If you consider gaming on a PC, you in all probability consider a mouse and keyboard. Controllers have lengthy taken the again seat in PC gaming historical past however, consider it or not, there’s a handful of video games on the market that play higher with a controller than mouse and keyboard. Yeah, I stated it, and I’m not taking it again.
There’s numerous controllers out within the wild, however which of them are the perfect? Out of the hundreds of controllers, how will you probably select? The place do you even start!?
Nicely, proper here’s a fairly good place to start out, as a result of this text is all in regards to the 7 greatest choices for PC gamepads you may get in 2022. Let’s start!
Half 1: The A-list
This primary of our two sections of suggestions is for the perfect PC gaming controllers—those who present worth and performance past the competitors. If you happen to can, it’s beneficial you go for one among these controllers first. There’s a purpose they’re on the prime!
– Xbox One 4th-gen / Series X Controller ($60-70)
“Jack of All Trades”
The Good
- Nice worth
- Wi-fi, and comes with USB-C cable for wired play
- Wonderful really feel and construct high quality
- Nice compatibility with Home windows 10
The Dangerous
- Requires AA batteries for wi-fi play – Rechargeable battery pack is $25!
- ‘Imperfect’ d-pad (although significantly better than Xbox 360 d-pad)
Extra Information
If you happen to ask any of your pals, coworkers, neighbors, or pets which controller they use when taking part in PC video games, odds are they’d say the Xbox One or virtually similar Xbox Sequence X controller. A wonderful successor to the Xbox 360 controller, the 4th technology Xbox controller does nearly every part you possibly can ask for at its $60 MSRP. It has each wired (With the included USB-C cable) and wi-fi (Bluetooth) compatibility, multi-zone rumble options, and analogue triggers. If you happen to watch a retail web page for it over a couple of weeks, you’ll seemingly discover one on sale even cheaper (probably for $45 or $50), and at that form of worth for this sort of high quality it’s arduous to advocate anything. The Xbox Play and Charge Kit, which features a rechargeable battery in your Xbox One Controller for $24.99, has an outstanding battery lifetime of as much as 30 hours of play time. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a extra private controller, you should use their Design Lab tool to create and order your individual controller design for $70. It doesn’t add any options, but it surely’s a pleasant contact of personalization for a bit additional money.
– PS4 DualShock Controller ($60)
“Nearly Completely Superb”
The Good
- Contact pad can work as a mouse
- Works out-of-the-box, both wired or wi-fi with Bluetooth
- Strong construct with a rubberized backing
- No additional value for rechargeable battery
The Dangerous
- Might have additional configuration for some video games
- Brief battery life
Extra Information
One other wonderful alternative of controller proper behind the Xbox One or Xbox Sequence X, the PS4 controller has many comparable options. It has wi-fi play out-of-the-box and, in contrast to the Xbox One controller, comes normal with a chargeable battery pack (as any wi-fi controller ought to!). Whereas the Xbox One battery pack lasts as much as 30 hours, the PS4 controller lasts a a lot shorter time, wherever from 4 to eight hours. Compensating for the poor battery life, nevertheless, is the presence of the distinctive contact pad. When configured, the contact pad can work as a mouse in your PC, permitting you to seamlessly navigate your pc’s interface or in-game menus with out the necessity for a wi-fi mouse or utilizing a irritating thumb stick cursor. Some might also desire the extra symmetrical format of Sony’s controller in comparison with Microsoft’s asymmetrical design, however that’s largely as much as style.
– The Entire 8BitDo Series ($25-90)
“Retro Gaming Heaven”
The Good
- Wired controller choices are low cost
- Nice PC compatibility
- SNES-style, best-in-class d-pads
- Good for reliving the times the place microtransactions have been only a daydream within the thoughts of an evil government
The Dangerous
- Although high quality management has improved since they first appeared, sturdiness should still be a priority for some
- Wi-fi controller choices are much less low cost (however rechargeable batteries do come normal)
Extra Information
8BitDo makes an attempt to tickle your nostalgia gland with their old-school designs, whereas additionally bringing them into the 21st century by including trendy options like wi-fi capabilities, improved ergonomics, devoted software program for personalization, and 4-6 shoulder and again buttons. 8BitDo’s merchandise are an effective way to increase the emulation expertise past the display and proper into your palms, with controllers that feel and look similar to you keep in mind. And even for these bored with emulation, the choices that resemble early Sony and Nintendo controllers are sometimes the perfect controller selections total for taking part in 2D titles like platformers and top-down shooters—because of their wonderful classic-style directional pads. 8bitdo has choices which can be made to duplicate controllers from the NES, SNES, Genesis or Grasp System, PlayStation, arcade, and even the TurboGrafx 16. Additionally they make a handful of different controllers, together with teeny tiny portable controllers and even a NES-inspired wireless mouse! Which you select is as much as which design you favor, or else which retro system(s) you’re most keen on.
– Wired PowerA Controllers ($25-70)
“Funds-friendly Modernity”
The Good
- Low cost(er)
- Many have a easy matte end, which has a pleasant really feel
- Sometimes wired in operation (no batteries or recharging)
- Big number of fashions and colours
The Dangerous
- Comparatively cheaper really feel in comparison with full-priced controllers, however not far off
- Rumble tends to be weak or absent
Extra Information
PowerA controllers are an incredible alternative for these on a finances wanting a brand new controller over a used one. PowerA makes official peripherals for a variety of console producers, and so they’ve confirmed their dedication to offering controllers of comparable high quality to big-name firms at a less expensive worth. One of the simplest ways to discover a PowerA controller you want is to navigate their web site and browse the completely different console controllers they make. There’s many various controllers for every console, so your particular person needs and wishes will affect which controller you select. Change controllers are typically least expensive at $28, however the triggers aren’t analogue. Xbox One controllers have analogue triggers however are $10 extra at $38. Additionally they make wi-fi controllers and extra area of interest ones, like struggle pads. The selection is yours!
Half 2: The B-list
If that first set of controllers is the A-list, then that is the B-list. Whereas the gamepads on this part are additionally good or possibly even nice selections, they match extra particular niches and will have extra potential drawbacks than the A-list. But when they suit your needs and wishes higher, then get one! You’ll seemingly nonetheless be proud of any of the next.
– PS5 DualSense Controller ($70)
“Unsupported Masterpiece”
The Good
- Implausible construct high quality and superior options
- Wi-fi Bluetooth help
- Rechargeable battery
The Dangerous
- No official drivers (works by way of Steam, and plenty of superior options aren’t supported)
Extra Information
Regardless that the DualSense Ps 5 controller sports activities extra options the Xbox One and PS4 controllers, the shortage of help for stated options in most PC video games makes this controller more durable to advocate. Some PC video games help the DualSense’s superior options—equivalent to Metro Exodus: Enhanced, Name of Obligation: Vanguard, and F1 2021—however most don’t. The DualSense controller works most simply by way of Steam, which has official help for the controller and permits for configuration of the controls to swimsuit sure video games. You may also use DS4Windows, a program that expands help for the DualSense controller, permitting you to customise mild bar colour, customise button mapping, and monitor the battery stage. Alternatively, you possibly can sit again and hope that official help for this nice controller improves some day. I hope it’s quickly!
– Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller ($180)
“The ‘Cursed Monkey’s Paw’ of Controllers”
The Good
- USB-C and wi-fi Bluetooth Connectivity
- Further elements are interchangeable
- Wonderful, stable really feel
The Dangerous
- Hyper costly
- Questionable high quality management
Extra Information
If you happen to can justify the outrageous asking worth of $179.99, the Xbox Elite Sequence 2 is full of options and customizability that stands with out comparability. It sports activities interchangeable components, (together with thumb sticks, directional pads, and again paddles), a totally textured and rubberized grip, and each USB-C and wi-fi Bluetooth connectivity. It’s arguably the perfect mainstream controller you may get your palms on. The one main downside (past costing as a lot as 3 new online game titles mixed) is that they’re vulnerable to growing points over time, together with thumb stick drift, button failure, and lifeless zone formation. After all, not each controller is certain for this destiny; there’s in all probability a silent majority of Elite Sequence 2’s on the market which can be nonetheless working completely effective 3 years later. Nonetheless, it’s arduous attempting to justify doubtlessly getting a lemon for this sort of worth. If you happen to purchase one, make certain to get a brand new one with a guaranty!
– Wired Xbox 360 Controller (Unknown Value of Prehistoric Currency)
“Ol’ Dependable”
The Good
- Good construct high quality and really feel, may in all probability face up to an atomic blast
- Supported by each program and OS ever dreamt up by people
- Statistically you might have no less than one in your closet someplace
The Dangerous
- Now nearly completely out there second-hand, making costs extremely variable
- Mushy, worst-in-class d-pad
- Wi-fi use requires an adapter offered individually
- Could comprise weevils
Extra Information
After the poorly-received ‘Duke’ controller for the unique Xbox, Microsoft determined it was time to supply a controller that match within the palms of an precise human being; thus, the Xbox 360 controller was born. These controllers are sometimes an unimaginable finances possibility for individuals on the lookout for one thing that doesn’t really feel like a finances controller. Regardless of their age, they’re a superb alternative as a consequence of their indestructibility, ergonomic design, and broad compatibility. Although in all probability a nasty alternative for retro gaming as a consequence of its unfathomably horrible directional pad, it in any other case stays well-suited to just about all trendy video games. The wired USB possibility might be your greatest wager, contemplating the wi-fi Xbox 360 controller requires a individually bought wi-fi adapter. If you will discover one in good condition for $20 or $30, this controller will in all probability last more than a brand new Xbox Elite Sequence 2.
Conclusion and a Closing Message
All these controllers, like something in life, have their advantages and downsides. None of them are inherently unhealthy selections, and any will seemingly carry out completely properly for your complete length you employ them for. However when contemplating a peripheral like this, it’s essential to know the downsides that accompany them since for some they are often the only real bodily level of contact with a PC whereas gaming. Nonetheless, for many who are nonetheless taking part in FromSoft games (or any video games that began their lives as console exclusives) with keyboard and mouse, I’d very strongly advocate giving a controller a attempt.
The Xbox One/Sequence X and PS4 controllers are more likely to final you the longest and have probably the most dependable wi-fi efficiency, however every make sacrifices relating to batteries to maintain the bottom controller costs from ballooning up. The PowerA controllers are the least costly dependable choices within the A-list, however they do include worse construct high quality and restricted options in consequence. 8bitdo’s choices are in between these extremes, with a spread of construct qualities and options throughout their units.
Any controller can undergo from any related concern, and your alternative ought to in the end take these traits under consideration. The purpose is, at all times choose a gamepad (or any PC part, really) that elements in not simply the options you need, however the negatives you’re most okay with as properly!
Any ideas, questions, or different feedback? Any unmentioned PC controllers you are feeling ought to be added to our A- or B-list? Tell us!
