The Best Controllers
Video games are one of the fastest-growing industries in the tech world, and with the advent of online gaming and VR compatibility, people are gaming now more than ever. As the industry grows, so do the manufacturers that make accessories for gaming consoles. If you’re looking to pick up a new controller for your system, it can be hard to sift through all the third-party options to find the best one. Lucky for you, we’ve narrowed down the best controllers on the market to help you in your shopping journey.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best controllers on the market, we considered durability, target console, performance, and price. For example, if you want a new controller for your Xbox or PC and the price is of no object, the Xbox Elite wireless controller Series 2 Core has the best performance and overall features in the biz. If you’re more of a casual gamer and you’re looking for a quality controller for your Nintendo Switch, the PowerA Fusion Pro wireless controller for Nintendo Switch is one of the most reliable on the market. Read on to see all our top picks and find the controller that’s right for you.
PowerA Enhanced Wired Controller for Xbox Series
Simple and sweet
This unassuming controller may look like a run-of-the-mill option, but looks can be deceiving. This wired controller comes chocked-full of features that are hard to find in competing products, like a share button for screenshots of gameplay and a built-in volume dial to control your headset. It also features a diamond-texture grip for reliable traction even during intense gaming and dual rumble motors to help you feel the action in your hands. On top of all that, the price is extremely reasonable. For the money, this practical and feature-filled controller is of great value.
Pros:
- Has a share button for capturing screenshots
- Very reasonably priced
- Dual rumble motors for intense gameplay
- Diamond-texture grip
- Volume dial for chat
Cons:
- May be prone to stick drift
- Doesn’t have a wireless option
Logitech G F310 Wired Gamepad Controller
Don't break the bank
If you’re looking for a way to make PC gaming easier and more efficient, this affordable controller may be just what you need. It may not look like much, but this handy controller does everything you need it to and nothing you don’t. That means no frills and no fluff; just practical functions. Although it only works for PC gaming, you can still program your buttons and customize your gaming experience. Best of all, the price is almost unbeatable. For the cost, you’d be hard-pressed to beat this bonafide bargain.
Pros:
- Lower price than almost any other option
- 10 programmable buttons
- Great for PC gaming
- Wired for a reliable connection
Cons:
- Won’t work for gaming consoles, just computers
PlayStation DualShock 4 Wireless Controller
Gaming time
The PlayStation 4 is one of the most innovative gaming consoles available, and it’s home to some of the most culture-shaping games on the market like God of War, Dark Souls, Destiny, Grand Theft Auto, and Skyrim. For these intense games that average hundreds of logged gameplay hours, you need a controller that can handle the heat. That’s why this official PlayStation controller is built for the task. It has a built-in gyroscope to help with movement detection, a speaker and headset jack to help with immersive gameplay and online chatting, and updated analog sticks and triggers from their previous models. As innovative as the PlayStation 4 is, this controller can keep up just fine.
Pros:
- It comes in six vibrant colors
- Built-in gyroscope to detect motion
- Built-in speaker and headset jack
- Touchpad adds to the gaming experience
- Updated analog sticks and triggers
Cons:
- The light bar stays lit at all times and may cause the battery to die faster
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 Core
The finer things
If you’re the kind of gamer that likes to go above and beyond, this deluxe controller comes packed with all kinds of premium features. It has an ergonomic design, a wrap-around rubberized grip, and up to 40 hours of battery life on one charge. Better yet, it’s completely customizable to your preferences. You can map buttons, swap out D-pads and paddles, and even save your layout as a custom controller profile. As for the cherry on top, this controller looks just as good as it performs. If you’re looking for the best gaming experience, you can’t go wrong with this controller.
Pros:
- Has adjustable-tension thumb sticks
- Capable of saving 3 custom controller profiles
- Up to 40 hours of battery life
- Completely customizable in appearance and button mapping
- Short hair trigger locks
Cons:
- Fairly pricey
PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch
Play to win
Many die-hard gamers consider the Nintendo Switch to be a console for kids and casual players, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive as a gaming interface. The Switch has some of the most fun games available on the market, and this controller could be just what you need to handle them all. Unlike other third-party options, this controller feels solid in your hands and has an ergonomic grip to make marathon gaming sessions more comfortable. It’s far more durable than the included joy cons, and you can even customize it with your own mapping preferences. For Switch gamers, this controller can make playing at home or on the go easier and more enjoyable.
Pros:
- Feels heavy and durable
- Four mappable paddles
- Comes with a storage case
- Can be used wired or wireless
- Rubberized grips
Cons:
- You can only use a headset in wired-in mode
Frequently Asked Questions
Can some gaming controllers work across multiple consoles?
Not typically, unless they’re consoles of the same parent company. For example, some PS4 controllers can work with a PS5 if you’re playing a PS4 game on that console. However, it won’t work for PS5 games. Similarly, some Xbox controllers can also work with your PC for computer gaming, but Microsoft designed Xbox so it makes sense that it would be compatible with other Microsoft operating systems.
Do all controllers have internal speakers?
No, in fact, many don’t. Not all systems utilize TV audio as well as individual controller speaker audio. For example, Nintendo Switch controllers don’t have internal speakers because their games don’t use that feature. However, many PlayStation controllers do. Some controllers have both built-in speakers and a headphone jack for online gaming, so it’s important to do research before buying if you plan on using your controller to play and chat with friends online.
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.