Best PC controller 2024

That is the most recent iteration of the much-applauded Xbox controller, designed by Microsoft for console and PC gaming alike. Its comfy and intuitive design lends itself simply as effectively to the large library of video games to play on PC because it does to the library on Xbox. It’s straightforward to grasp why that is the go-to controller for therefore many avid gamers and as a Microsoft product, there’s straightforward plug-and-play compatibility with Home windows.

In comparison with earlier Xbox controllers, 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 styles. Nevertheless, the slight modifications could hinder compatibility with attachments, so maintain that in thoughts.

Learn our Xbox Wi-fi Controller overview.

Do you ever end up enjoying one thing with Recreation Cross Final, then going out and streaming the sport in your cellular as you do? With the PowerA Moga XP-Extremely, you possibly can proceed enjoying with the identical controller, because it has a MOBA gaming clip that means that you can connect your Android cellphone (although sadly not iPhones). It additionally presents full compatibility with Xbox Sequence X|S and lots of sensible TVs that you simply would possibly wish to stream by means of too.

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, lowering the footprint for enjoying on the go or providing you with an choice when you favor the dimensions of old-school controllers.

We actually just like the modularity supplied by the XP-Extremely. Taking part in retro video games with the mini-pad is a blast, and having a sturdy approach to mount a cellphone for cloud gaming is good. 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 know the way that saying ends.

Learn our PowerA Moga XP-Extremely overview.

There’s a purpose the Rainbow Professional 2 earned a 9/10 from us, and it has nothing to do with the RGB lighting. As a substitute, the Rainbow Professional 2 is well one of the crucial shocking controllers available on the market proper now, taking a relatively unassuming Xbox design and ramping the interior {hardware} as much as 11.

Corridor Impact triggers and no-dead zone joysticks make for a brilliant responsive controller, whereas the 1,000 mAh battery vastly outperforms expectations contemplating the lighting that’s included on the controller. The 4 extra buttons may be reprogrammed utilizing the cellular app through Bluetooth whilst you’re linked and enjoying through 2.4GHz wi-fi for pressing on-the-fly modifications.

Like many premium controllers, you should buy a mannequin of the Rainbow Professional 2 with extra joysticks, an additional d-pad, and a charging dock, however you continue to received’t pay over $80, whereas others need you to pay nearer to $200. In the event you can sacrifice a recognizable model identify, the Rainbow Professional 2 is a stellar PC controller.

Learn our Large Large Gained Rainbow Professional 2 overview for extra.

Thrustmaster’s Eswap Professional X is a premium gamepad by means of and thru, however its modular design makes it one of the crucial versatile gadgets on this checklist. It’s additionally an important choice for gamers preferring PlayStation’s parallel controller structure, as you possibly can simply swap across the d-pad and thumbstick.

Not solely are these magnetic modules top quality, but when they do ever put on down, you’ll be capable to substitute them with out changing into a gamepad surgeon. You possibly can even steadiness substance and magnificence by including completely different colours utilizing one in all Thrustmaster’s non-obligatory kits.

The Eswap Professional X additionally comes with a powerful 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 means that you can remap the pad and fine-tune sensitivity. In different phrases, when you’re on the lookout for a thumbstick expertise that comes near the accuracy of a gaming mouse, this gamepad might be what you’re on the lookout for.

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

The DualSense can also be simply a superb gamepad, and it elevates every part that made its predecessor nice. Its thumbsticks are nonetheless beautifully comfy, and it’s nonetheless comfy to make use of after hours of use.

Sony is slowly branching out on the PC, however help 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 an extra cord-cutting caveat. For no matter purpose, haptic suggestions received’t work on the pad over Bluetooth, which means you’ll need to tether it to your rig utilizing a USB-C cable.

That stated, when you’re a fan of parallel sticks, or simply Sony shenanigans basically, the DualSense is a killer pad with spectacular capabilities. It’s expensive, however when you think about what it presents, it’s probably a smart funding.

Lots of the classics in gaming historical past had been initially on Nintendo consoles and when you’ve bought a big assortment of retro titles, then that is in all probability one of the best controller to play them with.  Nintendo pioneered the d-pad again in 1982, so it’s no shock that the Swap Professional controller upholds its gamepad legacy

Although made particularly for Swap, the controller has been given its personal Steam profile and may be linked to your gaming PC with both a wi-fi Bluetooth connection or, if you wish to get configured in Steam, through a USB-C cable. With a configuration that’s similar to many historic Nintendo controllers, it’s perfect for revisiting basic video games, whereas remaining well-equipped to deal with trendy releases too.

There’s one thing charming in regards to the Swap Professional Controller’s construct high quality, notably when it comes to its plastics. Within the hand, it nearly seems like a gamepad from the early 2000s, one thing that differentiates it from different premium pads available on the market. Though some could discover the buttons and triggers somewhat too chunky (particularly when you’re used to Xbox controllers), it’s one thing that’s straightforward to get used to.

Whereas the pad lacks fancy options like analog triggers, its tactile buttons and comfy really feel make it a winner in relation to precision-based platformers. It’s additionally bought a whopping 40-hour battery life through Bluetooth, making it probably the greatest wi-fi choices available on the market.

Spending effectively over $100 on a joypad may appear a bit extreme, however the Elite Sequence 2 is one severely stunning controller. Nearly every part about it has been designed to simply scream ‘QUALITY!’ in your face. It’s an evolution over the earlier model relatively than a revolution, nevertheless it’s bought every part we cherished in regards to the unique Elite, plus every part the competitors has added to their high-end pads to try to compete.

Similar to the Eswap Professional X, the Elite Sequence 2 is provided with customizable buttons that’ll assist you to completely dial in your palm expertise. It’s not fairly as hot-swappable as Thurstmaster’s method, nevertheless it presents a distinct array of choices, like changeable stick heights and paddle-style triggers.

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

In the event you’re not into extra equipment, you could possibly 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 Wi-fi Controller Sequence 2 overview.

From Recreation Cross Final to Steam Hyperlink, there’s an more and more giant variety of methods so that you can stream PC video games whenever you’re away from dwelling. In the event you’re on the lookout for a controller that can make it simpler so that you can play your favourite PC video games on cellular, then we advocate the Razer Kishi Cellular.

It really works simply sufficient by slotting onto both finish of your cellphone after which connecting through USB-C. Since most cellular controllers join with Bluetooth, it is a refreshing change, because it doesn’t create the latency issues often encountered when going wi-fi. Whereas usually designed for cellular use, with the precise adapter (particularly a right-angle USB-C connection), you need to use it instantly in your PC too, opening the doorways to a world the place you may have one controller for all events.

Though there isn’t a native button mapping, you possibly can nonetheless achieve this if, for instance, you’re gaming through Steam Hyperlink (which has its personal remapping choices). Total, it’s an honest little bit of {hardware} and it’s actually going to hit the spot for anybody who likes with the ability to play PC video games with out accessing a PC.

Again within the early 2000s, guitar controllers had been the massive factor and there have been a great deal of video games being launched that utilized them. Nevertheless, since round 2010 or so, they’ve type of fallen into obscurity. A yr in the past, when you needed one, you’d battle to discover a new one, however now PDP has come to the rescue with a model new guitar controller that can be utilized on each PC and Xbox.

Fortnite Competition, Rock Band 4, and Clone Hero are all among the many trendy video games that it may be used with, and we’re certain that there’ll be new rhythm video games launched in future that reap the benefits of the {hardware} too. The distinction a guitar controller makes actually can’t be unspoken, and utilizing it with Clone Hero opens up the doorways to a whole lot of hours of use.

The controller is predicated off the real-life Fender Stratocaster guitar and it feels nice to carry. Additionally, excellent news for left-handed folks: it’s bought an ambidextrous design so it may be used nonetheless is most comfy for you. The buttons all really feel nice whilst you’re utilizing them too. It’s a powerful piece of {hardware}.

About the one factor we’d complain about is its lack of Bluetooth. Each time you utilize it, you’ll need to plug in a dongle, and if you wish to use a headset whilst you play, you need to use its audio jack. In the event you favor to make use of probably the greatest wi-fi headsets, you’re out of luck.

It could be costly, however for followers who cherished the age when Guitar Hero and Rock Band had been at their peak, it’ll be straightforward to justify. The identical goes for newer followers who want to see what all of the fuss was about. Nevertheless when you’re solely loosely within the style, it in all probability received’t be value it.

Thrustmaster’s Warthog flight stick is a duplicate of the controllers within the basic 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 when you’re already seeking to choose up a controller for one of the best flying video games then you definitely’ve in all probability bought 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, nevertheless it’s nonetheless one of the best joystick for PC. It’s expensive however nonetheless manages to really feel value it whenever you’re hurtling by means of an asteroid belt, flipping on a pirate, and lowering 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 is going to supply some critical competitors to the Warthog.

The Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One flight stick recreates piloting for gaming lovers. The stick’s ergonomic design effortlessly accommodates a spread of flight eventualities, together with aerial fight, area exploration, and civilian flights. It’s geared up with a handrest on the joystick and a weighted base to make sure consolation and stability throughout gameplay. It presents plug-and-play performance and button remapping choices on PC.

The T.Flight Hostas One excels in efficiency. The controller’s twin rudder mechanism permits for exact management. Its versatility extends past flight simulators, although compatibility with sure video games could differ. The joystick has clean actions. You’ll be able to even improve your setup with different {hardware} from the vary.

Learn our Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One flight stick overview.

Some gamers say you shouldn’t deliver a gamepad to a avenue battle, and the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick might assist you to land the ending blow in all one of the best combating video 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 much from being the most cost effective arcade stick available on the market. Weighing 3.4kg, you’ll battle to neglect 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 lined. Its toolless design means you’ll be capable to swap out buttons and switches with out battle, and useful diagrams will maintain you proper when you get in a tangle. On the surface, the Daija boasts a delicate aesthetic, however you possibly can jazz issues up by including customized paintings beneath the stick’s plexiglass overlay.

Take a look at our Nacon Daija Arcade Stick overview.

Turtle Seaside constructed its Velocity One flight controller with Xbox in thoughts, nevertheless it nonetheless presents great worth for PC gamers. At this value, you’d anticipate lots, and also you do certainly get lots 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 just about every part about this system.

It’s designed particularly for Microsoft Flight Simulator and presents 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 have to to clear area in your gaming desk to piece it collectively, nevertheless it’s straightforward to arrange, makes gaming really feel like an occasion, and involves life when the RGB lighting begins to shine.

Not like typical fashions, the elements inside a Corridor Impact controller by no means robust 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 onerous to swallow.

Like every of one of the best PC controllers ought to, the Nacon Revolution 5 Professional presents each wired and wi-fi connections, and an app to utterly 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, relatively than the opposite manner round, the Rev 5 Professional is well that controller, and its Corridor Impact implementation places it forward of many opponents.

Learn our Nacon Revolution 5 Professional overview for extra.

As probably the greatest PC steering wheels available on the market, the Thrustmaster T818 can present an unequalled expertise when enjoying racing video games like Forza Horizon 5 or Assetto Corsa Competizione. Though, due to its value, we are able to perceive why some gamers decide to proceed with a standard controller.

The wheel itself presents as much as 1080° of rotation, and with 10N⋅m of torque behind it, it feels very very similar to turning an actual steering wheel. It usually comes bundled with Thrustmaster’s T-LCM Pedals, however not all the time, so be sure to’re not simply getting the wheel, because it loses lots with out them.

Both manner, this implausible wheel comes with 25 buttons and 7 encoders, and with a modular design which you could add further bits to (for consolation or management), it’s an impressive racing wheel.