The 9 Best PC Controllers Tested by Lifewire
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The best thing about the Xbox Series XS controller is the improved D-pad. While the underlying design is mechanically similar to the last generation, it looks and feels significantly more robust. The faceted D-pad button is reminiscent of the one found in Elite controllers, and it’s extremely clicky and responsive. With an improved texture on the grips and a matte finish with a nice texture on the triggers and bumpers, this controller is also a joy to hold and use. Even during long gaming sessions, it remains comfortable to hold and won’t slip in your grip. Another great thing about this controller is that it doesn’t just work with the Xbox Series XS. This controller also works with Xbox One consoles and Windows 10, so you can use one controller in all three places. Microsoft didn’t break new ground with this controller in terms of looks or features the way Sony did with the DualSense, but the changes they did make were all welcome and useful. If you aren’t looking to upgrade to a controller with mechanical buttons or other advanced features or options, the standard Xbox Series XS controller is a great option for gaming on both Xbox consoles and PC. “In addition to being specifically designed for the Xbox Series XS, and having backwards compatibility with the Xbox One, this controller also offers a pain-free plug and play experience with Windows 10." — Jeremy Laukkonen, Product Tester
The Razer Wolverine V2 is a high-performance wired gaming controller for Xbox Series XS that also works on PC. It includes a few extra buttons in comparison to the standard controller and has some useful features that are aimed at giving you a bit of a competitive edge. The buttons also use mechanical switches for precise activation and longevity.
The best thing about the Razer Wolverine V2 is that it includes some features that can give you an edge over anyone who is using a regular controller. The most important is the ability to adjust your thumbstick sensitivity on the fly via sensitivity clutches. This gives you snap control over your sensitivity, allowing for precise movement at the exact right time. This controller also includes trigger stops, which are switches that can turn the long-pull triggers into hair triggers. Instead of pulling the trigger all the way to shoot, you can shoot the moment you touch a trigger, giving you a much-needed edge. The Razer Wolverine V2 also uses mechanical switches instead of rubber dome switches. This results in pleasantly clicky buttons that don’t heat up and start sticking in the middle of a long gaming session and also adds to the longevity of the controller. While the Razer Wolverine V2 isn’t the flashiest controller, and it is a bit on the pricey side for a wired controller, it packs in some excellent functionality backed by a high build quality. If you’re looking for a wired Xbox Series XS controller that’s built to last and just might give you an edge, this is the one you need. “The Wolverine V2 uses mechanical switches, resulting in a pleasant clicky feel, precise activation, and a longer lifespan.” — Jeremy Laukkonen, Product Tester
The bigger changes can’t be seen, however, but you will feel them. Precise haptics provide subtle feedback all around the controller, complementing the on-screen action of games, while impressive new adaptive triggers provide on-the-fly resistance to immersively convey in-game actions like shooting guns or swinging from Spider-Man’s webs. Bundle in a touchpad and tilt controls and developers have a vast toolbox to play with, as seen in the grin-inducing pack-in game, Astro’s Playroom. It’s a little pricey, but the DualSense is an excellent evolution of the PlayStation controller. "The DualSense implements some noticeable aesthetic shifts that echo those of the PlayStation 5 console itself, but ultimately keeps the core foundation of the DualShock 4 controller intact." — Andrew Hayward, Product Tester
The 9 Best PC Controllers of 2022
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By Erika Rawes Erika Rawes Writer University of Maryland Erika Rawes has written for Digital Trends, USA Today, and Cheatsheet.com and has tested dozens of consumer technology products for multiple tech sites. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 11, 2021 12:27PM EDT We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Tweet Share Email Games & Consoles Accessories PC PS4 Xbox One Xbox 360 Nintendo Switch The best PC controllers can provide a seamless and comfortable gaming experience. Why do you need a PC controller instead of just one of the best gaming mice? A ton of gaming genres benefit greatly from having a controller in hand— many games where you’re playing a single character will feel more natural with a controller. However, if you’re playing simulation games, strategy games, war games, or games that require you to control a large army or a lot of resources, you’ll want to also invest in a good gaming mouse and gaming keyboard, as you’ll be able to better navigate through the game world and menus. Most gamers have a mouse, keyboard, and controller, and they move between them based on which type of game they’re playing. Connectivity is important with a PC controller. It should have easy button mapping, and you shouldn’t have to worry too much about learning new mapping for different games. Really high-end controllers often let you customize the buttons and sensitivities, making the controller exactly how you like it. Some of the best controllers are dual-purpose too, and they can work on both a console and a PC. This makes the controller a better value. We’ve evaluated a number of PC controllers, and our pick for the best is the Xbox Elite Series 2 because of its customizability and seamless connection to PC. However, if the price is a little steep, we’ve also included our picks for the best PC controllers in other categories like the best budget PC controller and the most reliable. The Rundown Best Overall: Microsoft Xbox Elite Series 2 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Official: Microsoft Xbox Series XS Controller at Amazon Jump to Review Best Wired: Razer Wolverine V2 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Haptics: Sony DualSense PS5 Controller at Amazon Jump to Review Best Accessibility: Microsoft Xbox Adaptive Controller at Best Buy Jump to Review Best Customizable: ASTRO Gaming C40 TR at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: PowerA Spectra Controller at Amazon Jump to Review Best Button Options: Razer Wolverine Ultimate at Amazon Jump to Review Best Plug-and-play: Xbox Wireless Controller at Amazon Jump to ReviewBest Overall: Microsoft Xbox Elite Series 2
Amazon View On Amazon View On Adorama.com View On Gamestop.com What We Like Customizable Integrates well on PC Wireless and USB-C charging What We Don't Like Very expensive Xbox One Elite Series 2 Controller Review: One of the Best Controllers of All Time The Xbox Elite Series 2 is the next-gen version of Xbox’s original Elite Series controller, and it’s a gamer’s dream come true, absolutely stunning in its appearance and in its design. It has Bluetooth connectivity unlike its predecessor, as well as a built-in rechargeable battery with up to 40 hours of battery life. You can charge the controller in the included case, using the charging dock, or using the included USB-C cable. This controller is exceptionally comfortable and the controls are outstanding. Everything feels super tight, lighting fast, and ultra-responsive (including the back paddles). The Elite Series 2 is made for efficiency. Plus, you can basically turn it into a controller tailor-made for you. You get a thumbstick adjustment tool to change the tension to your liking, you can map buttons, as well as make different profiles so you can have different customization options for different games. Hands down, this is the best PC controller on the market right now. The only notable downside is the cost, but for a controller this amazing, it’s worth the investment. You can use the Elite Series 2 with PC or Xbox One, Xbox One S, and Xbox One X consoles. “...the original Elite controller has been improved with the second iteration, making it the best first-party controller you can get for XB1 or PC.” — Zach Sweat, Product TesterBest Official: Microsoft Xbox Series XS Controller
4.5 Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Best Buy What We Like Grippier texture Textured triggers Brand new D-pad design Share button Reduced latency when gaming What We Don't Like No massive changes from previous generation Analog sticks unchanged Rubber carbon switches unchanged Xbox Series XS Controller Review: Improving On An Old Favorite The Xbox Series XS controller also referred to as the Xbox Wireless Controller, builds on the legacy of the Xbox One controller. It’s almost identical to the Xbox One S controller at first glance, adding some nice features and upgrades like a grippier texture on the underside and a better D-pad. It’s also compatible with the Xbox One and PC in addition to Xbox Series X and S.The best thing about the Xbox Series XS controller is the improved D-pad. While the underlying design is mechanically similar to the last generation, it looks and feels significantly more robust. The faceted D-pad button is reminiscent of the one found in Elite controllers, and it’s extremely clicky and responsive. With an improved texture on the grips and a matte finish with a nice texture on the triggers and bumpers, this controller is also a joy to hold and use. Even during long gaming sessions, it remains comfortable to hold and won’t slip in your grip. Another great thing about this controller is that it doesn’t just work with the Xbox Series XS. This controller also works with Xbox One consoles and Windows 10, so you can use one controller in all three places. Microsoft didn’t break new ground with this controller in terms of looks or features the way Sony did with the DualSense, but the changes they did make were all welcome and useful. If you aren’t looking to upgrade to a controller with mechanical buttons or other advanced features or options, the standard Xbox Series XS controller is a great option for gaming on both Xbox consoles and PC. “In addition to being specifically designed for the Xbox Series XS, and having backwards compatibility with the Xbox One, this controller also offers a pain-free plug and play experience with Windows 10." — Jeremy Laukkonen, Product Tester
Best Wired: Razer Wolverine V2 Xbox Series XS Controller
4.8 Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire View On Amazon View On Microsoft View On Razer.com What We Like Extra customizable buttons Buttons and triggers feel great Clicky mechanical buttons Nice grip texture What We Don't Like Not wireless No paddles Pricey Razer Wolverine V2 Xbox Series XS Controller Review: Mechanical Buttons, Trigger Locks, and MoreThe Razer Wolverine V2 is a high-performance wired gaming controller for Xbox Series XS that also works on PC. It includes a few extra buttons in comparison to the standard controller and has some useful features that are aimed at giving you a bit of a competitive edge. The buttons also use mechanical switches for precise activation and longevity.
The best thing about the Razer Wolverine V2 is that it includes some features that can give you an edge over anyone who is using a regular controller. The most important is the ability to adjust your thumbstick sensitivity on the fly via sensitivity clutches. This gives you snap control over your sensitivity, allowing for precise movement at the exact right time. This controller also includes trigger stops, which are switches that can turn the long-pull triggers into hair triggers. Instead of pulling the trigger all the way to shoot, you can shoot the moment you touch a trigger, giving you a much-needed edge. The Razer Wolverine V2 also uses mechanical switches instead of rubber dome switches. This results in pleasantly clicky buttons that don’t heat up and start sticking in the middle of a long gaming session and also adds to the longevity of the controller. While the Razer Wolverine V2 isn’t the flashiest controller, and it is a bit on the pricey side for a wired controller, it packs in some excellent functionality backed by a high build quality. If you’re looking for a wired Xbox Series XS controller that’s built to last and just might give you an edge, this is the one you need. “The Wolverine V2 uses mechanical switches, resulting in a pleasant clicky feel, precise activation, and a longer lifespan.” — Jeremy Laukkonen, Product Tester
Best Haptics: Sony DualSense PS5 Controller
Amazon View On Amazon View On Best Buy What We Like Sleek, weighty design Perfect fit in hands Responsive haptic feedback Game-changing adaptive triggers What We Don't Like Pricer than DualShock 4 Lacking PC drivers Sony DualSense Wireless Controller Review: Feel the Quality The PlayStation 5 has launched with a brand new gamepad: Sony’s DualSense Wireless Controller. While clearly descended from the previous DualShock line, with the same central button, analog sticks, and d-pad layout, the DualSense controller is heavier and fuller-feeling, with a dynamic new design that echoes the look of the new console itself.The bigger changes can’t be seen, however, but you will feel them. Precise haptics provide subtle feedback all around the controller, complementing the on-screen action of games, while impressive new adaptive triggers provide on-the-fly resistance to immersively convey in-game actions like shooting guns or swinging from Spider-Man’s webs. Bundle in a touchpad and tilt controls and developers have a vast toolbox to play with, as seen in the grin-inducing pack-in game, Astro’s Playroom. It’s a little pricey, but the DualSense is an excellent evolution of the PlayStation controller. "The DualSense implements some noticeable aesthetic shifts that echo those of the PlayStation 5 console itself, but ultimately keeps the core foundation of the DualShock 4 controller intact." — Andrew Hayward, Product Tester