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Best PC Controllers Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
The biggest advantage to using a controller over a mouse and keyboard is the added comfort of the experience. Many would rightly argue that there is a lot more accuracy and options with a mouse and keyboard, but nothing beats sitting back in your favorite chair and letting your hands rest in your lap with a controller. If that is the case, then it is important that the controller work as an extension of this idyllic scenario, where the comfortable grip of the controller makes it easy for you to use the controller. It should feel comfortable tapping all the buttons. It shouldn't take too much movement of your fingers to reach any individual button. It should also be very easy for you to hold onto the controller for a long time without your hands getting cramped. That is a large reason for the rounded ergonomic designs that are so popular today. This rating will let you know just how comfortable the controller is.
Effectiveness
A controller can be as comfortable as it wants, but if the buttons on it don't work as well as they should, then there is not much point in owning the controller. The best controllers will have responsive buttons, and useful features that make it easier for you to be able to tell what is happening on the screen. Of course, the buttons work on all these controllers. The difference is how specifically well they work. If you are using one of the retro controllers then you should be looking for buttons that feel a lot like the real thing. If you are using the more modern controllers, then you should be looking for something that makes it easy for you get just the right button presses. You want the buttons to push in with a light touch, or better yet, look for buttons that are pressure sensitive, which will make for more responsive gameplay.
Durability
When this guide refers to durability, it isn't talking about if your controller will survive being thrown at a wall. That sort of activity is out of this guide's hands. On the other hand, there is the real possibility that the controller will give up after long hours of use. Those buttons can only be pushed in so many times. The best controllers will last you for years, but everything will give in eventually. There are a lot of moving parts in a gaming controller, especially in the more modern ones that have lots of different technologies working at once. This rating will let you know how long you can rely on your controller for. When using your controllers, think about trying to be gentle to them. When you put them away, put them away lightly. Another thing that will make them last for longer is if you put them away in a place that doesn't have a lot of dust.
Ease of Use
One of the big things that seem to push people away from using a gaming controller with your PC is that they are worried about how well their controller will do with every new game that it gets formatted to. These days, it is something that just doesn't need to be worried about. In almost all cases, it is easy for your controller to do all the button mapping for you. Most PC games are designed with the potential for controller input in mind, and in fact, it is becoming increasingly common for games to be designed with a controller recommended. This rating will let you know just how easy it should be when you are setting your controller up. This rating also takes into account things like how easy it is going to be to change the controls as you want them to be, and how easy it is to set the controller up in the first place.
Value
The rating that the controller gets in this category is basically a way to know how far each of your dollars is going towards the controller that you are getting. Some controllers cost a weekend's allowance, while other controllers are closer to what you are going to be paying to buy a brand-new AAA game. Looking at those prices, you better be getting something good. All the controllers on this list will serve you well. They are the cream of the crop. The more expensive controllers usually cost that much because they implement a lot of more modern features. It is simply the case that many modern controllers cost more because they come with all those new features like track pads, touch screens, and detailed haptic feedback.
10 Best PC Controllers
1. Xbox Wireless
This may seem like a misleading way to start the list, but the best way to play games on your computer is often by using one of the console's first party controllers.
First Party Controller
The Xbox One controller does a great job of giving you a comfortable and responsive experience for your games. It has enough buttons that you can run any games that might come out. This is especially true for any games that are ported from computer, due to the fact that you'll be using the controller that they were designed for.
Other Features
The Xbox One controller comes with lots of quality of life features that make it your best choice. It has textured handles that make it one of the comfier grips on this list. It is just enough texture to make your hands feel at home. It is also a wireless controller, and can be used from a very far distance without needing to worry about it becoming disconnected.
Cost and Value
The Xbox One controller is a little more expensive than some of the other options on this list. The first party controllers often are. On the other hand, this is one of the best designed controllers around, and it becomes increasingly obvious as you look at all the imitators of its style that are on the market. Do yourself a favor and buy the best available.
2. Dualshock 4
The Dualshock 4 is another first person option on this list. This is the controller that comes with all PS4s. It does a great job in terms of comfort.
First Party Alternative
The Dualshock 4 is another first party controller that still does a great job at giving you a great feeling experience on your computer. It is very easy to hook this up to your computer through Bluetooth, which is great for being able to own a controller that you can do tons with. It has a comfortable grip and enough buttons to be able to handle all kinds of games.
Other Features
The Dualshock 4 is packed with tons of features, too. This is one of the controllers that comes with everything. It has a light up bar that makes it easy for you to tell who is player two, or when the controller has been connected. It has also been designed with tons of other modern features. It comes with a touch screen that will work with some games, and a button for sharing your accomplishments.
Cost and Value
The Dualshock 4 is another controller that will cost you a little more than the other options on this list. The first party controller always do. Getting this controller is mostly just a toss up for what style that you like better. The Xbox One controller has a more rounded design, but is a little bulkier, while the PS4 controller has a sharper design.
3. Logitech Gamepad F310
This is a very simple, bare bones controller that you can use with your PC. This is the best choice if you want something cheap and effective.
Budget Concious Controller
The Gamepad is designed in a very basic sort of way so that you can get it to work with lots of different games. It has all the buttons that you might be looking for, and includes everything that you might think should be there. It even has clickable analog sticks. This is a wired controller, but it does come with a long cord so that you still sit on the couch, or in any position that you want.
Other Features
The Logitech is designed with a few smart features that make it a good choice for any gamer. This controller has some extra padding on the controller grips so that your hands will fell comfortable and cool at all times. It is also very grippy foam that makes it easy to hold for a long time, even when your hands start getting sweaty.
Cost and Value
The big selling point of the Gamepad is that it can be bought at a very cheap price. It is designed for those who want a controller, but don't want to go all out when trying to find something for your computer. This is about as simple as it gets, and that is a big selling point for this controller. Perfect for the gamer who wants to keep it simple.
4. Microsoft Xbox 360
Once again, we come back to the first party controllers. Many people still swear by the Xbox 360 controller as the classic controller for using with your PC.
Classic PC Controller
Lots of people have saved their Xbox 360 controllers so that they can use them with their PCs. The reasons for this are numerous. They are easy to hook up, the buttons are durable and responsive, and the controller has the perfect amount of comfort and weightiness to it. The Xbox 360 controller is about as good as it gets when it comes to using a controller.
Other Features
But wait, there's more. The Xbox 360 controller is packed with things to love. The range on the wireless control makes it easy to play on your PC from the couch. It can also have a battery charger bought for it that makes it very easy to keep your controller ready for use. The shoulder buttons and triggers are also perfectly responsive.
Cost and Value
There are lots of used Xbox 360 controllers that you can buy at this store page, but there are also tons of new ones still available too. The Xbox 360 controller is well-known for how durable it is, so if you buy one, you won't have to worry about buying another PC controller for years to come. The Xbox 360 is the classic PC controller for a reason.
5. Steam
Steam, everyone's favorite, basically only, PC gaming platform, released their own PC controller that does a great job of connecting to the games in your Steam library.
Working With Steam
The simplest way to know that your PC games are going to work with your controller is to buy the official controller of Steam. Most games that anyone owns are going to be on Steam anyway, so why not get their controller? This is the easiest way to know that your games will be compatible with your controller if you use Steam as your main gaming platform.
Other Features
The Steam controller has a lot more going for it, though, It is packed with features. It comes with two trackpads instead of joysticks, which might take a second to get used to, but will give you great feedback on your gaming, as well as give you tons of options for controlling your games. It also comes with quality vibration that you can customize, and motion controls for things like racing games.
Cost and Value
The Steam Controller has it all. It has the ability to attach any kind of control scheme that you want to it. It has buttons that can be used in a variety of ways. It even has vibration and motion controls. This decked out controller does also come with a decked out price. This is a great choice if you want to have full control over how your controller works.
6. Razer Wolverine
The Razer Wolverine is a third party controller that is designed to work with both the PC and the Xbox One, which gives you a little extra functionality.
Designed for Competition
The Wolverine is designed with the competition in mind. It has a few clever features that will make it easier for you to get the edge on your opponents in online matches. One of the clever ways that Razer goes about doing this is by adding sensitivity options to the triggers of the control. You can switch the triggers and bumpers to react to light presses, instead of full trigger pulls.
Other Features
The Wolverine has some other clever features designed into it, too. It has remappable buttons that make it easy for you to customize your experience with your games. They can even be switched so that they use multiple buttons on the keyboard at once. Another cool feature is the ability to change how the lights on the controller work, so you can add your own personal touch.
Cost and Value
The Wolverine does cost quite a bit more than the other options on this list. It makes this controller more of a sell to the more hardcore gamer. Using a controller in competitive gaming has become more popular as of late, and if you are one of the converts, then you should think about buying the Wolverine so you can get an advantage over the enemy.
7. ZD-C Wired
This is another great option if you want to buy a PC Controller that is more on the cheaper side. This one mimics a PS4 controller quite well.
Budget Gaming
Not everyone is looking for a gaming controller that is packed with fancy features. This controller is a bit of a throwback, and it is designed with some features that people haven't been excited about in a little while. This controller comes with all the buttons that you need to be supported for modern gaming, and then some other fun choices, like a turbo button.
Other Features
The ZD-C is designed with a few other features that will ensure that you are getting a high quality controller. It has very precise controls for such a cheap controller, and it will do a good job at giving you the latency and sensitivity that you would hope for from a much more expensive controller. Another great thing is that it has very comfortable, albeit simple, grips.
Cost and Value
The ZD-C is a great choice for anyone who wants a simple and reliable controller. This is another very cheap controller that you can use for your PC. Compared to the Logitech, this controller is probably best for those who are feeling nostalgic for the Playstation controllers of old. Even if you aren't, you could do much worse than with the ZD-C.
8. Buffalo iBuffalo Classic
These last few entries are for those who are looking for something a little more specialized in their controllers. The Buffalo is the most famous of the SNES controllers you can find online
Retro Gaming
Playing retro games on your computer has become increasingly easy as time has gone on. It makes it easy for you have everything in one place, without the need for bulky consoles that are just going to take up room in the closet. Some of the easiest games to run on the computer are those from the early 90's, like the SNES.
Other Features
The Buffalo is as true to life as you could hope for from a third party controller trying to emulate the controllers of the past. It looks like the third party controllers that you could buy back in the day, but it has the responsiveness and great design of those first party controllers. It connects through the USB on your computer, and it will work almost right away.
Cost and Value
The Buffalo is the most popular choice for people who want an old school SNES controller for very good reason. It does a great job of feeling just like the real thing. In some ways, it just doesn't feel the same using a bulky controller with all the extra buttons when you play games. If you have felt this way before then you should give the Buffalo a shot. It doesn't cost very much, at all.
9. Retro-Bit Sega USB
This is another choice for those who want to do some retro gaming. The Retro-Bit does a great job at working just like a Genesis controller of old.
The Sega Genesis
The Sega Genesis was the other classic controller of the 90s. For every kid who had a SNES, there was a neighbour who was playing Sonic on their Sega Genesis. It is a completely different controller. It has tons more buttons, and a unique boomerang shape that fits very well in your palms. If you want to feel like you are playing Genesis games, this is the only way it will feel just right.
Other Features
The Genesis controller from Retro-Bit is unique among retro controllers in that it is actually licensed by Sega. It does a great job of emulating the boomerang, but it comes with some useful bonus features too. It now has shoulder buttons so that you can have some extra functionality when you are playing games. It also has very well-designed buttons that feel good and last for a long time.
Cost and Value
The Retro-Bit is a great choice for anyone feeling a different brand of nostalgia. The Retro-Bit is a great controller that does such a good job that it has been officially endorsed. Sega has had a little renaissance on Steam, and has put a lot of their catalog on the service. This controller is the perfect next step to have your very own Genesis on the computer.
10. Mayflash Arcade Fight Stick
Another type of game that has been getting a lot of traction by being ported onto computers is the fighting game. The Mayflash is a great budget fight stick if you are interested in joining the scene.
Joy of the Fight Stick
The Mayflash is a great way to discover the joys of using a fight stick. Fight sticks are designed so that you can bring the classic feeling of the arcade home with you. Lots of professionals use fight sticks instead of controllers because of the more fluid way it feels to use the six button set up with the looseness of the joystick.
Other Features
The Mayflash is great for tons of other reasons too. This is the perfect fight stick for beginners. One of the great things about it is that it is designed to be compatible with tons of different fighting games on tons of different consoles. It does a great job at making it easy for you to use it anywhere. On top of that, this fight stick has a great weight and size to it that is great for portability and stability.
Cost and Value
The Mayflash is designed for the beginner user of a fight stick, but it can be used by veterans, too. The reason it is such a perfect fight stick for those people is that it does a great job in terms of how little it costs. As you become more entrenched in the fighting game community, all it will take is a few modifications to put it over the top.
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