The Best PC Game Controllers
If there's one thing that's important to all gamers, it's being in full control of the game. Whether you're jumping over lava pits or firing away at virtual aliens, a good controller can mean the difference between (digital) life and death. Sticky keys, unresponsive triggers, and delayed wireless transmission can bury even the most skilled players. In order to avoid that, it's important to find a controller that works best for your gaming experience. There is a sea of controllers on the market, so we took it upon ourselves to seek out the absolute best of them.
What to Look For
In our hunt for the best PC game controllers, we focused on three important questions: Is this controller compatible with multiple devices? Are the buttons responsive and comfortably situated? Is it easy to set up? Razer’s Tournament Edition controller was an obvious favorite, because not only is it compatible on both the Xbox and PC, but its buttons are precise and responsive. However, because of its brand name, it fetches a higher price than others. If a low price is your top priority, then go with the game controller from Yaeye. Not only is it ultra-responsive, but it also features a simple USB cord so you can plug and play right away without any extra installation. Read on to discover more information about our top picks for PC game controllers so you can level up your gameplay.
Razer Wolverine Tournament Edition Xbox One Controller
The cream of the crop
Razer’s products have long been preferred by committed gamers and the Wolverine tournament edition controller proves why. As a licensed Xbox One remote, this model features a familiar layout plus four multi-functional, re-programmable buttons for advanced gaming. You can switch up the Chroma lighting profiles to suit your personal style with the help of Razer Synapse. And best of all, the hair-trigger switch gives you a competitive edge by reducing the distance between your fingers and the two main triggers.
Pros:
- The controller comes licensed, so you will be able to use it with both the Xbox One and your PC.
- You can customize the four multi-functional buttons to give you total control over gameplay.
- It features a unique hair-trigger mode so you can instantly launch into rapid-fire.
Cons:
- Because of its brand name and high quality, it is a bit pricier than its competitors.
Yaeye Game Controller for Xbox 360
Affordable and ergonomic
For a more affordable take on gaming, check out this Yaeye Xbox 360 controller that’s also compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10. It relies on a simple USB connection that doesn’t require any additional software installation on your PC. The cord itself is over seven feet long so you don’t have to worry about playing right next to the console. Feel free to plug your headphones into the audio jack for an immersive gaming experience. Speaking of which, Yaeye’s trigger buttons are pressure-sensitive, allowing you to control things like car speed or attack strength with pinpoint accuracy.
Pros:
- The USB connection makes it very easy to plug in without any extra installation.
- You can plug your headset directly into the controller for an ultra-immersive gaming experience.
- We were thrilled at how responsive and precise the buttons were, despite the controller’s lower price.
Cons:
- There are not many options for customizability.
Logitech Gamepad F310
Ready player one
If you grew up with Sony’s Playstation instead of Microsoft’s Xbox, you might be partial to the layout of Logitech’s gamepad F310. It swaps the location of the left joystick and D-pad and shortens the overall depth of the controller for a different feel. Toggle between XInput and DirectInput (XI and DI), the two most common input standards, to switch seamlessly between classic and new games. Compatibility-wise, this gamepad can be used with Windows XP, Vista, and 7 without reconfiguring buttons, hence the “plug-and-play” distinction. But if you change your mind, you can customize everything to your liking, including using the controller to mimic keyboard and mouse commands.
Pros:
- If you’re a Playstation fan, you’ll find the button layout familiar and intuitive.
- The USB cord is extra-long, so you can play across even the biggest of rooms.
- Unlike other D-Pads that contain the directions within one button, this controller’s D-pad has four individual switches for a more responsive feel.
Cons:
- You’ll need to download additional software to customize the buttons.
Saffun SNES Retro USB Controller 2-Pack
Play like back in the day
Even though game controllers have come a long way, some classic configurations are just too good to beat. If you’re partial to the retrofit, check out this 2-pack of controllers from Saffun. They’re modeled after the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) remotes and their USB connection makes them compatible with a huge range of Windows, Apple, and Raspberry Pi operating systems. Saffun also offers a long list of supported game emulators so you can seamlessly switch between various vintage games.
Pros:
- If you’re looking for that old-school feeling, then definitely go with this one. The SNES-style pad configuration is perfect for classic retro gaming.
- The simple USB connectivity means a is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Apple, and Raspberry Pi.
- It comes as two separate controllers, so you can game for hours with a friend or sibling.
Cons:
- Not the most luxurious construction, so some buttons may stick occasionally
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an OTG adapter?
An “on-the-go” (or OTG) adapter allows you to plug a standard USB into a micro-USB or USB-C port. As far as we’re concerned, the main function of this adapter is to optimize the mobile gaming experience. Instead of relying on touchscreen controls, you can fine-tune your gameplay with the help of a true controller.
What is the difference between XInput and DirectInput?
While XInput automatically assigns your controller with Xbox 360 settings, DirectInput is much more widely compatible. Because of this, DirectInput almost always requires an additional software download to allow you to customize and reconfigure button settings. XInput is easier to use in the “plug-and-play” sense, but that also means its functionality is more limited.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.