose from, though oddly there is no simple black option. Players get even more color options and even the chance to have an NFC reader included when they see the very similar PXN 9607X. Both options provide motion controls, but only the P50L comes with two additional buttons. Plus, the wireless tech within is specially designed to avoid interference with other wireless devices at events or just at home.
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The controller allows players to save their button layout once they remap the controller, making it easy to switch between console and mobile gaming. PXN's controller is compatible with iOS and other Bluetooth devices, on top of the Nintendo Switch and PC. The overall design of the controller is very comfortable, with dotted textures on the joysticks for extra grip. This lightweight controller is great for any gamer, especially given the hearty 20-hour battery life and charge-and-play capability, which allows players to enjoy their new controller almost nonstop.
YCCTEAM Wireless Switch Pro Game Controller
This YCCTEAM Pro controller for Nintendo Switch features larger A, B, X, and Y buttons, an improved D-pad, two triggers, and offset analog sticks for optimal controls. It has wireless connectivity, which works with both Switch and Switch Lite. The battery life is up to 10 hours of playtime and requires 2.5 hours to charge. The charging can be done with the included 40-inch reversible Type-C cable. Integrated into the controller are dual-vibration motors for more immersive gameplay.
- Brand
- YCCTEAM
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Battery
- Up to 10 hours
- Headset Support
- No
- Programmable
- No
- Weight
- 11.6 ounces
- Colors
- Black
- Sleek, black finish
- Glossy texture offers stylish flair
- NFC reader and motion controls
- Only compatible with the Switch while wireless
- Buttons become sticky over time
For those who would rather forgo adding anything pastel to the space, YCCTEAM’s wireless Pro controller is the perfect budget option. There are some designs on the controller, but these are simple, glossy shapes that meld well with the all-black finish. In fact, the stencil designs lend a bit of texture to the handles and look nice along the controller’s edges. The Dual Vibration feature comprises built-in motors that deliver vibration feedback while gaming for an immersive experience.
Although it’s normally listed at around $50, it often gets discounted to nearly half that through sales. The battery life is just 10 hours, but charging is speedy at just 2.5 hours for a full recharge. Using the charging cord also allows players to play on PC with the controller, although the wireless functionality is limited to just the Nintendo Switch. However, with an NFC reader and motion controls, it’s perfectly capable of supporting Switch (Standard, OLED, and Lite) players through their daily gaming conquests.
Xbox Core Wireless Controller
The Xbox Core Controller has a modernized design that enhances one's gaming experience. With sculpted surfaces and refined geometry, it offers effortless control and enhanced comfort during gameplay. Play for up to 30 hours without needing to recharge thanks to its long battery life. The hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back-case help gamers stay on target. The controller includes a 3.5 mm audio headset jack for any compatible headset, and gamers can connect it to their console or PC using the USB-C port.
- Brand
- Microsoft
- Platform
- Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- Battery
- Up to 30 Hours
- Connectivity
- USB, Bluetooth
- Headset Support
- Yes
- Programmable
- No
- Extra Buttons
- No
- Compatible with both Xbox and PC platforms
- Extremely durable design and long-lasting battery
- Players have lots of colors to choose from
- Somewhat expensive
- Skips on rear paddles
Now that Xbox has banned all non-officially licensed wireless controllers, players on a budget have basically been left out in the cold. Even with this frustrating change, the fact remains that the core Xbox controller is one of the best controllers on the market overall, and the price isn’t half-bad! This wireless option for both Xbox consoles and Windows PCs offers an incredible battery life of up to 40 hours and has an extremely low failure rate, even when including things like stick drift and trigger dead zones. It’s a bit heavier than its contemporaries, but the weight is well-balanced and overall provides a comfortable experience.
The price may be tough to deal with though, unless there’s a sale going on that brings the cost below $50. There weren’t many decent wireless options for Xbox players to choose from even before the ban, and the core Xbox controller has been a staple for good reason. The triggers and buttons are all super responsive, both on Xbox and PC. The shape and texture provide players with a very comfortable grip too.
There is a distinct absence of extra back buttons and trigger stops, two features almost implied by a $50 price tag on a controller, but again, there aren’t any alternative options for Xbox players on a budget thanks to the ban. Even though it is by far the most expensive controller among budget options, it still beats both the PlayStation DualSense and the Nintendo Joy-Con in price. Those who can spend a bit more on their wireless gamepad will be greatly rewarded with the lauded, ultra-reliable first-party Xbox option. Players also get a wide range of colors, like Electric Volt, Midnight Blue, and Gold Shadow to choose from.
8Bitdo Ultimate C Wireless Controller
8Bitdo's Ultimate C wireless gamepad is a simplified version of their standard Ultimate Controller, offering most of the same functions and all the same quality construction. The wireless 2.4G and USB connectivity is compatible with PC, Android, Raspberry Pi, and Steam Deck. The included wireless dongle allows for plug-and-play on PC, while also offering fast, reliable, and low-latency gameplay. Players get up to 25 hours of playtime on a single charge alongside expected features such as analog triggers, rumble vibration, turbo function, and an anti-slip texture.
- Brand
- 8Bitdo
- Platform
- PC, Android, Raspberry Pi, Steam Deck
- Battery
- Up to 25 hours
- Connectivity
- 2.4G and USB
- Headset Support
- No
- Programmable
- No
- Weight
- 10.9 ounces
- Low latency connection
- Compatible with both PC and mobile devices
- Decent battery life
- Incompatible with consoles
- Button layout can be tricky to get around
8Bitdo is known for its retro game controllers and PC-compatible controllers, though some of its products come at a high price. For gamers on a budget, the 8Bitdo Ultimate C controller is a great compromise between their more expensive offerings. This budget controller is compatible with PC, Android, Raspberry Pi, and Steam Deck using 2.4G and USB connectivity. The low latency is perfect for most gamers, even if the controller is essentially limited to PC and mobile gaming. There are only two pastel colors to choose from, but the controller shell itself is lightly textured and feels comfortable to hold.
Although it’s a pretty standard controller, with few extra functions available, the price is permanently around $30, making it quite competitive price-wise. Given the price, the battery life of up to 25 hours is quite impressive. Other small details, such as the textured thumbsticks, are sure to win over more than a few gamers too, looking not to go overboard on a new controller.
YCCTEAM Wireless Game Controller
The YCCTEAM Wireless Game Controller is a versatile and feature-rich game controller that is designed for use with a variety of different gaming platforms. It is compatible with the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Slim, and PlayStation 4 Pro consoles, as well as PC (Windows 7/8/8.1/10) via a USB wired connection. This allows users to enjoy a wide range of games across multiple platforms using a single controller.
- Number of Colors
- 1
- Control Types
- Standard
- Wireless?
- Yes
- Compatible Systems
- PS4, PS4 Slim, Playstation 4 Pro, PC
- Brand
- YCCTEAM
- Built-in speakers for immersive gameplay
- Ergonomic design
- Lasts for up to 10 hours of playtime
- Doesn't support PS5
- Some users say it suffers from high input lag
The YCCTEAM Wireless Game Controller makes it possible for players to enjoy great accuracy with every movement thanks to the controller's enhanced analog sticks and trigger buttons. Featuring an ergonomic design, the YCCTEAM pad makes gaming for hours highly enjoyable. Along with a 3.5mm headphone jack, the controller also features built-in speakers. Plug in headsets and enjoy truly immersive gameplay.
Upon charging for 2.5 hours, this gamepad can last up to 10 hours. What's more, it can be charged by simply plugging it into the console or with a charger. A major downside of this controller is that it doesn't support the PlayStation 5. However, it's compatible with the PlayStation 4 (standard, Pro, and Slim models) and other platforms like PC, Android, Mac, and iOS. PC users should note that they'll need a wireless receiver to connect.
Voyee LED Star Wireless Pro Controller
The Voyee LED Star Wireless Pro Controller offers a unique starry sky RGB lighting system that brightens the controller without being obtrusive during gameplay. The lights have five different modes and 8 individual colors to choose from for a customized experience. Compatible with Switch, PC, and mobile devices, this affordable controller can serve gamers across platforms. There are extra buttons that can be remapped, and the battery life lasts up to 15 hours. The controller also features motion controls and two customizable rumble packs, making it ideal for a variety of games.
- Brand
- Voyee
- Platform
- Switch, PC, iOS, Android
- Battery
- 10-15 hours
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Headset Support
- No
- Programmable
- Yes
- Extra Buttons
- 2
- Weight
- 9.9 ounces
- LED lights are bright and easily customized
- Fairly wide compatibility
- Includes motion controls
- Only one color option
- Some users have complained of input lag
Wireless and RGB lighting are often at odds with each other thanks to the limitations of batteries. This usually means that devices get less and less lighting, but Voyee has managed to create a super stylish controller that makes the most of a relatively low amount of backlighting. The Voyee LED Star Wireless Pro Controller comes in a dark blue with cute, shining stars spread across the front of the controller. Along with these accents, RGB lighting can be found around the joysticks and behind the buttons. Players can adjust the lights between eight different colors, a rainbow mix, or one of five preset lighting modes.
Players aren’t limited to just Switch gaming either, as the controller is compatible with PC and mobile devices. The textured handles hold dual rumble packs which can be adjusted in strength on the fly. This highly customizable budget controller can support gamers for up to 15 hours on a single charge and promises to be a bright spot among any gaming collection.
NexiGo Wireless Controller for Switch/Switch Lite/OLED
The NexiGo controller is one of the best third-party wireless options for the Switch. It comes with an ergonomic design that makes gaming for long periods enjoyable. Even with RGB lighting on the thumbsticks, this controller manages to last up to 10 hours after 2 hours of charging. To deliver the best gaming experience, it also features dual haptic feedback motors with different vibration levels that users can select at any time.
- Number of Colors
- 5
- Wireless?
- Yes
- Compatible Systems
- Switch/Switch Lite/OLED
- Brand
- NexiGo
- Color Options
- Atmosphere, Inkling, Arctic Chill, Lightstorm, etc
- Battery
- up to ten hours
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Weight
- 10.5 ounces
- Comes with Dual Motors and Six-Axis Gyroscope
- Decent battery life
- Ergonomic design
- Plastic body feels cheap
- Feels very light
Although the NexiGo Controller and Nintendo Switch Pro Controller share an identical layout, the NexiGo adds an extra bit of style and customizability to the picture. For starters, buyers can choose from multiple attractive color options, including Atmosphere, Inkling, Arctic Chill, and Lightstorm. RGB lighting is a standard feature, with LED rings built around the thumbsticks. Users can choose one of three light modes and adjust the LED's brightness according to their preferences.
The controller also ships with in-built dual motor vibration that users can adjust at will. Feel free to choose from four levels of vibration (0%, 25%, 50%, and 100%). It's always difficult for controller manufacturers to blend RGB lighting with long battery life. However, the NexiGo controller is one of the few that manages to stand out. It's built to last up to 10 hours with two hours of charging. When not in use for up to five minutes, it'll instantly enter sleep mode to conserve the available battery.
Razer Kishi Mobile Game Controller
This universal mobile gaming controller aspires to bring console-like gaming to mobile phones. Compatible with most cloud gaming services, this controller has everything a gamer would ever need. Thanks to its direct connection, this set will experience latency-free gameplay and can be charged while in use.
- Brand
- Razer
- Headset Support
- No
- Wireless?
- Yes
- Compatible Systems
- Android smartphones
- Extremely low latency
- Ergonomically designed
- Very compact design
- Less durable than newer version
Razer is one of the most well-known gaming companies out there, but the Kishi is an outlier from their standard fare in a few ways. First and foremost, it's a controller fully dedicated to mobile gaming. Secondly, the Razer Kishi is available for just over $50, a steal compared to other options. However, as a Razer product, the low price doesn’t mean low quality or inadequate specs.
The Kishi is compatible with most cloud gaming services, including Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and GeForce NOW, allowing gamers to access most of their favorite titles from anywhere. The USB-C connection has extremely low latency and allows for passthrough charging, so players don’t have to worry about running out of juice partway through a match. The contoured sides make phone gaming much more comfortable, while the triggers and bumpers are super responsive. Plus, the whole controller can be retracted to fit into almost any bag or purse.
Although there is a newer version available, most mobile players will appreciate saving a bit of money while improving the ergonomics of their on-the-fly gaming with the Razer Kishi.
How to Choose The Right Budget Controller for Wireless Gameplay
Although wireless gamepads aren't the best option for competitive gameplay, they're still a great way to play one's favorite titles. As the previous section already indicated, there are a great number of pocket-friendly options available to potential buyers. To help gamers buy one that matches their play style and still brings a suite of functionalities, below are some things to consider.
Connectivity: Most controllers in this category connect using either Bluetooth or a USB wireless receiver, although Xbox controllers can often connect without either. Bluetooth is by far the most versatile connection type, but USB dongles can be compatible with a wide variety of platforms. Players should check the item specs to make sure the controller in question is compatible with their platform of choice. It's important to note that with Microsoft's ban on third-party controllers, most budget wireless Xbox controllers are no longer compatible with the console.
Extra Buttons: Trigger stops and reprogrammable buttons on the back of a controller are quickly becoming the norm, though plenty of players are fine without them. Remappable buttons almost always cause a slight cost increase, so players should consider whether these convenient extras are worth the financial commitment. Extra buttons are most useful to gamers who enjoy RPGs with lots of different abilities, like Final Fantasy 14, or with large inventories, such as Minecraft.
Design: There are only a few different wireless gamepad shapes on the market right now, but players definitely have preferences towards or against them. They typically have fewer style options than their wired rivals, but RGB lighting and game tie-in designs are easy to track down for Switch and PC players. Gamers should note whether the ABXY buttons are arranged in Xbox or Switch style, as many controllers have both available to choose from.
The Best Gaming Controllers Under $50 for 2024
Not all of the best gaming accessories have to be expensive. Here are the best video game controllers under $50 that are sure to leave gamers on top!
FAQ
Q: Is there a controller that works with all consoles?
Currently, no controller works on all consoles and gaming devices. However, Bluetooth controllers offer the widest compatibility, and most console controllers are compatible with PCs.
Q: Is there a wireless controller for PC?
Yes, there are lots of wireless PC controllers, including most of the ones included on this list.
Q: Will any Bluetooth controller work on a PC?
Most wireless devices support Bluetooth controllers, as long as they have built-in Bluetooth. Otherwise, players can often find support via Bluetooth USB adapters.
Q: Is it better to play PC games with a controller?
It depends on the game being played and the gamer's preferences. While controllers are better suited for some titles, the mouse and keyboard combination are equally capable in some titles as well.
Q: Can a PS5 controller work on a PC?
The PlayStation Dual Sense controller is designed to work with a PC, whether with a wired or wireless connection. It's worth mentioning the controller's adaptive triggers will be inactive for many PC games.