The perfect PC controller is an important a part of any PC gamer’s toolkit. And whereas the perfect gaming mouse (opens in new tab), when mixed with the perfect gaming keyboard (opens in new tab) will see you thru most conditions, there are a bunch of genres that basically profit from among the finest recreation controllers for PC.Â
Video games with sure management schemes are simply higher suited to a controller. And Elden Ring’s half-assed mouse and keyboard controls (opens in new tab) might definitely tempt you towards a controller. It is also true that some video games which were ported from console to PC find yourself with a monumentally complicated management system when utilizing a mouse and keyboard. And whereas we hate to be compelled to make use of a controller, typically it is merely the perfect instrument for the job.
That is true even for video games held to be PC classics. The Witcher 3 (opens in new tab), for instance, really has a much more simple management system when performed with the perfect PC controller.Â
And simply assume, with the perfect PC controller in hand, you’ll be able to sit again, loosen up, and get into a relaxing gaming session, reasonably than staying hunched over the keyboard. We have examined at the moment’s high console controllers and PC controllers to seek out out which of them are value dishonest in your trusty keyboard and mouse with.Â
Greatest PC controller
When you use the Microsoft Elite Collection 2 controller for greater than ten minutes, you will perceive why we’ve it on the primary spot. Every little thing concerning the Collection 2 screams luxurious. The near-endless customization choices offer you an unparalleled degree of management (pun meant) over your gameplay. With the ability to tweak all points of the controller, like d-pads, shift paddles, and joystick pressure, is an absolute godsend.
Essentially the most important modifications within the Collection 2 over the Collection 1 (which we additionally cherished) embrace a neat little carrying case that doubles as a charging station for the controller’s new rechargeable battery with 40 hours of juice. Lastly, with undertaking Xcloud and Apple Arcade bringing some nice video games to cellular units, you’ll be able to simply pair the Collection 2 controller through Bluetooth.Â
Spending $160 for a controller is a troublesome promote for most individuals, that is close to 4 occasions the worth of an Xbox One controller, however should you’re a critical gamer who values efficiency and excessive ranges of customization, the Collection 2 is a no brainer and price each penny.Â
Learn the total Xbox Elite Wi-fi Controller Collection 2 evaluation (opens in new tab).
PowerA’s Spectra Infinity Enhanced wired controller is a step up over the Spectra Enhanced we used to fee on this information. The most recent model has extra similarities to the Xbox Collection X|S controller, with notably extra vivid lights. It is a fairly swanky controller these days, contemplating its funds worth.
The sting lighting offers the Spectra some character, and the 3-way set off locks are nice for aggressive shooters, too. The Spectra would have scored greater, however the lack of any wi-fi connectivity is an enormous let down within the days of untethered gaming.
A worthy sacrifice for a less expensive worth, although. Little question about that.
Learn the total PowerA Spectra Enhanced (non-Infinity) evaluation (opens in new tab).
The unique Xbox One Wi-fi Controller was a staple for PC gaming. With the Xbox Collection S/X (opens in new tab) launch, we had been all curious to see how Xbox improved on an already killer gamepad.Â
This controller retains numerous what we cherished concerning the unique. Retaining it very snug total design with texturized rubber grips makes you’re feeling extraordinarily nice in your fingers. Very like the unique, it boasts a vastly superior d-pad that you just will not dread utilizing in combating video games and platformers, taking cues from the Xbox One Elite Collection controllers. You may need seen a brand new button within the heart of the controller; a much-requested Share button now enables you to seize screenshots and gameplay footage with out diving an excessive amount of into the menus.
We capitalize Wi-fi for a purpose, not as a result of the phrase is a correct noun per sé, however as a result of the Xbox Wi-fi controller of late leverages Microsoft’s wi-fi protocol it calls “Xbox Wi-fi.” Although the title may gain advantage from some inventive workshopping, you’ll be able to take solace in the truth that, after 2016, the Xbox Wi-fi controller graces us with a much-needed serving to of Bluetooth compatibility. And now it is virtually customary fare for console transplants deterred by the educational curve mouse and keyboard gaming presents.Â
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The PlayStation 5 (opens in new tab) DualSense has a “you must contact it to imagine it” high quality because of its new haptic motors and “Adaptive” triggers, which might provide resistance beneath your finger. Firing a bow can really really feel like firing a bow, for instance. The rumble can also be simply the perfect and most nuanced we have ever felt in a controller. It truly is nearly as good as individuals say.
The dangerous information: the DualSense’s most superior options do not work in PC video games but, since video games will should be programmed to reap the benefits of them. However Steam already provides full help for the controller, so it is a minimum of a breeze to plug in and use like another pad. It is a hair much less snug than the Xbox Collection X controller, and never as easy to make use of in non-Steam video games, however should you desire Sony’s analog stick structure or love gyro aiming, that is the one to get.
And possibly sometime we’ll see PC video games reap the benefits of these new triggers and haptics, too.
Scuf would not fiddle with its controllers, providing a number of the greatest premium pads outdoors of Sony and Microsoft. And the Intuition Professional is the very best controller must you want to eschew the 2 massive bois of the console world.
There are extra customisation choices on provide with the Intuition Professional than with just about another pad you might title. Although that can undoubtedly influence the worth—with my very own selections I managed to bump the price as much as simply shy of $250. However did create a gloriously pink pad with out the distraction of rumble packs.
The robust factor is that each Sony and Microsoft’s controllers are simply so good, and in order for you one thing premium the Elite Collection 2 completely ticks that field. The actual fact the Intuition Professional makes that appear like good worth makes it an actual robust promote. It’s, although, a implausible controller that feels nice within the hand and is as responsive as you might want for. It is simply painfully expensive.
Learn our full Scuf Intuition Professional evaluation (opens in new tab).
Razer’s Wolverine Final might very properly be the perfect gamepad accessible at the moment, save for one vital disqualifying issue: it will probably’t hook up with a PC wirelessly. The Xbox-style gamepad provides lots of the identical luxurious options because the Xbox One Elite Wi-fi Controller, like a swappable d-pad and customizable again paddles. It is also practically the identical worth, which begs the query: why not simply purchase a type of as an alternative?Â
Nicely, it isn’t for everybody, however the Wolverine Final does have its fair proportion of distinctive, downright engaging options. For starters, the face buttons—those labeled A, B, X, and Y—click on like mouse buttons. This seemingly minuscule element makes a world of distinction. It is like utilizing nothing however membrane keyboards your complete life after which making a transfer to mechanical switches. So whereas the enclosed 10-foot braided micro USB cable takes some getting used to, tactile button presses are a worthy trade-off.
After all, no Razer product could be full with out a wholesome dose of Chroma, the three-headed inexperienced snake firm’s signature model of RGB lighting. Nonetheless, reasonably than integrating it into the prevailing Synapse 3 app for Home windows, Razer determined to develop an app particularly for Xbox One. So should you do plan on utilizing this controller to your PC, keep in mind you will want a separate app to configure it.
Greatest controller for PC FAQ
Can you employ a console controller on PC?
The brief reply is sure. The marginally longer reply is that you just may have to carry out slightly fiddling the primary time you set it up—though after that it’s going to simply be a case of plugging it in.Â
Easy methods to arrange your controller on PC:
Is PC gaming higher with a controller?
This may appear to be an completely offensive query to ask within the annals of PC Gamer, however it stays true that sure PC video games are much better performed with a controller than with the traditional keyboard and mouse combo.
Sports activities video games are the obvious, as anybody who has tried to play FIFA utilizing the unusual keyboard/mouse management scheme can attest to. However there are different titles, particularly these which had been primarily designed for consoles whose management schemes are so unwieldy away from a pad that taking part in them another approach is a ache.
You can play Witcher 2 with out a controller, for instance, however it really felt much better utilizing a pad on PC.
How will we check controllers?
Ignore those that appear to assume each recreation is greatest with a mouse and keyboard. Assassins Creed Valhalla isn’t greatest performed with a keyboard. Avenue Fighter 5 isn’t greatest performed with a keyboard. True, we play most video games with a mouse and keyboard, however for PC players with ranging tastes, a superb controller is a should.
Although I’ve finished some testing with first-person shooters, I’ve largely ignored the style. Whereas it could be mandatory for console players, we’re nearly at all times going to make use of WASD for any sort of shooter. With that in thoughts, the video games I used primarily for testing are those talked about beneath:
Katana Zero: A recreation that requires glorious d-pad management and responsive face buttons.
Avenue Fighter V: I’ve put numerous hours into Avenue Fighter V with each controllers and combat sticks, so I understand how it must really feel. If I can not crush an AI opponent as Ken, one thing is not proper.
Forza Motorsport: I selected Forza primarily to check the analog sticks, which in keeping with my preferences, want three qualities: springy sufficient to shortly snap again to heart, delicate and resistant adequate to make slight steering changes, and comfortably contoured. Therefore, my thumbs aren’t bloody stumps on the finish of some hours.
