The game controller you use is either a straightforward decision or a far more complicated process of eliminating candidates. To gain a competitive advantage, esports pros constantly search for the best gaming controller for PC or console that is reliable and can adapt to their preferences. While many console gamers rely on the official Xbox Wireless Controller or PlayStation DualSense, the customization of these peripherals is lacking for more demanding users.

  • Xbox Core Controller
    Xbox Core Wireless Controller
    Best Overall Gaming Controller
    $55 at Walmart
  • 8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller
    8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller with Charging Dock
    Best Wireless Gaming Controller
    $54 at Amazon
  • Razer Wolverine Ultimate
    Razer Wolverine Ultimate Xbox One Controller
    Best Gaming Controller for PC
    $70 at Amazon
  • 61v+DBukaML._SL1296_
    Turtle Beach Recon Wired Game Controller
    Best Wired Gaming Controller
    $60 at Amazon
  • PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
    PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
    Best PlayStation Controller
    $199 at Amazon
  • Nintendo Switch Pro Wireless Controller
    Nintendo Switch Pro Wireless Controller
    Best Nintendo Switch Controller
    $60 at Walmart
  • GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller
    GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller For Xbox
    Best Budget Gaming Controller
    $44 at Walmart
  • GameSir Nova Wireless Switch Pro Controller
    Nova Wireless Controller
    Best RGB Gaming Controller
    $32 at Amazon
  • BIGBIG WON Wireless Controller
    BIGBIG WON Wireless Controller
    Best Customizable Gaming Controller
    $72 at Amazon
Best Wireless Controllers for PC for 2023
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Of course, not everyone needs a super fancy, competition-level controller either. There are plenty of reliable options for gamers on a budget or those who prioritize style over function. Most modern controllers have all of the standard buttons and features one would expect, so the challenge is really finding the best controller for your specific gaming preferences.

Updated June 14, 2024 by Megan Miranda Reyes:This guide has been updated with a wider array of price ranges, features, and compatibility to reflect the current most popular and most impressive gaming controllers as we approach the latter half of 2024.

Game ZXC's Best Gaming Controllers in 2024

Our choice for the overall best game controller needed to satisfy a wide range of criteria. Fortunately, Microsoft's official Xbox Wireless Controller is one of the most versatile gaming peripherals on the market. Not only is this device the standard controller for Xbox Series X/S consoles, but it's also among the best PC gaming controller options. Unlike the earliest versions of Xbox One controllers, the latest Xbox Wireless Controller supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to work with mobile devices and media players. Microsoft's stock controller is the obvious choice if you're looking to move seamlessly between platforms.

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Moving from console gaming to PC can be challenging, but these Xbox controllers are perfect for players new to desktop gaming.

The most recent Xbox Wireless Controller is not dramatically different from previous Microsoft offerings, but is slightly smaller and easier to grip. The controller also features Dynamic Latency Input for more responsive button presses as well as an enhanced wireless range. The peripheral is available in a wide range of colors to suit most gamers' tastes. The only notable downsides of Microsoft's controller are rechargeable battery packs requiring separate purchases and Bluetooth connections, introducing some additional lag.

Not only is it the best game controller for Xbox, the Xbox Wireless Controller is the best overall controller because of its proven durability and compatibility with numerous platforms. It also helps that the controller comes in nearly a dozen colors by default and can be customized through Microsoft for a slight upcharge. On top of that, the ergonomic design of the Xbox core controller is so perfect, that the shape has long been considered the standard for all gamepads. With excellent tactile feedback, second-to-none connectivity, and an industry-leading design, it's no wonder Microsoft's core Xbox controller continues to dominate the gaming sphere.

8BitDo gained a good reputation for their retro controllers, but recently they have dug deep into creating quality controllers for a variety of modern platforms. The Ultimate wireless controller has already received tons of praise for its extremely low latency connection with PCs and the Steam Deck, with the controller also being compatible with the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, though Apple gamers will need to pick up a different version of the controller.

The somewhat compact controller is shaped like most standard gamepads, and comes with a convenient stand that doubles as a storage case for the wireless dongle. The controller uses both the wireless dongle and bluetooth to pair with devices, making it easy to game on the go or at home with a stable connection. Plus the 8BitDo Ultimate features motion controls for gaming on the Switch.

The controller is available in black or white, though other versions of the controller, such as the iOS and Xbox compatible options, come in a wider variety of colors. All of these Ultimate controllers from 8BitDo come with Hall effect joysticks, effectively eliminating stick drift issues. Additionally, there are two extra buttons on the back that can be reprogrammed with ease. Although users will have to choose which version will suit their gaming setups best and may have to compromise on compatibility, considering the competitive cost of the controller, it’s a fine trade-off.

Best Wireless Controllers for PC for 2023
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The Best Wireless Controllers for PC in 2024

If you want to game from your PC with more comfort than a keyboard and mouse provides, one of these wireless controllers just may do the trick.

Wired controllers aren’t as popular as wireless ones, unless low latency is your number one priority. It is true that the difference in lag between wired and wireless controllers can be negligible, but for PC gamers who want to eke out as much performance as they can from their controller should go with the best PC controller currently available: the Razer Wolverine Ultimate.

This wired controller has no perceptible latency and comes with a suite of features that give players full control over their gamepad. The Wolverine Ultimate comes with an incredible extra button count of six: two bumpers and four paddles. Plus, trigger stops allow you to have hair-triggers on the fly.

Interchangeable joysticks and D-pads offer even more control, with players being able to choose concave or convex thumbsticks and 4- or 8-way D-pads. Additional controls along the bottom of the Wolverine Ultimate give players access to mute functions and customized profiles. Even the RGB bar at the top can be customized to suit your particular style.

Compatible with PC and Xbox, as well as Razer’s Chroma app, this wired controller is an excellent addition to any competitive gaming setup.

Our choice for the best wired gaming controller is the Turtle Beach Recon. Turtle Beach, celebrated for its excellent headsets and microphones, introduces some interesting audio enhancement features with the Turtle Beach Recon Wired Controller. The controller is especially attractive if you game with a wired headset, with buttons on the device to control volume and chat mixes. Superhuman Hearing enhances footsteps and other sound effects that are normally difficult to discern during gameplay. It is more than just a gimmick and can give players a competitive advantage.

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These wired gaming controllers not only save gamers money but also offer cutting-edge features that make their wireless counterparts envious.

The Turtle Beach Recon is an game controller that appeals to audiophiles. However, the manufacturer realizes that not every gamer will buy the Recon for its audio features. The Pro-Aim Focus Mode enables users to fine-tune how sensitive the right analog stick is to movements, which is ideal for the rapid inputs required in FPS titles. Pro-Aim is modifiable on the fly with one of the two rear buttons, and these paddles are also reprogrammable.

Weighing 300 grams, the Turtle Beach Recon is a heftier peripheral than the official Xbox Wireless Controller, even without batteries. Thanks to substantial ergonomic cooling grips wrapped around its handles, you should have no issues holding onto the Recon. Priced very competitively, buyers are sacrificing wireless connectivity for an impressive list of customization and audio enhancements that most Xbox controllers lack.

The DualSense Edge is the obvious choice for the best game controller for the PS5, and it is also Sony's answer to the Xbox Elite controller lineup that had previously gone unchecked. It's a complete overhaul of everything that makes the DualSense such a versatile gaming controller and a fan-favorite with plenty of improvements as well. It sacrifices battery life, but it's one trade-off that Game ZXC is comfortable with, given all the advantages of this pro-grade controller.

There is a lot to experiment with as the DualSense Edge allows you to add back buttons and three different tiers of caps to adjustable controller sticks – many firsts for a first-party PlayStation controller. Given the sheer amount of new technology mixed with improvements poured into the Edge, it's an understandable design decision to use a smaller battery to maintain the DualSense form factor. This allows it to be compatible with official Sony accessories such as the DualSense charging station.

The DualSense Edge is Sony's most premium controller and one of the priciest options, at nearly 40% of the console's cost. Still, it tops other PlayStation controllers with its feature set and is an excellent controller for multi-platform gaming, even if it's slightly more expensive than its competition.

The Nintendo Switch Pro is a great place to start when considering a new gaming controller. It works with all Nintendo Switch systems, including the Lite and the OLED. Surprisingly, it's also one of the best PC controllers gamers when using Steam. Any Switch gamer out there who has not tried out a Pro Controller will be quite surprised at how nice it feels not to use Joy-Cons for every game. Marathon sessions of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom and Super Mario Bros. Wonder have never been more comfortable.

While the Switch Pro Controller is not breaking the mold or making pioneering steps for gaming controllers, it does offer a very pleasant gaming experience, especially for fans of the asymmetrical joy-stick layout. This controller feels similar to an Xbox 360 controller but is more rounded in some areas and has a rechargeable battery. The Pro controller is recharged via USB-C, making it possible to travel with just one cable to keep both the Switch and Pro Controller charged.

For gamers who consistently play their Switch at home or even in tabletop mode, the Pro Controller is a great way to upgrade an already excellent gaming. There are more budget options, but it's hard not to recommend it as the essential Nintendo Switch controller at this reasonable price point.

If you're looking for the best budget gaming controller, look no further than the GameSir G7 SE. Pro-grade controllers offer extensive customization and the ability to adjust how buttons and sticks look, feel, and perform. Still, these high-end peripherals usually demand a rather extreme price tag, making them less desirable for the average gamer. The wired GameSir G7 SE is an excellent budget controller that offers many of the same features as the most expensive alternatives.

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Perhaps the most appealing aspect of this gaming controller is its Hall Effect analog sticks, found in few other Xbox-style controllers. Unlike traditional analog thumbsticks, the sticks on the G7 SE utilize magnets and electrical conduction to measure how far they move. Since most controllers rely on components making physical contact, they are more prone to wear and tear and dreaded controller drift. The Hall Effect technology on the G7 SE speaks to its incredible value, as this is a feature a buyer would expect to find on the most premium controllers.

When in the hands of gamers, the GameSir G7 SE feels like anything but a budget game controller. GameSir has a well-deserved reputation for building affordable and long-lasting gaming peripherals, and the exterior of the G7 SE can take some serious abuse. If gamers grow tired of its appearance, the magnetic faceplate is easily swapped for an alternative, although only black and white are currently available.

One disappointment with the G7 SE compared to the original G7 is the decision to ditch its micro-switch face buttons. In Game ZXC's GameSir G7 SE review, we found that these buttons now feel more mushy but are responsive enough for gamers not to notice any input delays. Also, the nearly 10-foot cord may come in handy when gaming in rooms with large TVs. Otherwise, it can become a nuisance.

One of GameSir’s newest controllers, the Nova was named the prettiest controller ever in Game ZXC’s recent review, in no small part thanks to the brilliant RGB lighting featured around the joysticks. Though there is a solid white version of the controller, the transparent teal Nova controller is the best RGB controller currently available, as the shell amplifies the lighting, often transforming the entire controller’s appearance in the process.

Compatible with the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices out of the box, users can also connect to PCs with the Nova if they have a GameSir wireless dongle. Regardless, the connectivity to the Switch is solid, and the controller seamlessly pairs with the console, allowing users to wake up their Switch with the Nova. The controller additionally features motion controls, a turbo mode, and can be reprogrammed with ease. In fact, the controller offers a unique and massively convenient ability to swap the ABXY buttons to match the more standard Xbox and PC controller layouts.

Along with these features, the controller offers users Hall effect joysticks, which promise a lifespan of up to 5 million cycles. The GameSir Nova has a lightweight build and is comfortable to hold throughout hours of gameplay. Plus, with a decent rechargeable battery in tow and a seriously affordable price, most RGB gamers will have very little bad to say about the controller. Although the retro-style buttons are a bit mushy for competitive play, budget gamers who want low latency and a stylish design should pick up the Nova as soon as possible.

BigBig Won may sound like a questionable brand, but they've proven themselves in recent months with their wireless RGB controllers, especially their Rainbow 2 Pro wireless controller. The Rainbow 2 Pro is the best customizable controller on the market thanks to its array of swappable parts, remappable buttons, wide compatibility, and mid-range pricing.

Suitable for gamers on PC, Switch, Android, and Apple, BigBig Won makes it easy to pair the Rainbow 2 Pro to any compatible device. The buttons can be remapped using on-board controls, or you can simply use their handy Macro Elite App to change the buttons or RGB lighting.

The main controller bundle comes with plenty of extras too, all for less than $100. With the Rainbow 2 Pro bundle, you'll get three different joystick sizes, both a standard 4-way D-pad and an 8-way D-pad, a USB-C charging cable, a charging dock, and a wireless dongle. The controller additionally offers extremely low latency and can be fine-tuned for competitive play.

How to Choose the Best Gaming Controller

Best Controllers for PC for 2023 Featured Image

Regardless of whether a gamer needs a new controller for the PC, Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch, possibilities are abundant. So many choices aren't necessarily advantageous, with some of these controllers offering similar features in the same price range. The easiest way to eliminate potential purchases is by focusing on these priorities:

Platform

A game controller is only useful if it works on the platforms a buyer games on. The Xbox Elite Series 2 is a feature-loaded peripheral compatible with not only Xbox consoles, but also PCs and popular VR systems. Unfortunately, PlayStation gamers have a more limited controller selection, though the DualSense Edge offers nearly completely remappable buttons. Besides stellar build quality, the DualSense Edge also works with Steam and a growing number of PC titles.

Android and iPhone controllers are also in more demand with the rising popularity of mobile gaming. The 8Bitdo Ultimate Wireless Controller gives these gamers an excellent scaled-down version of a full-sized Xbox controller.

Build Quality

Pro-grade controllers like the wired Razer Wolverine Ultimate sometimes have an intimidating asking price. Still, buyers receive a rock-solid device with mechanical buttons that can survive years of abuse. In addition, buyers can select everything from the faceplate's color to the analog sticks' shape and size. The result is a controller ideal for a gamer's play style and design preferences.

Fighting game fanatics put added strain on any controller, so many turn to large pads like the Mayflash F500. The F500 is reinforced with heavy-duty components that give gamers the impression that they are playing on an arcade console.

Wired vs Wireless

The wireless vs. wired argument is not as consequential as it first seems. The SCUF Reflex Pro is a wireless controller for the PS5 and PC that uses the Bluetooth wireless protocol, but most controllers also can be used wired. Unfortunately, wireless connectivity does add a premium to a price tag, and corded-only controllers such as the Turtle Beach Recon offer additional buttons and customization potential without causing pain to the wallet.

If a gamer wants to preserve a clean setup, then the wireless core Xbox controller compromises nothing in terms of performance. With a wide compatibility, this industry-standard controller registers inputs without delays and has the battery life to ease the transition from wired gaming gear.

Customization

Many of the most competitive gamers love to mold gear into the perfect devices for their play styles and preferences. The BigBig Won Rainbow 2 Pro is one of the most modifiable controllers, shipping with adjustable weights and a nearly infinite selection of alternate analog sticks and thumbstick covers.

Even budget game controllers such as the GameSir G7 SE can offer more than adequate customization potential. The wired G7 SE makes it possible for gamers to remap most of its buttons and replace its magnetic faceplate with different colored options.

Ultimately, the official Microsoft Xbox Controller or Sony DualSense are well-made gear that will satisfy most gamers for years. However, if you're looking for a more unique device that allows a gamer to excel competitively, it's hard to go wrong with any of the controllers discussed above.

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FAQ

Q: Are wireless or wired controllers better for gaming?

Both wireless and wired controllers are good for gaming. Power users and eSports professionals do favor wired controllers for better input latency, but for casual use, wireless controllers are more than good enough. With time, wireless controllers continue to get better and use low-latency tech to get a polling rate of as much as 1000Hz, making them extremely accurate and lag-free.

Q: Is it better to have a wireless controller that charges or one that uses batteries?

Most wireless controllers available today are rechargeable. There are exceptions, such as the Xbox Wireless Controller. They do have the significant advantage of not being affected by shorter battery life, being cheaper to manufacture (and therefore sell), and having the ability to remain persistently wireless (provided you have a cache of batteries to go with them). Otherwise, in most cases, rechargeable controllers are the order of the day for a very good reason. They are simply more convenient.

Q: What controller do most PC gamers use?

The Xbox Wireless Controller is a top choice among PC gamers because it supports a wide range of PC games and is comfortable to hold for long periods. Its high build quality coupled with support for wired and wireless gameplay make it an amazing controller.

Q: Does a PS4 controller work with a PC?

Yes, it's possible. To do this, simply connect a DualShock 4 controller to the PC using either a USB wireless adapter or Bluetooth.