Best PC controller 2024

That is the newest 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 nicely to the massive 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 thus many players 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, that means it matches a wider vary of hand sizes and shapes. Nevertheless, the slight modifications could hinder compatibility with attachments, so maintain that in thoughts.

Learn our Xbox Wi-fi Controller evaluation.

Do you ever end up enjoying one thing with Sport Go Final, then going out and streaming the sport in your cell as you do? With the PowerA Moga XP-Extremely, you may proceed enjoying with the identical controller, because it has a MOBA gaming clip that lets you connect your Android telephone (although sadly not iPhones). It additionally gives full compatibility with Xbox Collection X|S and lots of sensible TVs that you simply may wish to stream by 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 telephone mount to show your handset right into a handheld, and it additionally options removable grips, decreasing the footprint for taking part in on the go or supplying you with an choice if you happen to favor the scale of old-school controllers.

We actually just like the modularity provided by the XP-Extremely. Enjoying retro video games with the mini-pad is a blast, and having a sturdy option to mount a telephone for cloud gaming is sensible. 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 understand how that saying ends.

Learn our PowerA Moga XP-Extremely evaluation.

Thrustmaster’s Eswap Professional X is a premium gamepad by and thru, however its modular design makes it one of the vital versatile gadgets on this listing. It’s additionally an ideal choice for gamers preferring PlayStation’s parallel controller format, as you may simply swap across the d-pad and thumbstick.

Not solely are these magnetic modules prime quality, but when they do ever put on down, you’ll be capable of substitute them with out turning into a gamepad surgeon. You might even steadiness substance and elegance by including totally different colours utilizing considered one of Thrustmaster’s non-compulsory kits.

The Eswap Professional X additionally comes with a powerful 22-button format, 4 of which reside on the again of the unhealthy. Should 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 lets you remap the pad and fine-tune sensitivity. In different phrases, if you happen to’re on the lookout for a thumbstick expertise that comes near the accuracy of a gaming mouse, this gamepad could possibly be what you’re on the lookout for.

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

The DualSense can be simply a superb gamepad, and it elevates the whole lot 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 learn 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 gained’t work on the pad over Bluetooth, that means you’ll must tether it to your rig utilizing a USB-C cable.

That stated, if you happen to’re a fan of parallel sticks, or simply Sony shenanigans usually, the DualSense is a killer pad with spectacular capabilities. It’s dear, however when you think about what it gives, it’s probably a sensible funding.

Most of the classics in gaming historical past had been initially on Nintendo consoles and if you happen to’ve bought a big assortment of retro titles, then that is most likely 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 could 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 best for revisiting traditional 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, significantly when it comes to its plastics. Within the hand, it virtually 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 slightly too chunky (particularly if you happen to’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 the case of 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 nicely over $100 on a joypad may appear a bit extreme, however the Elite Collection 2 is one significantly lovely controller. Nearly the whole lot about it has been designed to simply scream ‘QUALITY!’ in your face. It’s an evolution over the earlier model fairly than a revolution, however it’s bought the whole lot we liked in regards to the unique Elite, plus the whole lot the competitors has added to their high-end pads to attempt to compete.

Identical to the Eswap Professional X, the Elite Collection 2 is provided with customizable buttons that’ll enable you completely dial in your palm expertise. It’s not fairly as hot-swappable as Thurstmaster’s strategy, however it gives a special array of choices, like changeable stick heights and paddle-style triggers.

It’s a small factor, however the reality Microsoft features a arduous case with the Elite Collection 2 speaks volumes. Not solely does it provide you with someplace to maintain your fine details, however it’ll additionally shield the pad and assist it serve your gaming wants lengthy into the long run.

Should you’re not into further equipment, you could possibly go for the Collection 2 Core, a less expensive package deal that solely contains the pad and an adjustment device.

Learn the Xbox Elite Wi-fi Controller Collection 2 evaluation.

From Sport Go Final to Steam Hyperlink, there’s an more and more massive variety of methods so that you can stream PC video games whenever you’re away from house. Should you’re on the lookout for a controller that can make it simpler so that you can play your favourite PC video games on cell, then we advocate the Razer Kishi Cell.

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

Though there isn’t any native button mapping, you may nonetheless accomplish that if, for instance, you’re gaming through Steam Hyperlink (which has its personal remapping choices). General, 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.

Thrustmaster’s Warthog flight stick is a duplicate of the controllers within the traditional A-10 Tankbuster, seemingly hewn from the identical military-grade supplies, and doubtless solely barely cheaper than a second-hand aircraft.

Sure, the Warthog is frighteningly costly, however if you happen to’re already seeking to decide up a controller for one of the best flying video games then you definately’ve most likely bought fairly area of interest tastes – and that is one of the simplest ways to fulfill them.

The Warthog has been round for some time now, however it’s nonetheless one of the best joystick for PC. It’s dear however nonetheless manages to really feel price it whenever you’re hurtling by an asteroid belt, flipping on a pirate, and decreasing 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’ll supply some critical competitors to the Warthog.

The Thrustmaster T.Flight HOTAS One flight stick recreates piloting for gaming fanatics. The stick’s ergonomic design effortlessly accommodates a variety of flight situations, together with aerial fight, area exploration, and civilian flights. It’s outfitted with a handrest on the joystick and a weighted base to make sure consolation and stability throughout gameplay. It gives 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 fluctuate. The joystick has easy 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 evaluation.

Some gamers say you shouldn’t carry a gamepad to a road combat, and the Nacon Daija Arcade Stick might enable you 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 way from being the most cost effective arcade stick available on the market. Weighing 3.4kg, you’ll wrestle 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 coated. Its toolless design means you’ll be capable of swap out buttons and switches with out battle, and useful diagrams will maintain you proper if you happen to get in a tangle. On the skin, the Daija boasts a refined aesthetic, however you may jazz issues up by including customized paintings beneath the stick’s plexiglass overlay.

Take a look at our Nacon Daija Arcade Stick evaluation.

Turtle Seashore constructed its Velocity One flight controller with Xbox in thoughts, however it nonetheless gives great worth for PC gamers. At this worth, you’d anticipate so much, and also you do certainly get so much on 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 the whole lot about this gadget.

It’s designed particularly for Microsoft Flight Simulator and gives extra performance than most, however nonetheless works fantastic 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 will want to clear area in your gaming desk to piece it collectively, however 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 components inside a Corridor Impact controller by no means powerful 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 come back, however the preliminary price ticket could also be arduous to swallow.

Like all of one of the best PC controllers ought to, the Nacon Revolution 5 Professional gives each wired and wi-fi connections, and an app to utterly customise any facet of the controller, from the set off sensitivity right down to the LED lighting. If you’d like a controller that adapts to you, fairly than the opposite method round, the Rev 5 Professional is definitely that controller, and its Corridor Impact implementation places it forward of many opponents.

Learn our Nacon Revolution 5 Professional evaluation for extra.

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

The wheel itself gives 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 you’re not simply getting the wheel, because it loses so much with out them.

Both method, this incredible wheel comes with 25 buttons and 7 encoders, and with a modular design that you would be able to add further bits to (for consolation or management), it’s an impressive racing wheel.