Finest PC controllers: Suggestions for each gamer

It’s exhausting to search out fault with the current-gen Xbox controller, which was launched in 2020. Microsoft’s Xbox Collection X/S replace to the long-lasting gamepad added a number of long-overdue options, together with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB-C port, and a devoted share button. It has the usual asymmetrical thumbsticks we see on different Xbox-style gamepads. They’re clean and correct in our testing, however 8BitDo’s Corridor-effect sticks are more likely to last more.

The Xbox controller retails for $60, however it’s commonly on sale for $50 or much less should you don’t demand one of many fancy colours or elaborate skins. That worth doesn’t embody a battery—this controller nonetheless takes two AA batteries. Nevertheless, that’s sufficient juice for 25 to 30 hours of gameplay. Microsoft’s add-on battery pack is $25, however third-party variations are as little as $10, and that’s well worth the worth.

Microsoft’s controller may not have a ton of bells and whistles just like the Elite controllers or the 8BitDo Final beneath, however the matte plastic physique is sturdy, and we respect the microdot texture on the grips that make it much less slippery within the hand. The extra tactile, dish-shaped d-pad is a pleasant improve over most different controllers, too.

What actually makes the Xbox Controller one of the best general PC controller is solely that it really works with all the things. If a sport has controller assist on PC, it’s going to perceive the Xbox Controller with none coaxing. It additionally has an enormous accent ecosystem, providing docks, cellphone mounts, and extra.

8BitDo made its title with retro-styled price range gamepads, however its Final sequence controllers are worthy of even probably the most intense AAA video games. The Final Bluetooth Controller, because the title implies, has Bluetooth to be used with smartphones and the Nintendo Swap. There’s a 2.4GHz mode that works higher with PCs, and it comes with the required 2.4GHz receiver contained in the included charging dock. It additionally has a USB-C port should you don’t have the dock helpful or choose wired gameplay.

The 8BitDo Final Bluetooth Controller is barely smaller and lighter than the Xbox controller (with batteries), however it feels very solidly constructed. We additionally respect the Corridor-effect thumbsticks, which use contactless magnets as a substitute of the potentiometers in most controllers. Thumbsticks are sometimes the primary element to go, inflicting the enter to “drift” throughout gameplay. This received’t occur with Corridor-effect sensors within the 8BitDo Final.

That’s not the one superior characteristic—the 8BitDo gamepad additionally has rear-facing paddle buttons, which you’ll be able to assign controls and even macros utilizing the 8BitDo Final software program. The interface is a bit of complicated at occasions, however it offers you full management over button mapping, thumbstick lively areas, vibration depth, and extra.

The inner battery is sweet for no less than 18 hours of gameplay (8BitDo claims two hours), so that you don’t have to purchase a separate battery or burn via AAs just like the inventory Xbox controller. The one drawback for PC players would be the ABXY button format, which follows the Nintendo Swap design. It’ll take a while to regulate should you’re shifting from an Xbox controller. 

If Sony’s DualSense controller had been totally supported in Home windows, it will be the hands-down winner. Whereas we can’t give it a full-throated endorsement—name it an honorable point out—the DualSense has its place in PC gaming. It’s a bit of costlier than the Xbox controller, however the $70 DualSense feels nice within the hand, seems to be slick, and it makes Sony video games extra immersive with myriad high-end options.

The DualSense has a symmetrical format in comparison with the Xbox controller, which has one thumbstick increased than the opposite. The buttons and d-pad don’t exhibit any wobble, and the press is solidly tactile. In our testing, the DualSense format is extra comfy, however the trademark form buttons received’t match the controls in non-Sony video games. Nevertheless, features will map to the identical button areas as they’d on an Xbox controller.

The PlayStation 5’s controller works as a generic wi-fi Bluetooth controller in Home windows, however you’ll have to attach it over USB for one of the best expertise (we examined USB C-to-C and C-to-A cables efficiently). That enables video games optimized for the DualSense to entry its superior {hardware} options. Sony has ported a dozen in style PS5 video games on PC up to now, and it plans to proceed doing so.

When paired with an optimized sport, the DualSense can leverage all its superior customized options, together with haptic suggestions so exact it may well simulate the sensation of raindrops. The stress within the triggers additionally adjusts primarily based on what’s taking place within the sport (e.g. firing a bow feels bodily totally different than firing a gun), and it’s used extensively in Sony’s video games. There’s even a speaker that performs choose sport audio to additional immersion. If you wish to get probably the most from in style titles like Spider-Man, God of Conflict, and Returnal, the DualSense is a must have. Altogether, Sony and different builders have enabled DualSense options on about 30 titles, with extra on the way in which.

The DualSense has a built-in battery that’s good for about seven or eight hours. We just like the built-in resolution versus Microsoft’s continued reliance on AA batteries, however the DualSense goes useless a bit too quick. Nonetheless, that solely issues should you’re utilizing it in Bluetooth mode.