Are you passionate about PC games but tired of using a mouse and keyboard? Here are the best PC controllers and joypads to buy right now.
The best PC controller isn’t always a mouse and keyboard. There are many games, such as Shovel Knight and Forza Horizon, that you can play more comfortably with a game console controller than with a gaming mouse and keyboard. Controllers can give you more freedom to lean back at your desk and relax. A good controller for PC gaming can give you more precise control of movement in many cases.
While a mouse and keyboard are great for a lot of things, namely shooters, there should definitely be a place for a great PC controller in your arsenal.
For many PC games, your gaming keyboard and mouse will be your best friends. But I also have to admit that, even as PC gamers, there are plenty of instances where it would be a bit better to have a controller. Attempting to drive a car with WASD’s binary inputs is far from nuanced. Sneaking around in the third-person stealth game is equally difficult due to the lack of control.
And never mind trying to play fighting games with a PC mouse and keyboard. There are some games that are better on a PC controller, and that might make it worth having one on hand.
What command should I buy for PC? The PC has not been neglected when it comes to drivers. Even controllers that were made specifically for consoles can still work with PCs, and you’ll find plenty of alternative options like racing wheels and battle sticks that are tailor-made for different types of games. With all those options, I’m here to help you narrow down the list and find what’s best for you.
Joystick for computers: the best video game controls for computer gamers
Are you looking for a PC gamepad and don’t know which one to choose? Do not worry, because we have selected the best for you in this review. These are the best USB or wireless computer controllers.
Xbox One Elite 2 Series Controller
The best joystick controller on the market today is the Elite Series 2 for Xbox and Windows PC. If you are looking for quality in finish, aesthetics, handling, and functionality, you are in the right place. Engineered for performance, this Microsoft PC Game Controller is flexible at will. In fact, you can adjust and swap both the levers and the turn signal to suit your needs. The Xbox Accessories Software (available on consoles and Windows 10) also offers the ability to change the attributes of each function button, including the cool palettes on the back.
The integrated battery also offers excellent autonomy (around 40 hours), and it is possible to charge the controller even when it is stored in its case. We’ll just lament the fairly classic quality of the triggers and action buttons (A, B, X, and Y).
+ PROS
- The quality of the materials
- The most beautiful effect is the matte finish
- Comprehensive, Responsive, and efficient
- Long battery life with USB Type-C charging
- many changes are possible
- Additional buttons are welcome
- Simple and complete software
- It is supplied with a carrying case that can recharge the battery.
- Natively compatible with Xbox and Windows (plug and play)
– CONS
- Some pretty classic buttons
- I can’t change the battery
- A very high price
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Sony Dualshock 4
The official PlayStation 4 controller, the DualShock 4, is also compatible with your Windows computer. You need to download a small piece of software, but setting it up is very simple and well worth it, plus you can use it as a wired or Bluetooth game controller. Although it is quite classic, it is still mainly intended for gaming, as it is an official console controller. The quality and comfort are there, even if the joysticks are symmetrical. Without a doubt, all PlayStation gamers will be happy to use their controller for PC gaming. We can only blame it for its short battery life, counting 7–10 hours.
However, if you want to play wirelessly on your PC or Mac with this controller, then you need to buy Sony’s expensive USB adapter or use the free unofficial DS4Windows software.
+ PROS
- Connect with other players
- Parental controls and safety
- Incredible controller
- Graphics and resolution
- PlayStation Plus
– CONS
- Battery life is too low
- Pretty classic controller
- Symmetrical joysticks
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Xbox Wireless Controller
Like the Sony DualShock 4, the Microsoft Xbox One Wireless Controller is a solid and well-known product in its industry. Before the arrival of the Elite version, it was considered the best gamepad, both on consoles and PCs. The budget that you will have to allocate to it is obviously much less than the high-end version, and you will maintain both the exemplary management and the know-how of Microsoft.
Of course, your Windows computer recognizes it natively. A dongle comes with a controller, which also allows you to connect it wirelessly without the need for a Bluetooth card. This is the latest version of this driver, so you can connect headphones without an adapter. Unfortunately, this controller is powered by batteries. You need to buy them separately. If you keep it attached all the time, you can still gain weight.
+ PROS
- Premium feel
- Works on a range of devices
- Improved textures and geometry
- The impulse trigger feels great
– CONS
- Not rechargeable
- Basic buttons
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Scuf Instinct Pro
Without a doubt, this is one of the best wireless controllers ever for a PC. Scuf Instinct Pro boasts a design almost identical to that of the official Microsoft pad, customizable in terms of colors and textures on the shop, and the possibility of replacing the sticks and the d-pad with different versions, concave or convex, high or low, simply by lifting the magnetic faceplate of the device.
On the back, as per tradition, we find four extra buttons perfectly integrated into the device, programmable without the need for external aids, quickly and easily, within three different profiles. There is also the important novelty of instant triggers, which can be activated via two small selectors, which further increases competitiveness among online shooters.
+ PROS
- Incredibly comfortable
- Highly customizable
- Sturdy build quality
- Fun to use
– CONS
- Expensive
- Heavier than a normal controller
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Logitech F310
The legendary brand of peripherals available to order also has its own controller. It is the most compact and useful, with a retro design. The F310 works by cable, ideal for a computer, from the sofa or bed with its 1.8-meter cable.
It uses Logitech software that is extremely easy to set up. All you have to do is download it, connect the controller, and enjoy. In addition, you can adjust various commands or macros to your liking for all kinds of games.
Play as usual. Instinct guides your actions through the classic layout. Play without losing a moment. Built to deliver a console-like control experience and innovating from an original design, the F310 fits like a glove.
+ PROS
- Traditional Layout.
- 6 feet of wire.
- Good build quality.
- Good grip.
- Colorful buttons.
– CONS
- Buttons click way too loud.
- D-pad is not comforting.
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Razer Wolverine V2
Razer assaults the range of premium controllers with this model, the Wolverine V2. At first glance, we can already guess that it is a high-performance model, very gaming… With those colors, distribution, and even the very useful Xbox logo, you can access Game Pass games directly on your PC.
It has a highly ergonomic design, with a natural grip for the easiest interaction. The front buttons have additional remapping, that is, macros to your liking. Both the crosshead and the touch buttons are machined to exert touch-sensitive activation. Of course, you have to take into account that it only works with cable.
It has a sensitive trigger mode for a comfortable slide. It also has a 3.5mm audio output.
+ PROS
- No input lag
- Great action buttons and D-pad
- Extra customizability
- Mechanical buttons feel great
- Great ergonomic design
– CONS
- Non-detachable cable
- Button placement
- Too wide
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SteelSeries Stratus Duo
The SteelSeries Stratus Duo may seem like a controller made specifically for mobile and VR headsets, but it’s also a solid choice for gaming PCs. For around $60, this wireless gamepad comes with its own 2.4GHz dongle included and even has a built-in battery that’s rated for 20 hours of playtime.
Windows 10 also automatically recognizes the Stratus Duo as an Xbox controller, meaning you don’t need to remap any buttons. The only thing this PC controller lacks is a rumbling noise, but if you don’t mind the missing haptic feedback, the SteelSeries Stratus Duo is a great controller that you can use with plenty of other devices. If you are thinking of buying a quality PC controller and getting away from the typical Xbox, this is your new controller.
+ PROS
- Sturdy
- Precise
- Fantastic on Android
- Ease-of-use
- Handsome
– CONS
- Doesn’t offer anything new on the PC
- That d-pad
- Awkward bumpers
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Thrustmaster TS-PC Racer
PCs are pretty much the place to experience simulation racing games. Not only does this platform allow you to connect multiple displays and ultra-wide screens for the best immersive experience, but the PC is also the place for some very serious (and sometimes very dark) racing games.
Of course, you’ll want a racing wheel to complete your sim racing setup, and look no further than the Thrustmaster TS-PC Racer. It looks and feels like a real wheel attached to a real race car, especially when you turn on this peripheral’s 40-watt brushless motor. Force feedback on this racing wheel, as you’ll feel the pull of every turn and the impact of every bump with up to 6 Nm of torque.
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Why would you want a PC controller?
While playing PC games with a controller might seem like sacrilege against all that’s right in the keyboard and mouse church, you don’t have to worry about what other people think about the way you play PC games.
After all, PC gaming is as much about playing games at their best possible quality, experiencing games with ultrawide and superwide aspect ratios that you can’t get on consoles, or simply having the highest frame rate and silkiness as possible.
How you play that experience is up to you, and if you’re anything like us, sometimes you’d rather sit with a controller than constantly lean over your desk keyboard and mouse. This can be especially true if you play games on a big-screen TV on your couch. While there are laptops out there to bring the true PC gaming experience to your living room, gamepads are great for keeping things casual and comfortable.